English mastiff: description and character. English Mastiff: photo

English mastiff - the largest dog, an old British breed. In appearance it looks like a big pug. The heaviest mastiff weighed 148 kg, for which record he was awarded a record in the Guinness book.

The ancestors of this noble dog with a philosophical state of mind were the ancient Egyptian and Assyrian dogs. Powerful animals, thousands of years ago, participated in military battles, in gladiatorial battles, in hunting for lions and bears.

Today the mastiff is a respectable and reliable member of the family.

The famous mastiff

The breed of English mastiff is one of the oldest. These huge animals can easily defeat a large bear. But, despite their size, dogs are fine pets. They will not only protect all family members, but they will also be able to take care of children. Do not look at the fact that they are slow and passive, they just think about every action. In fact, representatives of this breed of dogs repeatedly received military awards for their honor and valor.

Main characteristics of the breed

A very large dog, which is distinguished by its intelligence and complaisant character, is an English mastiff, whose growth can reach 76 centimeters. But, despite this, he lives perfectly in apartments and can easily adapt in urban conditions. English mastiff weight is quite big, its figures fluctuate in the range of 80-85 kilograms. The dog has a stately construction, the chest is slightly forward. Her paws are very large and strong, there are black claws, which require special attention from the owner. The tail is slightly lowered, looks like a sickle. Hanging ears are located on the head of a square shape. The neck is powerful and slightly elongated, there are some folds on it. The look is very intelligent, the eyes look like human. Wool has a fawn color with a peach tinge, on the muzzle there is a characteristic black mask. Majestic looking dog English mastiff, photos presented on the page, it is beautifully demonstrated. A truly wonderful dog.

How much does an English mastiff cost? The price in Russia starts at a figure of 15,000 rubles.

Some of the history of the breed

What is worth talking about here? The breed of mastiff dogs appeared from an ancient Tibetan large dog. BC This dog was especially appreciated in Egypt, Persia and Greece. In history there is a fixed fact about Macedonian. He used about 50,000 dogs of this breed during the battles. Mastiff is a big and powerful dog. He was a great warrior. Especially for dogs, the king ordered equipment, and they opposed the Persians. Even Julius Caesar in his reports repeatedly reported that soldiers came up to meet the Roman soldiers with a pack of big dogs. Then the emperor actively used mastiffs in gladiatorial battles. There was even a special position for the purchase of quality dogs.

The breed of mastiff dogs was regularly crossed with other breeds, people wanted to create something new. At that time the mastiffs were distinguished by aggressiveness and spiteful character. They could easily defeat two soldiers without a gun. Dogs were taken on a bearish hunt and with the help of them they persecuted huge bulls.

Further, in 1066, in Britain, the mastiffs crossed with the eastern danes. A completely new species of breed is formed. At that time, a lot of semi-savage dogs wandered through the forests, which hunted for local livestock. Then King Henry III ordered to control the number of dogs, otherwise they became a threat to the local deer. Dogs easily drove the animal and ate.

In the Tudor era, mastiffs were in every royal family. It was then that the breed gained its nobility. The dogs became devotees and, in danger, protected the owner to the last. By 1835 the breed was vigorously exterminated in England, people were afraid of huge dogs with wild temper. The breed was practically lost, but the breeders differed with special persistence. They crossed the alpine mastiff, St. Bernard, the American mastiff and a little later the blood of the Danish mastiff was added.

During the First World War, the species population declined significantly. But after World War II, scientists-breeders clutched their heads. In the world there were only 14 dogs, twelve of which originated from American mastiffs. But this time the breed was saved, and today the English mastiff is one of the most beloved dogs around the world.

