Every month, we will highlight a popular dog breed at risk for arthritis. We will talk about what we love about them, as well as reflect on how to keep them healthy. This month, we are focusing on the Mastiffs, a key member of the World’s Largest Breed of Dogs. Learn more about this giant breed of dog and the several types of Mastiffs there, are as well as why we love them and how to keep them healthy.
According to the AKC, there are a variety of Mastiffs which have been around for thousands of years. The Old English Mastiff and the British Mastiff are the traditional Mastiffs and recognized as the main form of the breed. These dogs have roots that can be traced back into medieval England. They were used as hunting dogs and some say even accompanied British forces against the French in the early 14th century. By the time World War II was over, England’s supply of Mastiffs was sorely depleted, with some estimating there were only 14 pure Mastiffs in England. Thankfully, this population of Mastiffs has been rebuilt with the help of U.S. breeders who were able to get good exports from Britain.
There are many more giant breeds and several of them are the Mastiff category of dog breeds. In fact, the AKC acknowledged 12 of the largest breeds of dogs as the world’s largest dogs.
There are four different Mastiff breed dogs mentioned in this list of giant breeds of dogs. They are:
Height: Female: 28–36 inches (70–91 cm), Male: 28–36 inches (70–91 cm)
Mass: Male: 150 – 240 lbs. (Large Adult), Female: 120 – 200 lbs (Large Adult)
Properly called the Old English Mastiff, this giant short-haired dog has a heavy, large head and a short muzzle. These dogs have been bred in England for over two thousand years and are mentioned throughout historic English literature. These beautiful large dogs have a black mask with varying colors of yellow bodies.
Height: Male: 26 to 31 inches (64–68 cm), Female: 24 to 29 inches (61–66 cm)
Mass: 120 – 200 lbs
This breed is an excellent family and guard dog. Today this giant breed is sometimes thought of as a gentle giant with its massive size. This dog is one of the largest, with a big stature and lots of wrinkles. They've been guarding homes since ancient Roman times.
Height: 28 to 36 inches
Mass: 120 and 200 pounds at maturity
This breed is considered a cross from the Anatolian and English Mastiffs. The basis of crossing these breeds was to make it so the Mastiff with live longer without as many health problems. Because of this breeding, they have a longer life span than other Matiffs, with an average of 10 – 12 years.
Height: Male: 25–27 inches (64–68 cm), Female: 24–26 inches (61–66 cm)
Mass: Male: 110 – 130 lbs (Large Adult), Female: 99 – 120 lbs (Large Adult)
These dogs were needed in 1860s England to keep large estates and game preserves free from poachers. The Bullmastiff is a cross between the Mastiff and the Bulldog to make a fearless dog that would attach on command. The American Kennel Club recognized as a Bullmastiff in 1933.
Height: Male: 26–30 inches (66–76 cm), Female: 24–28 inches (61–71 cm)
Mass: 110 – 180 lbs (Large Adult, In the West)
There is much history associated with the Tibetan Mastiff as the guard dog of Tibet, but these dogs have roots in early 1100 BC China. Some have early accounts where the Tibetan Mastiff in 1100 BC in China and have accompanied the armies of Persians, Greeks, Romans and Attila the Hun and even Genghis Khan in western Europe.
As you can imagine, Giant dogs sometimes have giant health problems. The Mastiff’s main health issues are in part due to their size.
The unfortunate fact that really no dog lives nearly long enough, the Mastiff’s lifespan is even shorter than an average sized dog. Mastiff’s are expected to only live 9-10 years. Their short life span can be attributed to their tremendous size. It is very important to be sure that you keep your Mastiff as healthy as possible with key preventative measures. But first, here are the key health problems to know about when it comes to your Mastiff:
The health problems most encounter with a Mastiff can be protected against just by planning. Here are the top ways to keep your Mastiff healthy:
This is said for all diets but is certainly true for large breeds. Mastiffs grow fast and are at large breed status quickly. However, their metabolism slows more than most breeds and even other giant breeds. Feeding your dog an appropriate diet is very important. Obesity is a serious health risk for giant breed dogs. More so than in average sized dogs.
Often, dogs need exercise. But for a giant dog like the Mastiff, it is imperative they get plenty of activity and exercise. Because of their large size, they are not good jogging or running partners. A Mastiff would be most happy with a fenced in yard to run as they want to. Adding to exercise is good dog training. If you have a Mastiff, being sure they are well trained is key so they know the proper commands and only instill fear if needed.
As most of the Mastiff’s health problems are joint-related, plan to do what you can to protect and strengthen their joints safely and naturally by adding a joint supplement to their diet. Most dogs need joint supplements by age 8. But since the Mastiff’s life expectancy is much shorter, they should begin taking joint supplements even earlier, by age 4 or earlier. Joint supplements can promote joint health and cartilage development which keep dogs active and youthful, longer.
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If you are considering a Mastiff, remember there are many things that are great to consider. Mastiff size is something for sure. But remember what they will be doing most of the time. If you have a variety of friends coming to your home, a Mastiff may not be for you. However, if you want a loyal, strong protector for your home, a Mastiff is for you. These dogs also need a lot of interaction and exercise. Be sure to make them right at home and they will be your fierce protector and biggest snuggle buddy you can find. These lovable, gentle breeds for families become a key part of the family. There is a lot to love with the Mastiff!
What did we miss? Be sure to comment on our social media accounts what you love about your Mastiff!