The Mastiff

Breed Information

History: The origin of all Mastiff breeds comes from Asia and is said to date back to 2000 BC. Despite thousands of years passing, sources suggest that modern day breeds are similar to their ancestors.

Those ancestors were probably most like the English Mastiff, as they were very tall as well as muscular and very large in weight. For this reason, many sources will call the English, just “Mastiff,” instead of using the entire name, because they consider this to be the most true source. It is suggested that over time, Roman leaders crossed over the Swiss Alps with the dog, from Asia, and this is how they came to popularity in Europe. From here, different varieties of the breed began to pop up.

The English used this breed to guard their castles but they were also used by the Celts as war dogs and even by nomads to guard camps. In later years, they were used as cattle herding dogs, as well bull baiting dogs. The need for the breed began to decline and by the 1900s they were nearly extinct in England and other parts of Europe. From here America took over as the most highly populated with all varieties of this breed, and this may be why the Bull Mastiff is now the most popular, as he is most common in the United States.

Description: There are many different varieties of this breed, including the Bull, English, Neapolitan, French and Tibetan. The most common version of this breed is the Bull, which has become especially predominant in America. All varieties are large breeds that may weigh between 120-200 pounds and will be shorthaired in colors ranging from brown, red, brindle to black. The muzzle will almost always be short, wide and black in color, framed with short, floppy ears and a long, thin tail. The Bull Mastiff has an extremely powerful head that is wide. They may be upwards of 27 inches tall and will have an extremely sleek and muscular body.

By far the English version is the largest of this breed, sometimes weighing over 200 pounds. The only major difference between the Bull and English version is that the English will look considerably stockier and may be upwards of 30 inches tall. Most breeders consider him the original Mastiff.

The Neapolitan Mastiff may look smaller than the Bull, but the weight is simply distributed different, as the Neapolitan is significantly shorter than a Bull. These dogs are far wrinklier, with the entire muzzle full of wrinkles, as well as the neck, chest, and through the legs and underbelly.

The French Mastiff, also known as the Dogue de Bordeaux or the Bordeaux Bulldog by the French, looks significantly different because of a much wider head that may resemble a mixture of a Mastiff and a Rottweiler, at least in width. These dogs will also be significantly shorter and stockier, and will normally only weigh up to 140 pounds. Another difference is that the French muzzle can be red or black, as many are one solid color of red from head to toe.

The Tibetan Mastiff looks very different from the Bull, as it has a medium to long double coat of fur that is a variety of different colors, but not usually singular in color. This breed also has a longer muzzle that is more rounded and narrow than the Bull, Neapolitan, French or English.

Life Span: 8-10 years

Common Ailments: As with many large dogs, these breeds are prone to hip dysplasia that may eventually lead to arthritis. Are also prone to eye disease and eyelid problems, such as a cherry eye. All varieties are also prone to bloat, cancer and tumors.

Suitability with Children: Yes, can even be trusted with small children

Suitability with Other Pets: Yes, although males may have dominant tendencies

Living Conditions: Are especially adaptable to any living conditions, although will need daily exercise.

Training: Are sensitive to tone of voice, so will do best with gentle guidance training. The entire breed is known for being especially easy to train with consistency and reinforcement from a puppy.

Exercise Required: Medium

Cost of Maintenance: Medium

Breed Temperament: Once known for their abilities as bull baiters, cow herders and even fighters, this breed is now considered a gentle family pet that does well with children. They absolutely love to be part of the family and will make an excellent watchdog that can almost certainly keep away any stranger. Keep in mind that because of early breeding, they will need training from a small puppy to ensure that they do not become aggressive in any way, although most aggressive tendencies no longer exist in these dogs. They actually may tend to be more laid back and lazy, and owners will often have to force them to do exercise and work, unless they are trained as a working dog.

Remember that despite their size, they are not much of a guard dog, as they are often too laid back to be aggressive towards other humans. It is best to keep an eye on them around small children, simply because of size, as they may accidentally knock a child over. Although this breed will be okay without a great deal of exercise, it is important to exercise them regularly to keep them healthy and at an ideal weight.

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