Dog Breeds - Mastiff

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection a dog breed displays towards family members and familiar individuals can vary widely. Some breeds may exhibit a strong bond exclusively with their owner showing indifference or aloofness towards others. In contrast, there are breeds known for their sociable nature treating every familiar face as if they were a cherished companion. This trait is often a combined result of a breed’s inherent temperament and the individual dog's experiences, environment and training.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
A breed's tolerance for and patience with children, as well as its general disposition towards family life, can vary significantly from one breed to another. Some breeds are renowned for their gentle and patient nature with children showing a remarkable capacity to tolerate the energetic and sometimes unpredictable behavior that children often exhibit. These breeds are often considered quintessential family pets due to their protective instincts and ability to bond with all family members.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The propensity for a dog breed to be amicable with other dogs depends greatly on the breed's inherent characteristics and social tendencies. Certain breeds have a natural inclination to socialize and coexist peacefully with other canines both within the household and in public settings. This trait is especially notable in breeds that have been historically developed for group hunting or herding activities where cooperation with other dogs was essential.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The amount of shedding one can expect from a dog breed varies extensively, impacting grooming requirements and household cleanliness. Breeds known for high shedding will naturally lose more hair especially during seasonal changes when they may "blow" their coat. These breeds typically necessitate more frequent brushing to manage loose fur reduce the amount of hair distributed around the home and maintain the health of the dog's coat.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
The grooming needs of a dog breed encompass bathing, brushing, trimming, and other coat maintenance, and these requirements can differ widely among breeds. Some breeds with short smooth coats may require less frequent bathing and minimal brushing to remove loose hairs and maintain a healthy coat. Conversely, breeds with long thick or curly fur often need more regular and thorough grooming to prevent matting, remove tangles and maintain overall coat health.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
The tendency of a breed to drool can range significantly, with some breeds being more drool-prone than others. Certain breeds, especially those with loose, fleshy lips and jowls are known to drool more due to the structure of their mouths which can lead to the accumulation of saliva that then drips out. This can result in slobbery kisses, drool trails and wet patches on clothes and furniture.
COAT TYPE +
Double
COAT LENGTH +
Short

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
The level of friendliness a breed exhibits towards strangers can vary extensively, influenced by each breed's historical purpose, temperament and individual personality. Some breeds have an innate wariness or reserved nature towards unfamiliar people a trait that can be advantageous for watchdogs or guard dogs. These breeds may be more cautious and require a proper introduction before warming up to a new person.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
The enthusiasm for play in various dog breeds can significantly differ with some retaining their playful puppy-like energy well into their adult years while others become more sedate and content with relaxation as they mature. High-energy breeds often used for work such as hunting, herding or sporting are more likely to maintain their zest for play throughout their lives. These dogs generally require regular active engagement through games like fetch tug-of-war and other interactive activities to satisfy their need for both physical and mental stimulation.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
A dog breed's propensity to alert their owners about the presence of strangers varies, often tied to their traditional roles and breed characteristics. Some dogs have a high alertness level and are quick to notify their owners of anyone approaching or any unusual activity in their environment. They might react to various stimuli ranging from people approaching the door to animals or even inanimate objects that seem out of place to them.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
A breed's adaptability to change encompasses their tolerance to alterations in living conditions, noise levels, weather, daily routines and other inconsistencies in everyday experiences. This trait can significantly vary from one breed to another and is influenced by the breed's historical background, temperament and individual personality.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
The ease of training a dog and its willingness to learn new things can often be correlated with the breed's characteristics, although individual variance is also a significant factor. Generally speaking some breeds are renowned for their eagerness to please their owners and their responsive nature to training cues. These breeds, often including herding, sporting and working dogs tend to excel in obedience and are receptive to learning a wide array of commands and tasks.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
The required amount of exercise and mental stimulation can vary greatly across dog breeds, directly influencing their overall well-being and behavior. High-energy breeds are typically those that have been bred for jobs that involve a lot of physical activity and mental engagement such as herding, hunting or working roles. These dogs usually exhibit a strong desire to be active often needing multiple exercise sessions per day, coupled with interactive playtime and training to satisfy their energy levels and intelligence.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
The frequency and manner in which a breed vocalizes can range from highly expressive to relatively quiet. Some breeds are known for their vocal nature, often barking at passersby, animals or any novel stimulus. For example, breeds developed for guarding or herding may be more predisposed to bark as a way to alert or deter. This innate behavior can be advantageous in certain contexts but may require management to prevent excessive noise.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
The mental stimulation a dog breed requires is critical to its happiness and health, and it varies widely depending on the breed's origins and individual disposition. Purpose-bred dogs, particularly those from working, sporting and herding groups are often bred for tasks that demand high levels of problem-solving, concentration, and decision-making. These breeds generally have strong cognitive abilities and require significant mental engagement to be content.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The level of affection a dog breed displays towards family members and familiar individuals can vary widely. Some breeds may exhibit a strong bond exclusively with their owner showing indifference or aloofness towards others. In contrast, there are breeds known for their sociable nature treating every familiar face as if they were a cherished companion. This trait is often a combined result of a breed’s inherent temperament and the individual dog's experiences, environment and training.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

