English Mastiff for sale

English Mastiff for sale: breed

Massive is the word that comes to mind when you first see this dog. Other breeds match or can come close to his height, but the mastiff surpasses them all. It is considered the largest breed in the world and can weigh 100 pounds or more. A Mastiff named Zorba, entered in the 1989 Guinness Book of World Records, weighed 146 pounds.

Although the mastiff's size makes it appear fierce, its temperament is one of good docility. The mastiff takes its name from the Latin word 'mansuetus', meaning 'tame' or 'domesticated'. The Latin word was eventually transformed through Old French and Middle English into the word mastiff, which was first recorded in a work written before 1387.

The breed has come a long way since the days of fighting or being pitted against lions and other wild animals. Kind, dignified and brave, he has the same wild past as any other breed, but has matured into a calm and quiet dog that loves to be with his people. He loves children, although he may unintentionally push them away.

Given proper exercise, Masstiful can feel at home in any environment. He prefers the comforts of home and the presence of his family and will do his best to be a lap dog. Like any dog, the mastiff has some less attractive qualities. When he shakes that massive head, drool flies everywhere. He can be flatulent, often, however, this can often be solved by finding a diet that produces a less odorous result. Among other things, he can be a real snorer. Then there's his size. If you live in an apartment, will there be room for him when he reaches adulthood? Will you be able to get him up and down the stairs if he becomes injured, sick or old and needs help? Its large size also contributes to its life, which can be painfully short.

These are all things to consider before buying a Mastiff. But if you can live with them, you'll find that its flaws are outweighed by its enduring love and companionship.

English Mastiff for sale: brief history

The Mastiff comes from one of the oldest types of dog, the Molosser, which probably came from the mountains of Asia, perhaps Tibet or northern India. It would most likely have been used to protect livestock from predators. These Molosser breed dogs had a solid, heavy-boned body, a short muzzle, a short, well-muscled neck and hanging ears. These details can be seen not only in the Mastiff, but also in the Tibetan Mastiff, Saint Bernard, Rottweiler, Dogue de Bordeaux and many other modern breeds.

Representations of Mastiff-type dogs appear throughout the ages in Greek, Egyptian and Babylonian civilizations. Archaeologists excavating the palace of the Babylonian ruler Ashurbanipal uncovered bas-reliefs dating back to the 7th century BC - more than 2,500 years ago - of Mastiff fighting dogs with lions.

For millennia, Mastiffs have served as guard, war and entertainment dogs, pitted against lions and other fierce animals. Wherever they went, they were prized for their size and courage. Kublai Khan is said to have had a kennel of 5,000 Mastiffs for hunting and war. When Hannibal crossed the Alps, he did so with Mastiff-type dogs trained for war. During their journey, the war dogs interbred with local dogs, and their offspring became the foundation for the Saint Bernard, Rottweiler and other breeds. Even the Pug - described as a miniature Mastiff - can claim descent from the Molosser.

In England, where the modern Mastiff was developed, the giant dogs roamed the estates and patrolled the fields at night. Lyme Hall was famous for breeding Mastiffs and played a role in saving the breed from the 15th to early 20th centuries.

The breed almost came to an end after 1835, when rough sports were outlawed. But the rise of dog shows in the mid-19th century helped the Mastiff breed revive. They almost died out again during World Wars I and II as food shortages made it impossible to feed them, but a pair of Mastiff puppies imported from Canada after World War II helped them flourish again.

Mastiffs probably came to the United States in colonial times, but it wasn't until 1879 that the first Mastiff Club was formed in this country. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1885, and a Mastiff named Bayard was the first of the breed to register with the AKC. The current Mastiff Club of America was formed in 1929 and still watches over the breed today, nearly 80 years later.

Today, the mastiff's gentle nature and massive size make it a much-loved companion around the world. He ranks 32nd among the 155 breeds and varieties recognized by the American Kennel Club.

English Mastiff for sale: size

The minimum height for a male Mastiff is 76 cm; for females, 70 cm. Weight ranges from 59 kg to 100 kg or more.

English Mastiff for sale: personality

The Mastiff itself should be a combination of grandeur, courage and docility. He is always dignified, never timid or vicious.

A well-socialized Mastiff treats normal strangers with polite aloofness, but will step between you and anyone or anything that seems threatening.

Mastiffs don't like conflict between family members and will step between quarreling spouses or parents who punish a child. While it might look tough on the outside, the Mastiff is a sensitive dog that can become timid, fearful or aggressive if handled badly. Never treat your mastiff or let anyone else, including children, do so.

Temperament is affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training, and socialization. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them.

Like any dog, the mastiff needs early socialization - exposure to many different people, sights, sounds and experiences - when they are young. Socialization helps ensure that your pup grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Enrolling in puppy daycare is a great start. Inviting visitors regularly and taking him to busy parks, stores that allow dogs and on leisurely walks to meet neighbors will also help him polish his social skills.

English Mastiff for sale: health

Mastiffs are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain health conditions. Not all dogs will have any of these diseases, but it is important to be aware of them if you are considering this breed.

If you buy a puppy, find a good breeder who will show you the health papers of the puppy's parents. Health certificates show that a dog has been tested and recovered from a particular ailment.

