MASTIFF

APPEARANCE
This breed is powerfully built, with a massive body, broad skull and head of generally square appearance. The short coat is close-lying and the color is apricot-fawn, silver-fawn, fawn, or dark fawn-brindle, always with black on the muzzle, ears, and nose and around the eyes. The weight of the Mastiff is around 120-170 pounds for females, and 165-220 pounds for males. The height of these dogs is 28-32 inches for females, and 30-34 inches for males.

PERSONALITY
The Mastiff is a good natured, calm, and intelligent breed. They are extremely loyal and very possessive of home and family. This breed loves to please and needs plenty of human companionship and affection. The gigantic proportions of this breed make the Mastiff an effective deterrent and watchdog. Many Mastiffs are gentle giants, and have an even temper and docile nature.

TRAINING
The Mastiff requires a dominant handler. They do not respond to harsh or heavy-handed methods. They are eager to please but may be difficult to train. This breed does best with firmness, fairness, patience, respect, and consistency. They excel in guarding, military and police work, weight pulling, and search and rescue.

EXERCISE
The mastiff is a particularly large dog demanding correct diet and exercise. Excessive running is not recommended for the first two years of the dog’s life. However, regular exercise must be maintained throughout the dog’s life in order to discourage slothful behavior and to prevent a number of health problems.

SOCIALIZATION
The mastiff is a loyal pet that is protective of its home and people, and it behaves well around children, though not an advisable companion to little kids for its size. This breed must be treated kindly and dealt with tolerantly in training for it to respond nicely. Early socialization with other dogs is vital for decreasing its aggression towards them. Many will also be friendly and welcoming toward strangers.

LIVING CONDITIONS
They will do okay in an apartment or condominium dwelling provided they are given stimulation, attention, and sufficient exercise. Mastiffs do not like heat, and should be kept indoors on especially hot days.

GROOMING
The smooth, short-haired coat of the Mastiff is easy to groom, occasional brushing with a firm bristle brush will suffice. Bathe or dry shampoo only when necessary. This breed is a medium shedder so some allergy sufferers may have a problem with this breed.

HEALTH ISSUES
Mastiff’s expected lifespan is about 7 to 13 years. Major health issues include hip dysplasia and gastric torsion. When purchasing a purebred Mastiff, experts often suggest that the dog undergo tests for hips, elbow, eyes, thyroid, and DNA for PRA.

HISTORY
The Mastiff originates from Great Britain, and has a long, rich history that dates back to Ancient times. Bred as a war dog, the Mastiff was used to fight other dogs, not to mention bulls and lions. He was also used as a guard dog in later years, and his duties included keeping wolves at bay. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1885.

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