Mastiff
AKA: English Mastiff
Description: The Mastiff is a giant dog,they are the heaviest breeds and they are very massive, muscular and powerful. The head is heavy and square with a short muzzle with eyes and nose surrounded by a black mask no matter what the general coat color. Although their eyes are small and hazel, they are also dark like their ears. Teeth should meet in a scissors or slightly undershot bite. The tail is set quite high, tapers to the tip, and reaches to the hocks.
The The short coat comes in golden fawn, light fawn, brindle, silver, tiger, and apricot. In the eighteenth century described as lion is to a cat, so is a mastiff compared to a dog. Their outer coat is straight and coarse and moderately short in length. The coat should not be too long to produce fringe on their belly or tail or coat.
Temperament: This Breed is valued for their abilities as an effective deterrent and intelligent born watchdog. Brave and loyal. Many of them are gentle and have an even temper. However they could attack others in some circumstances. They also have self confident and a watchful and patient dog who’s patient and gentle towards his family. It is their nature to defend his family as well as their territory. They love to be trained in a gentle and patient way. This breed loves to please and needs lots of companionship. But they could also be aloof some strangers or be fairly friendly.
Activity: Mastiffs could be a lazy dog and a regular exercise could help be in good shape and happy. Like all dogs, they need a daily walk to help them release their physical and mental energy.They should always be leashed in public. In their puppyhood days, they should be trained to socialized with other dogs so they would not be combative to get along well with others. Daily securely leashed walks or a play session in a safely fenced small yard are highly recommended to keep them happy and fit.
Grooming: The smooth, short-haired coat is easy to groom. Brush with a firm bristle brush and wipe over with a piece of toweling or chamois for a gleaming finish. Bathe or dry shampoo when necessary. This breed is an average shedder.
Health Problems: As with many larger dog breeds, the Mastiff has a relatively low life expectancy lives for around 5-10 years. The health problems to look out for with this breed are: luxating patella, strokes, epilepsy, spinal problems, eye problems, thyroid disorders, OCD, HOD, HD and elbow dysplasia, heart defects, bloat, kidney problems, and sensitivity to drugs and chemicals. They can also suffer heatstroke in very hot conditions.
Breed Group: Mastiff, AKC Working
Color: Apricot, fawn, brindle with black around the eyes and extending up between them, over the muzzle, ears and nose.
Height: Dogs from 30 inches (76cm) Bitches from 27 inches (69cm)
Weight: Dogs about 160 pounds (72kg) Bitches about 150 pounds (68kg)
Country Of Origin: Great Britain
Dynamics: Mastiffs are loyal and alert, caring and protective. They are surprisingly good natured and caring, naturally easygoing and calm. Their energy level is low, moderately intelligent, but a friendly and playful breed.
Tags: dog, dog breeds, Mastiff, Top 50 Dog Breeds