Mastiff Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Mastiff?

The Mastiff dog breed, or Old English Mastiff, has an ancient history.

Their ancestors (known as molossers) are thought to have originated in the central Asian mountains thousands of years ago. They were initially used for dog-fighting, hunting, and guarding.

Throughout the 16th century, Mastiffs were used as guard dogs to patrol the estates during the night and scare away intruders.

Today's modern Mastiff started to develop in 1835 in England, making it through World War I and World War II as loyal, protective war dogs.

It is believed that the Mastiff dog breed was brought over to Britain by Phoenician traders, and they were spread to America on the Mayflower.

A book on dog breeds from the 1800s, called Cynographica Britannica, quotes: "What the Lion is to the Cat, the Mastiff is to the Dog. The noblest of the family, he stands alone, and all others sink before him."

Who are Mastiff dogs best for?

Mastiffs make for awesome family pets if they are properly trained from a young age. It's essential that they are exposed to other dogs, people and places as a pup.

If not, they can be difficult to handle - due to their huge size and tendency to be stubborn.

For couch potatoes, a Mastiff might just be the perfect companion since they enjoy lazing on the sofa too! Although it's always better to get regular exercise if you want a healthier dog.

It's common for Mastiffs to drool a lot and snore loudly - so you might need to stock up on doggie bibs and earplugs!

Besides being extremely loving companions, these noble dogs work in the police and military for guarding, searching and rescuing.

They are also a great pick for anyone interested in dog sports, as they have succeeded in many different disciplines over the years.

How much grooming does a Mastiff need?

Having a Mastiff doesn't require much grooming effort, as their short, dense coat only needs a quick brush every couple of days and a wipe with a towel.

They shed once or twice a year - which will require more regular strong brushes for a few weeks to remove all the dead dog hair.

You will need to clean their ears and face wrinkles and their eyes and muzzle too, as well as trim their nails to keep them short.

As mentioned, Mastiffs drool (a LOT). A great tip is to keep a handkerchief on hand to wipe their muzzle before things get messy.

Do Mastiff bark much?

Although Mastiffs make for excellent guard dogs, they are generally calm and don't tend to bark much.

These well-mannered dogs won't usually bark unless they have a reason to.

Do Mastiff bite?

Little Mastiff puppies will grow into big, powerful dogs, so teaching them not to bite is essential to ensure they grow up to be well-behaved, calm adult Mastiffs.

Here are some easy tips for teaching your Mastiff puppy not to bite:

• Tap them sharply (but softly) on the nose whenever they bite and sternly say "no".

• Give your pup some chew toys (this also helps to keep your furniture from being destroyed).

• Play with your puppy often to ensure they are getting the attention they need.

What is the temperament & personality of a Mastiff?

Mastiffs are lovely, good-natured dogs. They are calm, loving and affectionate - making them the perfect family companion. Though, their massive size might not be suitable for toddlers or babies.

They are eternally loyal and protective, thanks to their guard dog roots. These traits also tend to come out when visitors come around.

The Mastiff is a magnificent pet and a best friend for life.

What is the weight & size of a Mastiff?

When compared to other pets, the Mastiff is a real giant.

Male Mastiffs are a minimum of 76.2cm tall, and females are at least 70cm tall - at the shoulder.

Size and weight can vary between dogs, and weight ranges between 58 and a huge 100kgs (or more!).

How much training does a Mastiff need?

Like with most dog breeds, obedience training and early socialisation are crucial.

Mastiffs are intelligent, fast learners, and they tend to get bored quickly with too much repetition in training. (You'll know when you see them snoring in the dog park). They do better with several varied training sessions throughout the day.

These dogs communicate greatly with their eyes, and they're excellent at reading facial expressions and body language - so be sure to make eye contact with your Mastiff.

Mastiffs thrive off love, respect, inclusion and being praised. Raising your voice is likely to hurt their feelings, as these loyal dogs just want to please.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Mastiff?

In general, Mastiffs are a healthy dog breed, but it's good to be aware of possible lifestyle or genetic health problems that may occur.

Here are a few common health conditions to look out for:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia

  A hereditary condition in which the thighbone doesn't fit into the hip joint properly, which can cause pain or lameness of the rear legs.

• Progressive retinal atrophy

  An eye problem that eventually leads to blindness due to a lack of photoreceptors in the eyes.

• Cystinuria

  A hereditary kidney disorder that is more common in male dogs and can be detected early through DNA testing.

• Seizures

  Caused by epilepsy or trauma and managed through consistent medication.

• Gastric torsion (bloat)

  A possibly fatal condition that commonly affects big, deep-chested dogs. It's usually caused by eating one huge meal a day, eating too rapidly, drinking too much water too fast, or exercising vigorously after a big meal.

• Cancer

  Bone cancer (osteosarcoma) is common in this dog breed, and the first symptom is lameness which can only be confirmed through x-rays. Following proper treatment, Mastiffs can live for 9 months and up to 2 years or more.

What is the lifespan of a Mastiff?

Mastiffs typically live for 6 to 10 years. Due to their size, they age faster than small dogs. Plus, their tendency to develop cancer sadly contributes to their short life expectancy.

How much should you feed a Mastiff?

In order for the breed to grow from a tiny puppy into a huge adult dog, this giant breed needs proper nutrition.

Dog experts recommend that the puppy should begin on an adult food formulation with less than 26% protein and a 1.2:1 calcium/phosphorous ratio to prevent common skeletal disorders.

It's also advised to stick to a meal schedule instead of free-feeding so that your Mastiff doesn't become overweight.

What is the price of a Mastiff in Australia?

The cost of a Mastiff puppy depends entirely on where and who you buy it from.

Prices can range from as low as $350 through local classified ads to $2800 or more through registered breeders.

With that being said, always try to adopt a dog from a Mastiff rescue or shelter.