A breed's tolerance for and patience with children, as well as its general disposition towards family life, can vary significantly from one breed to another. Some breeds are renowned for their gentle and patient nature with children showing a remarkable capacity to tolerate the energetic and sometimes unpredictable behavior that children often exhibit. These breeds are often considered quintessential family pets due to their protective instincts and ability to bond with all family members.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

The propensity for a dog breed to be amicable with other dogs depends greatly on the breed's inherent characteristics and social tendencies. Certain breeds have a natural inclination to socialize and coexist peacefully with other canines both within the household and in public settings. This trait is especially notable in breeds that have been historically developed for group hunting or herding activities where cooperation with other dogs was essential.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

The amount of shedding one can expect from a dog breed varies extensively, impacting grooming requirements and household cleanliness. Breeds known for high shedding will naturally lose more hair especially during seasonal changes when they may "blow" their coat. These breeds typically necessitate more frequent brushing to manage loose fur reduce the amount of hair distributed around the home and maintain the health of the dog's coat.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

The grooming needs of a dog breed encompass bathing, brushing, trimming, and other coat maintenance, and these requirements can differ widely among breeds. Some breeds with short smooth coats may require less frequent bathing and minimal brushing to remove loose hairs and maintain a healthy coat. Conversely, breeds with long thick or curly fur often need more regular and thorough grooming to prevent matting, remove tangles and maintain overall coat health.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

The tendency of a breed to drool can range significantly, with some breeds being more drool-prone than others. Certain breeds, especially those with loose, fleshy lips and jowls are known to drool more due to the structure of their mouths which can lead to the accumulation of saliva that then drips out. This can result in slobbery kisses, drool trails and wet patches on clothes and furniture.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Double

COAT SPECTRUM

Short

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

The level of friendliness a breed exhibits towards strangers can vary extensively, influenced by each breed's historical purpose, temperament and individual personality. Some breeds have an innate wariness or reserved nature towards unfamiliar people a trait that can be advantageous for watchdogs or guard dogs. These breeds may be more cautious and require a proper introduction before warming up to a new person.

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

The enthusiasm for play in various dog breeds can significantly differ with some retaining their playful puppy-like energy well into their adult years while others become more sedate and content with relaxation as they mature. High-energy breeds often used for work such as hunting, herding or sporting are more likely to maintain their zest for play throughout their lives. These dogs generally require regular active engagement through games like fetch tug-of-war and other interactive activities to satisfy their need for both physical and mental stimulation.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

A dog breed's propensity to alert their owners about the presence of strangers varies, often tied to their traditional roles and breed characteristics. Some dogs have a high alertness level and are quick to notify their owners of anyone approaching or any unusual activity in their environment. They might react to various stimuli ranging from people approaching the door to animals or even inanimate objects that seem out of place to them.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

A breed's adaptability to change encompasses their tolerance to alterations in living conditions, noise levels, weather, daily routines and other inconsistencies in everyday experiences. This trait can significantly vary from one breed to another and is influenced by the breed's historical background, temperament and individual personality.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

The ease of training a dog and its willingness to learn new things can often be correlated with the breed's characteristics, although individual variance is also a significant factor. Generally speaking some breeds are renowned for their eagerness to please their owners and their responsive nature to training cues. These breeds, often including herding, sporting and working dogs tend to excel in obedience and are receptive to learning a wide array of commands and tasks.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

The required amount of exercise and mental stimulation can vary greatly across dog breeds, directly influencing their overall well-being and behavior. High-energy breeds are typically those that have been bred for jobs that involve a lot of physical activity and mental engagement such as herding, hunting or working roles. These dogs usually exhibit a strong desire to be active often needing multiple exercise sessions per day, coupled with interactive playtime and training to satisfy their energy levels and intelligence.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Infrequent

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

The mental stimulation a dog breed requires is critical to its happiness and health, and it varies widely depending on the breed's origins and individual disposition. Purpose-bred dogs, particularly those from working, sporting and herding groups are often bred for tasks that demand high levels of problem-solving, concentration, and decision-making. These breeds generally have strong cognitive abilities and require significant mental engagement to be content.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
White	199
White & Lemon	211
White & Tan	217

PATTERNS

Description	Registration Code
Black Points	019

About The Breed

The Mastiff with its imposing size and ancient lineage, is one of those canine breeds that is both awe-inspiring and somewhat intimidating. Their large heavy-boned structure and powerful muscles are a testament to the Mastiff's historic role as a guard and protector. Despite their formidable appearance, Mastiffs are known for being gentle, affectionate and extraordinarily loyal typifying the notion of a "gentle giant." Due to their size, strength and protective nature, Mastiffs do require deliberate and consistent training from an early age. They respond best to positive reinforcement methods and need to learn polite behaviors to ensure they can be managed safely despite their size. Socialization is also key for Mastiffs; introducing them to a variety of people, animals and situations early on will help them become well-adjusted and discerning adults.

