Mastiff
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- Dog Breed Group
- Working Dogs
- Origin of Breed
- England
- Life Expectancy
- 8 to 10 years
- Color
- Apricot, silver fawn, or brindled fawn and black. Ears and muzzle are dark.
- Coat
- Coarse, straight outercoat, short dense undercoat.
- Exercise Needs
- Inclined to be lazy, the mastiff will be fitter and happier if given regular exercise. It should be kept leashed when in public.
- Temperament
- Easy going, dignified, and good natured. Intelligent and loyal.
- Good with Children
- Excellent with children but reserved with strangers and may get into fights with other dogs. Makes an excellent guard dog.
- Grooming Needs
- Moderate shedder. Bathe or dry shampoo when necessary.
- Average Size - Male (in)
- > 30
- Average Size - Female (in)
- > 27.5
- Average Weight - Male (lbs)
- 175 - 190
- Average Weight - Female (lbs)
- 175 - 190
- Health Issues
- It is prone to bloat so should be fed 2 to 3 small meals per day. It may also suffer fro hip dysplasia and genetic eye diseases.v
- Living Conditions
- Adapts to both city and country environments.
Breed Description
This breed is a large working dog used as a guard and fighting dog in England for more than 2,000 years. It is among the most ancient breeds of all dogs. Mastiff like dogs have been treasured by the Babylonians over 4000 years ago. The Mastiff has been a resident in Britain since the time of Julius Caesar. The breed has proven its worth as a guard and hunter. The Roman invaders of England sent the mastiff to compete in the arenas of ancient Rome, where the dog was pitted against bears, lions, tigers, bulls, other dogs, and human gladiators. The breed also fought in the later bullbaiting and bearbaiting rings of England. A powerful but characteristically gentle dog, the mastiff has a broad head, drooping ears, a broad, short muzzle, and a short, coarse coat.
Breed Infobits
As with many of the ancient breeds, the origins of the Mastiff have been lost in the mists of time.
The Mastiff should be provided with enough space to be comfortable, and be given regular exercise to keep it in top form.
The Mastiff makes an excellent guard dog, as only the most foolish person would enter a property with a Mastiff on guard.
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