English Mastiff Dog

English Mastiff

English Mastiff Characteristics: The noble and powerful English Mastiff is a breed of Giant dog classified as a member of the Working Dog Group (AKC:1885). The English Mastiff, is characterized by its powerful, dignified appearance with a massive, muscular body and a calm expression. Other characteristics include hazel brown, medium sized, wide set eyes; small, flat lying ears; a straight, tapering tail and a firm, fluid, purposeful gait. The temperament of the English Mastiff can be described as Affectionate, Courageous, Loyal.

The coat type of the English Mastiff is described as short, straight, coarse, dense coat in apricot, brindle, fawn colors.  Due to its characteristics and qualities, the English Mastiff demonstrated the desired traits of a Watch dog, Hunting Dog and Fighter and is known by its nick name the "Military Dog". The origin of the English Mastiff dog breed was in United Kingdom where it was developed in the Ancient Times.

Fast Facts about the English Mastiff: The following facts provide fast information about the English Mastiff breed. Size: Giant *** Breed Group: Working Dog Group (AKC:1885) *** Nick name: "Military Dog" *** Origin: United Kingdom *** Male Height: 30 inches (76 cm) *** Female Height: 27.5 inches (70 cm) *** Male Weight: 150-250 pounds (68-113 kg) *** Female Weight: 120-180 pounds (54-82 kg) *** Coat Type: short, straight, coarse, dense coat *** Coat Colors: apricot, brindle, fawn colors *** Litter Size: 3-5 puppies *** English Mastiff Health Problems: Hip Dysplasia, Entropion, Gastric Torsion *** English Mastiff Lifespan: 10-12 years *** Hypoallergenic: No

English Mastiff Breed Group and Dog Type - Working Dog Group (AKC:1885): The English Mastiff is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Working Dog Group (AKC:1885).

Other names for the English Mastiff: The English Mastiff is known by the nickname of the "Military Dog". Other names for this breed of dog include the Mastiff and Old English Mastiff. History facts and info about all the Mastiff breeds

Origin of the name: The origin of the name "English Mastiff" derives from its place of origin. The word "Mastiff" is from the Old French word 'mastin' meaning "great cur". N.B. The word 'cur' was used to describe vicious dogs and derives from the Old Norse word 'kurra' meaning "to growl".

English Mastiff History and Origin: The country of origin of the English Mastiff breed was in United Kingdom during the Ancient Times. The English Mastiff is often described as a Molosser dog that shares a common ancestry with the large, powerful dogs of antiquity including the now extinct Alaunt breed. The English Mastiff was used in England as a fighting dog, a military dog and also as a hunting dog. In its role as a hunting dog the English Mastiff would accompany royalty and nobles on hunts for wolves and the extremely dangerous wild boars of England. The large, ferocious wild boar had four sharp tusks used for fighting off predators and which could inflict severe injuries, especially after a powerful charge. Due to its power and strength the English Mastiff was also used as a fighting dog and as a military and war dog.

 The English Mastiff was used as a guard dog in the manor houses and castles of England and were also taken by English Knights and the Knights Templar to fight in the Crusades (A.D. 1099 to 1254). The English Mastiff also accompanied many knights at the Battle of Agincourt on 25 October 1415 when the English gained a famous, decisive victory against the French.

The English Mastiff's role as a guard dog and hunting dog continued during the Medieval era. During the 1600's, in the Colonial period, the English Mastiff was introduced to America by the early colonists who used the ferocious dogs to protect their settlements and for defence and attack roles against Native American Indians. The intimidating and ferocious English Mastiff was the basis of the American Mastiff breed and were later used as Military Dogs during the American Civil War (1861 - 1865). In England the English Mastiff was also used as a fighting dogs in the infamous dog pits. The 1835 Cruelty to Animals Act 1835 prohibited the baiting of animals and the breed went into decline but were saved by prominent members of English society who kept the English Mastiff in their kennels.

