English Mastiff

The Mastiff, often specifically referred to as the English Mastiff to distinguish it from other mastiff-type breeds, is one of the most ancient dog types, with a history that stretches back thousands of years. It is believed that their ancestors were large, powerful Molosser dogs brought to Britain by Phoenician traders as early as the 6th century B.C. These formidable dogs were noted by Caesar during the Roman invasion of Britain in 55 B.C., who was impressed by their courage and strength in battle alongside their Celtic owners. For centuries, Mastiffs were used in England as war dogs, guardians of castles and estates, protectors of livestock, and in brutal baiting sports involving bulls, bears, and lions.

They were highly valued for their power and courage. The modern Mastiff type was refined in England, particularly by prominent landowners and gamekeepers who used them as estate guardians. Lyme Hall in Cheshire maintained a famous strain of Mastiffs for centuries. The breed faced near extinction several times, notably after the decline of baiting sports in 1835 and during the World Wars due to food shortages. Dedicated breeders worked to preserve and revive the breed. The first Mastiff club in England was formed in 1883, and the American Kennel Club recognized the Mastiff in 1885. Today, they are cherished as imposing yet gentle family companions and protectors.

The Mastiff is a study in contrasts: a dog of immense power and courage, yet possessing a remarkably gentle, dignified, and good-natured temperament, especially with its own family. They are known for their calm and patient demeanor, often being surprisingly docile and affectionate in the home. Mastiffs form deep, loyal bonds with their people and are typically very good with children in their own family, often displaying a protective and tolerant nature. However, their sheer size means interactions with very young children should always be supervised to prevent accidental knock-overs.

While generally calm, Mastiffs are natural guardians and will not hesitate to protect their family and territory if they perceive a genuine threat. They are typically reserved and can be wary of strangers, though not usually aggressive without provocation; their imposing presence alone is an effective deterrent. They are intelligent but can also be somewhat stubborn and independent, requiring patient and consistent training from a confident owner who understands how to manage a giant breed. They are sensitive dogs that respond best to positive reinforcement and gentle handling. They are not typically overly active indoors and enjoy lounging, but still need moderate daily exercise.

The Mastiff has a short, dense, straight outer coat with a close-lying, dense undercoat that provides good protection. Their coat is relatively easy to groom but they are significant shedders.

A weekly brushing with a rubber curry mitt or a firm bristle brush is usually sufficient to remove loose dead hair, distribute skin oils, and keep their coat looking healthy. During seasonal shedding periods, more frequent brushing will be beneficial to manage the volume of shed hair. Baths are needed only occasionally, as their coat tends to stay fairly clean. Their facial wrinkles and dewlap should be checked and wiped regularly to prevent dirt and moisture buildup, which can lead to skin irritation. Mastiffs are known for drooling, so keeping a “slobber cloth” handy is advisable. Regular nail trims are crucial, as are ear cleaning and diligent dental care.

Mastiffs, despite their giant size, have moderate exercise needs once they reach adulthood. They are not high-energy endurance athletes and do not require extensive running. Several moderate daily walks, totaling about 30-60 minutes, along with some playtime in a securely fenced yard, are usually sufficient to keep them physically and mentally healthy and to prevent obesity, to which they can be prone.

They enjoy leisurely strolls where they can explore their surroundings at their own pace. It’s crucial not to over-exercise young, rapidly growing Mastiff puppies, as this can put excessive strain on their developing bones and joints. Forced running or high-impact activities should be avoided until they are fully mature (around 18-24 months). Due to their massive build, they can be prone to overheating in hot or humid weather, so exercise should always be scheduled for cooler parts of the day, and they should have access to shade and fresh water. They are generally calm indoors and appreciate having a large, comfortable space to stretch out and relax.

The Mastiff, like most giant breeds, is unfortunately prone to a number of significant health problems and has a relatively short lifespan. Responsible breeders screen their breeding stock extensively. Potential health concerns include:

• Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: A major concern in giant breeds, involving malformation of these joints. OFA or PennHIP certification is crucial for breeding stock.
• Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus – GDV): A life-threatening emergency where the stomach twists; Mastiffs are a deep-chested breed at very high risk. Owners must be aware of the signs and preventative measures.
• Heart Conditions: Including dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), pulmonic stenosis, and mitral valve disease. Cardiac screening is essential for breeding dogs.
• Cystinuria: An inherited metabolic disorder that can lead to the formation of kidney and bladder stones. DNA testing is available.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA):** An inherited eye condition that can lead to blindness.
• Cancer:** Various forms of cancer, particularly osteosarcoma (bone cancer) and lymphoma, are a significant concern.
• Hypothyroidism:** An underactive thyroid gland.
• Cruciate Ligament Rupture:** A common knee injury in large, heavy dogs.