Mastiff guardians must be ready for the physical and financial commitment that comes with such a large dog, including space requirements, higher food consumption and potential veterinary costs. They should also be prepared for drooling, snoring and the occasional bout of stubbornness typical of the breed. Mastiffs form deep bonds with their families and feel a strong instinct to protect them. This characteristic along with their wariness towards strangers makes them excellent guardians of the home. However, they should always be supervised when around new people to ensure they behave appropriately.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A MASTIFF

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Mastiff: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	The Mastiff Club of America (MCOA) offers comprehensive insights into the well-being associated with the breed. Ethical breeders implement health checks on their dogs to detect various conditions that may include seasonal allergies, visual irregularities, cardiac issues cancer as well as dysplasia of the eyes and hips, von Willebrand's disease, degenerative myelopathy and epilepsy. It's quite usual for Mastiffs to develop hygromas—essentially benign fluid-filled sacs that act as protective padding for the dog's elbow joints, especially when resting on firm surfaces. It's important to resist having these hygromas drained by a vet. Additionally, Mastiff owners should be vigilant about bloat a potentially fatal sudden enlargement and possible twisting of the stomach. Recognizing the signs early on and knowing the appropriate actions to take can be lifesaving. Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association: Hip Evaluation Ophthalmologist Exam Elbow Evaluation Cardiac Exam

Grooming

	Mastiffs are blessed with a coat that's straightforward to maintain needing just a swift brush every couple of days to keep it looking neat. When it's their shedding season which occurs perhaps once or twice annually, you might want to up the ante with a robust, toothed comb to help whisk away the loose fur. Don't forget those floppy ears and distinctive furrows that frame their impressive jowls, eyes, and snout—keeping them clean is a big part of your grooming routine, not to mention regular nail clipping to keep their paws in tip-top shape. A Mastiff's drool is part of the package, but it's nothing a stash of handy wipes can't handle. Keep them within reach to dab away the dribbles from your gentle giant's face and spare yourself and your guests from unexpected 'slinger' surprises on your outfits!

Exercise

	Originally bred for the noble task of guarding homes Mastiffs are surprisingly well-suited to apartment living, given their modest need for exercise. These gentle giants thrive with some freedom to romp about and enjoy daily strolls—a couple of miles a day is ideal for full-grown Mastiffs. It’s pivotal, though to protect the young ones in their formative years; strenuous activities like bounding up and down stairs, leaping from lofty perches or enduring extended walks could be too much for their developing bodies. Starting small say, just half a block for puppies aged between 2 and 3 months is advisable.

Training

	It's essential for Mastiffs to undergo obedience training and to be socialized from an early age—they're sharp learners with a natural inclination to please their humans. Be mindful though the repetitive nature of traditional training classes might not hold their attention for long. They're prone to responding to boredom with a nap complete with snores for good measure. Eye contact is a key communication channel for Mastiffs—they're adept at engaging through their gaze and are just as skilled at interpreting your facial expressions and body language. To reinforce positive behavior always opt for praise and reward-based methods. They're sensitive souls and a harsh tone can be unintentionally hurtful.

Nutrition

	Proper nutrition is absolutely vital for the healthy development of giant breeds like the Mastiff especially during the rapid growth phase of puppyhood which extends until they are around 2 years old. The goal is to ensure a gradual and consistent growth pattern. Feeding them a high-calorie diet without the correct balance of calcium and phosphorus can lead to bone and joint issues in these young giants. Experts who specialize in the breed often suggest that Mastiff puppies should be fed an adult dog food formula that doesn't exceed 26 percent protein content with an optimal calcium to phosphorus ratio of about 1.2:1. Rather than allowing them to eat at will, scheduled meal times are recommended to maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity which can add strain to their developing frames.

Historiography

Diving into the lineage of this distinguished breed, it's essential to differentiate between 'mastiffs' (lowercase 'm')—a type of dog present globally—and the Mastiffs often referred to as Old English Mastiffs. The term 'mastiff' historically applies to various large powerful dog breeds across civilizations, from ancient Egypt and Greece to Rome, China and Tibet showcasing their widespread prominence. The Tibetan Mastiff and Neapolitan Mastiff are two enduring representations from these antique lineages.

Tracing back to Britain the Mastiff breed recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) also boasts an age-old legacy. The colossal canines caught Julius Caesar's attention as they defended Britain during his 55 B.C. invasion earning a mention in his wartime accounts. Captured British mastiffs later faced combat in Roman arenas. In medieval England the Mastiff's role crystalized they served noble purposes as hunters of formidable beasts, nocturnal protectors of property and as fierce allies in war. Geoffrey Chaucer in 'The Canterbury Tales,' referred to them with the French designation 'Alaunts' and illustrated them as powerful enough to hunt lions or deer.

Mastiffs were even present on the battlefield during the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, a historic event also celebrated by Shakespeare. Post-World War II was a bleak period for the breed in England with the Mastiff population dwindling to just 14. The revival of the breed was possible thanks to American breeders who sent quality specimens back to replenish the British lines. The contemporary Mastiff inherited a gentler and more affable nature than his ancient ancestors, yet retains a bold heart. The breed today stands as a calm and amiable companion embodying both the grandeur of its noble heritage and the unshaken bravery that has always defined it.