English Mastiff - description of the breed and character of the dog

English mastiffs are classified as large and popular dogs. Representatives of the breed are famous for their hunting qualities, they go to the bear. Also, pets are often kept in an apartment or a private house, because the mastiff quickly socializes and fits into the family. Along with the above qualities in dogs, a balanced psyche, high intelligence, and well-developed guard instincts. But in order not to be unfounded, we consider the characteristics of the breed in detail.

Historical data

Mastiffs from ancient times started in Egypt and Babylon. Representatives of the breed, or rather ancestors, were used in military operations against the Persians. According to numerous data, we can conclude that dogs are not only excellent assistants in battles, but also guards, hunters, friends of man.Assyrians put mastiffs in high rank, legends were made of dogs, they were depicted on the walls at the entrance to the house.

The first representatives of the breed came to England in the middle of the 3rd century. After a couple of centuries, the Germans invaded the territory with their military dogs. As a result of crossing it was possible to get a breed with a formidable character and dark fur.

Already in the 11th century, dogs were firmly entrenched, they began to be used as warders for prisoners, and they also took them on the hunt and turned on as a watchdog. In those days, the pricing policy for the English Mastiffs was transcendental; for this reason, only wealthy families could afford a pet of the breed presented.

International breed standards

1. Dogs with a fierce character and powerful body conquered the hearts of millions of people around the world. By weight category, this line of mastiffs can reach 80-85 kg. The average height of the dog is 75 cm. (Males), 70 cm. (Bitches). Dogs have an exceptionally short coat of pale silver, dark brown or apricot.
2. By standards, the breed has a large square head, cheekbones are visible medium. Muscles can be seen on the parietal zone, cheeks and temples.The frontal part has folds, the absence of which is considered to be a defect. Brow arc also hanging down.
3. The eyes with a dark iris are spaced apart. When looking at a pet you can face his watchful eyes. Powerful jaws with a complete set of teeth, thin drooping lips, around which there is a fringing. Nose slightly flattened on the face of a dark mask.
4. Ears hang down along the head, set at a distance from each other, rounded at the ends. Medium in length, with different colors can be completely darkened or black. Bite scissor or linear, generally accepted international standards allowed both that, and another.
5. The ribs are convex, the chest is massive and deep and rounded. The neck is thick, short, with pronounced skin wrinkles. In the area of ​​the throat can be seen several folds, which is typical for the breed. Belly tucked medium, does not sag, flows into the groin with folds.
6. The croup is rounded, the loin is of standard size, the muscles are developed. The back is strong, as proof it is worth looking at the photos of dogs rolling on the withers of children.The tail is set high, stands with a sickle, does not curl, does not press against the lower back or thigh.
7. Straight forepaws are widely spaced, thick, muscular. The hind ones are shorter, but also powerful, with rounded thighs clearly visible on them. The limbs are set wide apart, which makes the dog more stable and massive.

What is considered a breed defect

The standards listed above are recognized by the International Canine Federation. When choosing a pet, you should know what is related to defects in the breed:

• heterochromia, blue tint of the iris;
• not hanging, but raised ears;
• height in males less than 74 cm, in females - less than 68 cm;
• no dark pigmented mask on the face;
• dog aggressively in relation to the person;
• identical;
• no dark pigmentation on the lips, nose and eyelids;
• incorrect bite, one jaw overstepping the other;
• cryptorchidism.

It is worth remembering forever that representatives of the breed can move quickly, for them it is not difficult. The dog first runs at a trot, then as the speed increases, it goes into a gallop.

Breed character

1. The English Mastiff is understood as a dog with a stable psyche, restrained, calm. If according to historical data the breed was famous for its viciousness in battle, then over the course of a long history the dog has lost these qualities. We can say that the dog is not quieter. The animal does not bark for no reason, does not jump on the owner upon returning home, it holds back good and bad emotions.
2. However, as time went on, the dogs remained brave, and so are those days. A distinctive feature of animals of this breed is that they like to sleep, prefer to lie on the couch, and not actively play. But if necessary, the dog will throw aside its apathy, frolic with the children or come to the rescue of the owner.
3. Representatives of the breed love comfort, they are not accustomed to living on the street, usually animals are kept in an apartment or house. A pet always prefers a calm host to a merry fellow. If the dog is bored, it will retire and will not tolerate loud noises.
4. Socialization plays a primary role for this breed. With a pet you need to deal with the first days of its appearance in your home. It is advisable to teach a puppy to small children, other animals and the environment in general. It is necessary to show the dog that you are ready to do anything for it.In response, he will show the same loyalty to the family.
5. Despite their apathy, dogs do not like loneliness. They need regular communication with the person, travel, new kinds of activity. English Mastiff - the perfect dog for joint trips to the car, loves to swim.
6. Guarding instincts are widely developed, so the dog never sleeps. She will be constantly alert and in case of danger will protect the owner. The dogs have a division into adults and children, the latter are very fond of and forgive them, even evil pranks. They can distinguish a three-year-old from a one-year-old baby, commensurate with their height and weight when playing with a child.
7. The mastiffs of the presented line will easily get along with a cat or another animal, but they need to be brought up from an early age. It is desirable that pets grow together. Then they will become an inseparable couple. The dog may show aggression if another male appears in the house claiming to be territory.
8. Since dogs are lazy by nature, they will become terrible companions while jogging with a person. Therefore, if you lead an active lifestyle, think twice before starting such a breed.As for walks, the dog will not run after the cat, if it walks without a leash. He is too lazy for that.

