Mastiff Dog Breed Profile

by Luke Blaise

AKC Group: Working Group

The English Mastiff dog is a huge dog. Usually just called "Mastiff," adults can weigh over 200 pounds. It normally has a fawn colored coat with black around the ears and nose.

History

Since 3000 B.C., sketches on Egyptian monuments illustrate typical Mastiffs. Eventually, even Caesar discovered the fearless, robust Mastiff as it retaliated alongside the British troopers in 55 B.C. Astounded by the breed's bravery, he delivered several of them returning to Rome and compelled them to indulge in lion fighting, bull batting and spats with human gladiators. Afterwards, the Mastiff became favored by the peasants in England, in which the dogs were utilized to keep wolves and other harmful predators away.

Physical Features

The dog is huge, substantial, with a solid frame. The AKC standard says these dogs must be at least 30 inches tall, and have a minimum weight of 150 pounds. Although adult males can weigh up to 250 pounds.

Fawn, brindle, or apricot coat colors. Brindle must have apricot or fawn as a foundation color that ought to be fully protected with pretty dark stripes. Ears, muzzle, and nose should be dark in shade, the blacker the greater, with similar shade tone throughout the eye orbits and stretching upward between them. A little patch of white at the chest is allowed.

Personality

A mix of good nature and grandeur, docility and courage. Dignity, instead of gaiety, is Mastiff's right attitude. Judges shouldn't condone viciousness or shyness. However, judges must also avoid placing a high grade on showiness.

Common Health Problems

Watch out for hip dysplasia with Mastiffs. Because these canines are susceptible to bloat, feed 2 or 3 small meals daily, rather than one large one. Also at risk of CHD, ectropion, elbow dysplasia, gastric torsion, PPM, PRA, and vaginal hyperplasia. Sometimes seen is cardiomyopathy.

Return to: Complete AKC Dog Breed List

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