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Despite the Mastiff’s immense size, this breed is extremely gentle and loyal in nature. These gentle giants with a calm demeanour and low-key attitude enjoy lounging around the house and spending time with their family members, particularly children with whom they become strongly bonded.
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Despite the Mastiff’s immense size, this breed is extremely gentle and loyal in nature. These gentle giants with a calm demeanour and low-key attitude enjoy lounging around the house and spending time with their family members, particularly children with whom they become strongly bonded.
Questions To Ask A Breeder
- Are you are registered breeder?
- Can we meet in person?
- Have they been socialised?
Breed Characteristics
Grooming
Exercise
Size Range
The Ultimate Mastiff Guide
About Mastiff
Steadfast and calm, the Mastiff lumbers through life with the self-assurance that it is the top dog, wherever it goes. While they are powerful, intimidating dogs, they prefer things to be peaceful and are fiercely loyal and protective of their family members.
When properly trained, the Mastiff is a patient, lovable companion who will have your back 24/7.
Lifespan
6 to 10 years
Weight
58 to 100 kg
Height
68 to 81 cm
Grooming
Mastiffs are relatively clean dogs (apart from the slobber) due to their easygoing nature and leisurely pace through life.
Their short coat sheds heavily, but regular brushing with a soft-bristle brush can help mitigate it somewhat.
Origins
There are mastiff-type dog breeds and then there is the Mastiff, also known as the British Mastiff or Old English Mastiff. The Mastiff is an ancient breed that has been around for thousands of years.
Its ancestry can be traced back to the Molossus, a large and powerful war-dog used by the Assyrians, Babylonians and Persians in battles as early as 2000 BC.
The Molossus was believed to have originated from Asian nomads and was crossed with native European breeds to produce the Mastiff.
In 55 BC, Julius Caesar invaded Britain and brought with him large war-dogs known as Alaunts which were used in battle against the Celts.
These Alaunts were likely descended from the Molossus and they interbred with local dogs to form what became known as the British Mastiff.
Mastiffs also served another purpose during the mediaeval period: guarding castles and estates from intruders.
They were prized for their immense size, loyalty and protective instinct. They also served alongside English soldiers during the Battle of Agincourt 1415, where the outnumbered English defeated the much larger French army in one of the greatest military victories in history.
Today there are many different types of mastiff breeds all over the world – each one having its own unique traits – but the Old English Mastiff holds a distinguished reputation even among this esteemed company.
Key Characteristics Of Mastiffs
Are Mastiffs Family-Friendly?
Yes, Mastiffs can be great family dogs. They are loyal, protective, and affectionate with their families. However, they may not be the best choice for families with very young children due to their large size and strength.
Common Health Issues & Considerations
Mastiffs may suffer from:
Heart disease
Degenerative myelopathy
Bloat
Nature / Temperament
Noble, Courageous, Dignified, Protective, Calm
Suitable Environment
Mastiffs do best in a home with a large yard that is securely fenced.
They need plenty of room to stretch out and move around, as well as the opportunity to get plenty of exercise.
Mastiffs are particularly sensitive to hot temperatures and should not be kept outdoors for extended periods of time during warm weather.
It is important to provide them with a cool, comfortable place indoors where they can rest when needed. Sadly they are typically too large to fit comfortably into most apartments.
Other Considerations
● A Mastiff can easily knock down a young child or senior adult with balance problems.
● While Mastiffs usually have short lifespans in comparison to other breeds, some dogs have been known to live until around 18 years of age.
● Mastiffs make excellent watchdogs, although they tend to not bark as much as other breeds.
How can I take good care of my Mastiff?
Nutrition
In order to keep your Mastiff puppy healthy and active, it’s important to feed them a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs.
Protein is essential for your Mastiff’s growth and development and should make up the majority of their diet.
Look for high-quality protein sources such as chicken, beef, lamb, eggs, fish and other meats. A premium giant-breed dog food should be nutritionally balanced to help your Mastiff puppy develop properly. Also remember to provide fresh drinking water at all times.
Mastiff puppies will generally eat between 3 and 4 meals a day during the first 6 months of their life, after which they may transition over to 2 meals a day.
It’s important to remember that the nutritional needs of your Mastiff will vary depending on its age and activity level so be sure to consult with a veterinarian before making any dietary changes or giving supplements.
Grooming
The Mastiff is a relatively low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming needs. They need regular brushing, but only occasional baths.
Recommended Grooming Tips
Bathing your Mastiff should be done on an as-needed basis, which is usually every two months.
Your Mastiff should have their ears checked weekly for signs of irritation or infection such as redness or foul odour, which can be signs of an ear infection or other health issues that need medical attention.
The nails of your Mastiff should be trimmed regularly; typically every 4-6 weeks depending on how quickly they grow back with activity levels playing a part as well. Be sure to use clippers made specifically for dogs so you don’t injure them while trimming their nails.
Exercise
The amount and type of exercise that a Mastiff needs depends on their age, health, and energy levels.
For Mastiff puppies, exercise should be light to moderate in both intensity and duration as their joints, bones and ligaments are still developing. It is important to avoid over-exercising them as this can cause injuries that can worsen as they grow older.
A good rule of thumb is to start with short walks for about 10 minutes at a time.
As puppies grow older, the duration of their walks can be gradually increased to 30 to 60 minutes per day. Swimming is also an excellent form of low impact exercise for Mastiff puppies that will help build muscle without putting too much strain on their developing bodies.
Adult Mastiffs need regular daily exercise in order to stay healthy and fit. Walks should last at least 30 minutes per day depending on the dog’s energy levels.
An adult Mastiff may also enjoy activities such as swimming or agility training; however, these activities should only be done under the supervision of an experienced trainer who understands the physical limitations of large breed dogs.
Training
Mastiffs are large, powerful and imposing dogs that require a great deal of training to ensure they grow into well-mannered and socialised adult dogs. It is important to start early and aim for consistency when it comes to training a Mastiff, as this breed can easily overpower most humans.
Mastiffs respond best to positive reinforcement (treats or verbal praise) rather than punishment.
Obedience classes are highly recommended for Mastiffs as they provide an opportunity for them to learn in a structured environment with professional guidance. This type of class is especially beneficial if you plan on competing with your dog in shows or field trials.
In addition, teaching your Mastiff tricks like retrieving objects or rolling over can also help build confidence and trust between you and your dog while providing mental stimulation that keeps them entertained.
House-training is essential and should be started as soon as possible to prevent accidents from happening inside the home.
Leash training is another important aspect of owning a Mastiff – this breed can pull incredibly hard, so it’s important that they understand how to walk properly on the lead before being allowed into public areas.
This is general information and should not be relied on for adopting or purchasing advice.
Most Asked Mastiff Questions
No, it is not recommended for Mastiff puppies to live outdoors. They are large and powerful dogs that require a lot of mental and physical exercise, as well as attention and socialisation.
It is best to keep them in a home environment where all their needs can be met.
Mastiffs are generally not very athletic and do not do well in most dog sports. However, they can excel in weight pulling and obedience trials.
As an alternative to competitions, Mastiffs can sometimes make excellent therapy dogs due to their calm demeanour.
When looking for a Mastiff for sale, you should only deal with reputable breeders with a history of producing happy, healthy dogs. Mastiff puppies from good breeders will end up better behaved and longer-lived than otherwise.
The average cost of Mastiff puppies for sale is typically between AUD $800 and $2000.
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