About The English Mastiff

General info bout Caring for an English Mastiff

Mastiffs need moderate exercise, socialization, obedience training, a quality food with moderate protein and fat content, and the normal maintenance activities that any breed requires. Included are minimal grooming and bathing, ear cleaning, and regular vet check-ups and vaccinations.

Nutrition: In general, Mastiffs do best on a food that is in the mid-range for protein and fat and is well balanced. Feeding a Mastiff puppy food that is high in protein, calories and fat may accelerate their growth rate and possibly increase the risk of joint, bone and/or tendon problems. Mastiffs will grow to what they were genetically preprogrammed to be whether they get there slowly or quickly. It is best to grow them slowly to minimize the risk of developing long term joint and bone problems. If the dog food you intend to use is balanced for nutrition, do not add supplemental calcium to the diet. Too much calcium causes more problems than too little! Feed a good quality, premium food, following the recommendations provided by your breeder and adjusting the amount according to body condition. Do not let a Mastiff puppy or young adult get fat. You should be able to feel the ribs, or at least see the last two ribs while the dog is in motion. Fat dogs are more likely to have problems with joints, bones, heart, liver, kidneys, etc.

Training: Because they are destined to be very large dogs, basic obedience training should be a part of every Mastiff’s upbringing. Adequate socialization is an extremely important part of a puppy’s training. To find obedience and socialization classes, contact your local kennel club(s) and/or veterinarian. If you cannot locate classes, take your puppy out often to places where it can meet people and other dogs in a friendly atmosphere such as parks and shopping centers. Positive reinforcement training tends to work best for most Mastiffs. Many Mastiffs have received their Canine Good Citizenship titles and are wonderful Therapy Dogs. Mastiffs DO NOT need protection training. Mastiffs are excellent companion dogs, are intelligent and eager to please their owners. This can be demonstrated by the numerous titles earned by our gentle

giants in conformation, obedience, agility, carting, rally, scent work, trick dog and as Canine Good Citizens, certified Therapy Dogs and Service Dogs.

-MCOA

The English Mastiff Breed Standard

Temperament; Courageous, Dignified, Good-NaturedHeight; 30” and up (males) 27.5” and up (females)Weight; 160-230lb (males) 120-170lb (females)

For the uninitiated, a face-to-face encounter with these black-masked giants can be startling. A male stands at least 30 inches at the shoulder and can outweigh many a full-grown man. The rectangular body is deep and thickly muscled, covered by a short double coat of fawn, apricot, or brindle stripes. The head is broad and massive, and a wrinkled forehead accentuates an alert, kindly expression. Mastiffs are patient, lovable companions and guardians who take best to gentle training. Eternally loyal Mastiffs are protective of family, and a natural wariness of strangers makes early training and socialization essential. Mastiffs are magnificent pets, but acquiring a powerful giant-breed dog is commitment not to be taken lightly.

-AKC