The English Mastiff is one of the largest dogs in the world. As the name suggests, this dog comes from England. Fun fact, one of the English Mastiff dogs that has entered the Guinness World Record as the largest dog is a dog named Zorba from England. According to the Guinness World Records, Zorba weighs 155 kg and is 93 cm tall.
This race is thought to be descended from the ancient Alaunt and Pugnaces Britanniae. This fact is taken based on the reliefs stored in The British Museum.
There is seen a dog that is very similar to the Mastiff living since 2500 BC in the Asian Mountains area.
Facts:
- Lifespan: 6–12 years
- Weight: weighing up to 73kg
- Height: 72–80cm
- Color: Apricot, fawn, or mottled
- Size: Giant
- Kennel Group Category: Working dog
Personality
A calm dog who loves his family, he is the kind of guard and indifferent to strangers. With children in the family, he is affectionate and filial, but his rugged size can result in accidental injury if there are small children in his path. For this reason, he is best at home with older children.
Origin
Country of Origin: England
An ancient breed, the Mastiff-like dog has been known in England since before Roman times. Roman conquerors adopted them and used them as gladiators for the arena. The popular war dog, the 400-breed Mastiff is said to have been given by Henry VIII to the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V to help increase his army. This breed has also been used to lure bulls and bears, as well as act as guard dogs.
Also Read: The Best Way to Take Care of an English Mastiff Dog
Health
Like many breeds, Mastiff breeds can suffer from a variety of hereditary eye disorders, and hip and elbow dysplasia (a joint condition that can be painful and cause mobility problems). Therefore, it is very important to check your dog’s eyes and hips before adopting him. They are also prone to certain bladder conditions and ligament problems in the knee (cruciate disease).
Physical Activity
Mastiff breeds require about an hour of exercise a day and tend to be very lazy, enjoying a good night’s sleep in a warm, comfortable place. Don’t over-exercise when you’re young, as this breed is prone to bone problems, which can be exacerbated by muscle and joint strain in growing dogs.
Nutrition
Giant breed dogs, apart from having a large appetite, benefit from a different balance of minerals and vitamins, supporting the different needs of joints and cartilage. Mastiffs are prone to bloating and stomach problems; try feeding smaller, more frequent meals to help minimize risk.
Mastiff Care
Short hair is coarser around the neck and shoulder area, so this breed requires less attention; do brushing once a week is enough.
Best Dog Breeds for Families
While many dogs are considered child-friendly, all dogs and children need to be taught how to interact and respect one another, and how to keep each other safe. However, dogs and young children should not be left alone and should have parental supervision during their interactions.