Mastiff Dog Breed Characteristics & Information

Mastiffs are a large, powerful dog breed that requires attention and care to lead a happy life. They also need to be well-trained to live among humans. If you consider adding a Mastiff to your family, you should know a few things.

The article revolves around the essential details and requirements of Mastiffs; therefore, if you wish to learn more, scroll down!

The history of mastiff dogs dates back to 2500 B.C., as revealed by ancient Egyptian murals. Back then, they were also employed during the war and kept as pets by the generals. They are believed to have been brought to the U.S. on the Mayflower.  Gradually, mastiffs started gaining popularity for their hardworking nature and guarding skills.

They were one of the first breeds recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1885. When the breed was on the verge of extinction, U.S. breeders played an essential role in exporting Mastiffs to their motherland.

Some of the characteristics of Mastiffs are:

• Lifespan: Mastiffs have an average lifespan of 6 to 10 years.
• Height: Male Mastiffs grow up to 30 inches, and females attain a height of 27.5 inches.
• Colour: Mastiffs are mainly found in three colours: apricot, brindle, and fawn.
• Weight: Male Mastiffs weigh an average of 160 to 230 pounds, whereas females weigh 120 to 170 pounds.
• Temperament: Mastiffs are great with children and are excessively loyal. They also get along with other pets. 
• Energy Level: Mastiffs have low energy levels and are known to be lazy.

Here are a few tips to prepare your Mastiff properly:

• Choose Simple Commands: Mastiffs might need help to keep up with complex commands. Hence, start with the basic commands such as ‘sit’, ‘stand’, ‘come’, etc. Once your Mastiff starts understanding the basics, move on to complex instructions. Also, make sure every family member is on the same page.
• Avoid Punishments: Your Mastiff might be sensitive to human scoldings and may get scared once you start punishing them. Sometimes, your dog might become adamant after receiving punishment.  Hence, it would help if you kept calm while dealing with your Mastiff.
• Have Short Training Sessions: Long training sessions can be boring for your Mastiff. Hence, start with 5 to 10 minutes every day. Depending on the ease of training, this can be increased gradually by 5 to 10 minutes. You can have two to three training sessions every day.
• Provide Necessary Attention: Like humans, Mastiff dogs feel good when loved. After starting the session, call them by name and cuddle them whenever they show desirable behaviour. Hence, they will feel good and try to repeat those things.
• Keep Training Sessions Fun: Mastiffs were bred to be guard dogs and were not meant to take orders. Therefore, they need to be trained differently. Their training sessions should be fun, with ample amounts of appreciation, treats, and acts of affection.

Some of the common health problems seen in Mastiffs are:

• Underbites: Mastiffs are the breed most affected by underbites or prognathism. This condition makes the lower jaw stick out more than the upper jaw, sometimes causing chronic pain. Most cases do not require intervention, but some may require extraction.
• Epilepsy: Generally, Mastiffs suffer from 3 types of seizures. Reactive seizures are due to the brain’s reaction to some metabolic issues, secondary seizures occur due to brain tumours, and primary seizures have no reason. The treatment involves lifelong medication to manage the seizures.
• Allergies: Mastiffs tend to suffer from allergies quite often. Unlike humans, dogs' allergies make their skin itchy. The skin allergy in dogs is known as atopy. The most affected areas are the skin folds, belly, feet, and ears. The earlier it is diagnosed, the less your pup will have to endure discomfort.
• Eye Problems: Mastiffs have a high chance of inheriting ocular issues, which can progress into blindness if not treated correctly. Some of them can also cause painful vision. The most common eye problems include entropion, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy.
• Heart Disease: Heart disease can be seen in pups and older Mastiffs. Heart murmurs and abnormal heart rhythms indicate various heart diseases. Early diagnosis helps proceed with early treatment that prolongs your pet’s lifespan. Weight control may help prevent heart disease.
• Thyroid Problems: Mastiffs are prone to hypothyroidism, in which the body is unable to produce the necessary amount of thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism may manifest as significant hair loss, dry skin and coat, increased risk of skin diseases, weight gain, and aggression. Treatment includes hormone replacement therapy.
• Birthing Difficulties: Mastiffs have a large head and a small pelvis, which makes birthing difficult. The pelvis is too small to let the babies pass so a C-section might be required often. You should consult your vet if you want your Mastiff to reproduce.

Here are 4 tips to take care of your Mastiff:

• Grooming: Mastiffs have a short and dense coat requiring more attention than regular grooming. They are moderate shedders who need regular brushing and bathing. In addition, their skin folds should be kept clean. Owing to their drooling habit, owners should keep their drool rags handy.
• Exercise: Even though Mastiff puppies have a lot of energy, they become lazy as they grow up. They should be made to exercise daily to prevent obesity and keep them healthy and fit. Mastiffs perform better in cold weather than hot and can even do nicely in apartments.
• Food and Nutrition: To maintain the quality of their coat and skin, it is essential to provide your Mastiffs with proper nutrition. They should have a well-balanced meal that meets their nutritional requirements. This meal should not be provided at once but split into two to three meals throughout the day.
• Socialise: Mastiffs have inherited protective instincts and are great with children if trained properly. One disadvantage is that they can sometimes be overprotective, so it is essential to socialise your dog with other pups and humans. For this, you can also take them to dog parks.

Mastiffs are one of the world's most giant breeds, with a heavy and muscular body. Even though they have a scary appearance, they lack aggression and make excellent pets for families. Mastiffs do well in small apartments as well. So, you don't need a huge house to add a Mastiff to your family.