The epitome of a gentle giant, the English Mastiff today is known as a loving, loyal family dog. After all, the internet is full of these gentle giants photographed endlessly with their human infant siblings. Why then, would such big softies be so feared?
Perhaps it is because of their long, fearsome history as war and fighting dogs. In this blog post, we’ll look at one of the largest dog breeds in the world and the long, arduous journey the English Mastiff took from hunter to companion.
The History of the English Mastiff
The English Mastiff is an ancient dog breed. First used in England as a guard dog and fighting dog, some of the earliest recorded Mastiffs go back to 3,000 BC. Some sculptures dating back thousands of years in the British Museum depict Mastiff-type dogs hunting lions in the desert! The Phoenician traders are credited with bringing Mastiffs back to ancient Britain, where the massive dogs protected them and guarded their property.
When the Romans invaded England, they brought Mastiff back to ancient Rome, where the dogs were made to fight against bears, tigers, bulls, and human gladiators. Later, Mastiffs also fought in the bull and bearbaiting arenas in England.
When Hannibal crossed the Alps in 218 BC, he took several battalions of war-trained mastiffs. During the journey, the Mastiffs bred with many local breeds along the way from the Balkans to France. Nature will be nature, which is why many of the large dogs like the Saint Bernard and Cane Corso that have Mastiff blood.
It wasn’t until the 1800s that Mastiffs came onto the shores of the U.S., although there have been records that a Mastiff came over on the Mayflower. The rest is history, and today, the Mastiff is one of the most beloved dog breeds in the world, trusted with children and a loving member of many families.
The English Mastiff Among the World’s Largest Dogs
The English Mastiff is a large and imposing dog. Standing over 30 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing in at close to 200 pounds, the English Mastiff is one of the largest dog breeds in existence. The largest dog ever recorded was a Mastiff named Zorba, who stood 37 inches at the shoulder and was a whopping 314 lbs.!
Mastiffs have a short, thick coat that helps to protect them from the elements, insulating them against cold weather and providing UV protection from the sun. Coat colors included fawn, brindle, and apricot. They have long, drooping jowls and have been known to be big snorers and droolers.
Temperament and Maintenance: What to Know
Today, the Mastiff is a known family dog and a far cry from its violent, storied past. Loyal and affectionate, their gentle dispositions make them extremely good for families. While they are known to be calm and stable-tempered, they must be socialized thoroughly just because of their sheer size.
These Dogs Don’t Need Much Exercise
Despite their size, these big guys are lazy couch potatoes who will happily curl up and watch TV with you all day or snooze around the house. Of course, like all dogs, they’ll need their exercise, or they could be prone to obesity. In the dog world, English Mastiffs are couch potatoes, content with a few short walks each day.
Surprisingly, these dogs do well in apartments if they are getting enough exercise. So, if you want to squish a giant teddy bear at home, get a Mastiff!
These Shedding Dogs Love Food!
They also have modest grooming needs. Their short coats need regular brushing to remove the dead fur, and they’ll need an occasional bath, but they are low-maintenance dogs that don’t require too much.
What they WILL need is a ton of food! You’ll need some top-quality dog food for your big pooch specifically meant for large breeds.
These Dogs Have Some Potential Health Issues
The lifespan of a Mastiff ranges from 9 to 11 years. Additionally, these dogs can suffer:
Joint Problems
Like all big dogs, (and Mastiffs are beyond big!) they are prone to joint problems like hip and elbow dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a condition in which the hip joint does not fit properly, causing the joint to rub and wear down over time. This can lead to severe pain and lameness, and in severe cases, it can even require surgery to correct.
While there is no cure for hip dysplasia, there are steps that can be taken to prevent it from developing. For example, regular exercise helps to keep the muscles around the hip joint strong and flexible, which can help to prevent the joint from dislocating. In addition, maintaining a healthy weight is important, as excess weight can put undue stress on the joints.
Certain Types of Cancer
Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone cancer in dogs, and it is particularly prevalent in large breeds. Mastiffs are especially prone to this disease, and while the exact cause of osteosarcoma is unknown, it is believed to be linked to genetics and growth hormone levels.
The disease often manifests as a mass or lump on the bone, and it can be painful and debilitating. Treatment typically involves surgery to remove the tumor, followed by chemotherapy. However, osteosarcoma is a highly aggressive cancer, and it often recurs after treatment.
Although they may be too large and powerful for some households, English Mastiffs make excellent family pets for those who are prepared to provide them with the exercise and training they need. When it comes to choosing a family dog, the English Mastiff is hard to beat.
