Origin and History

The English Mastiff, a massive and powerful breed, originated in England. Its lineage can be traced back to ancient times, with potential ancestors including the Alaunt and Pugnax Britanniae. The breed was likely developed from these ancient types, along with significant input from the Alpine Mastiff in the 19th century. The English Mastiff's history is intertwined with the Roman Empire, where they were used as war dogs and for hunting. The breed's first written accounts in England date back to 55 BC, during Julius Caesar's invasions.

The name "Mastiff" itself has an uncertain origin, with some suggesting it evolved from the Anglo-Saxon word "masty," meaning "powerful. " Others propose it comes from the Old French word "mastin," derived from Vulgar Latin "ma(n)suetinus," meaning "tame. " The first list of dog breed names in the English language, published in 1465, included "Mastiff. " Throughout history, Mastiffs were used in blood sports such as bull-baiting and dog fighting, as well as for guarding and hunting.

By the 19th century, systematic breeding began, with notable figures like J. W. Thompson and T. V. H. Lukey contributing to the development of the modern Mastiff. The breed's popularity fluctuated, with a decline in the early 20th century, but it has since gained worldwide popularity. In 1885, the American Kennel Club recognized the English Mastiff, and the breed has since become the 28th most popular in the United States.

Historically, the English Mastiff was also used as a police dog, and its use in law enforcement was significant. The breed's ability to track criminals and protect officers made it an invaluable asset to police forces.

The breed has also been associated with several famous historical figures, including Queen Victoria, who owned several Mastiffs. The popularity of the breed among the royal family and other nobility helped to further cement its status in English history.

Physical Characteristics

The English Mastiff is the largest living canine, weighing on average slightly more than the Saint Bernard. It has a massive body, broad skull, and head with a generally square appearance. The breed's body is big with great depth and breadth, especially between the forelegs, which are set wide apart. The length of the body from the point of the shoulder to the point of the buttock is greater than the height at the withers.

The coat of the English Mastiff is short and close-lying, with a limited range of colors including apricot-fawn, silver-fawn, fawn, or dark fawn-brindle. All Mastiffs have a distinctive black mask on the muzzle, ears, and nose, as well as around the eyes. The coat colors are described differently by various kennel clubs, but they essentially consist of fawn or apricot as a base for black brindle.

Long-haired Mastiffs, known as "Fluffies," are caused by a recessive gene and are occasionally seen. The AKC considers a long coat a fault but not a cause for disqualification. Some Mastiffs may have a heavy shading caused by dark hairs throughout the coat or primarily on the back and shoulders, which is not a standard color but can occur.

Temperament and Behavior

The English Mastiff is known for its gentle and loving nature, combining imposing size with a loyal temperament and protective instincts. The breed is calm and courageous, making it an excellent guardian. Mastiffs are generally friendly but may be reserved with strangers, displaying a dignified demeanor. They are known for their loyalty and protective nature, often forming strong bonds with their families.

Despite their massive size, English Mastiffs are relatively low-energy dogs. They enjoy a relaxed lifestyle and do not require extensive exercise. Regular walks and playtime are sufficient to meet their physical and mental needs.

Training the English Mastiff can be challenging due to their independent nature and strong will. However, with patience and consistency, they can be trained effectively.

Health and Genetics

The English Mastiff is a particularly large dog that requires a correct diet and exercise to maintain its health. Excessive running is not recommended for the first two years of the dog's life to prevent damage to the growth plates in the joints.

Major health concerns for the English Mastiff include hip dysplasia, gastric torsion, obesity, osteosarcoma, and cystinuria. Other issues that may occasionally occur include cardiomyopathy, allergies, vaginal hyperplasia, cruciate ligament rupture, hypothyroidism, OCD, entropion, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and persistent pupillary membranes (PPM). When purchasing a purebred Mastiff, experts often suggest undergoing tests for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, thyroid, and DNA for PRA.

The genetic basis for the variability of the coat in dogs has been much studied. The gene possibilities allowed by the Mastiff standard are AyBDEmh(kbr_or_ky)mS, which describes a dog that is fawn with a dark nose, non-dilute, black-masked, non-harlequin, brindled or not brindled, non-merle, and non-spotted. The breed may also exhibit rare colors such as black, blue brindle, and chocolate (brown) mask.

Buying and Owning an English Mastiff

The average lifespan of an English Mastiff is 6-10 years, with males weighing between 73-104 kg and females between 54-77 kg. Males stand at 76-86 cm and females at 70-81 cm in height.

Due to their size and potential health issues, English Mastiffs require a significant investment in terms of food, veterinary care, and exercise.

Their protective nature may require careful socialization to ensure they do not become overly aggressive.

• Consider the dog's size and potential health issues.
• Ensure your home and lifestyle are suitable for a large dog.
• Be prepared for the financial commitment of owning an English Mastiff.
• Provide adequate space for exercise and play.
• Be prepared for the responsibility of caring for a large, powerful dog.

Care and Maintenance

Due to their large size, English Mastiffs may require special attention to their paws.

Exercise requirements for English Mastiffs are relatively low, but they do need daily walks and playtime to stay healthy and mentally stimulated. Their massive size makes them prone to overheating, so exercise should be conducted in moderate amounts and in cool weather conditions.