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Four Paws Veterinary Clinic

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Meet the Mastiff

MEET THE MASTIFF 

The Old English mastiff, also known simply as the mastiff, is a large, powerful dog that makes an excellent guard dog and companion. The mastiff is thought to be a descendent of the Tibetan mastiff and has been bred in England for about 2000 years. The mastiff has been treasured for centuries for his strength and loyalty. The mastiff is believed to have come to America on the Mayflower and others were imported later. In both world wars, the mastiff was used to pull munition carts on the front line. They were also popular as farm dogs. The Mastiff Club of America was established in 1929 and the American Kennel Club accepted the breed as a member of the working group.

The mastiff has a broad, massive head with a short muzzle. The body is large and the tail tapers. The eyes are dark, medium size and set far apart on the head with small "V"-shaped rounded ears. The outer hair coat is coarse, straight, and moderately short with an undercoat that is dense and short. The color of the coat comes in golden or light fawn, apricot, silver, and brindle with the muzzle, ears, and nose being a black mask. The mastiff stands 27 to 30 inches from the shoulder and weighs 175 to over 190 pounds. The life span of the mastiff is 8 to 10 years.Originally valued for their abilities as a fierce guard and fighting dog, today’s mastiff is a gentle giant. It is a self-confident, watchful, and patient dog who is gentle-natured towards its family. Intelligent and dignified, it rarely barks, but it is in its nature to defend its territory and family. Calm, steady and docile, this dog is normally excellent with children (not recommended for toddlers though, because of their great size). Good natured, but very large and heavy. Responds well to gentle, patient training. This breed loves to please and needs lots of companionship. When strangers visit, it is likely to refuse to let them in, unless they are accepted by its handler. It is very possessive of home, family, and car. It may be combative with other dogs if not very well socialized as a puppy, so extra effort should be taken to socialize a mastiff puppy. The mastiff tends to drool, wheeze, and snore loudly.

The mastiff is a strong dog that needs firm handling but must be trained with kindness if he is to be kept under control. Obedience training needs to be started at a young age, while the dog is still small so that they behave as adults. The mastiff needs plenty of obedience training and continued training throughout life. They can be somewhat difficult to train.

To keep their coat shiny, daily brushing and wiping with a moist towel is recommended.

Common Diseases and Disorders

Gastric torsion (bloat) is a life-threatening sudden illness associated with the stomach filling with air and twisting.

Hip dysplasia is a malformation of the hip joint that results in pain.

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a heart condition that results in a large, thin-walled heart muscle.

Cataracts cause a loss of the normal transparency of the lens of the eye. The problem can occur in one or both eyes and can lead to blindness.

Entropion is a problem with the eyelid that causes inward rolling. Lashes on the edge of the eyelid irritate the surface of the eyeball and may lead to more serious problems.

The mastiff is also prone to arthritis, obesity, elbow dysplasia and vaginal hyperplasia.

For more information visit:

Mastiff Club of America: http://mastiff.org/

American Kennel Club: http://www.akc.org/
 

Clinic Hours

DOCTORS’ HOURS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
7:00am - 7:00pm
Tuesday, Friday
7:00am - 6:00pm
Saturday
8:00am - 12:00pm