About English Mastiffs
 

Size: AKC standards require a minimum height of 30" for males and 27 1/2" for females.

Coat: Mastiffs have a straight, short coat. Colors include: fawn (tan), apricot (reddish-orange), & brindle (black stripes with either fawn or apricot accents).

Character: Extremely loyal to their family, the mastiff is generally protective without being aggressive with proper socialization.

Temperament: The mastiff is a very docile, courageous, good natured, & loving dog. They are eager to please. A raised voice is all that is usually necessary to reprimand. They are well suited to children & very tolerant of them. This is a very sensitive breed that does not do well with an owner who is a screamer or uses physical punishment.

Care: Minimal coat care is required. A simple regular brushing will do. They will need yearly booster vaccinations after their puppy series is completed & wormed on a regular basis. Nails may need to be trimmed on occasion. Supplements may be given such as a daily childrens vitamin while growing but over supplementation should be avoided. Some puppies are prone to growing pains in their legs between 6 mo. & 18 mo. of age if they grow too rapidly. Chondrotin/Glucosamine supplements with help with these. Because they're not a highly active dog a good quality dry food with 21-24% protein with 10-14% fat is recommended.

Training: Obedience training & socialization is extremely important for a mastiff!!! Socialization prevents them from overreacting in new situations. Remember that you will, on occasion, have to make visits to your vet & people will visit your home that your dog doesn't know so it will be important for him/her to feel comfortable meeting new people and pets and visiting new surroundings. Mastiffs in general tend to be shy and can react out of fear in unfamiliar surroundings if not properly socialized. Puppies start becoming protective at just a few months of age so early training is important. Continue to socialize your puppy as it matures into an adult.

Activity: Short, leisurely daily walks or playing in the yard a few times each day is all that's necessary for a puppy. Walks will help them accept a leash & put them in new surroundings to help socialize them. Avoid over exercising a puppy as it can damage their bones during the growth stage.