Pied English Mastiff Characteristics and Pet Care Considerations

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A Mastiff Dog on a Concrete Floor Near the Body of Water
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They can grow up to 30 inches in height and weigh between 130-230 pounds, making them a large and powerful dog.

Their short, dense coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

English Mastiffs are known for their calm and gentle nature, but they can be wary of strangers.

Pied English Mastiffs are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to exercise, requiring daily walks and playtime but not excessive running or strenuous activity.

Their short coats also mean they don't require frequent bathing, but regular nail trimming and ear cleaning are still essential.

As with any large breed, English Mastiffs are prone to joint issues and hip dysplasia, so regular veterinary check-ups are crucial.

Care and Maintenance

Pied English Mastiffs need regular care and grooming to look and feel their best, but it's not too challenging. They have a short, dense coat that sheds moderately, so weekly brushing can help reduce shedding.

They're not high-energy dogs and enjoy a couch potato lifestyle, but they can be wary of strangers, so socialization is key. This means exposing them to new people and environments from an early age to help them feel comfortable and confident.

Their drooling can be excessive, so it's a good idea to keep a rag handy for quick cleanups. Regular nail trimming and brushing their teeth are also essential to keep them healthy and happy.

Care

Bordeaux Mastiff Dog Lying on Grass
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Regular grooming is a must for Mastiffs, but their short, dense coats don't require much maintenance. Their moderate shedding is easy to manage, unlike other breeds.

Mastiffs are not high-energy dogs, but they can be wary of strangers. This is why socializing English Mastiff puppies is crucial to prevent protective behaviors.

Excessive drooling is a common trait in Mastiffs, so it's essential to keep a rag handy for quick cleanups. You'll want to get used to this quirk if you're considering bringing a Mastiff into your life.

Mastiffs need lots of room to exist comfortably, so consider the space you have before bringing one home. A small apartment might not be the best fit for these gentle giants.

Big dogs like Mastiffs require more food than smaller breeds, and that comes at a significant cost. Be prepared for a larger-than-usual bill at the pet store.

Coat Care

Mastiffs have a short, dense coat that sheds moderately.

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Their coat needs weekly brushing to reduce shedding, but bathing is only necessary every few months.

Mastiffs may experience periods of heavy shedding once or twice a year, requiring more frequent brushing during these times.

Regular nail trimming is a must to keep their nails nice and short.

Brushing their teeth frequently is also essential for their oral health.

Their ears and facial skin folds (if present) should be kept clean and dry to prevent irritation and infection.

Mastiffs are known to salivate quite a bit, and it's a good idea to keep drool rags handy to clean up after them.

Exercise and Training

Exercise and training are crucial for your Pied English Mastiff's overall well-being. They need regular exercise to stay fit and motivated, with at least 30-60 minutes of play and exercise per day, split into multiple sessions if needed.

Mastiffs do well indoors, even in apartments, but may struggle with climbing stairs as they age. This is especially important to consider if you live in a multi-story home.

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You should socialize your mastiff well to prevent overprotectiveness and jumping. Dog-proofing your home is also a must, as their strong tails can knock over items and they may sample your dinner if given the chance.

Mastiffs are eager to please and respond well to positive reinforcement methods, but training sessions should be kept short to keep their attention. They can excel in various activities, including pulling carts, obedience, tracking, search and rescue, and lounging on the couch.

To avoid damaging their joints, it's best to keep exercise low impact, with short walks and playtime in the backyard. For young puppies, it's essential to limit exercise until they're about two years old to prevent joint damage.

Exercise

Exercise is a crucial part of a mastiff's life. Routine exercise will help keep your mastiff fit and motivated, so aim to let your dog play and exercise for at least 30-60 minutes or more each day.

Mastiff English
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Mastiffs do better in cool weather than in hot weather, so exercise your mastiff during the cool part of the day in summer. They do very well indoors, even in an apartment, or a house with a fenced yard.

As a large breed, mastiffs may struggle with climbing stairs, so think ahead if your living space requires this. You might need to make arrangements for your aging dog.

Mastiffs are not high-energy dogs and can get enough exercise with short walks and playtime in the backyard. In fact, English Mastiffs only require around a half hour of exercise a day.

It's essential to be careful with exercising your dog when they're a puppy, as too much exercise can overtax their joints. Avoid lots of running, overly long walks, or jumping up and down from things until they are about two years old.

Here are some exercise tips to keep in mind:

  • Keep exercise sessions short to keep your mastiff's attention and focus.
  • Choose low-impact activities to avoid damaging their joints.
  • Avoid exercising your mastiff in hot weather.
  • Be prepared to adjust your exercise routine as your mastiff ages.

