Mastiff

There's no doubt that Mastiffs are famous for their size, since they are one of the largest breeds registered with the American Kennel Club. It is also famous for its appearances in Hollywood. Any child who has seen the Sandlot will recognize a Mastiff from that film, in which one of these dogs was cast as "The Beast."� History Mastiffs have a long history dating back to ancient Egypt. Drawings and carvings dating back to 3,000 B.C. show Mastiffs as part of Egyptian life. The breed then moved up to England, which is why it is recognized as one of the oldest British dog breeds in the world. Throughout history, this large dog continued to make appearances. Caesar respected this breed, especially when British soldiers used it against the Romans in 55 B.C. They were then used in gladiator battles, lion fights, and as bull baiters in the Coliseum and other arenas. When the Roman Empire fell, the dogs were used in households as guardians, especially from wolves and other large predators. Many Earls and other British nobles have owned Mastiffs, and the royal dogs helped to create the pedigree known today. Charles Darwin may even have owned a Mastiff at one point during his stay at the Hadzor Hall, a small village in England owned by the Galton family that raised many of these dogs (Charles Darwin's middle name is Galton). It wasn't until the 1800's that the first Mastiff was documented in the Americas, but since then the breed has spread across the New World. It is a popular family pet in rural and suburban areas. Appearance The first thing prospective dog owners will notice about this breed is its size. Grown males normally measure at least thirty inches tall at the withers, while females are usually at least twenty-seven inches tall. However, according to the American Kennel Club standards, there is no height maximum, and Mastiffs can be extremely large. For this reason, these dogs will naturally be very heavy. However, this dog has a somewhat lean appearance because its torso is longer than the dog is tall. Though this doesn't help take away all of the bulk, the dog still looks leaner than other large breeds with squarer bodies. Bones are very thick and sturdy, and the body is well muscled, giving this breed an air of power. Despite this imposing structure, the Mastiff usually has a kind expression. The face is large with dark eyes and small ears (at least in comparison to the rest of the body; ears may seem large). A Mastiff's coat has two layers: a dense, short undercoat and a straight, short outer coat. Coat colors can vary between apricot, brindle, or fawn. Temperament Most Mastiffs appear both courageous and dignified, and they can act in this manner, too. However, they are often affectionate and caring as well. Because of their attachments to their families, Mastiffs are typically calm and respectful at home. However, if a stranger approaches, most Mastiffs instinctively put themselves between the intruder and their family. It is this protective yet calm nature that most owners love. Protective instincts do not imply aggression, though. More often than not, this dog is calm and well behaved. Pet Care Though the Mastiff is a very large breed, it doesn't need an extreme amount of care. Nutrition and exercise are a concern, but over working this breed is also a worry. Mastiffs shouldn't do a lot of running when young, and they need only moderate exercise throughout their life. Regular walks and short play sessions should be sufficient as long as the diet is healthy. Mastiffs do well in rural or suburban areas because they need space preferably a fenced in yard to walk around. Obedience training should be started at a young age. As for grooming, the Mastiff's needs are minimal. Regular brushing should be done, but it doesn't need to be daily. Health Issues The average lifespan of a Mastiff is between seven and fourteen years, which is normal for a purebred dog of this size. Common health problems include gastric torsion, hip dysplasia, allergies, cardiomyopathy, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), cancer, hypothyroidism, and obesity. Most of these problems are rare. To prevent them from developing, owners should keep their Mastiff on a strict diet and watch their exercise. What Owners Have to Say Most owners love this dog for both its lovable nature and its size. It integrates into the family very well and can be very loving, but because of its size, it serves as a great guardian, too. A Mastiff will look intimidating to any would-be intruders, which is something most dog owners especially those with children to protect love. Is this the right dog for you? If you're looking for a friendly, over-sized dog, then a Mastiff may be perfect for you. This breed is very powerful, so they make great watch dogs, but they are also affectionate, so they make great family pets. As adults, Mastiffs can be very calm and respectful pets. They require little exercise or grooming, so they can be ideal dogs for some. However, if you don't have the space for one of these dogs, then a Mastiff isn't for you. They will be miserable in most urban settings. Be sure to provide them with a yard to explore and space in the house. Also, be prepared for them to try and be lap dogs. They don't realize that their size makes you uncomfortable when they plop down in your lap or on your feet. Though Mastiffs don't need a lot of exercise, they can be destructive if they don't get out, if they are bored, or if they are left alone a lot of the time. Destructiveness means chewing on furniture, digging at carpets, and scratching at doors, and because they are large, they will easily do damage. When not socialized, they can be aggressive or shy, so owners must socialize them. A big dog with aggression issues only leads to legal problems. Mastiffs can be messy, which is a major problem for some owners. If you can't handle shedding, snoring, drooling, and flatulence, this isn't the breed for you. However, most of these problems are common in large dogs, and true dog lovers won't mind them at all. The most prohibitive feature of a Mastiff that does affect all dog owners is price. Puppies can cost over $1,000, and that's not including food and medical bills. Be sure you can handle both the behavior and expense issues that come with this breed before purchasing one.

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