• Hip dysplasia: This is an inherited condition in which the thigh does not fit snugly into the hip joint. Some dogs show pain on one or both hind legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort. As the dog gets older, arthritis can develop. The dysplasia is hereditary, but can also be triggered by environmental factors such as rapid growth due to a high-calorie diet or injury. Treatment ranges from supplements that support joint function to total hip replacement.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): This is a degenerative eye condition that eventually causes blindness due to the loss of photoreceptors in the back of the eye. PRA is detectable years before the dog shows signs of blindness. Fortunately, dogs can use their other senses to compensate for blindness, and a blind dog can live a full and happy life.
• Seizures: Seizures can have many causes, including epilepsy and trauma. Often they can be managed with medication, although not cured. A dog can live a full and healthy life with proper management of this condition.
• Gastric Dilation: This is a life-threatening condition that can affect a Mastiff, especially if he is fed a large meal a day, eats quickly, drinks large amounts of water and then exercises vigorously after eating. Some believe that many meals a day and the type of food could also be factors for dilation. This problem occurs more commonly in older dogs, but can occur at any age. Gastric dilatation occurs when the stomach is expanded with gas or air and then twisted. The dog can't burp or vomit to get rid of the excess air in the stomach, and the normal return of blood to the heart is prevented. Blood pressure drops and the dog goes into shock. Without immediate medical attention, the dog may die. Gastric dilatation may be suspected when your dog has a distended abdomen, drools excessively and burps without vomiting. He may also be restless, depressed, lethargic and sluggish with a rapid heart rate. It's important that your pet gets to the vet as soon as possible. There are some indications that gastric dilatation is inherited, so neutering dogs that develop this condition is recommended.
• Cancer: dogs, like humans, can develop cancer. There are many different types of cancer, and the success of treatment differs in each case. For some cancers, tumors are surgically removed, others are treated with chemotherapy, and some are treated both surgically and medically. In Mastiffs, osteosarcoma (bone cancer) is common. The first sign of osteosarcoma is lameness, but the dog will need X-rays to determine if the cause is cancer. Osteosarcoma is treated aggressively, usually with amputation of the limb and chemotherapy. With treatment, dogs can live nine months to two years or more. Fortunately, dogs can adapt well to life on three legs and do not suffer the same side effects of chemotherapy as humans, such as nausea and hair loss.

English Mastiff for sale: care

Mastiffs are house dogs. They can adapt to any environment, but do best in a home with a fenced yard. Their exercise needs are moderate. An adult Mastiff will be happy with 20 to 30 minutes of walking a day.

Because of their size, they are not good jogging companions. They overheat easily and their joints can be damaged from running. Walks are best scheduled for mornings and cool evenings.

Puppies are more active and need to play in a fenced yard, but until they reach physical maturity at 18 months of age, it's important to limit jumping, long walks and other physical exercise that could damage their developing bones, muscles and tendons. Let puppies play, walk or rest at their own pace.

Once they are 18 months old, you can gradually increase the amount of exercise they receive to a moderate level. Regardless of their age, learn to recognize the signs of a Mastiff's tiredness, because they'll never let you know they're tired; they just want to please.

Mastiffs of all ages are great chewers and will chew anything that smells good or looks interesting. Be diligent about letting your mastiff know what he can chew and what he can't.

Obedience training is a must for this huge breed. It may be sweet, but a large Mastiff that doesn't have nice manners is manageable. The sensitive Mastiff is easily trained with positive reinforcement techniques such as praise and food rewards. Start with a doggy daycare and go through basic obedience to ensure you have a well-trained, well-socialized dog that will react appropriately in any situation.

English Mastiff for sale: feeding

Recommended daily amount: 6 to 8 cups of high-quality dry food per day, divided into two meals. Note: How much your adult dog eats depends on size, age, build, metabolism and activity level. Dogs are individuals, just like humans, and not all dogs need the same amount of food. It almost goes without saying that an extremely active dog will need more food compared to a less active one. The quality of the dog food you buy also makes a difference - the better the food, the more nutrients and satiety it will provide, without you having to constantly check the bowl.

Mastiffs are prone to gastric torsion, also known as bloating. Factors that contribute to bloating include eating a large meal and then drinking large amounts of water, heavy exercise directly before or after eating, and stress. Keep these things in mind when feeding.

English Mastiff for sale: coat color and brushing

The Mastiff has a short, straight outer coat with a dense, shorter, protective undercoat. The coat comes in shades of tan, orange-yellow or tiger. The muzzle, nose and ears are dark. May have a small patch of white on the chest.

Brush his coat weekly with a rubber glove. You may want to brush him daily during the spring and fall shedding seasons to keep the hair under control. Clean his wrinkles daily to prevent bacterial infections. Wipe them with a damp cloth and then dry them thoroughly.

Brush your Mastiff's teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and bacteria lurking inside. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Remove your nails once or twice a month. Get him used to being brushed and examined when he's a puppy. Frequently handle his paws and check his mouth.

Clean their ears regularly with a warm, damp cloth and run a cotton swab around the edge of the canal. Never stick the cotton swab into the actual ear canal. If the edges of the ears are dry, apply mineral or baby oil. The oil can also be used on a dry nose.

When caring for your pet at any stage of life, take the time to check for scabs, skin lesions, spots, rough, black skin or signs of infection. You should also check the ears, eyes and teeth for any problems or bad odors. Both are signs that your mastiff may need to see your vet. With a positive experience, full of praise and rewards, you'll lay the groundwork for easy vet exams and other maneuvers when he's an adult.

English Mastiff for sale: relationship with children and other animals

Mastiffs love children. However, they are large, active dogs and can injure a small child. They are best suited to homes with older children. Also note that Mastiffs are not ponies and children cannot ride them. Your mastiff can be injured if children try to ride him.

As with every breed, however, you need to teach children how to approach and touch dogs and always supervise any interaction between them to prevent any biting. Teach your child never to approach the dog while eating or sleeping or to try to take the dog's food. No dog, however friendly, should be left unattended with a child.

Mastiffs will generally tolerate other dogs and cats, especially if they have been raised with them. If you are adding a second adult mastiff to your family, you may want to consider getting one of the opposite sex to avoid any arguments about who is the superior dog.