English Mastiff Dog Buyer’s Guide: The English Mastiff, a gentle giant among dog breeds, is known for its immense size and calm temperament. These dogs are incredibly loyal and protective, making them excellent family pets.
With their wrinkled faces and short coat, they have a distinct appearance. On here English Mastiff Dog Buyer’s Guide you should read carefully before adopting this breed –
English mastiff Dog Breed Info:
The English Mastiff, one of the oldest and largest dog breeds, traces its history to ancient times. Originally bred for guarding and hunting, they were popular in medieval Europe.
| Quality | Level |
|---|---|
| AFFECTIONATE WITH FAMILY | Highly |
| GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN | Highly |
| GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS | Highly |
| SHEDDING LEVEL | Moderate |
| COAT GROOMING FREQUENCY | 1 to 2 times in a week |
| FRIENDLY TOWARD STRANGERS | Moderate |
| WATCHDOG/PROTECTIVE NATURE | Highly |
| ADAPTABILITY LEVEL | Highly |
| TRAINABILITY LEVEL | Moderate |
| BARKING LEVEL | Low |
Known for their massive size and gentle demeanor, Mastiffs have a rich history as loyal and protective companions, making them a cherished breed for centuries.
While their size can be intimidating, they are known for their loving and gentle nature, making them a popular choice for those seeking a friendly and reliable companion.
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Physical Appearance
The English Mastiff is a large and imposing breed known for its massive size and powerful build. Here are some key characteristics of their physical appearance:
Size:
Mastiffs are one of the largest dog breeds. Adult males typically stand around 30 inches (76 cm) tall at the shoulder and can weigh anywhere from 160 to 230 pounds (73 to 104 kg) or more. Females are slightly smaller but still very substantial.
Body:
They have a broad and muscular body with a deep chest and a strong, straight back. Their overall appearance is solid and sturdy.
Head:
The heads of these dogs are massive, with a short and square-shaped muzzle. They have a pronounced wrinkled forehead, and their expression is often described as dignified and gentle.
Ears:
Their ears are small and set high on the head. They can be either folded back or hung down close to the cheeks.
Eyes:
The eyes are dark and expressive, and they have a soulful look. They are not too prominent and are set well apart.
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Coat:
They have a short, dense, and smooth coat that can come in various colors, including fawn, brindle, and apricot. Their coat is easy to care for and doesn’t require much grooming.
Tail:
The tail is thick at the base, tapering to a point. It is carried low and can have a slight curve.
Legs:
Their legs are straight and muscular, supporting their substantial body.
Feet:
English Mastiffs have large, round feet with well-arched toes. Their paws are strong and compact.
Gait:
When they move, they have a slow and steady gait, which reflects their size and massive build.
Overall, the English Mastiff’s physical appearance is characterized by its imposing size, massive head, and gentle expression. Despite their size, they are known for their calm and friendly temperament, making them beloved companions for many dog enthusiasts.
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Temperament and Personality
English Mastiffs are known for their gentle and laid-back temperament. Here are some key aspects of their personality:
Gentle Giants:
They are often referred to as “gentle giants” due to their calm and affectionate nature. They are usually very patient and tolerant, especially with children.
Protective:
While they are generally easygoing, Mastiffs can be quite protective of their families. They make excellent watchdogs and will stand their ground if they sense a threat.
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Affectionate:
These dogs are highly affectionate and enjoy being close to their owners. They often seek attention and physical contact.
Lazy Couch Potatoes:
Mastiffs have a tendency to be lazy and enjoy lounging around the house. They don’t require a lot of exercise, but short daily walks are still important to keep them healthy.
Sociable:
They are typically good with other pets and people, especially if they are socialized from a young age. However, their sheer size means they should be supervised around smaller animals or children.
Easy Training:
Despite their size, these dogs are generally easy to train. They are eager to please and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods.
Low Energy:
They have a low energy level, which makes them well-suited to indoor living, but they do need a comfortable and spacious environment due to their size.
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Slobbering and Shedding:
One thing to be prepared for is their slobbering and shedding. They are known for their drooling, and they shed moderately throughout the year.
Mastiff Puppy Training Tips
Certainly, here are English Mastiffs related some English training tips that can be helpful in training your furry friends –
Start Early:
Begin training your English Mastiff as early as possible. Puppies are more receptive to learning, and it’s easier to establish good behavior habits when they’re young.
