A Brief History of the Mastiff Breed:
There are several theories as to where the Mastiff breed originated but it is generally believed that the British created the breed as he is known today. Legends and folklore abound regarding the breed's ancestry and there is evidence of Mastiff-like dogs dating as far back as 2500 BC in the mountains of Asia.
Mastiffs were used to guard castles and estates, as war dogs accompanying soldiers into battle and, when the Romans invaded Britain, they took dogs back to Italy and used them to guard property and prisoners as well as to fight in arenas. During the Elizabethan era, Mastiffs were used to fight large game, including bears and tigers, usually for the entertainment of the Queen.
By the mid-1800s, dog showing had become popular in England and the first recorded pedigrees for the Mastiff had begun with the Kennel Club of England. By the late 1800s, Mastiffs were being imported into North America where they were often used as plantation guards.
During the First and Second World Wars, Mastiffs were used to pull munitions carts on the front lines. During World War I, the breed started to decline in England and by the 1920s, the breed was almost extinct in that country — It was considered unpatriotic to keep dogs who ate as much in a day as a soldier and, as a result, entire kennels were put down. At the end of World War II, British fanciers began to import stock from Canada and the U.S. in order to revive the breed. Today, the Mastiff breed is well established with the greatest numbers likely being in the U.S.
Breed Profile:
The Mastiff, also known as the English Mastiff and Old English Mastiff, is one of the heaviest breeds — an adult male can weigh more than 200 pounds. He is massive, powerful, stately and noble in appearance and he is known as the gentle giant of the dog world.
The Mastiff is a versatile working dog. His great strength was once used to turn water wheels, pull carts and carry heavy loads on his back. He was also orginally used as a guardian and fighting dog. Today, Mastiffs are excellent companions and family members. They can be seen participating in various activities such as carting, tracking, weight pulling, obedience competition and conformation. They are also used as Therapy Dogs and in Search and Rescue.
The Mastiff is watchful, self-confident and patient. He is very devoted to his family and will protect both his family and property in a calm and dignified manner. While some Mastiffs tend to be aloof with strangers, others are fairly friendly. However, the breed has a strong guarding instinct and will always be very watchful of strangers entering the home and/or around his family members. His good nature, patience and calm, steady demeanor also means that he is generally excellent with children. The Mastiff needs human companionship and is not a dog to be left alone for long periods of time.
Physically, the Mastiff is massive, heavy boned, and muscular. He gives an overall impression of grandeur, power and dignity. Although the Mastiff grows at a tremendous rate for the first 12 months, he does not physically or mentally mature until the age of three or four years. His outer coat is moderately coarse and the under coat is dense, short and close lying. The coat colour is either apricot, silver fawn or dark fawn-brindle. The muzzle, nose and ears are always dark in colour, the darker the better.
A few notes about the breed:
— All Mastiffs slobber. The amount varies from one dog to the next. While some slobber only when eating, drinking or when they are hot; others seem to slobber constantly.
— Another characteristic of the breed is snoring. Snoring is genetic and caused by a long soft palate (this does not mean he has a long muzzle), so some Mastiffs snore occasionally and others snore very loudly and often.
— According to the MCOA, the Guinness Book of Records holder for the world's largest dog is a Mastiff named Zorba. In 1989, when he was 8 years old, Zorba weighed 343 pounds and measured 37 inches at the shoulder. From the tip of his nose to the tip of his tail, Zorba was 8 feet 3 inches in length.
Note: The general term "mastiff" is used to refer to several breeds around the world. The Mastiff as a specific breed originated in England over 2,000 years ago and is also known as the English Mastiff.
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Health Issues in the Mastiff breed:
The documented average life span for the Mastiff is 6-10 years. However, some live to be 13 or 14 and a few have lived to the age of 17 years. Like all breeds, the Mastiff is susceptible to certain hereditary and non-hereditary health disorders, including eye diseases, Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, Cancer, Aortic Stenosis and other heart disease, Epilepsy, Hypothyroidism, vonWillebrand's Disease, Gastric Torsion (Bloat) and others. If you are considering the purchase of a Mastiff puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)
The Canadian Mastiff Club Code of Ethics states that all breeding stock must be certified clear with hip and elbow x-rays, with a passing grade by a recognized orthopedic registry. In addition, CERF testing is highly recommended and any Mastiff known to be affected with Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) must not be bred. The Canadian Mastiff Club also encourages members to do further testing prior to breeding, such as: Thyroid, Cardiac, Patella, vonWillebrand Disease, PRA-DNA and Cystinuria.
Health Resources & Additional Reading:
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Breed Standards:
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Training Resources:
The Mastiff is a very sensitive dog and early socialization to new situations is a must for this breed. If not properly socialized, he may become shy, nervous or show signs of aggression. Basic training should also start at a young age for the Mastiff puppy. As previously mentioned, the Mastiff is very sensitive and the best approach to training is through positive reinforcement.
- Training — For information on training your Mastiff, see this growing section of Canada's Guide to Dogs for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
- Training your Mastiff — from Mastiffweb.com
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Grooming:
Grooming requirements are minimal with a quick brush a few times a week and the occasional bath will keep the coat looking good. Other grooming needs such as cleaning of ears and teeth and trimming nails should be done regularly.
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Additional Information:
- Choosing a Breeder — by Mrs. Bev Molloy, Banda Mastiffs NEW - Added 11 April 2006
- Things You Need to Know Before You Adopt a Mastiff Puppy
- Mastiff Breed FAQ — From the Mastiff Club of America
- Mastiff Stud Dog Register
- Mastiffweb.com — The Great Home of the English Mastiff on the Internet — Excellent source of information for the Mastiff breed as well as a message board.
- English Mastiff Online Community — An interactive website that is created by all who are willing to participate and submit content to the site. Articles, stories, and photo submissions are welcome, plus there is a forum, chat room, and private messaging.
- Clubs, Sports & Activities — Here you will find information on various dog sports and activities, including obedience, conformation, carting, and much more, along with listings of non-breed specific clubs from across Canada. (Note: For Mastiff breed clubs, see the Breed Clubs section.)
- Working Dogs — This section is dedicated to the working dog and includes information on several dog jobs, including Therapy Dogs, Service Dogs, SAR Dogs, Police K9s, and much more. Also included are listings of organizations from across Canada.
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