Choosing The English Mastiff Breed For Your Family Pet

By Regine Hehn

The English mastiff breed is known for being the biggest type of canine according the Guinness Book of World Records. It is a docile dog, which is great because that would be really scary if it wasn't. And it is highly a family oriented dog who loves to be around people.

The Mastiff is also recognized as the oldest living English breed. The line originated in being able to protect and serve long before police officers came into history. They were used for animal baiting as well in sport and because of their strong demeanor proved to be very efficient. Because of their protection status and loyalty they stayed with their owners and protected them in situations of was and combat.

Their size makes them suitable for these purposes. With their massive square bodies they can be intimidating as they weigh in over two hundred pounds as a female and up to two fifty for a male. Some are even bigger than that. Their traits made them good stud dogs for breeding and developing other canine lines that are larger in size such as the Great Dane.

As popular as the mastiff is today the line almost ceased to exist after world war two. The line lost popularity and only a few breeders kept the line running in Great Britain. This is a thing of the past as breeders now sell and show mastiffs now only for purposes of lineage but to make great household pets. Or should I say family members.

A Mastiff though larger is a beautiful dog. With apricot or fawn coloring the line tends to have short hair. There are exceptions called 'fluffies' that have long curly hair as well. On their face is a mask of black or chocolate brown which also appears on their ears as well.

Don't let the protection value and the size of the massive mastiff fool you as they are extremely well natured animals. They will love their families and be very loyal and want to spend time with you. Daily exercise is important to this breed and they need to exercise and be aware of their diet. A mastiff puppy grows rapidly so exercise helps their development as they gain a lot of weight in a short time.

Though a mastiff is typically well natured to everyone they will be defensive with their owners and family. They will stand between their owner and what they perceive as someone who is a threat. Proper training is the key to their breed due to the fact that because of their size they can be misunderstood by others who do not know their temperament.

But as protective as they are the English mastiff breed is extremely docile and wonderful with children and smaller dogs. They have less instances of injury as opposed to smaller pocket dogs of popularity. They are loyal to the end, will love you for life and protect you because they love you that much. - 29953

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