Thursday, September 17, 2009

English mastiff


Appearance

With a massive body, broad skull and head of generally square appearance. It is one of the largest dog breeds in terms of mass, though the Irish Wolfhound and Great Dane are taller but not nearly as robust.[1].

Their size is very large and gives an impression of power and strength when viewed from any angle. The body is massive with great depth and breadth, especially between the forelegs, causing these to be set wide apart. The AKC standard height (per their website) for this breed is 30 inches (76 cm) at the shoulder for males and 27.5 inches (70 cm) (minimum) at the shoulder for females. A typical male can weigh 150–250 pounds (68–110 kg), a typical female can weigh 120–200 pounds (54–91 kg).

The former standard specified the coat should be short and close-lying (though long haired Mastiffs, called "Fluffies", are occasionally seen) and the color is apricot-fawn, silver-fawn, fawn, or dark fawn-brindle, always with black on the muzzle, ears, and nose and around the eyes. (See Coat Colour Inheritance below.)

Guinness Book of World Records recognizes the heaviest dog of all time as a Mastiff from England named Zorba, at over 343 pounds (156 kg). Zorba stood 37 inches (94 cm) at the shoulder and was 8.25 feet (251 cm) from the tip of his nose to the tip of his tail. Zorba set this record in November 1989, when he was 8 years old[2], and about the size of a small donkey[3]. There is a widely circulated claim that a St. Bernard named Benedictine weighed 357 lbs. This figure is based on "successive studies", rather than direct measurement of a living dog. The largest direct measurement of Benedictine's weight was 336 lbs[4]. There is a picture of a Neapolitan Mastiff circulating online being walked next to a small horse and the two animals are the same size. This is a doctored photo and there is no evidence in history of a dog of this magnitude. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the tallest dog is a Great Dane named Gibson. The dog is 42.3 inches (107 cm) tall.

Coat Colour Inheritance

The colours of the Mastiff coat are differently described by various kennel clubs, but are essentially fawn or apricot, or those colours as a base for black brindle. A black mask should occur in all cases. The fawn is generally a light "silver" shade, but may range up to a golden yellow. The apricot maybe a slightly reddish hue up to a deep, rich red. The brindle markings should be heavy, even and clear stripes, but may be light, uneven, patchy, faint or muddled. Pied Mastiffs occur rarely. Other non-standard colours include black, blue brindle, and chocolate mask. Some Mastiff have a heavy shading caused by dark hairs throughout the coat or primarily on the back and shoulders. Brindle is dominant over solid colour. Apricot is dominant over fawn, though that dominance may be incomplete. Most of the faults are recessive, though black is so rare that it cannot be certain if it is recessive, or a mutation that might be dominant[5].

Temperament

Two Mastiffs.

The Mastiff breed is a combination of dignity and courage[6]; calm and affectionate to its master, but capable of protection. This particular mastiff-type breed is an extremely capable guard. If an unfamiliar person approaches near their perceived territory or its master, the Mastiff will immediately position itself between its master and the stranger. If the approaching person does not back down, they take immediate defensive action. It is because of this instinctive behavior that English Mastiffs have earned themselves a spot in the world's top 5 guard dogs. The breed is innately good natured, calm, easygoing, and surprisingly gentle. It is a well-mannered house pet. English Mastiffs need exercise and activity daily to keep them healthy. The Mastiff is an extremely loyal breed, exceptionally devoted to its family and good with children and small dogs.

Health

Mastiff puppies require a carefully watched diet due to their very rapid growth.

The mastiff is a particularly large dog demanding correct diet and exercise. Excessive running is not recommended for the first two years of the dog's life. However, regular exercise must be maintained throughout the dog's life in order to discourage slothful behavior and to prevent a number of health problems. A soft surface is recommended for the dog to sleep on in order to prevent the development of calluses, arthritis, and hygroma (an acute inflammatory swelling). Due to the breed's large size, puppies may potentially be smothered or crushed by the mother during nursing. A whelping box, along with careful monitoring can prevent such accidents. The expected lifespan is about 7 to 14 years.

Major issues can include hip dysplasia and gastric torsion. Minor problems include obesity, osteosarcoma, and cystinuria. Problems only occasionally found include cardiomyopathy, allergies, vaginal hyperplasia, cruciate ligament rupture, hypothyroidism, OCD, entropion, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and persistent pupillary membranes (PPM).

When purchasing a purebred Mastiff, experts often suggest that the dog undergo tests for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, thyroid, and DNA for PRA.


Famous English Mastiffs




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