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History
Found in Britain as early as the Roman invasion, the noble Old English Mastiff was probably brought to that island by Phoenician traders as early as the 6th century BC. The 13th century explorer, Marco Polo, wrote that he saw 5000 Mastiffs at the court of the Chinese emperor Kubla Kahn; those dogs were reportedly used for hunting and in war. Since then, humans have used the Mastiff as an arena gladiator in the bloody sports of bull, bear, and dog combat, as a sheep guardian, as a cart puller during war, and as a personal bodyguard, protector, and companion. A Mastiff came to America on the Mayflower; the colonists subsequently imported others of this majestic breed. By the end of World War II, Mastiffs were almost extinct in England, because the English believed it was unpatriotic to keep a dog that ate as much as a soldier should. However, with fresh imports from the United States and Canada, the breed is once again well established in today's England and has become a dog that is revered for both its protective abilities and its extraordinary gentleness.
Description
One of the heaviest breeds, a male Mastiff can exceed 90 kgs. This dog is very massive, powerful, and muscular. The head is heavy and square with a short muzzle. There is a black mask around the eyes and nose, no matter what the general coat color. The small ears should also be dark colored. The teeth should meet in a scissors or slightly undershot bite. The tail is set high and tapers to the tip. The short coat comes in brindle, fawn, and apricot and is easy to groom.
Talents
Watchdog, guarding, police work, military work, and weight pulling.
Personality
Originally valued for his ability as a fierce guard and fighting dog, today's Mastiff is a gentle giant. Calm, steady, and docile, this dog is great with children if raised with them (not recommended for toddlers though, because of his great size). Good-natured but very large and heavy, the Mastiff responds well to gentle, patient training. Loves to please. Dominance varies widely in the breed depending on the lineage. Can be aloof with strangers or fairly friendly. Do not hit a Mastiff or you are asking for it! A born guard dog, brave, and loyal. Generally holds intruders at bay rather than attacking and will step between owner and stranger when it feels trouble is brewing. Protection training is unnecessary for this naturally protective breed. Very possessive of home, family, and car. May be combative with other dogs if not very well socialized as a puppy.
Behavior
Children: Excellent with children.
Friendliness: Fairly friendly with strangers.
Trainability: Somewhat difficult to train.
Independence: Moderately dependent on people.
Dominance: Low.
Other Pets: Good with other pets only when raised with them from puppyhood.
Combativeness: Not generally dog aggressive.
Noise: Not a barker.
Notes
Beware of hip and elbow dysplasia-buy only from OFA stock. The Mastiff can be subject to Cystinuria (a kidney disease), eye problems, cancer, and epilepsy. Tends to drool, wheeze, and snore (loudly). Do not overfeed. Essential to socialize thoroughly as a puppy. Exercise the Mastiff regularly. Needs lots of companionship in order to feel it is part of its family. Also needs basic obedience training, as he would be hard to control otherwise. The average lifespan is between eight and 10 years.
Grooming
Grooming: A little grooming needed.
Trimming & Stripping: No trimming or stripping needed.
Coat: Short coat.
Shedding: Average shedder.
Exercise: Moderate exercise needed.
Jogging: A good jogging companion.
Indoors: Relatively inactive indoors.
Apartments: Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised.
Outdoor Space: A small yard is sufficient.
Climate: Does well in most climates.
Owner: Not recommended for novice owners.
Longevity: Short (under 10 years).
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