Located in: Canton
South, Ohio
Gracie/Justus Puppies!
"We have one (1) female apricot puppy left, 9wks old 8/30/2008"
Call for more info: 330-806-6860
(Mastiff, English Mastiff, Gentle Giant)
DESCRIPTION
The Old English Mastiff is one
of the heaviest breeds; a male Mastiff
can exceed 200 pounds. This dog is very massive, powerful and muscular.
The
head is heavy and square with a short muzzle. There is a black mask
around the
eyes and nose no matter what the general coat
color. The eyes are
small, dark, and hazel. The small ears should also be dark-colored. The
teeth
should meet in a scissors or slightly undershot bite. The tail is set
quite
high, tapers to the tip, and reaches to the hocks. The short coat comes
in
golden fawn, light fawn, brindle, silver, tiger, and apricot and is
easy to
groom. In the eighteenth century it was described as follows:
"As a lion is to a
cat, so is a mastiff compared to a dog."
TEMPERAMENT
Originally
valued for their abilities as a fierce guard and fighting
dog, today's Mastiff is a gentle giant. It is a self-confident,
watchful, and
patient dog who is gentle-natured towards his family. Intelligent and
dignified. It rarely barks, but it is in its nature to defend its
territory and
family. Calm, steady and docile, this dog is normally excellent with
children,
(not recommend for toddlers though, because of their great size). Good
natured,
but very large and heavy. Responds well to gentle, patient training.
This breed
loves to please and needs lots of companionship. The Mastiff's
dominance varies
widely depending on the lineage. They can be aloof with strangers or
fairly
friendly. Do not hit a Mastiff or you are asking for it! A born guard
dog,
brave and loyal. When strangers visit, it is likely to refuse to let
them in
unless they are accepted by its handler. The Mastiff generally holds
intruders
at bay rather than attacking. Protection training is unnecessary for
this
naturally protective breed. It is very possessive of home, family and
car. It
may be combative with other dogs if not very well socialized as a
puppy, so
extra effort should be given to socialize a Mastiff puppy. If properly
socialized it will get along well with other dogs. The Mastiff tends to
drool,
wheeze and snore loudly. They can be somewhat difficult to train.
DESCRIPTION
Height: Dogs from 30 inches
(76cm)
Bitches from 27
inches (69cm)
Weight:
Dogs about 160 pounds
(72kg) Bitches about 150 pounds
(68kg)
HEALTH PROBLEMS
Beware of hip dysplasia. As
these dogs are prone to bloat, feed two or
three small meals a day, instead of one large one. Also prone to CHD,
gastric
torsion, ectropion, PPM, vaginal hyperplasia, elbow dysplasia and PRA.
Occasionally seen is cardiomyopathy.
LIVING CONDITIONS
The Mastiff will do okay in an
apartment if it is sufficiently
exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors and a small yard will
do.
EXERCISE
Mastiffs are inclined to be lazy
but they will keep fitter and happier
if given regular exercise. Like all dogs, the American Mastiff should
be taken
on daily
regular walks to help release it's mental and physical
energy. It's in a
dogs nature to walk. They should always be leashed in public.
LIFE EXPECTANCY
About
10-12 years.
GROOMING
The smooth, short-haired coat is
easy to groom. Brush with a firm
bristle brush and wipe over with a piece of toweling or chamois for a
gleaming
finish. Bathe or dry shampoo when necessary. This breed is an
average
shedder.
ORIGIN
Found
in Britain as early as the Roman invasion, the Noble Old English
Mastiff was probably brought to that island by Phoenician traders as
early as
the 6th century BC. Since then, the Mastiff has been used as an arena
gladiator
by the Romans, in the bloody sport of bull, bear and dog combat, and as
a sheep
guardian, bodyguard, protector, and companion. A Mastiff came to America on the Mayflower and
subsequently other
dogs were imported. By the end of World War II, Mastiffs were
almost
extinct in England. However, with fresh imports
from the United States and Canada, the breed is once again well
established in today's
England. Some of the
Mastiff's talents include:
watchdogging, guarding, police work, military work, search &
rescue, and
weight pulling.
GROUP
Mastiff, AKC Working
RECOGNITION
CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC,
ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR
"Used with permission (C) Dog Breed Info Center(R) All Rights Reserved
>
www.dogbreedinfo.com
"
