The Mastiff breed profile is sponsored by www.PetWearUSA.com visit PetWear to custom design your Mastiff's next designer dog collar, leash or more and then let PetWear hand make it and then ship for free!
The Mastiff is all dog, steeped in antiquity, history (what else would a wardog be?) and possibly the ancestor of many other breeds. At a minimum, the Mastiff shares ancestors with many other guardian breeds like the Great Pyrenees and Newfoundland. His massive size makes the effort of moving a herculean task but don't underestimate the Mastiff, while the general dog of today is very low key, his/her heritage is readily apparent if they are roused. Perhaps the greatest drawback to the Mastiff results from their short life-span, health issues and the importance of elements many rarely think of, like keeping the home safe and comfortable. This dog does not do well on slick floors and tends toward needing cooler temperatures. The heat generated by such body mass with minimal surface area means that the Mastiff is often warm when we are comfortable. This is especially a concern when the dog is traveling or exercising. For the fancier of the breed, no sacrifice is recognized, they would have it no other way.
Recognized Registries: FCI, TKC, UKC, NCA, AKC, CKC and others
Overall Appearance: Large, powerful symmetric and well-constructed.
Personaility - Behavior - Training
Energy Level: low
General Nature:
Dignified, courageous and docile, characterized by a general good nature. Easy going.
with Children: Generally good. Recgonized, with proper nurturing and support, as one of the
with other pets: Generally very good.
with dogs: Generally very good.
Socialization requirements: moderate, it is not in the nature of the Mastiff to be aggressive or shy and some amount of mishandling or inadequate care is usually required to make them that way
Ideal home characteristics: One that recognizes the monumental challenges faced by arguably the Giant of the Giant breeds.
Temperament Notes: Moderately low energy, not excitable,
Training requirement: moderate, socializationd and basic manners
Trainer notes: The easy going nature and low energy level of the Mastiff makes the primary challenge one of attention. Anyone working with a Mastiff will quickly recognize the value in keeping training sessions fun (of course) and very short. Otherwise the Mastiff might miss a critical nap!
Background Information
Year range of first recognition: As much as 4500 years ago in Asia
Country of Origin: England is credited
Original Function: Tiger hunting, War Dogs
History: Possibly brought to the UK by Phonecian traders, the Mastiff was a popular choice as a War Dog for centuries and emperors to follow.
Adoption Information
Deviations from Standard:
Health Notes: Hip Dysplasia, eye problems, epilepsy, heat stroke, anesthesia issues, bloat
While the breed doesn't indicate many health issues, some like hip dysplasia and bloat, are quite widespread as well as the general indication of a very short lifespan for the "Giant" breeds.
