The majestic English Mastiff is a large and powerful dog breed that makes an impressive companion. They usually weigh between 130-220 pounds and stand 27-33 inches tall, although the exact size depends on the individual.

Perhaps even more striking than their size is their loyalty; English Mastiffs are known to be incredibly devoted family dogs, willing to protect and serve the people they love. Topping off their strong look, they have a short, sleek, dense coat that is silky soft to the touch.

Common colors are fawn, apricot, and brindle, each with a unique dark mask across the muzzle, ears, and nose. Unfortunately for allergy sufferers, this breed is not hypoallergenic and has an average life span of 7-11 years.

Nevertheless, any family who can accommodate their special needs will surely appreciate the love and devotion an English Mastiff offers!

History

The English Mastiff is an ancient breed of dog that has been around for thousands of years. It is believed to have descended from the Alaunt and Pugnaces, two breeds of war dogs used in England during the Middle Ages.

The modern version of the breed was developed some time during the 13th or 14th centuries. During this time, they were used for bull, bear, and lion baiting, hunting, and guarding. In Elizabethan times, they were also used as guard dogs and sentinels.

In more recent times, the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the English Mastiff in 1885, and it has since become a popular companion dog.

They are known for their large size, loyalty, courage, and intelligence. They make excellent family pets but require plenty of exercise and socialization to stay healthy and happy.

Appearance

The English Mastiff is a large and powerful breed of dog with a symmetrical body and head of square appearance. It has a massive frame, broad skull, and drooping jowls, with a black mask around the eyes and nose.

The Mastiff’s expression is one of grandeur and nobility, despite its intimidating size. Its small ears are V-shaped with rounded tips, while its eyes are dark and intelligent.

Coat

Their unique and beautiful coats sport a short and sleek look but don’t be fooled. Despite its seemingly smooth appearance, their coats are incredibly thick and dense – but wonderfully silky soft to the touch!

This breed typically sports colors like fawn, apricot, and brindle that really bring out the dark mask across the muzzle, ears, and nose of this loving giant. There’s just one problem: if you suffer from allergies, the English Mastiff may not be for you since it isn’t considered hypoallergenic.

Either way, there’s no doubt these canine beauties have an impressive heavy coat to keep them cool in hot weather and warm in colder temperatures.

Size

The size of an English Mastiff is both impressively large and surprisingly manageable. The weight range for males is typically between 160-220 pounds, while the female range is 130-170 pounds.

Similarly, male heights range from 29-33 inches, while females usually reach 27-32 inches. That’s a lot of dog to take care of – yet many Breeds agree that this giant breed can fit into almost any lifestyle thanks to their gentle and relaxed nature.

Lifespan

Most English Mastiffs can expect to live anywhere from 7 to 11 years. While this may seem like a relatively short-lived breed, the life expectancy of an English Mastiff is still generally in line with other dog breeds of its size and weight.

These gentle giants are sure to give their owners plenty of memorable moments during those years, and proud owners of English Mastiffs can rest assured that their thoughtful pooch will remain loyal until the very end!

Environment

The English Mastiff is a large and powerful breed of dog that requires plenty of space to move around in. Therefore, an ideal environment for an English Mastiff would be a house with a large yard, as they need room to roam and exercise.

They can handle cold weather but cannot tolerate extremely hot or humid weather, so it’s important to keep them cool during the summer months.

Socialization is also essential for this breed, as they have strong protective instincts and need to be properly socialized with people and other animals. The English Mastiff can make a great family pet with the right environment and care.

Temperament

The English Mastiff is a large and powerful breed of dog, but they are also known for their gentle and loving nature. They are loyal and devoted to their families. In addition, they have a calm demeanor that makes them great companions for all ages.

They are naturally courageous and protective of their owners yet docile enough to respond well to firm but gentle training. The English Mastiff is an intelligent breed that loves to please its people, making it an ideal pet for those looking for a big dog with a big heart.

The English Mastiff is an affectionate breed who loves being around its family members, often following them around the house like a shadow! They love nothing more than snuggles on the sofa after dinner or on regular walks around the neighborhood.