The nature of the character

Of course, every dog, like a person, has individual traits and inclinations. But nevertheless each breed has special characteristics. Many years ago, at the very beginning of its history, it was a very cruel and ferocious breed of dogs. The dog tore in the arena of gladiators, easily coped with such large predators as a lion and a bear, did not spare mercy to enemies in military battles. Mastiff evolved over the years and turned into a completely different beast. Of course, the dimensions became even more impressive, but this did not affect the emotional mood of the dog. The gene pool of dogs has been regularly changed, and today breeders have an ideal pet. Having calmed down its ardent temper, the breed of English mastiff became noticeably wiser. To get the dog out of balance, you need to try hard. Patience mastiffs have endless. These animals never succumb to panic, they behave reasonably, calmly and confidently. They do not bark for no reason, the more they do not jump around the guests, but it is difficult for them to live on the streets of the city without a person. Over the years, mastiffs have become very appreciative of home comfort and warmth. When the dog annoys something, he prefers not to argue, but with dignity to retire to another room, like a real sir.

Dog English mastiff - a faithful and brave animal. It likes to sleep and slowly moves, but in fact can be very active. He likes to play with children and develops speed that exceeds human. It is impossible to escape from him, so that the external relaxed and slightly awkward kind of dog is deceptive enough. The dog knows its territory clearly and always monitors the situation, even when asleep. The main thing is that he quickly navigates and thinks.

General behavior in the future depends on how the puppy of the mastiff was socialized.

Socialization: friend and real family member

Love and kind attitude in the family is appreciated by the English mastiff. The largest dog, without hesitation, will give his life for any member of the family. The dog does not like to be alone and just adores when the owners take it with them for a walk or a trip.

Such dogs are excellent nannies, but they should not be allowed to go to small children. This is not due to the nature, its large dimensions are affected. In a burst of tenderness or during the game, the dog can pinch or inflict injury on the child. Therefore, monitor the communication of such a large dog with small family members.

The English mastiff gets along very well with other animals that live in the house. The giant refers positively to cats, especially if it is a small pet. He will even protect him and protect him from the dangerous enemies of the outside world. Confict dogs can only with males, which is associated with the desire to dominate.

It is noticed that a representative of this breed, like no other, likes to live in urban conditions. It is easily adaptable and never liable to uncontrollable instincts. Mastiffs will not run after a stray dog or cat. Dogs appreciate the friendly attitude of the owner and wish to be trusted. They always go side by side, even if you pull off the leash. With them, you can go out for walks in the park, but they are negative about sports.

Sport is not for mastiffs

If you dream of jogging with your pet, then this dog is not for you. Mastiffs do not like the bright sun and are unable to run for long, although they are very hardy dogs. Just such an active lifestyle is not for them. As a rule, dogs of this breed know for themselves how long they need for a walk. Do not make them walk long if they do not like it.

Only puppies and growing dogs are important to make you move. This is necessary for the proper development of the body. Play with dogs in active games, because you need to keep the pet in a tone. Walk it must be at least two times a day, the walk should last about thirty minutes.

We buy puppy mastiff

If you decide to purchase an English mastiff, then do not buy a puppy at the first exhibition, it is better to visit several such events. Each breeder will invite you home and familiarize yourself with the living conditions of such a dog. He will answer all your questions and dispel suspicions and doubts.

Meet the puppy's mom and watch her, see how an adult English mastiff behaves. Puppies are very attractive. They are very nice and just attract. I want to urgently pick someone and take him home. But stop and think about the right choice of the breed. Think about whether you can ensure all the conditions for the life of such a dog and proper care. Be sure to discuss with all family members possible problems of caring for the future pet. Show what the English mastiff is (you can find it in the special literature). There may be difficulties with the content of such a large dog in a small apartment.

Not everyone will afford to buy a breed of English mastiff. The price ranges from 500 to 2000 dollars. It depends on the pedigree of the dog. It is worth checking the documents and awards of the parents of your future pet.

When to start training?

You chose a puppy, but you want him to be clever and know the commands. Mastiffs must necessarily take a course of training, only then the dog will understand and fulfill the tasks set. Motivate the pet affectionate words and smiles, but do not spoil. If you feel that the experience for training your dog is not enough, be sure to invite a specialist.

English mastiff is an excellent guard and bodyguard. Beginning of training is necessary from 7 months. Remember that classes should not be long, otherwise the dog will get tired and experience negative emotions. Training begins with the basic teams, which are subordinated to almost all raised animals.

