Mastiff

Mastiff

Breed characteristics

• Popularity: 6
• Training: 5
• Size: 8
• Reason: 6
• Security: 10
• Relations with children: 10
• Dexterity: 6
• Shedding: 6

Story

The mastiff breed is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, and comes from molosses – ancient dogs from which many went modern breeds. The brightest representatives of molosses have large sizes and in many ways are similar to each other. For example, from Molossians also have a Central Asian Shepherd Dog, (she is Alabay), St. Bernard, Rottweiler, and many other dogs.

Molossoids were large, powerful, fearless animals that survived the difficult conditions of the ancient world, resisted the cold and various adversities. People used these dogs not only for protecting livestock, protecting homes, property, as well as for hunting and war. Subsequently, when the Molossians began to divide into certain breeds, they gradually spread to many parts of the world, in first of all – on the European continent and the Middle East.

In the palace of the ruler of Ashurbanipal (7th century BC), archaeologists found a bas-relief depicting large dogs, very similar to modern mastiffs fighting with lions and other predators. When Hannibal made his fantastic journey through the Alps, in his troops were also the ancestors of modern mastiffs.

At a later time, the popularity of these dogs is not at all decreased. The legendary ruler of the Mongol Empire, Kublai Khan, the grandson of Genghis Khan (13th century AD), according to legend, had a whole army of battle mastiffs among 5000 goals. He used these dogs as in military purposes, and for hunting or entertainment. They were always appreciated for tremendous strength, endurance, devotion and fearlessness in battle.

Mastiff gained immense popularity in England, where they purposefully bred until the 15th century. Of course, in those far away, they were often used for various species bloody sports – bullying bears, wild boars, and just fighting dogs. When these forms of entertainment were banned in 1835, the breed population the English mastiff began to decline rapidly, however, Dog shows in the early 20th century played a positive role.

The first and second world wars also put the breed on the edge disappearances, however, through the efforts of the English and European breeders, today this breed is one of the most recognizable all over the world. 32nd place among 155 breeds and types, recognized by the American Kennel Club – the numbers speak for themselves myself. /

Description

These are large, powerful dogs, with a developed chest long legs and muscular physique. They are gaining well weight, have a powerful neck and a flat, with a protrusion, forehead. The ears are flat hang down on the sides of the head. The muzzle and mouth are large, with an abundance of folds. The tail is usually docked, although not always, ears are left intact.

Personality

Despite the menacing appearance, for the most part, mastiffs – These are good dogs with a friendly disposition. They differ big devotion to their master and family, balanced, good attitude to the children. But if the child is too small, be careful – this a big dog, and she can accidentally knock a child down in a simple motion.

They understand people perfectly, have developed intelligence and need constant stimulation of mental activity. Breed Mastiff loves walking on the street and generally loves to be fresh air, and therefore, when buying a puppy, you should think about conditions that you can offer him. After all, both its size and its personal preferences suggest that it is highly desirable to live in private sector, not in a city apartment. But, they are very adaptive.

These dogs need proper training and training, they well understand what is happening, and therefore do not tolerate injustice and rudeness. Moreover, this also applies to quarrels within the family. To strangers are cautious, but without unreasonable aggression. Some individuals manifest increased instincts of the defender, and therefore it is necessary with socialize your dog at a young age.

Training

The mastiff breed has a sharp mind, due to which it understands well the owner and his requirements. If you want to train her to guard or protection, then it’s important to get from the dog that size and strength, absolute obedience, which is sometimes not easy. Especially if in a fight with another dog, your pet, so to speak, got a taste, stopping it is often possible only with your own hands.

It is necessary to conduct daily training, starting from early age (6-8 months), achieving high-quality execution of teams. At first it will not be easy, because a young dog wants to run and play, because at first you can submit training in a game form and be patient. Gradually, the execution of commands can be given more attention, showing praise for success. Be sure to chat with other dog owners so that your mastiff gets used to people and to other animals. For specialized training is better attract a professional.

Care

The mastiff dog breed belongs to smooth-haired, and therefore requires only weekly combing with a brush. They have one negative trait – tendency to increased salivation, also, many they say that the English mastiff is prone to increased gas formation in the digestive tract. Keep your ears and eyes clean, bathe your pet at least once per week, and preferably twice a week, and also cut in time claws.

Common diseases

By and large, the mastiff breed is a healthy dog, but some complications still occur:

• cystinuria is a hereditary kidney defect;
• Bloating due to malnutrition and lifestyle. The dog needs to eat 1-2 times a day, drink plenty of water. Training after food is contraindicated;
• various attacks (tremors, convulsions, etc.) – it can be associated with both epilepsy and abnormal mental or neurological conditions.
• progressive retinal atrophy;
• hip dysplasia;
• joint problems – the scourge of many large dogs, due to their weight cartilage wears out faster;
• osteosarcoma is a type of cancer.

Breed Information

Breed photo