English Mastiff Dog History and Picture

History and Origin of the English Mastiff

The English Mastiff is thought to be an ancient breed of dog that dates from as early as 3000 B.C. where the dogs are depicted on Egyptian monuments. In 55 B.C. it’s said that the famous Caesar ran across the breed while the dogs were fighting with the British soldiers; word has it that Caesar was so impressed by the breed’s courage that he took a group of Mastiffs back to Rome with him. Once back in Rome, Caesar began competing the dogs in lion fighting, bull baiting, and fights against human gladiators.

Later down the road, the breed became popular with England’s peasant population where English Mastiffs were used for protecting homes and villages, as well as keep dangerous predators, such as wolves, under control. It is said that the Mastiff was brought to America on the Mayflower; however, documentation shows the breed entering the country until the late 19th century. By the end of World War II the Mastiff, like many other breeds of dog, was nearly extinct in England.

The English people had Mastiffs imported from Canada and the United States so they could once again begin to establish the English Mastiff breed in England again. The English Mastiff was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1918 when Beowulf, a Canadian bred Mastiff from British import parents, was first registered with the club. Today, the breed is one of the largest breeds recognized by the AKC and is considered the 28th most popular breed of dog in America; although, you can find the Mastiff breed all over the world.

Appearance

The Mastiff breeds are considered the largest dog breeds in terms of mass. The English Mastiff has a massive body and a broad skull that gives the dog an appearance of a square head. The dogs can stand anywhere from 27 to 30 inches tall at the withers and weigh anywhere from 140 to 200 pounds. These dogs give off the impression of having much dignity and grandeur.

This heavy breed has a short, straight, coarse coat of fur that can be apricot, fawn, or brindle in color. All English Mastiffs generally have a black muzzle and nose, with some even having black ears. On the apricot and fawn Mastiffs, the dog is generally one solid color, other than the black markings on the head. In the brindle Mastiffs, the dog must have either an apricot or fawn background with black stripes throughout the fur. According to the AKC, a small patch of white on the chest, and only on the chest, is acceptable.

English Mastiff Temperament and Personality

The English Mastiff has a wonderful temperament when bred correctly. These dogs are very docile, courageous, and good natured. They are commonly referred to as “gentle giants” because they are very good with children and other people they know. The dogs are capable of protection and should be socialized from a young age. You do not want a Mastiff that is aggressive because the breed can reach weights of 200 pounds; that is a large dog to be out-of-control.

This breed tends to be on the quiet side unless someone approaches the dog’s territory. The good thing about this breed is that most English Mastiffs will trap an intruder in a corner or hold them at bay rather than attacking the person like other breeds may do. These dogs are born to guard and do not need to be taught this characteristic. An owner of this breed should be calm, consistent, firm, and confident to prevent your Mastiff from wanting to take over as boss. If trained and socialized appropriately, an English Mastiff will make an excellent pet, and will also be gentle with children and other animals.

Health of the Breed

The English Mastiff is a large, heavy breed so, of course, they are risk for developing hip dysplasia. Most experts suggest that when you buy a pure bred Mastiff, you should ask the breeder if the dog has been tested for elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia, as well as the DNA tested for PRA and thyroid problems. Minor problems in the breed can include allergies, entropion, obesity, OCD, and cardiomyopathy among some other common problems.

Exercise and Other Care Requirements

The English Mastiff breed is large and on the lazy side, but they do have pretty strict care requirements to ensure a healthy Mastiff. For starters, Mastiffs under the age of two should not be subjected to excessive running. Since this breed grows to be so large, they tend to have demanding diets and exercise regimes. However, it is important after the age of two to place your Mastiff on an exercise routine so you can prevent a number of health problems and a slothful attitude.

A good thing is that the short coat of the breed is easy to groom. As an owner you should brush the dog with a wire brush and bathe the dog as needed. Make sure you provide your Mastiff a nice, soft place to sleep to prevent the development of arthritis and calluses.

Something you may not know about the breed…

The English Mastiff is one of the heaviest breeds of dogs recognized by the American Kennel Club; some male Mastiffs have been known to exceed 200 pounds!

English Mastiff Dog History and Picture