Mastiff

The Mastiff, or English Mastiff is a large breed of dog; its name evolved from the Anglo Saxon word "masty" meaning powerful. The English Mastiff is one of the heaviest breeds of dogs in the world. A male can reach and often exceed 200 pounds. Some English Mastiff's have grown as large as a horse. If you're thinking of getting one of these as a pet, then keep reading.

Mastiff History

It is believed that the name Mastiff evolved from the Anglo Saxon word "masty" meaning "powerful." This name is well suited as the Mastiff is one of the most powerful and heaviest dogs in the world. It is a descendant from the ancient Alaunt and Molosser and is one of the oldest British dog breeds. It was originally used in blood sports, bull baiting, dog fighting, and lion baiting. It has also contributed to a number of different dog breeds.

There is some evidence that suggests that the English Mastiff came to American on the Mayflower but documentation was not found until the late 1800s. As Mastiff's were originally used in animal baiting, in 1835 during Parliament of the United Kingdom the Cruelty to Animals Act was passed prohibiting this from happening any longer. The Mastiff lost its popularity in England, but fortunately enough of them had been brought to America that the breed was kept going. Since this time, they have become more popular in Britain again.

Health and Wellness

If you are looking for a dignified and courageous, yet affectionate and protective dog then the English Mastiff may be just right for you. They are a combination of all those things. If a stranger or unfamiliar person approaches its master, the Mastiff will position itself between the stranger and the master in a position ready to protect and defend. They are not just for show; if the stranger does not back away the Mastiff will take immediate defensive action. It is for this reason alone and their unique instinctive behavior that they are among the top ten guard dogs in the world. And although they are exceptional guard dogs they are strangely calm, easy going, and surprisingly gentle. It is well mannered and makes a good house pet, but also needs room to exercise and run around. They are fiercely loyal and are great as family pets; loving children and being very protective of them.

Their expected life span is between nine to eleven years and as an extremely large dog they require a strict and demanding diet with exercise. Some of the major health issues that arise with the Mastiff are hip dysplasia and gastric torsion. Some of the minor problems may be allergies, hypothyroidism, and obesity (among many others).

Some famous Mastiffs

Through history the Mastiff breed has found themselves in Hollywood movies and many television shows. Some of the more famous roles played by English Mastiff's are:

•"The Beast" from the film "The Sandlot"
•"Goliath" from the film "The Sandlot 2"
•Mason the Mastiff in the 2007 Transformers film
•The movie "Beethoven" features a family full of English Mastiff's
•"Carlo" in "The Adventure of the Copper Beeches"

Although they have not reached the popularity in Britain as they once knew, Americans love the English Mastiff because they are such friendly, affectionate animals and are great with children. In the 1800s Edwards S. wrote in the Cynographia Britannica that "in a family he (the Mastiff) will permit the children to play with him and will suffer all their little pranks without offence." What more could you ask for in a dog; the perfect protector and companion.

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