English Mastiff History: One of the earliest descriptions of the English Mastiff was in the book "House Dogs and Sporting Dogs", published in 1861 by the Englishman John Meyrick, who described the breed as "a truly noble animal in appearance and character". Merrick also stated of the English Mastiff that it was "extremely rare to meet the pure breed...that the dogs were rarely seen in London or other large towns...the race is preserved with great care in some kennels in the country" He went on to state that the Duke of Devonshire and Lord Hertford still possessed a fine strain of Mastiffs and the "beautiful dogs of this breed" were also found "in the Kennels of Her Majesty" (Queen Victoria). The English Mastiff of this era were exported to the United States during the 1880's. The Mastiff was officially recognized by the AKC in 1885.

English Mastiff Legend - "Cafall": "Cafall" is reputed to be the dog who was owned by King Arthur of Camelot. Cafall was a mighty English Mastiff, brave, loyal and regal.

English Mastiff History - Military Dogs in WW1 and WW2: The English Mastiff was used again as military dog in both WW1 and WW2 and were trained in combat methods and for the protection of their owners and to guard prisoners.

English Mastiff Height: The English Mastiff breed is classified as a Giant sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 30 inches (76 cm). The height to the shoulder of a female dog is 27.5 inches (70 cm).

English Mastiff Weight: Not surprisingly for a Giant sized dog, the weight of a male dog is 150-250 pounds (68-113 kg). The weight of the smaller female dog is 120-180 pounds (54-82 kg) .

English Mastiff Coat Type: The coat type is described as a short, straight, coarse, dense coat.

English Mastiff Coat Colors: The colors of this English dog breed include apricot, brindle and fawn colors. N.B. Brindle is a brownish or tawny color.

English Mastiff Grooming - LOW Grooming Needs: The dog grooming needs of the English Mastiff are categorized as Low in order to maintain a healthy coat and reduce the risk of skin infections. The limited dog grooming needs of the English Mastiff are therefore considered to be low maintenance, requiring limited attention to grooming with casual brushing and combing. Dog Grooming needs of the English Mastiff should also include bathing the dog on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the eyes, ears, nails and teeth.

English Mastiff Litter Size: The litter size of this English dog breed ranges from 3-5 puppies. English Mastiff puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of English Mastiff puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder.

English Mastiff Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of this popular English dog breed is described as Noble, Affectionate, Courageous, Loyal and Powerful.

English Mastiff Exercise Requirements - HIGH Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog is high. The English Mastiff requires regular daily exercise consisting of approximately one to two hours each day. This large, powerful dog has a firm, fluid, purposeful gait with strides of a moderate length and requires a brisk walking speed or jogging by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements.

English Mastiff Diet: A fully grown English Mastiff is a hearty eater and should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat.

English Mastiff Health Problems: Potential health problems of the English Mastiff breed include Hip Dysplasia, Entropion, Gastric Torsion. The English Mastiff is a heavy drooler. Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the English Mastiff dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: No.

English Mastiff Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the English Mastiff breed is 10-12 years.

English Mastiff Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the English Mastiff breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male English Mastiff names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Ayar *** Connor *** Hulkie *** Abel *** Deven *** Kirk *** Tobie *** Marcus *** Jake *** Joey.

English Mastiff Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the English Mastiff girl dog. Our top choice of good female English Mastiff names are Cupid *** Vesper *** Zara *** Hera *** Bella *** Juno *** Luna *** Kiki *** Venus *** Chesky *** Shar.

Fast Facts about the English Mastiff: The following facts provide fast information about the English Mastiff breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Breed Group: Working Dog Group (AKC:1885) *** Size: Giant *** Country of Origin: United Kingdom *** History / Date: Ancient Times *** Male English Mastiff Height: 30 inches (76 cm) *** Male English Mastiff Weight: 150-250 pounds (68-113 kg) *** Coat Type: short, straight, coarse, dense coat *** English Mastiff Litter Size: 3-5 puppies *** English Mastiff Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** English Mastiff Lifespan: 10-12 years ***

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