OUR ENGLISH MASTIFFS

What the Lion is to the Cat
the Mastiff is to the Dog,
the noblest of the family; he stands alone,
and all others sink before him.
Cynographia Britannica - 1800

Common Names: English Mastiff, Old English Mastiff, Mastiff

Description: As one of the largest dogs in the world, the Old English Mastiff have a massive head with a broad, square muzzle. Their brown eyes of medium size should never be protruding. The ears are black, set apart and small in comparison to the dog's size. The English Mastiff is very muscular. It has a rounded chest, well rounded toes with black nails, long legs set firmly apart, and a wide, tapered tail.

English Mastiffs come in three AKC recognized colors. Puppies acquire their coat colors at about 1.5 months of age. At a younger age, English Mastiff puppies can be black or grayish colored. There are slight shade differences within each color catergory such as Silver-Fawn , light Apricot or dark Apricot, Fawn Brindle or Apricot Brindle.

Fawn - A light tan or khaki, the most common color of English Mastiffs

Apricot - A red / brown or chestnut color

Brindle - A marble effect of Fawn or Apricot & Black

Size: For males, the average height range is 30 inches at the shoulder and 27.5 inches for females. Weight varries amoung the dogs from 175-200 pounds. Females normaly weighing less than males. I have seen some males weighing as much as 225 lbs.

Origin: The name Mastiff most likely originated from the Anglo-Saxon word masty which means powerful. It originaly desended from the Tibetan Mastiff which was brought to Europe by the Phoenicians. The breed existed in Great Britain 2,000 years ago and was brought to Rome where it was used as a military fighting dog.The first Mastiff Club of America was created in 1920 and the present Club was founded in 1929.

Diet: During hot months mastiffs will not consume as much food as in the winter. It is important to remember that cheap dogfood is not better! As the old saying goes, "You get what you pay for".

General Care: Drool and debris from this breed's massive mussle make frequent water changes a must! In most cases at a minimum of twice a day. They tend to drool during & after drinking or eating!

Compatibility:English Mastiffs are known as quiet, sometimes phlegmatic dogs. They enjoy both lying on the couch, and accompanying their owners in various activities. The breed is generally very devoted and agreeable. The English Mastiff can be compared to a nanny when dealing with children.

Housing: Due to their large size English Mastiffs do not tolerate extreme heat well. Nor do they tolerate extreme cold due to their short coat. Despite their size these dogs are excelent canidates as inside dogs. Lazy and relaxed, they love to be the couch potatoe of the house and will if you let them.

Bark: English Mastiffs like to bark as puppies. However, once mature their barking is not excessive. In most cases only barking at a stranger, strange noise or another dog in his/her territory.

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