The English Mastiff, Old English Mastiff, or just Mastiff is one of the oldest guarding dog breeds in the world. They are large, drooling, loving companions you’ll fall in love with the minute you get the puppy home.
But, dogs are more than their awkward cuteness while in the puppy stage, so let’s take a look at what to expect from this ancient breed.
- English Mastiff Size
Yes, it is a very large guard dog. One English Mastiff was in a Guinness Book of Records for being the longest and heaviest dog in the world. His name was Zorba and he was a 343 lb male Mastiff.
However, Zorba was one of a kind. Other Mastiffs are large but stick to a more ‘normal ’ weight.
- Male Height: 30 inches or more
- Male Weight: 160 to 230 pounds
- Female Height: 27.5 inches or more
- Female Weight: 120 to 170 pounds
The English Mastiffs are heavy-boned, thickly-muscled, and powerful dogs. No matter if it’s a male or a female Mastiff, both sexes look formidable.
- English Mastiff Color
There are not many variations in coat color or markings when it comes to English Mastiffs. The AKC accepts three:
- Apricot
- Brindle
- Fawn
As for the markings, the black mask is the only variation. The black color covers the muzzle, eyes, and ears.
- English Mastiff Intelligence
According to Stanley Corren and his book called The Intelligence of Dogs, Mastiffs are not the smartest dogs. In his book, Stanley claims they need 80 to 100 repetitions to learn a new command.
If you ask the owners, they will say their dog is a smart one, but not as bright as a Collie. Low points on the intelligence scale come from their fragile nature and stubbornness. If they feel hurt (emotionally) they will not obey no matter how many times you tell them.
Their working purpose for thousands of years is another reason for ‘low ranking’. They were bred to protect and scare off intruders. That means they didn’t need to think through situations but act on their innate strong protective instinct.
- English Mastiff Social traits
What they lack in intelligence they make up for in lovingness and companionship. These dogs are giant cuddlers.
- Good with other dogs
- Good with kids
- Good with other animals
A lot of Mastiff owners I’ve come across describe them as giant lap dogs that make wonderful family dogs. Of course, that doesn’t mean you don’t have to train and properly socialize them when they are puppies.
Socialization is a must for any dog breed.
- English Mastiff Trainability
According to Stanley Corren and his book called The Intelligence of Dogs, Mastiffs are not the smartest dogs. In his book, Stanley claims they need 80 to 100 repetitions to learn a new command.
If you ask the owners, they will say their dog is a smart one, but not as bright as a Collie. If they feel hurt (emotionally) they will not obey no matter how many times you tell them.
Their working purpose for thousands of years is another reason for ‘low ranking’. They were bred to protect and scare off intruders. That means they didn’t need to think through situations but act on their innate strong protective instinct.
Calm and assertive training methods are the best when it comes to training the Old English Mastiff. Here are some tips:
- Start early with training
- Properly socialize the dog with other dogs/people/animals
- Be gentle and patient
- Use a reward system – they respond well to it
- Be consistent
- Lots of positive reinforcement
These dogs are big even as puppies and they grow quite fast. So it is important to put yourself in the ‘alpha dog’ position as soon as possible and keep it that way.
You can always go for a professional dog trainer to be sure everything’s done alright.
- English Mastiff Activity Needs
The English Mastiff can do well in an apartment just as in a house with a yard. It’s because most of them prefer lounging on a sofa to running around.
However, they need daily exercise like any other dog breed to keep them healthy, fit, and mentally stimulated as well.
While each dog has their own exercise needs, most require a 30-minute walk two times a day – one in the morning and the other one in the evening.
Remember, these dogs are heavy, so if you exercise and tire them too much they will lie down and you won’t be able to carry them back to your car/home.
- English Mastiff Feeding Guide
Big dogs eat more than little – it’s simple math. The English Mastiff is a dog that likes to eat, but that doesn’t mean it should.
How much you feed your dog depends on many things, such as age, activity, and health problems. It also depends on what kind of food you give to your dog – raw, kibble, mix, etc.
If you are using kibble food such as Purina Pro Plan, most English Mastiffs need 4 cups of kibble food twice a day.
That means two cups in the morning and 2 in the evening. However, the best option is to see how much your dog is active and how much food he needs during the day. Consult your vet or a breeder for a more detailed answer because every dog is unique.
In general, depending on the food brand and the amount they eat, feeding an English Mastiff can cost you from $70 to $200 a month.
- English Mastiff Grooming Requirements
English Mastiffs have a double and short dense fur. They do shed. You will need to brush your dog’s fur once a week and every couple of days during shedding seasons when they shed profusely.
The good thing is it’s not a hard thing to do. You will need a good brush. Some examples are Toysdone 2 in 1 or a Furminator. A tip – prepare the vacuum. There will be hairs flying everywhere as you brush your dog.
Other important things to consider:
- Trimming nails
- Cleaning ears
- Cleaning wrinkles
These three things are as important as brushing your dog. They will make sure your English Mastiff stays healthy without unpleasant ear or skin infections.
- English Mastiff Possible Health Issues
While English Mastiffs are generally healthy dogs, they can have some health problems. The key is responsible breeding which includes health screenings for both male and females. The Mastiff Club Of America shows all the tests in detail.
As for the most common health problems, they are:
- Bone cancer (osteosarcoma)
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Bloat
- Eye problems (allergies)
- Joint problems
- Epilepsy
Large dogs don’t have the biggest lifespan. It is usually up to 10 years. There have been cases of Mastiffs living for 15 years. However, it is very rare.
To Sum It Up
In the end, I can definitely tell you that you will not regret getting an English Mastiff to your home. That is if you are ready for all the drooling, higher expenses, and big dog thinking he is a small lap dog.
Joke aside, these dogs might be more expensive to own, but they are gentle, loving and loyal companions that will protect you at the same time.
They can do well in apartment and in a house with a yard because they don’t need a lot of exercise.
Shedding can be a problem, just like drooling, but as a dog/cat owner, it’s something we get used to. Shedding has never been a problem – we love our furry friends.
