Mastiffs

Appearance:

Body: Large, symmetrical, and powerful with a strong, level back, sloping shoulders, wide chest, well-rounded ribs, and deep flanks.

Coat: Straight, short, coarse, outer coat with a short, dense undercoat.

Color: Fawn, apricot, apricot-brindle.

Ears: Small, thick, wide set, placed high on the head.

Eyes: Small, dark hazel brown and set wide apart.

Feet: Large, round, tight, and wide with arched toes and black nails.

Head: Very large and somewhat flattened between the ears with a well-defined stop, and short, square, broad muzzle.

Legs: Forelegs are straight, powerful, heavily-boned and wide set. Hindquarters are broad and muscular with well-developed second thighs. Hind legs are wide set.

Neck: Moderately long, powerful, very muscular, tapering out to the shoulders, and slightly arched.

Size:
Weight: 165 - 195 pounds
Height: 27.5 - 30 inches

Tail: Straight, moderately high set, taper from base to tip, and slightly curved.

Behavior

Recommended for experienced dog handlers
Drools excessively
Can be aggressive towards dogs of the same sexual gender

The Mastiff is considered to be the largest dog in the world known to weigh as much as 200 pounds. He's a powerful dog; good-natured, quiet, and protective. He isn't a barker but his size alone is enough to make any potential intruder think twice before stepping into his territory.

AKC Standard says, "A combination of grandeur and good nature, courage and docility. Dignity, rather than gaiety, is the Mastiff's correct demeanor."

Though generally good-natured, he is a protective dog and can be difficult to handle for a novice dog handler. He craves companionship, loves people, but can be aggressive with dogs of the same sex.

Early obedience training and continued socialization are important. The Mastiff is best suited for an experienced dog handler who can provide firm, positive, and rewarding leadership.

Breed Type

AKC Group: Working Group

Used as guard dogs and for protecting herds from large predators. He has defeated such foes as bears, bulls, lions, tigers, and even human gladiators.

Care and Grooming

Exercise: Moderate exercise through casual daily walks and sufficient space for him to stretch his legs.

Grooming: Brush one to two times weekly.

Health

Life Expectancy: 10 - 12 Years

Possible Problems:
Bloat
Cancer
Elbow Dysplasia
Entropion
Gastric Torsion
Heart defects
Hip Dysplasia
Kidney disease
Seizures
vWD - bleeding disorder

Recommended Certificates: CERF - for the eyes
OFA - for the elbows and hips

Mastiffs are often sensitive to medications such as anesthetics and vaccinations. Be sure to check with your veterinarian before administering any flea and tick control products or other drug related treatments.

Country of Origin

England/Asia - According to the Mastiff Club of America "There is evedence of Mastiff-like giant dogs dating back as far as 2500 BC in the mountains of Asia.

Phoenician traders are believed to have introduced the Mastiff to ancient Britain, where the Romans found them and brought them back to fight in the arena. to fight in the arena."