Grooming

 If you’re lucky enough to have an English mastiff, you know they are a gentle giant. Not only do these dogs need a lot of space and exercise, but they also require regular grooming to keep them healthy and looking their best.

Brushing 

English mastiffs have a thick double coat that needs to be brushed at least once per week with a pin brush or slicker brush. It’s important to start brushing at the head and work your way all the way down to the tail and legs.

Pay special attention to any mats or tangles that may form in their fur, as these can cause discomfort for your pup if left unattended.

Bathing

It’s recommended that you bathe your English Mastiff every 6-8 weeks unless they happen to get dirty sooner than that—which is very likely considering how large and active they are!

Remember that too much bathing can dry out their skin, so use moisturizing shampoos and conditioners specifically made for dogs when it comes time for bath time.

Ears 

It is vital to regularly check and clean your English Mastiff’s ears every week as part of their grooming routine to prevent ear infections from developing. Start by using a damp cloth or cotton ball dipped in warm water mixed with an ear-cleaning solution specifically designed for dogs (never use Q-tips).

Gently wipe around the inside of the ear until there is no more dirt visible on the cloth or cotton ball. Once finished, gently massage the base of each ear before drying off with a clean towel or cotton ball.  

Nails 

Like most other dog breeds, English Mastiffs need regular nail trims every 4-6 weeks depending on how quickly their nails grow out between sessions. Be sure not to cut too close; stop just before hitting the quick, which will help prevent bleeding and pain caused by cutting into those sensitive nerve endings located within each nail bed.

Teeth

Lastly, don’t forget about dental hygiene! Brushing your pup’s teeth should become part of your daily routine starting at puppyhood to maintain good oral health throughout their life (it’s never too late to start!).

Use toothpaste formulated specifically for dogs (human toothpaste cannot be used) along with either a finger brush or small toothbrush specially designed for pets in order to clean away plaque buildup from chewing toys and treats throughout the day.

Nutrition

English Mastiffs have unique nutritional needs compared to other breeds. They require a diet that is primarily meat-based, with protein and fat coming from human food-grade sources.

Puppies need more protein than adults, so their diets should contain 25-27% protein and 12-15% fat content. Adult Mastiffs should have a diet containing 26% protein and 10-12% fat content. It is important to avoid dog foods with soybean meal as it can cause health problems for Mastiffs.

Additionally, a plain wholemeal biscuit is better than the fancy varieties for feeding your Mastiff.

Feeding schedules and amounts vary depending on age; puppies 8-12 weeks old should be eating 2-4 cups of food per day spread over three to four meals. From 11 months onward, they should be eating 6-10 cups of food per day, spread over three to four meals.

It is essential to stick with kibbles designed for large or giant breeds to ensure your Mastiff gets the right amount of nutrition.

Training

Training an English Mastiff is no easy task. These large, powerful dogs require a lot of patience and consistency from their owners. It is important to start training your Mastiff early on in life, as they can be challenging to manage if not properly trained.

Positive reinforcement techniques such as treats and praise are recommended for training an English Mastiff. Socialization is also key when training these dogs, as they need to learn how to interact with other animals and people to be well-behaved.

With the right amount of time and effort, you can have a happy, obedient English Mastiff that will be a loyal companion for years to come.

Exercise

Exercising an English Mastiff is essential for their health and wellbeing. Generally, they need between 30-60 minutes of exercise daily, depending on their age, size, and overall health.

Regular walks are recommended, with 10-20 minutes being enough once or twice a day. Free play and muscle-strengthening activities are also beneficial for Mastiffs.

It is important to be aware that too much exercise can be damaging to their sensitive joints and bones, especially during the puppy period. However, with the right amount of exercise, your English Mastiff will stay healthy and happy!

Conclusion

Owning an English Mastiff has its challenges but it can also be gratifying! With proper care and training, these fantastic animals make wonderful companions who will love you unconditionally no matter what life throws your way!

If you have the resources and patience necessary to own such a large dog breed, then don’t hesitate—go out there and find your own gentle giant today!