The Mastiff dog breed originated in England and was mostly utilized as a guardian. The sheer size of these dogs made them intimidating and it was easy for them to scare away intruders. In different times throughout history, they were used as war dogs, gladiators, hunting dogs, bull baiters, bear baiters, and unfortunately, dog fighters. Today, those hardened times are behind them and they are mostly utilized as family pets.
These dogs are now known to be calm, easygoing, and surprisingly gentle, which is definitely a switch from their violent past. They are loyal to their families and while they still act as guardians for many households, they are sweet tempered and are not at all aggressive. They are a great option for families with children and other pets, as they get along well with everyone.
Mastiffs are large lumbering dogs and while they don't need a lot of exercise to stay healthy, they do need at least a nice walk or run in the yard daily. They rest comfortably inside, but because of their size, need space to stretch out. They would not be a good choice for an apartment dweller.
As far as upkeep, it's important to note that they tend to drool quite excessively. Their coat is coarse, smooth, and short and requires minimal care. They do tend to suffer from several pet health issues, including hip dysplasia, which is the malformation of the hip joint; gastric torsion, a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists over itself causing blockages; elbow dysplasia, the malformation of the elbow joint; and bone cancer, a serious form of cancer. Pet insurance is one way to protect a pet owner's pocketbook when these conditions hit their pets. Pet insurance companies reimburse the pet owner a portion of the veterinary bill after treatment is complete.
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| Pet Insurance for the Mastiff |
As mentioned, these dogs are large, with females standing at least 27.5 inches tall and males standing at least 30 inches tall. They weigh between 175 and 190 pounds. Their coat can be seen in various colors, including fawn, apricot, or brindle. They live to be between nine and eleven years old.