Training

Training is a crucial aspect of owning a mastiff. They are eager to please and learn quickly, but training sessions should be kept short to keep their attention and focus.

Close-up Portrait of Dog
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Mastiffs are naturally protective, so socialization is key to preventing overprotectiveness around visitors. You should socialize them well to ensure their natural instincts are in check.

Their giant size requires careful attention to prevent jumping and leash-pulling. Consider dog-proofing your home to prevent damage from their strong tail and love of chewing.

To keep your mastiff engaged and stimulated, provide plenty of durable chew toys to save your furniture. They love to lounge on the couch, but training them to do so can be a fun and rewarding experience.

Here are some training activities you can try with your mastiff:

  • Pulling carts
  • Obedience
  • Tracking
  • Search and rescue

The Neck

The neck is a crucial area to focus on in your exercise routine, especially if you want to improve your overall posture and athletic performance.

A slightly-arched neck is ideal, as it allows for maximum flexibility and power.

The neck should be muscular, but not too long or too short, and it should have a gradual increase in circumference as it approaches the shoulder.

This type of neck is a result of well-developed neck muscles, which can be achieved through targeted exercises and proper training.

It's essential to maintain a healthy neck-to-shoulder ratio, as this can affect your overall balance and stability.

Training

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As you start training your dog, notice how their hind legs are well developed, with bent hocks that are wide apart and squarely set when walking or standing.

Their gait projects great power and strength, especially when they're moving at a fast pace. This is because the rear legs have drive, allowing them to propel themselves forward with ease.

To build on this natural ability, focus on exercises that engage their hind legs and promote good tracking. You can do this by incorporating activities that involve running or jogging with them.

The forelegs also play a crucial role in their gait, tracking smoothly with good reach as they move. As you train, pay attention to how they're using their forelegs to help them balance and propel themselves forward.

As speed increases, the dog will naturally begin to single track, which is a sign of their confidence and agility.

Health and Nutrition

The Pied English Mastiff's health and nutrition are crucial for their well-being and longevity. Mastiffs are prone to joint issues, so it's essential to provide them with the right nutrition to keep their joints healthy.

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Mastiffs need high-quality food specifically formulated for large breeds. A good rule of thumb is to feed them 6-8 cups of dry food per day, split into two meals to prevent bloating and stomach torsion.

To prevent bloat and gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), it's recommended to feed your Mastiff 2-3 meals per day instead of one big meal. Elevated food bowls should also be avoided. Exercise around mealtimes should be minimized.

Pet parents should be aware of their Mastiff's weight gain and discuss it with their veterinarian to get recommendations on how to address it with diet and exercise. A clean, fresh water supply is also essential for these sloppy drinkers.

Here's a rough guide to feeding your Mastiff:

Remember, every Mastiff is different, so it's always best to consult with a veterinarian to determine the best diet and feeding schedule for your furry friend.

Health Issues

Mastiffs are prone to certain health issues due to their large size and breed characteristics. Hip and elbow dysplasia are inherited orthopedic conditions that can affect their joints, and can get worse with age.

Dog Being Brushed
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Bloat is a serious condition that can occur in large dogs with deep chests, including Mastiffs. It happens when the stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off the blood supply.

Some Mastiffs may also develop elbow hygroma, a swollen area filled with fluid that can grow in size over time. Early veterinary care can make treatment easier.

Cancer is a major cause of death in Mastiffs, with common types including lymphoma, osteosarcoma, mast cell tumors, and hemangiosarcoma.

Eye issues are also common in Mastiffs, with problems such as ectropion, entropion, distichiasis, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), persistent pupillary membranes (PPM), retinal dysplasia, and macroblepharon.

Here are some common health issues that can affect Mastiffs:

  • Hip and elbow dysplasia
  • Bloat
  • Elbow hygroma
  • Cancer
  • Eye issues (ectropion, entropion, distichiasis, cataracts, PRA, PPM, retinal dysplasia, and macroblepharon)

It's worth noting that responsible breeders screen for these health conditions to help produce healthy puppies. Investing in pet insurance can also be a good idea for pet parents who want to bring home a Mastiff puppy.

Diet and Nutrition

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Diet and Nutrition is a crucial aspect of keeping your Mastiff healthy and thriving. A high-quality food specifically formulated for large breeds is essential.

Mastiff puppies need to be fed a food that helps them grow steadily and not too fast, which can reduce the risk of adult-onset hip dysplasia. This means feeding a large-breed puppy food, not just any puppy food.