If you want the dog to have many skills and quickly navigated in a stressful situation, then give it to the upbringing to a professional trainer. On a walk, let your pet communicate with other dogs.

In our country, the English mastiff is not so popular. The price in Russia of this, of course, is not less, it starts from 15,000 rubles. More like a dog abroad, especially Americans.

Care of English mastiff

In fact, this breed is unpretentious. The dog's fur is not long, and therefore care is not burdensome. The animal should be kept clean, monitor the ears, nails and eyes. Since childhood, teach the dog to stand still while bathing. So the process will be much easier. Clean the wool daily, otherwise there will be an unpleasant smell, which contributes to the appearance of skin irritation.

Nice looks like a well-groomed English mastiff. Photo of such animals will be a wonderful decoration of the interior. Nail cutting is performed once a week. Carry out the procedure at the same time, so the dog will get used to it quickly and will behave peacefully. Generally representatives of this breed are very patient animals with a philosophical attitude to life.

Ears pay attention to the ears, they contain a large amount of sulfur. Because of this, the wet environment prevails there, and malicious mites or infection can develop.

Bathing should be done infrequently, otherwise the protective layer of the skin will be disturbed. Use only special shampoos, detergents for people do not fit animals. They can cause allergies and deliver a lot of discomfort to the dog.

The main diseases of the breed

Each animal is individual, but any breed has certain predispositions to diseases. If you take this into account, then easily prevent many health problems of your pet. Consider the main diseases to which mastiffs are susceptible.

1. The abdomen is prone to swelling. Take care that your pet does not have enough hot food and does not eat fast. Otherwise, there will be strong salivation or vomiting. Mastiff can start spinning from the pain on the floor. It is better not to allow this, otherwise there may be a turn in the intestines. To avoid problems, feed the animal in small portions and do not physically strain after eating.
2. Inflammation of the joints. Mastiff is a very large animal. To rise from a reclining position, he uses his knees. Because of regular loads, swelling is formed around the joint of the knee. There are air pockets that fill with liquid. Further, these areas are coarsened and bring pain and discomfort to the pet. Medicines and compresses are used for treatment. But with severe pain, the veterinarian can recommend an operation. For the mastiff this is a very undesirable turn of events. Operation for animals is dangerous and often ends in a fatal outcome. The animal needs a rather large dose of anesthesia, and the body does not always withstand it. Therefore, this problem should be treated responsibly and better prevent the disease.
3. Practically every second dog of the mastiff breed has problems with sight. The dog can even completely go blind. Some diseases are detected at a very early age. Take a good look at your pet. If he has the ability to navigate, or he is too clumsy, then most likely he just sees badly. Immediately seek help from a veterinarian.
4. Hip dysplasia is diagnosed with an X-ray. The animal suffers from severe pain during walking, especially while climbing the stairs. Pathology is important to identify in the early stages and in time to seek help. When purchasing a puppy, make sure that at the genetic level this disease is absent (ie it is not in the history of the parents). The price for a puppy, one of whose parents suffered from dysplasia, may drop dramatically, but there is a high probability that the dog, when grown up, will also suffer hip dysplasia. Do not take this responsibility, because it's very hard to see how your pet suffers.
5. Ear infections can occur due to improper cleaning. Make sure that the sulfur is removed, and not pushed into the depths. This will lead to the formation of sulfur plugs, the animal will be hard to hear. Wipe your ears with dry soft handkerchiefs, a moist environment is an excellent place for the multiplication of bacteria and the development of dangerous infections. Take care that insects do not put their larvae in the auricle.
6. Kidney stones can be formed because of the hard water that the animal consumes as a drink. This disease must be prevented. If you notice blood in the urine, then immediately hurry to the hospital for animals.

Now you know about this beautiful breed of dogs, almost everything. Mastiff will become not only a good friend, but will also become a real family member. With proper care the animal will live 15-18 years. Watch your dog's diet and mood, play with her and talk. Only in this way you will find a faithful companion who will protect you from hooligans and brighten up loneliness.