What Is A Mastiff

A Mastiff is a giant breed of dog, descended from the ancient Alaunt and Molosser. Today, mastiff is used to describe many different breeds around the world, all descended from the same root stock. In the US and other English speaking countries, Mastiff is used to refer to the Old English Mastiff (OEM), developed in England and nearly extinct after WW II. With that in mind, Mastiffs (OEMs) are generally very large dogs; fawn, apricot or brindle in color; all with a black mask and ears; possessing a medium to short coat with very little white (which, if it appears, should be confined to the chest but often appears on the toes as well). There is no upper height limit and no weight range in the Mastiff Standard. In height they generally range from the Standard's minimum of 27 1/2 inches up to 36 inches for the exceptionally tall ones. They can weigh anywhere from 110 pounds to the 343 pounds of Zorba, the world's largest dog, although most Mastiff males weigh around 160-230 pounds and females around 120-170 pounds. This breed is supposed to be very broad with a huge head, wide chest and large bone, and is longer in body than in height the Mastiff Conformation Standard.

Mastiffs are not supposed to resemble Great Danes except possibly in height, nor Saint Bernards, except for the bone, width, chest and large head. They should not be as wrinkled as a Neapolitan nor as dome headed as a Dogue de Bordeaux, nor 'houndy' like a Fila Brasileiro. Mastiffs possess characteristics unique to the breed, especially the head with a broad, deep muzzle with flews hanging over the bottom lip, giving the head a square appearance. A Mastiff should possess a calm, self assured temperament and be devoted to its family and friends. Mastiffs should not be aggressive to humans or other animals, including other dogs, although, unfortunately, some of them are. Mastiffs should be steady, gentle, eager for affection, good with children, calm and self assured, and used primarily as a family companion.

Is A Mastiff Right For Me

Only you can decide that, however, keep in mind that Mastiffs are big, snore, pass gas, need alot of attention, need alot of socializing at a young age, are natural guardians without being aggressive provided they are trained correctly like any other dog, eat alot, and in general, are alot like having another child that grows to adulthood in a very quick span of time.  They require the same dedication and commitment as a new member of the family.  It's a very big step to take one into your home and make it a member of that family.  You want to be sure that is what the WHOLE family wants and that the WHOLE family is dedicated on the same level.   It is NOT fair to the Mastiff or any dog for that matter, to be brought into a family and then it is decided for some reason the they don't fit, are to big, require to much care, time, attention, have not been socialized enough, can't afford the vet bills, food, and general upkeep. Too many Mastiffs end up in rescue for the above reasons along with suffering much abuse because they don't fit the bill of what the family perceives a Mastiff should be.

Please take the time to fully read The Mastiff Club Of America's Website, it has a lot of useful information and it will assist you greatly in making the HUGE decision of bringing a Mastiff into your home and family.  Thank you