Features of education

1. If you just brought a puppy into the house, you should not load it with physical activity until you reach 9 months. Dogs are getting stronger and gaining strength. Do not allow the dog to jump from a high bed, do not let her jump into the car on his own. It is not allowed that the dog independently climb the stairs to the high floor. Only a ball is allowed, and then, it should not exceed the size of the animal's head.
2. From an early age a puppy is taught to communicate not only with humans, but also with other animals. It is important that the dog quickly socialized, accustomed to the environment and was not cowardly. Occasionally you need to appear in crowded places, individual meetings with a cynologist will not be superfluous.
3. Immediately after the puppy arrives at your home, you must teach him to use the toilet. As soon as the dog eats or sleeps, take it outside to help out. It doesn’t matter that it’s damp or cold outside, it’s your duty now.
4. From puppy age, a dog is taught basic commands, which it must master before the year.Since the representatives of the breed are famous for their short memory, it is necessary to allocate a long time to the teachings. Do not forget to put yourself in authority so that the dog will listen to you.
5. Despite the fact that dogs are not famous for activity, at least 2 times a day they need to walk for 30-60 minutes. When the dog does not move, it gets fat, serious pathologies develop on this basis.

Maintenance and care

1. English mastiffs have short hair. This feature at times facilitates the care of animals. Water procedures should be carried out in case of emergency. Consider the moult in dogs in spring or autumn.
2. During such a period it is very important to clean the coat daily. For convenience, you should use a special massage brush. At other times, the animal must be combed 2-3 times a week. Also, every 6-7 days the dog needs to clean its ears from sulfur and dirt.
3. If you miss such a moment, then dirty ears will start to disturb the mastiff. The pet will constantly try to scratch them. Neglect of such procedures promises the development of various infections. Folds on the face deserve special attention.
4. Every day they must be cleaned of saliva and food debris. Such an environment is favorable for the reproduction of pathogenic bacteria. Be sure to rinse eyes, the procedure should be carried out as needed twice a day. To do this, use herbal infusions.
5. On a mandatory basis, systematically trim the dog's claws. Otherwise, when walking, the pet will feel strong discomfort. If you decide to bathe your pet, you should use only a special shampoo.
6. It is forbidden to use detergents intended for humans. If you do not follow the simple rules, the animal may begin irritation of the skin or an allergic reaction. It is also recommended to keep the mastiff indoors at a temperature not lower than 15 degrees.
7. The peculiarity of the breed is that they are not in a hurry to spend all their free time on the street. The animal can quietly lie down all day on the couch. The dog will go to the toilet in a place specially reserved for it. With this lifestyle, the pet will quickly get fat and lose its former shape. Therefore, you need to walk with him every day.
8. After acquiring a wonderful puppy, it must be immediately taught to hygienic procedures. If you do not do this from an early age, you will not be able to cope with an adult dog. A huge carcass will simply not allow you to cut the claws or wash your eyes.

Feeding

1. It is best to feed the breed presented with dry premium food. Alternatively, you can choose a balanced natural food. In any case, mixing food is strictly prohibited.
2. When choosing a feed give preference to trusted companies. It should be holistic and premium. In such formulations are present all the necessary components that are required by the animal.
3. If you decide to feed the dog with natural products, it is worth knowing what exactly the mastiff can be given. Most often, breeders recommend feeding your pet low-fat red meat. Among such should be noted veal, beef and lamb.
4. Also allowed low-fat sea fish, chicken, turkey. In a small amount should be given raw or boiled vegetables. Regularly pamper your dog with low-fat dairy products.From porridges it is better to give preference to rice.
5. In the food should add a small amount of sunflower and olive oil of the highest grade. This also applies to fish oil, raw quail eggs. Also be sure to add in food special vitamin supplements for dogs.
6. In addition, you need to make sure that the pet always has fresh purified water. It is strictly forbidden to give the mastiff food from the table, spicy, fatty, salty and smoked products. Dog biscuits or cheese are excellent as a treat.
7. It should also be noted that overfeeding a pet is strictly prohibited. Improper diet or poorly balanced diet contribute to the development of serious pathologies. As a result, the dog’s lifespan can be significantly reduced.

Health

1. Separately, it is worth noting that the maturation of the dog occurs closer to two years of life. Keep in mind, even with proper care and proper maintenance, mastiffs don't last very long. Life expectancy is from 9 to 11 years.
2. In order for the dog to always be in excellent shape and maintain good health, it is necessary to exercise regularly with it, properly fed and maintained. In addition, the breed is prone to various diseases.
3. The animal may suffer from retinopathy (retinal damage). This pathology refers to a genetic disease in which pupils are affected. In this pet gradually begins to lose sight. If in time to turn to a specialist, the dog will again be able to see normally.
4. Often mastiffs suffer from incorrect work of the gastrointestinal tract. In order to prevent this, you should not give your pet to consume a lot of water. Be sure to feed the animal immediately after the walk.
5. English mastiffs are subject to a congenital defect in the form of the third century. It can also turn around or hang heavily above the eye. To cope with such a nuisance, will have to resort to using plastic surgery. Therefore, consult with a specialist in advance.
6. Often the breed presented suffers from hip dysplasia. Fortunately, this pathology can be identified at an early stage. It is enough to contact the veterinary clinic and make an x-ray. Timely procedures will help to cope with the disease.
7. Unfortunately, mastiffs are still susceptible to the development of bone cancer. Such a serious disease is not treated.In addition, when starting an animal, do not forget to vaccinate in time and drive for regular check-ups. Systematically treat the animal from external and internal parasites.

English mastiffs have a sharp mind and ingenuity. It is better to walk with the pet in a calm manner. Running with him is not recommended, and swim in the pond occasionally possible. It is very important to socialize a dog as soon as possible. Also, at a young age, teach your pet to hygienic procedures. Monitor the health of the animal and feed it properly.

Video: dog breed English Mastiff