Socialization:
Expose your Mastiff to various people, animals, and environments to help them become well-adjusted and less prone to fear or aggression. Socialization is crucial for this breed.
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Positive Reinforcement:
Use positive reinforcement methods like treats, praise, and affection to reward good behavior. They respond well to positive feedback.
Consistency:
Be consistent in your commands and expectations. Use the same cues for specific behaviors, so your Mastiff learns what’s expected of them.
Obedience Training:
Basic obedience commands like “sit,” “stay,” “down,” and “come” are essential. Mastiffs are large and strong, so having control over them is important.
Leash Training:
These dogs can be quite powerful, so leash training is a must. Teach them to walk on a loose leash and not pull.
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Patience:
They are known for their gentle and calm nature, but they can also be a bit stubborn. Be patient during training sessions, and avoid using harsh punishments.
Crate Training:
Crate training can be helpful for housebreaking and providing a safe space for your Mastiff.
Exercise:
Ensure your Mastiff gets regular exercise. While they’re not overly active, they need daily walks and playtime to stay healthy and mentally stimulated.
Avoid Jumping:
Train your furry friends not to jump on people, as their size can be intimidating. Use commands like “off” to discourage this behavior.
Professional Help:
If you’re having difficulty with training or behavior issues, consider seeking the help of a professional dog trainer who has experience with large breeds.
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English mastiffs Grooming Tips
English mastiffs are large, powerful dogs with short, dense coats. They are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, but they do require regular brushing and bathing to keep their coat healthy and free of mats and tangles.
Brushing
You should brush your furry friend’s at least once a week, and more often during shedding seasons. Use a bristle brush or a rubber grooming mitt to remove loose hair and dirt from the coat. Be sure to brush all over the body, including the face, legs, and tail.
Bathing
Most English mastiffs do not need to be bathed too often – once every two to three months is usually sufficient. However, if your dog gets particularly dirty, you may need to bathe them more frequently.
Use a mild shampoo that is specifically designed for dogs. Be sure to rinse the shampoo thoroughly to prevent irritation.
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Nail Trimming
They have thick nails that need to be trimmed regularly to prevent them from becoming overgrown and uncomfortable. You can trim your dog’s nails yourself, or you can take them to a professional groomer.
Ear Cleaning
English mastiffs’ ears should be cleaned weekly to prevent dirt and debris from building up and causing infection.
Use a cotton ball or gauze pad dipped in ear-cleaning solution to wipe out the ears. Be sure to avoid going too far into the ear canal, as this can damage the eardrum.
Eye Care
English mastiffs’ eyes should be checked daily for any signs of redness, swelling, or discharge.
If you notice any of these signs, take your dog to the vet to rule out infection.
Dental Care
Brushing your furry friend’s teeth daily is the best way to prevent dental problems.
You can use a dog toothbrush and toothpaste, or you can give your dog dental chews.
English mastiff Health issue
English Mastiffs are known for their gentle and loving nature, but they can also be prone to certain health problems. Some of the most common health issues:
- Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia: These are both joint problems that can cause pain, lameness, and arthritis. They are caused by a malformation of the hip or elbow joint.
- Bloat: Bloat is a life-threatening condition that can occur when a dog’s stomach twists or fills with gas. This can cause the stomach to rupture, which can be fatal.
- Eye problems: English Mastiffs are prone to a number of eye problems, including cataracts, cherry eye, and entropion. Cataracts are a clouding of the eye lens that can lead to vision impairment. Cherry eye is a condition in which the third eyelid protrudes from the eye. Entropion is a condition in which the eyelid rolls inward, causing irritation to the eye.
- Cancer: Mastiffs are prone to a number of cancers, including osteosarcoma, lymphoma, and hemangiosarcoma. Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer that is most common in large-breed dogs. Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. Hemangiosarcoma is a type of cancer that affects the blood.
- Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. This can cause a number of symptoms, including weight gain, lethargy, hair loss, and skin problems.
English mastiff as a family dog
Despite their intimidating appearance, English mastiffs are gentle giants known for their calm, loving, and protective nature. They are often referred to as “gentle giants” due to their large size and gentle temperament.
These dogs are generally good with children, as long as they are raised with them and are properly supervised.
They are patient and tolerant, and they will often let children climb on them and play with them. However, it is important to teach children to respect the dog’s space and to be gentle with them.