English Mastiff Explained

What pops into your head when someone says mastiff? It is almost certainly the English Mastiff that you begin to visualize. A massive breed weighing anywhere from 140lbs to 230lbs and standing as tall as 30" from the ground to the shoulder, these formidable animals can be an intimidating sight.

Mastiff comes from the Anglo-Saxon word "masty", meaning powerful. And if anything, they are powerful animals. They were once used for the amusement of royalty in blood sports such as bear baiting, long since banned in England.

This fearsome heritage led to their adoption as guard dogs; in that capacity, the breed found its way to the US. Despite their appearance and history of being used as attack dogs, they are in fact very affectionate and make excellent pets, even if you have children.

These dogs, despite their gruesome ancestry, are actually really affectionate and loving in nature. However, if they are provoked by an intruder they can and will attack if need be. In fact they are considered one of the top ten guard dogs. They are perfect dogs with children. Very good natured and have great temperament. They are very laid back and calm.

Like any larger breed, an English Mastiff will need plenty of room to get adequate exercise. Though living indoors is not a problem for them, they do need a good walk or run every day. With proper diet and plenty of exercise, you can expect your dog to live to around 10 years of age.

There are some health problems common to English Mastiffs, such as a tendency to put on weight and a predilection towards having hip dysplasia. This aside, the good qualities of the breed far outweigh the negatives. Great with kids, loving and loyal and some of the best guard dogs in the world, they are a well rounded dog. Before deciding on a breeder to purchase a puppy from, make sure they are a legitimate dealer and have a love for the breed.

There is one downside to the English Mastiff however; they do tend to slobber a bit, and have the aforementioned medical risks. By and large though, they are an excellent choice as a pet for any family. The mastiffs many good qualities are sure to make you pleased with your decision.

If you are wanting to know more about this breed. There are several websites and forums that talk about the breed and they are sure to answer any questions and concerns that you may have about the dog. Be wise and educated in choosing the right puppy for you and your family.