English Mastiff / Mastiff, Old English Mastiff

Breed history:

 The ancestors of this breed were raised in England 2000 years ago. There are several theories about its origins; but for all the dogs that think can be, at the Mastiff origins is the same ancestor - the Mastiff Tibetan. The English Mastiff was raised for security and bloody sports like fights with other dogs or other wild animals. It participated in the Civil War in USA. Nowadays, the breed is more spread in the USA than in Europe. 

Description:

 It is a very big-sized dog, massive, trig, shapely, with a strong, brawny body. The head is big, square shaped, the forehead is flat and wrinkled when it is alert, the snout is short, wide with a big, black nose. The eyes are spaced, medium-sized, dark. The ears are V-shaped, small, roun ended, and natural floppy. The tail has medium length, it is wide at the bottom, and sharp at the tip; the tail is held hanging. The fur has a short, wiry, hard, thick, not too soft hair and it can be greyish, reddish, striped, peach colour and black mask.

Personality:

It is a brave, smart, docile, calm dog. It is devoted and gentle with the family. It is friendly and well-meaning with the children, and it accepts strangers only with the approval of the master. If it was socialized since a pup, it accepts other dogs and other animals from the household.

Grooming:

 The casual brushing, and more often during the moulting period is enough for taking care of the fur of this dog. Any time it needs, its wrinkles from the face will be cleaned with a special lotion for not getting infected. They must not taken out for a walk when when temperatures are high. The Masstiff has a very big appetite and can became obese very easy if it is not properly fed.

Living conditions:

This dog accommodate easily to living conditions in yard and also in a flat, but it needs enough space because it is a big-sized dog. It needs socialization and training.

Training:

 The training of this dog must be made with patience, consistency, the dog must gladly attend these sessions. During the growth period, the dog must not be strained too much, to avoid the disorders of the bones, knukles and muscles growth.

Usefulness:

 It is an excellent watchdog. It can be also a good companion.