Adult Mastiffs require 6-8 cups of dry food per day, split into two meals to prevent bloating and stomach torsion. Feeding them multiple times a day can help.

It's essential to monitor your Mastiff's weight gain and discuss it with your veterinarian to get recommendations on how to address it with diet and exercise. This is crucial to prevent putting extra strain on their bones and joints.

Mastiffs are sloppy drinkers, so it's best to provide clean, fresh water at different points of the day. They're also prone to passing gas, so be prepared for that.

Here's a breakdown of the daily food intake for Mastiffs:

Remember, the key is to find the right balance for your individual Mastiff's needs, and your veterinarian is the best resource for guidance.

Body

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Having a well-rounded body is key to overall health and nutrition. A well-rounded chest is essential for proper breathing and digestion.

The chest should extend to the elbows, providing a wide and well-let-down shape.

The ribs are a crucial part of the body, and they should be extremely well-rounded.

The "false" ribs, which are the 11th and 12th ribs, should be deep and well set back.

Having a muscular back and loin is vital for good posture and balance.

Adoption and Suitability

English Mastiffs make fabulous family pets, as they're kind and patient with children. They're gentle giants that will guard their little ones well, but do keep an eye on smaller children playing with them.

These dogs are generally lazy, but early socialization is vital to prevent protective behaviors. Well-trained, well-socialized Mastiffs are truly gentle giants and do well with other animals as well as children.

If you're looking to adopt or buy a Mastiff, consider reaching out to a specialized breeder or local adoption agencies. You can also rescue a Mastiff through organizations like The Mastiff Club of America, Mastiffs to Mutts Rescue Inc., or Southern States Mastiff Rescue.

Credit: youtube.com, Introducing a puppy to a large dog and making sure there’s no aggression or resource guarding.

Be sure to seek out a reputable breeder with a history of healthy litters and detailed care. They should be able to answer any questions you have regarding the pedigree, health, and history of the litter and parents.

Here are some reputable organizations to consider for Mastiff adoption:

  • The Mastiff Club of America
  • Mastiffs to Mutts Rescue Inc.
  • Southern States Mastiff Rescue

Adopt/Buy

If you're looking to bring a mastiff into your family, there are a few options to consider.

You can seek out a specialized breeder, but be prepared for a waiting list, as puppies are generally available throughout the year.

A reputable breeder should have a history of healthy litters and detailed care, and be able to answer any questions you have about the pedigree, health, and history of the litter and parents.

Ideally, you should meet one or both parents to get a better sense of your future pet's personality, size, and temperament.

Rescuing a mastiff is also a great option. Consider reaching out to organizations like The Mastiff Club of America, Mastiffs to Mutts Rescue Inc., or Southern States Mastiff Rescue.

See what others are reading: English Mastiff History

Suitability of Dogs for Families

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English Mastiffs make great family pets, as they're kind and patient with children. However, it's essential to teach kids to respect their boundaries and not play too roughly with them.

Their size can be a concern, especially with smaller children, as they might accidentally knock them over. But with proper supervision, this can be avoided.

Early socialization is vital to prevent protective behaviors in English Mastiffs. Well-trained and well-socialized Mastiffs are gentle giants and do well with other animals as well as children.

They need lots of space to exist comfortably, so a large home is a must. A 500-square-foot apartment might not be suitable for an English Mastiff.

Big dogs like Mastiffs require more food, which can be a significant cost. You should consider your budget before bringing home a Mastiff puppy.

Their friendly nature ensures they don't become jealous of other pets, making them a great addition to multi-pet households. However, it's still essential to keep an eye on play between smaller animals and English Mastiffs, especially when they're young.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the largest breed of Mastiff?

The English Mastiff is the largest breed of Mastiff, standing at 35 inches tall and weighing up to 230 lbs. Originally bred as a war dog, they now make loyal companions for families.

Is English Mastiff bigger than Tibetan Mastiff?

Yes, English Mastiffs are generally larger than Tibetan Mastiffs. This size difference is just one of the distinct characteristics between these two breeds.

Patricia Kreiger

Writer

Patricia Kreiger is a passionate writer with a focus on canine-related topics. She has established herself as a knowledgeable and engaging voice in the pet care community, with a portfolio that showcases her expertise in covering various breeds and their characteristics. Patricia's writing often delves into the intricacies of specific breeds, such as the Ridgeback and German Shepherd, as well as the complexities of breed comparisons and the FCI breed standard.

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