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MastiffEnglish Mastiff, Old English MastiffFamily: Canidae English Mastiff - "Westgort Anticipation"Canis lupus familiarisPhoto Wiki-Commons: Courtesy Radovan RohovskyLatest Reader Comment - See More We own two mastiffs,both are house dogs.Thay are one of the gentlest large breeds that we have found.Love to play with they grandchildren and will protact them at... (more) Trisha Bobo Despite its large imposing size, the Mastiff is a calm dog that can be kept indoors!Mastiff Contents The Mastiff, also commonly know as the English Mastiff or Old English Mastiff, is a working breed. The Mastiffs are the oldest English dog breed. They were originally breed to bait bulls, bears and lions and used in dog fighting. Later they were used to guard for sheep, and then to serve as search and rescue dogs. Today they are popular as a pet, and as a guard and protector. As a pet, the English Mastiff temperament is calm and gentle. It loves to please and craves companionship. Mastiffs are wonderful protectors, keeping strangers at bay until it is apparent that they are welcome. They rarely need any training at all to make excellent guard dogs. Bravery and loyalty come naturally to them. Unfortunately, the Mastiff's massive size has made it a frequent target of breed bans. When choosing a Mastiff as a pet, check bloodlines for hip dysplasia and eye problems. Less common problems to look for include thyroid problems, heart problems and allergies. Common Name(s) Mastiff, English Mastiff, and Old English Mastiff Breed Type The Mastiff is a working breed. Though once used in baiting and fighting, today's Mastiffs are natural guard dogs and good-natured companions. Background The Mastiff is known as the oldest British breed. Its lineage includes ancient breeds such as the Alaunt and the Molosser, and the Pugnaces Britanniae is its direct predecessor. The Mastiff is believed to have come to Britain as early as the sixth century BC. Description The Mastiff is a large and muscular breed. It has a large, squared head with a short muzzle, small, dark hazel eyes, and small, dark-colored ears. Its tail is long, high-set and tapering. The coat is short, and can be found in golden fawn, light fawn, brindle, silver, tiger and apricot. There should always be a black mask around the eyes and nose. Care and Feeding The diet of the English Mastiff should include plenty of fiber. Recommended components include beef, barley, oats, rye and potato. Little grooming is required for this breed. Mastiffs are prone to bloat, so feeding them two or three smaller meals rather than one large meal each day is a good preventative measure.
Sometimes an Old English Mastiff will have allergies, so added environmental maintenance may be necessary. They shed moderately, necessitating regular vacuuming. Housing Your Dog Although they are very large, the English Mastiff can be kept indoors with no problem due to their calm nature. They need a soft bed to sleep on in order to prevent calluses and joint problems. Social Behaviors Mastiffs do well with children, although they are not recommended for younger ones due to their strength and stature. Careful socialization is necessary to prevent aggression toward other dogs, and to prevent overprotectiveness in the presence of strangers. Handling and Training The Mastiff is an intelligent breed, but its willfulness may pose problems during training. Firm training with positive reinforcement can produce satisfactory results. Activities Mastiffs do not demand a great deal of exercise, but they need a substantial amount to keep them healthy. It is important, however, not to overwork them as puppies. A daily walk is recommended, and if your dog is to play off-leash, a fenced area is a must. Breeding/Reproduction When breeding your Mastiff, both mates should be tested for hip dysplasia, eye problems including PRA, thyroid disorders, and elbow problems. Care must be taken to prevent the puppies from being crushed or smothered. A whelping box can help protect them. Common Health Problems Mastiffs are prone to bloat, a condition caused by eating too much too quickly that is fatal if left untreated. It is important to know the signs and have your veterinarian's emergency number handy. Availability Mastiffs can be located in most areas. If you can't find a local breeder, check online. Prices are often over $1,000, and sometimes over $2,000.
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