Mastiffs are large, powerful dogs with a long history and a well-deserved reputation for loyalty and protectiveness. Originally bred for hunting and guarding, Mastiffs have a muscular build and a distinctive appearance, with a massive head, wrinkled face, and short, smooth coat.
Mastiffs are large, powerful dogs with a long history and a well-deserved reputation for loyalty and protectiveness. Originally bred for hunting and guarding, Mastiffs have a muscular build and a distinctive appearance, with a massive head, wrinkled face, and short, smooth coat.]
Introduction to the Mastiff Breed
Like any breed, Mastiffs require early socialization and consistent training to ensure they are well-behaved and obedient. It’s important to establish yourself as the pack leader and to provide your Mastiff with plenty of mental and physical exercise to keep them happy and healthy.
Mastiffs are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Hip dysplasia, a common condition in large breeds, can cause lameness and joint pain, and regular check-ups with a veterinarian are important to catch and treat any potential health problems early on. Bloat, a life-threatening condition in which the stomach twists and fills with gas, is also a concern for Mastiffs, and it’s important to feed them small, frequent meals to prevent this.
Overall, Mastiffs are loving, loyal companions that make great family pets with the right training and care. If you’re considering adding a Mastiff to your family, it’s important to do your research and make sure you’re prepared to provide them with the attention, exercise, and medical care they need to thrive.
Types of Mastiff Breeds
- English Mastiff
- French Mastiff (Dogue de Bordeaux)
- Bullmastiff
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- Tibetan Mastiff
- Spanish Mastiff
- Turkish Mastiff
- Abruzzese Mastiff (Mastino Abruzzese)
- South African Mastiff (Boerboel)
- Japanese Mastiff (Tosa)
- Pyrenean Mastiff (Mastín del Pirineo)
- German Mastiff (Great Dane)
English Mastiff
The English Mastiff is a large and powerful breed of dog known for its imposing size and muscular, bulky build. They have a short, smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, including fawn, brindle, and apricot. They are known for their massive heads and chest, and their gentle, good-natured disposition. English Mastiffs are loyal and protective of their families, and they are intelligent and easy to train. They are often referred to as “gentle giants” due to their calm, patient nature.
French Mastiff (Dogue de Bordeaux)
The French Mastiff, also known as the Dogue de Bordeaux, is a large and powerful breed of dog known for its distinctive, wrinkled face and muscular, athletic build. They have a short, smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, including fawn, red, and mahogany. French Mastiffs are intelligent, protective, and loyal, and they are known for their strong bonds with their families. They are also known for their bravery and courage, and they make excellent guard dogs. French Mastiffs are known for their independent and strong-willed nature, and they require consistent, firm training and socialization from an early age.
Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is a large and powerful breed of dog known for its strength, courage, and loyalty. They are a cross between the English Mastiff and the Bulldog, and they have a short, dense coat that comes in a variety of colors, including fawn, brindle, and red. Bullmastiffs are intelligent, protective, and affectionate, and they are known for their strong bonds with their families. They are also known for their athletic build and their imposing size, and they make excellent guard dogs. Bullmastiffs are generally calm and gentle, but they can be fierce and protective when necessary. They require consistent, firm training and socialization from an early age.
Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a large and powerful breed of dog known for its distinctive, wrinkled face and long, thick coat. They come in a variety of colors, including black, blue, and tawny, and they have a muscular, athletic build. Neapolitan Mastiffs are intelligent, protective, and loyal, and they are known for their strong bonds with their families. They are also known for their independent and strong-willed nature, and they require consistent, firm training and socialization from an early age. Neapolitan Mastiffs are generally calm and gentle, but they can be fiercely protective when necessary. They make excellent guard dogs and are known for their bravery and courage.
Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is a large and powerful breed of dog known for its long, thick coat and massive head. They come in a variety of colors, including black, red, and golden, and they have a muscular, athletic build. Tibetan Mastiffs are intelligent, independent, and protective, and they are known for their strong bonds with their families. They are also known for their courage, strength, and bravery, and they make excellent guard dogs. Tibetan Mastiffs are generally calm and gentle, but they can be fiercely protective when necessary. They require consistent, firm training and socialization from an early age.
Spanish Mastiff
The Spanish Mastiff is a large and powerful breed of dog known for its thick, wavy coat and heavily-wrinkled face. They come in a variety of colors, including black, fawn, and brindle, and they have a muscular, athletic build. Spanish Mastiffs are intelligent, loyal, and protective, and they are known for their strong bonds with their families. They are also known for their bravery and courage, and they make excellent guard dogs. Spanish Mastiffs are generally calm and gentle, but they can be fiercely protective when necessary. They require consistent, firm training and socialization from an early age.
Turkish Mastiff
The Turkish Mastiff is a Molosser-type guard dog and originally came from the Anatolian city of Aksaray in Turkey. The Mastiff’s name comes from the Turkish word “Malak,” which means lip, and “Malaklisi,” meaning “with lips.” This describes the Mastiff’s pronounced, droopy, and black lips.
Abruzzese Mastiff (Mastino Abruzzese)
Farmers used these giant Mastiffs to guard and protect their flocks, and it’s thought the dog was developed over 2000 years ago, possibly a descendant of the White Greek Shepherd dog (Alabai).
Today the Abruzzese Mastiff is a kind and gentle family dog and is happy to share the home with other family pets, although not so trusting with humans they don’t know.
South African Mastiff (Boerboel)
When you translate from the original Africaans language, Boerboel means “farmers’ dogs.” The Boerboel was bred for protecting and guarding farms and families against large wild animals, such as lions. For such large dogs, they are incredibly agile and are fiercely protective of their family. The Boerboel must be socialized early to tone down their protective side a little. However, they are a devoted and loving family companion.
Japanese Mastiff (Tosa)
Tosas are patient, calm, and courageous dogs; they were initially bred as fighting dogs. The Tosa is a patient and kind family dog but not overly friendly towards strangers. The dog is also not keen on other dogs they don’t know and can react aggressively if they feel the dog might be threatening their territory. However, it’s unusual for a Tosa to show any aggression towards humans
Pyrenean Mastiff (Mastín del Pirineo)
The Pyrenean Mastiff originates in the area of northeastern Spain, and as far back as the 12th century, humans relied on these dogs to guard and protect their livestock. They are giant dogs but with soft hearts. The dogs love human companionship and do well within a family environment, which can also include children. Even today, they still exhibit their guarding instincts.
German Mastiff (Great Dane)
The Great Dane is a large and powerful breed of dog known for its imposing size and athletic build. They are known for their gentle, good-natured disposition and their loyalty to their families. Great Danes have a short, smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, including black, fawn, harlequin, brindle, and blue. They are known for their muscular, elegant appearance and their massive heads and chest. Great Danes are intelligent, playful, and affectionate, and they are often referred to as “gentle giants” due to their calm, gentle nature.