Mastiffs are a powerful, muscular type of dog, generally classified as a working breed. While they make great pets, theyre also classically used for guarding homes and other areas. Theyre reliable, watchful, and intelligent, and known for their loyalty and devotion. They can be very good with children, and are possessive and protective of the home and family that theyre associated with. Despite their enormous size (a hundred and seventy to over two hundred pounds on average, with individuals over three hundred pounds), mastiffs are gentle and very sweet. They do not respond well to harsh methods, and require early socialization. A firm, fair, and patient trainer will get the most out of the mastiff dog breed. Dont be tempted to allow your mastiff to do whatever he or she wants, however. Whats cute when your dog is a puppy can be a real problem when it gets to weigh as much as a large person.
Mastiffs come in a few color variations. All members of the mastiff dog breed have a short, coarse outer coat with a dense under coat and a dark nose, ears, and muzzle. However, the coat itself can be apricot, fawn, or brindle. White marks are considered bad in show dogs, but make no difference in pet animals. The breed doesnt shed a great deal, but you should expect to do occasional grooming. Use a firm bristle brush to remove loose hair. When necessary, you can give your mastiff a wet or dry bath.
Like most purebred dogs, the mastiff dog breed has several health problems that are common. Dysplasia of the hips and elbows, bloating, and heart problems are common. This doesnt mean that your dog will develop these problems, but that there is a risk. Mastiffs are also prone to obesity and laziness in old age, and will have to be encouraged to exercise. Some larger mastiffs will be prone to snoring and drooling.
The mastiff was developed primarily as a guard animal, though they were also favored by nobles for use in hunting. Bear, bull, and lion baiting were common until these practices were outlawed, as was the use of mastiffs in dogfight pits. The outlawing of these cruel practices actually caused a sudden drop in their numbers, since fewer dogs were being bred, and the breed was nearly extinct by the end of the 1940s. Imports into England from North America revived it, and mastiffs are now fairly common.
If youre thinking about getting a mastiff, be sure that you can offer it the socialization, time, and space it needs. The mastiff dog breed is known for its attachment to families, and that means that individual dogs are often needy. Its important to be able to give your dog lots of attention, as animals who are often left alone may feel neglected. Mastiffs are also not good at dealing with other animals, unless they have been raised around them, so households with one of these dogs will be unable to introduce new pets once their dog is out of puppyhood.
Michael Burrows is a caring and loving Mastiff owner with more than 20 years experience in Mastiff care and training. To find out more about The Mastiff Dog Breed. Check Out:
http://www.MyMastiffSecrets.com
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