Mastiff Secrets 101
Everything You Need to Know About Buying, Raising and Caring for a Mastiff

The English Mastiff Breed

If a "top ten" list existed for guard dogs, the English Mastiff dog would definitely rank right up there in the top two or three. Their appearance alone guarantees that anyone who stumbles across this dog thinks twice about coming near them.

The English Mastiff is a powerfully built canine with a body that can only be described as "massive." They enjoy the distinction of being "the heaviest dog in the world." In fact the mastiff breed probably gets its name from the Anglo-Saxon word for powerful - "masty." The English Mastiff is descended from both the ancient breeds, the Alaunt as well as the Molosser and they are recognized as the oldest British breed of dog - and sometimes they act as if they know this!

Not surprisingly this huge dog was used - as early as the sixth century BC - for various "fighting" purposes. They were indispensible in many of the blood sports that have become legendary, including bear-baiting, bull-baiting, lion-baiting as well as dog fighting.

The English Mastiff breed is an incredible intermingling of grandeur, dignity and courage. To those who do not fully understand the breed, they are perhaps the ultimate paradox of dogs. Loyal, calm, affectionate and loving toward their family, they are a first-class guardian as well, ferocious, tenacious and fearless when the need arises. As stunning evidence of this, English Mastiffs instinctively position themselves between their owner and a stranger when an unknown person approaches the family's "territory."

Should the approaching stranger not give the dog his due, the Mastiff may take swift, immediate defensive action. And now you see why, they could be ranked up there with the top ten guard dogs of all time!

For all his fierceness, the English Mastiff is incredibly gentle with children.

The English Mastiff is indeed an imposing figure of a canine. The average Mastiff stands at about 30 inches at the shoulder for males and only a little shorter - 27.5 inches - for females. A male English Mastiff can tip the scale between 160 and 230 pounds. The female is not far behind, though, weighing in between 140 and 190 pounds or more!

As with any breed of dog, the English Mastiff has its share of health issues. These include hip dysplasia and bloating. The breed is also prone to obesity. You can manage both the bloating and the weight by feeding your dog two or three small meals a day. The English Mastiff also possesses a higher incidence of bone cancer than some other breeds of dog. They are also one of the breeds that may be prone to developing kidney stones.

As generally loved as this breed is, unfortunately there are still plenty of English Mastiff rescues.

A healthy English Mastiff lives to be between nine and eleven years old. They demand a good diet as well as plenty of exercise - as you can well imagine. But you may have to coax them to exercise. Just like their human owner, they are prone to enjoying "the good life." You may find that they are quite comfortable lounging in the living room rather than running the track outside or walking through the park with you.

Do not forget to brush your English Mastiff daily. Dust, dead hair as well as other "things" tend to "hide" in their coat until you remove them. And while you might not be able to see them, after they have been on your mastiff a while, the accumulation actually begins to smell. Another advantage to daily brushing involves skin problems. The chances of developing any concerns relating to the Mastiff's skin are greatly reduced if you make it a habit to brush them regularly.

Instead of using a regular brush on the Mastiff, though, consider using a "dog-glove." This incredible device was developed expressly for short hair dogs like the Mastiff. Both you and your pet will find this enjoyable - and it will be a great bonding experience for the two of you as well.

English Mastiffs not only have a huge body - but they have a heart to match. And they are more than willing to give it to you for a lifetime.