Old English Mastiff

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

Old English Mastiff is also known as English Mastiff or simply Mastiff. It is a large dog breed that is believed to have been descended from the ancient Alaunt through Pugnaces Britanniae. A combination of grandeur and good nature as well as courage and docility, the dog was bred in England and used as a watchdog for more than two thousand years. This ancient breed has been mentioned by Caesar in his account of invading England in 55 B.C.,when this breed came into his notice, fighting valiantly beside their masters against his troops.

This large and massive dog is powerfully built breed that emanates impression of power and strength. It stands a minimum of 30 inches and can stand up to 38 inches. This solid dog can weigh any where between 185-230 lbs. (though this breed has set the world record with 315 lb weight in 1989). The dog comes with a massive head, broad and slightly moderate skull and strong muzzle that is half the size of the skull and leads to dark nose with spread flat nostrils. Medium size and wide set apart brown eyes hold expression of alertness and kindness. V-shaped, rounded tipped ears are small in proportion to the skull. They are moderately thin and set wide apart and high on skull, hanging down close to the cheeks. Ears match colour of the muzzle; the darker the better. Powerful, muscular and slightly arched, medium length neck widens gradually into powerful shoulders. The Old English Mastiff has a powerful and robust body that comes with a straight, firm and level topline, deep chest with rounded ribs and muscular, powerful and straight back. Moderately long, high set tail hangs down straight in repose and forms a slight curve when the dog is in motion. The dog has a short, straight and coarse topcoat and short, dense and close-fitting undercoat. It comes in fawn, apricot and brindle colouring.

This breed is recognized by AKC as well as all the other major kennel clubs including FCI, CKC, KC(UK), ANKC, NZKC and UKC.

Color

The Old English Mastiff comes in fawn, apricot and brindle colouring. Brindle should have fawn or apricot as background colour which should be completely covered with very dark stripes. Muzzle, ears, and nose must be dark in color, the blacker the better. A small patch of white on the chest is permitted. A black mask should always occur.

Coat

The Mastiff has a double coat. Topcoat is short, coarse and straight and undercoat is short, dense and close-fitting.

Personality

The Mastiff is a combination of grandeur, good nature, dignity, docility and courage. This breed has been described as even tempered in all formal standards and historical descriptions. It is a very loyal and affectionate dog that is protective of its master and family. Though the dog has an intimidating appearance, it rarely attacks an intruder or potential threat; instead the dog will pin the culprit and wait for its master to take control of the things. It is very kind and patient with children and gets along well with other dogs. This breed is very gentle, easy going and calm as well as sensitive and as such, must not be subjected to harsh training. The dog does not require lots of exercise and will be happy with daily walks. It is a very well mannered dog breed that seldom, if ever, creates any difficulty with its behavior. Though not very demonstrated, it is an extremely devoted and loyal dog breed that forms strong bond with its family and loves being around its family members most of the time. It is affectionately referred to as 'Gentle Giant' and 'Giant Teddy Bear'.

Care

Short coat needs occasional brushing. The dog should not be over fed. Correct diet is also very important. This relatively laid back dog should be taken for daily walks and exercise to keep it fit and healthy.

Training

The Old English Mastiff is a very tractable and docile dog that will respond to gentle training methods. As a sensitive breed, the dog should not be subjected to harsh and heavy handed training.

Activity

Mastiffs are inclined to be lazy but they will keep fitter and happier if given regular exercise. Like all dogs, the Mastiff should be taken on daily regular walks to help release it's mental and physical energy. It's in a dogs nature to walk.