Owning and caring for an English Mastiff can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Growing up, I had a deep admiration for this amazing breed, which only grew stronger in my experience when I spent time with a massive and powerful English Mastiff. Whether you’re looking to buy, adopt, or already own one of these majestic dogs, this guide is here to represent a comprehensive look at these animals, and provide valuable tips and strategies so that you can best care for your English Mastiff.
English Mastiff Dog Breed Specs
The average height of an adult female English Mastiff is 25 to 27 inches and the average weight is 120 to 170 pounds. The average height of an adult male English Mastiff is 27 to 30 inches and the average weight is 150 to 220 pounds. The English Mastiff is an impressive breed, with a large and powerful body. They are generally strong dogs, with a large head, broad chest, thick neck, and strong, long, muscular legs. This breed also tends to have a longer muzzle which is often accompanied by a black nose and floppy ears.
Breed Colors and Coat
The English Mastiff have a thick and glossy coat, usually ranging from fawn to apricot, with black, brindle or tiger markings. They have a heavily muscled body covered in a coat of fur that is both short and dense.
English Mastiff Personalities
The English Mastiff is a dignified and loyal breed. They prefer to have a family and a designated space that they can call their own. They are keenly alert and confident, often radiating an aura of strength and majesty. Males tend to be even-tempered and devoted, while females can sometimes be slightly more independent and aloof. Generally speaking, English Mastiffs are loyal and gentle giants who will protect their owners from harm. When I had a English Mastiff, we took a trip almost every other weekend and she was always ready to explore, yet she was also content to relax and lounge around with us. It didn’t take long for me to quickly understand how gentle and patient they could be.
Adopting English Mastiff
If you’re looking to adopt an English Mastiff, here are some tips to help you on your journey.
Firstly, make sure you have the space needed for an English Mastiff. They can weigh up to 150 pounds when fully grown, so you’ll need a home with enough room to accommodate them. You’ll also need a big enough yard with a high fence so your Mastiff can roam, play and relax in safety.
Secondly, you should take the time to research the breed so you know what to expect. English Mastiffs are loving and loyal by nature, but can be very independent and strong-willed. You’ll need to have the patience and dedication to work with them and ensure they have the structure and training they need to adjust to their new home.
Thirdly, be sure to get your English Mastiff from a reputable breeder. Ask the breeder questions to make sure the puppy has been kept in clean and healthy conditions. Also, don’t forget to get your Mastiff spayed or neutered to reduce the risks of related medical problems down the line.
Finally, give your Mastiff plenty of love, patience and attention when you bring them home. It’ll take some time for your fur baby to adjust to their new environment, so give them the time and space they might need. With the right amount of care and attention, you’ll be able to create a wonderful bond with your English Mastiff!
Puppy Care
Hey there, your pup is a fun loving English Mastiff! This breed, known for its calm and gentle demeanor, is highly intelligent and easy to train. Here are some tips to maintain healthy puppy care for your English Mastiff:
First and foremost, ensure your pup gets plenty of exercise each day. English Mastiffs are known for being a bit lazy so try to make sure they get at least 30 minutes of exercise a day to keep them fit and active.
Along with regular exercise, be sure that your pup is eating a balanced and nutritional diet. Being proactive about diet will help you avoid a host of illnesses later in your pup’s life.
Socialization is very important for the English Mastiff. Be sure to introduce your pup to as many friendly people and other animals as possible to ensure he’s confident and well-behaved.
Finally, make sure to stay on top of your pup’s grooming routine. English Mastiffs have thick coats that need to be trimmed and groomed regularly. This will help reduce shedding and keep your pup looking and feeling great!
Ideal Climate Conditions for the English Mastiff
The English Mastiff is a large and powerful breed, so it is important that the climate be suitable for their build. They prefer moderate temperatures and should not be exposed to extreme heat or cold. This means that climates with mild winters and summers, like temperate climates, are the best suits for English Mastiffs. Areas that have marked seasons, such as temperatures that range from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, and temperatures that range from 30 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter, are the most compatible with the breed. Additionally, humidity must be kept in moderation, as English Mastiffs do not do well in pools of sweat. Areas with moderate rain and low wind are also ideal for English Mastiffs.
Zodiac Signs That Work Well With the English Mastiff
A perfect partner for an English Mastiff would be someone who is patient, stable, and dependable. As loyal and devoted dogs, they need someone who is willing to be just as loyal and committed to their care. Those born under the zodiac signs of Taurus or Virgo, who are known for their reliability, peace-loving temperaments, and emotional stability, would be a great match. They will ensure their energetic and powerful pup gets the physical and mental stimulation they need, while providing companionship and security at home. They should be able to understand and appreciate the strong bond the Mastiff will form with them, and enjoy their goofy, independent nature. People with strong management and training skills would also be ideal, as Mastiffs, while gentle and affectionate when well cared-for, can be challenging to raise, and need consistent structure, rules, and boundaries set out as part of their day-to-day life.
Fun Games To Train Your English Mastiff
One great game to train an English Mastiff is the Come Command game. Start by standing several feet from your dog and calling their name. After they make eye contact, give them the come command and when they come to you, reward them with a treat or praise. This will help reinforce the behavior of coming when called.
Another game you can play is tug-of-war. Teaching your English Mastiff how to properly play tug-of-war will help you teach them commands like stop, drop, and stay. Let them have the rope and pull them around a bit, then when they are tugging too hard, give the command to stop and reward them if they obey. This will help to reinforce proper behavior and give your pup a fun way to expend energy.
Finally, Fetch is also great game for exercising and teaching self control. Start by throwing a toy a short distance and rewarding your pup when they bring it back. As they become more adept, start throwing it further so they must return it to you each time. Again, rewarding them when they return with the toy will help establish the behavior of returning objects when called.
Example Dog House Style Suited to English Mastiff
A good style of dog house for an English Mastiff would be a large, sturdy, insulated house. This breed of dog is very large, so the house should give them enough room to turn around and lay down comfortably. Since they are a thickly-coated breed, insulation is key to help maintain their body temperature throughout the year. High-grade cedar is an ideal material for this type of dog house due to its strength and its resistance to rot and decay. Additionally, it is a great insulator as well. It is also important to choose a house with a slanted roof to ensure that the rain is diverted away from the entrance and no moisture accumulates inside. Finally, the door should be one that seals the house completely from the outside elements to keep the dog as warm and dry as possible.
English Mastiff FAQ
Q1: How big does an English Mastiff typically get?
A1: An English Mastiff can range anywhere from 120 to 250 pounds and measure anywhere from 25 to 36 inches in height.
Q2: How long is the average lifespan of an English Mastiff?
A2: The average lifespan of an English Mastiff is 8-10 years.
Q3: Is an English Mastiff an active breed?
A3: English Mastiffs are relatively lazy and low-energy, and prefer lounging around and being with their humans. They do need some exercise, but it should not be overly vigorous.
Q4: Is an English Mastiff easily trained?
A4: English Mastiffs are very intelligent and should be able to learn commands and tricks with patience and consistent training.
Q5: Are English Mastiffs good family dogs?
A5: Yes, English Mastiffs are known as gentle giants and are great with children and other pets. They bond quickly with their families and form strong bonds with them.
Final Thoughts About The English Mastiff
The English Mastiff as a breed is one that offers great companionship, loyalty, and intelligence and is known for their gigantic size. While their size may intimidate at first, the English Mastiff makes a delightful family companion if given the time, attention, and training they need. So, if you’re looking for the perfect guard dog to accompany you and your family, the English Mastiff is sure to provide all the love you need.
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