English Mastiff
The English Mastiff or popularly known as the Mastiff is a huge but sweet and gentle breed of dogs.
Breed Profile
Height
28 – 30
Inches
Weight
160 – 230
Pounds
Life Span
8 – 12
Years
Health
health
Hip or Elbow Dysplasia
What is it?:
This genetic health issue is the one where the hip or elbow joints loosens up which causes dysfunction and pain. Over time, this may result into arthritis, muscle atrophy and limitations in mobility
Clinical signs
Staying in bed instead of going out
Decreased range of motion
Difficulty or reluctance in climbing stairs, rising up, jumping or running
Loss of muscle mass in the thighs
Noticeable enlargement of the shoulder muscles as they compensate for the hind end
Flinches when the lower back muscles are touched
Treatment
Treatments may include chiropractic therapy and surgery
Eligible vet bill
$2,000
*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been satisfied and the annual coverage limit has not yet been met. Annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit and coverage limits, and exclusions may apply. Eligibility may vary. Visit https://spotpet.com/spot-sample-policy.pdf for full terms. For Canada enrollments only, reimbursement rate is based on the pet's age.
Personality
Powerful
The sheer size of it makes it a powerful breed of dogs.
Gentle
Despite their size, these dogs are known to be very gentle around other dogs and people
Affectionate
These dogs love to be around their family members and be a part of every activity they do. They are very cheerful especially around kids.
Lifetime Care
Coat
The coat is a dual one with short straight outer one and a dense shorter undercoat
Colors
These dogs come in a limited number of colors including brindle, apricot and fawn. The muzzle, nose, ears, and eye rims are dark, the blacker the better. There may be a small patch of white on the chest.
Hypoallergenic
No
Grooming
You should be brushing your Mastiff weekly with a normal rubber brush and daily during spring and fall shedding season. Nails, ears and teeth however should be maintained periodically.
Training
The younger Mastiffs are more active and hence can be trained more but its important to limit the activities like jumping, long walks, catch, etc. that could damage their bones. Mastiffs are known to hide their pain and please the owners
The origins of the Mastiff dog go way back and is one of the descendants of the anicient Molosser breed which originated in the northern part of India or Tibet. Originally, they were used to guard flocks from predators in the high passes. The Tibetan Mastiffs, Rotweillers and the Saint Bernards are like cousins to them. The history is not limited to India or Tibet though as there are ancient scriptures found in Babylonia and classical Greek civilizations. They have been known to pitted against lions as well. The modern day English Mastiff was created to guard estates and patrol the grounds at night.
English Mastiff: Introduction to the Breed
The breed makes excellent family dogs due to their love and affection side. However, it is always better to do know as much as possible about a breed before bringing them home.
English Mastiff Dogs are generally:
Gentle and patient
Non-aggressive and quiet
Great watch dogs
Companions and guardians
Cuddly
English Mastiffs are best suited for –
First time dog owners
City apartment type setting household
People who like to get clingy and cuddly with their dogs
Families with older kids (With toddlers it can be a little difficult because of its size)
Health Risks for a Mastiff Puppy
Apart from the above-mentioned common health problems, these dogs are also prone to some other health related issues which can give them a lot of pain and in some cases permanent damage.
Just like any other big dog, they are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia
This breed is also prone to a form of skin infection called lip-fold pyoderma. The folds of skin along the lower jaw are usually moist. Due to that, bacteria and yeast can develop there and the smelly area becomes uncomfortable for your dog.
Osteosarcoma – a type of bone cancer is also evident in these dogs which affects around 8 to 10 thousand Mastiffs in the USA.
The Mastiff breed is also susceptible to breathing problems because of some physical abnormalities like narrow nostrils or a small wind pipe that compresses easily.
There is one life threatening condition which Mastiffs are prone to called Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Things to watch-out before deciding to own a English Mastiff
There are a few cautions that you need to know before deciding to adopt a Mastiff
They may not be very great with other dogs or even your own pets at home especially if they are smaller in size as the sheer size of these dogs will scare them and can lead to aggression
These dogs can be on the expensive side including its initial purchase and the later care.
They require a specific kind of a diet to keep up with their huge bulk which can be steep on the budget for some families
They can be really stubborn at times during trainings or other activities making it difficult for them to teach obedience
They shed a lot. Although not hypoallergenic, the hair lying around your house can be a task all the time
They also happen to drool more than usual. So be ready to carry a napkin / towel around often
Due to their size, supervision may be needed around young children
With excitement you might want to lift your pup at several occasions but their huge bulk can come at an expense of your back. So make sure you ‘lift’ before you lift.
Conclusion
Looking for a big giant but gentle dog then the Mastiff is the one for you. A calm and not so loud dog, welcoming and easy going on strangers and other pets, a Mastiff is a keeper. Excellent watch dogs just not when it comes to biting strangers which can be a good thing because you don’t want to hurt every stranger trying to enter your house. Some might be just coming in to deliver your Amazon parcel. Just a little heavy on your wallet but if you’re getting a Mastiff home, you are in for a lot of love, affection, protection and cuddles.
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