English Mastiff
Overview
Overview of English Mastiff
If you want a supersized dog, look no further than the English Mastiff. The Great Dane and the Irish Wolfhound may be taller, but no dog can compare when it comes to sheer mass! With males reaching up to 230 lbs, they are the largest couch potatoes of all time! The heaviest dog ever recorded was an English Mastiff named Zorba, who weighed 343 lbs and was over 8 ft tall; he was the size of a small donkey! It is believed that English Mastiff puppies were brought over by Venetian traders in 500 BCE. Back in ancient times, all large breeds were known as a 'Mastiff dog,' which comes from the French word 'Mastin' meaning watchdog. Their colossal size and protective instinct have made them ideal watchdogs over the centuries, even to this day. English Mastiffs come in fawn, apricot and brindle. Their coats require minimal care; however, you will need a large couch for these gentle giants to nap on.
Common Health Conditions & Recommendations for English Mastiff
Dermatitis in dogs:
English Mastiffs, like other shorthaired breeds, can inherit dermatitis and suffer from itchy skin.
Recommendations for Dermatitis in dogs in English Mastiff Dogs:
Common Health Conditions & Recommendations for English Mastiff
Bone Cancer in dogs:
All dogs are susceptible to cancer, especially large and giant breed dogs like the English Mastiff. Generally, the first signs and symptoms of bone cancer are limb numbness or lameness.
Recommendations for Bone Cancer in dogs in English Mastiff Dogs:
Common Health Conditions & Recommendations for English Mastiff
Elbow Dysplasia in dogs:
is a potentially a genetic and/or environmentally aggravated condition that develops when there is an abnormal development of the elbow joint, leading to occasional limping or limb lameness.
Recommendations for Elbow Dysplasia in dogs in English Mastiff Dogs:
Personality
Considered the oldest of the English breeds, the English Mastiff is an easygoing, laid-back companion whose wrinkled brow and smooshy face are sure to melt your heart. But if you are a neat freak, their constant drooling and giant paws (that tend to track in a lot of dirt) will be major dealbreakers for you. These pups could nap all day if you let them. Their sedentary nature makes them low maintenance when it comes to exercise, but make sure that your English Mastiff gets a nice daily walk around the neighborhood to keep them fit and happy. These gentle giants don't do anything quickly, even when it comes to training and socialization, so patience and consistent support will go a long way. Despite their docile nature, we do not recommend bringing an English Mastiff into a household with small children as they could hurt or overwhelm them with their sheer size. So if you're in the market for a giant breed dog that is always cool to hang out with and has a watchful eye, you’ll fall in love with an English Mastiff!