English Mastiffs

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English Mastiffs - General Info

Picture source:
The Mastiff Sweet Spot

English Mastiffs, also called Old English Mastiffs, are one of the biggest breeds of dog. They are known for their huge size and a quiet, yet cautious temper. These diligent dogs are always ready to please their owner, and are said to make wonderful guard dogs. They also serve as watchdogs, weight pulling and obedience competitors, and devoted companions.

English Mastiffs - Appearance

English Mastiffs are well-balanced dogs, noted for their size and strength. The head is square, with a moderately long muzzle. Muscles are well developed on the temple and jaw areas. The skull is slightly rounded with a relatively thin skin that tends to form wrinkles when the dog is at action. Small ears set widely apart are of black color matching the black muzzle. Brown eyes are of medium size.

The body is muscular, with a broad back and a long tail that reaches the hock. The tail is thick at the root and cone-shaped at the end. Overall heavy-boned Mastiffs show a certain portion of dignity when moving.

English Mastiffs - Coat

Picture source:
MacTaggart Old English Mastiffs

English Mastiffs have a double coat. The dense undercoat lies closely to the body and is intended for keeping the temperature balance. The outer coat can be either short, or of medium length.

English Mastiffs come in three color patterns: fawn, dark fawn-brindle, and apricot. Absolutely white dogs are excluded from breeding and cannot participate in a show ring. No matter what the color pattern is, any English Mastiff should have a black mask, black ears, and dark eyes.
Height: The desired height in males/females is 30/27.5 pounds accordingly.
Weight: The English Mastiff can weigh from 175 to 190 pounds.
Health Concerns: These dogs are prone to CHD, gastric torsion, eye problems, and obesity. Elbow dysplasia is also seen in English Mastiffs.
Life Span: 8-10 years

English Mastiffs - History

Picture source:
MacTaggart Old English Mastiffs

English Mastiffs are believed to be ancient dogs. Their ancestors were known to the Romans, and perhaps, Egyptians. Mastiff like dogs were used as war dogs, and guarded their masters during long marches.

England is thought to be the adopted country of the English Mastiff. It was more popular with the noble since keeping such a huge dog was rather costly. English Mastiffs were used in bear-fighting, bull-baiting, and other bloody sports.

Just before the beginning of the First World War the breed acquired its present day appearance. The official standard was changed in 1906 providing no more room for gray, spotted, and long-coated Mastiffs.

Both World Wars affected the breed in a destructive manner. The population of English Mastiffs was reduced significantly since keeping a dog with considerable needs in terms of feeding was regarded unethical.

However, American breed fanciers saved the situation by means of exporting their dogs to Europe. Since that time the number of English Mastiffs continued to grow.