Mastiff

[Troy]

Mastiff

ANKC Standard

(from http://www.ankc.org.au/home/breeds_details.asp?bid=169 )

Group: Group 6 (Utility)

General Appearance: Head, in general outline, giving a square appearance when viewed from any point. Breadth desired and in ratio to length of whole head and face as 2:3. Body broad, deep, long, powerfully built, on legs wide apart, and symmetrically set. Muscles sharply defined. Size is desirable, but only if combined with quality and if absolute soundness is maintained. Height and substance important if both points are proportionally combined.

Characteristics: Large, powerful, well-knit frame. A combination of grandeur and courage.

Temperament: Calm, affectionate to owners, but capable of guarding. Usually indifferent with strangers; timidity is unacceptable.

Head And Skull: Skull broad between ears, forehead flat, but wrinkled when attention is excited. Brows (superciliary ridges) slightly raised. Muscles of temples and cheeks (temporal and masseter) well developed. Arch across skull of a flattened curve, with depression up centre of forehead from median line between eyes, to halfway up sagittal suture. Muzzle short, broad under eyes, and keeping nearly parallel in width to end of nose, truncated (i.e. blunt and cut off squarely), thus forming a right angle with upper line of face, of great depth from point of nose to under-jaw. Under-jaw broad to end. Nose broad; with widely spreading nostrils when viewed from front, flat (not pointed or turned up) in profile. Lips diverging at obtuse angles with septum, and slightly pendulous so as to show a square profile. Length of muzzle to whole head and face as 1:3. Circumference of muzzle (measured mid-way between eyes and nose) to that of head (measured before the ears) as 3:5. Whilst in repose, any exaggeration or wrinkle of excess of loose skin is unacceptable in mature adults.

Eyes: Moderate size, wide apart. Stop between eyes well marked but not too abrupt. Colour hazel brown, darker the better, showing no haw. Loose eyelids highly undesirable. Free from obvious eye problems.

Ears: Small, thin to touch, wide apart, set on at highest points of sides of skull, so as to continue outline across summit, and lying flat and close to cheeks when in repose.

Mouth: Canine teeth healthy; powerful and wide apart; incisors level, or lower projecting beyond upper but never so much as to become visible when mouth is closed.

Neck: Slightly arched, moderately long, very muscular, and measuring in circumference about 2.5 - 5 cms (1 - 2 ins) less than skull before ears.

Forequarters: Shoulder and arm slightly sloping, heavy and muscular. Legs straight, strong and set wide apart; bones being large. Elbows square. Pasterns upright. Balanced and in harmony with hindquarters.

Body: Chest wide, deep and well let down between forelegs. Ribs arched and well rounded. False ribs deep and well set back to hips. Back and loins wide and muscular; flat and very wide in bitch, slightly arched in dog. Great depth of flanks. Topline level and maintained whilst on the move. Length of body taken from point of shoulder to point of buttock greater than height at withers.

Hindquarters: Broad, wide and muscular, with well developed second thighs, hocks bent, wide apart, and quite squarely set when standing or walking. Strength in hindquarters is of paramount importance, cow hocks in mature adults unacceptable.

Feet: Large, round and tight. Toes well arched. Nails black.

Tail: Set on high, and reaching to hocks, or a little below them, wide at its root and tapering to end, hanging straight in repose, but forming a curve with end pointing upwards, but not over back, when dog is excited.

Gait/Movement: Powerful, easy extension, driven from the rear, fluent, sound, with ground covering strides. Tendency to pace is undesirable. Absolute soundness essential.

Coat: Short and close lying but coarser over neck and shoulders.

Colour: Apricot, fawn or brindle. In any case, muzzle, ears and nose should be black with black around eye rims, and extending upwards between them. Excessive white on body, chest or feet is unacceptable.

Sizes: Not specified.

Faults: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Notes: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

See Photos of the Mastiff

QUESTIONS

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

3. How common is it in Australia?

4. What is the average lifespan?

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

9. How much grooming is required?

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

If you wish to contribute to the knowledge about this breed, please answer the above questions. (Copy and paste them into a new post).

• Please only answer if you breed or own a pedigree example of this breed.
  
• You do not have to answer all questions
  
• Please keep posts limited to answering questions or for asking further questions if you require more (or expanded) information.
  

See Photos of the Mastiff

Mastiff Breeders

Mastiff Puppies For Sale

[Kustali]

QUESTIONS

1. What is my relationship with the breed? We are breeders of the Mastiff.

2. Where and why was the breed first developed? The Mastiff is a very ancient breed dating back to 2500 B.C. and has a long history, from bull and bear baiting, fighting at war to guarding their masters castles. Now these days he is a gentle family companion and guardian. The British are considered to be the creator of the 'breed' and England is the breeds home, being the "English Mastiff"

3. How common is it in Australia? The Mastiff breed is not very common in Australia and it seems to be quite difficult to aquire a good type of dog here.

4. What is the average lifespan? 6-10 years or more, depending on their health and bloodlines, some live to 14-16.

5. What is the general temperament/personality? Calm, laid back, but quite capable of guarding your home and family. Quite friendly dogs, but may be indifferent to strangers, until they warm up to them! They make for very good family dogs because of their placid nature and are excellent with children despite their size. They like pats and cuddles like any dog but are not over zealous.

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult? Not alot of excersize is needed, although they do like a walk every now and then.7.

Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with? With guidance from another Mastiff owner or breeder yes for sure.

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods? As long as they have toys and things to keep them occupied as they do bore easily and could landscape your yard for you or your loungroom quite easily!! Most of the time when they are older they will sleep the day away until you get home, not 'usually' a distructive dog and they don't bark alot, only when there is something to bark at

9. How much grooming is required? Not alot, a wash every couple of weeks, an ear clean and a nail clip and your set!!

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)? No, they usually aren't very boisterous, although you do get the odd one. With little training a mastiff will know how to behave and a Mastiff is so gentle with the children anyway, usually it is the children that need the training of how to behave around the dogs!!

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of? Hip and Elbow Dysplasia is the main one

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder?

A few important questions to ask the breeder, not every little thing is covered here.

What is the Temperament of the sire and dam like?

Depending on wether you want to show/breed or just have him/her as a pet, will the puppy be on the Main Register or the Limited Register and do i get my papers with my puppy?

All puppies should come with papers as proof of parentage no matter what they are registered under.

Some breeders also like to co-own their puppies with people so don't be suprised if you are offered this.

Is the puppy microchipped? Does the puppy come with one set of vaccinations or two? You may need to give the puppy it's second vaccination shortly after bringing it home.

How much will the puppy cost? This is probably on the top of most peoples lists. Every breeder is different with the cost of their puppies. Mastiff pups do cost alot to produce and they are expensive to rear and raise. You will be looking at around $2-3000 for a puppy. But it does not matter what the price, wether it be less or more- it depends on the quality of the dogs they are breeding and the quality of the pups they are selling. Getting a bargain, usually is just that and you will pay for it later, but also paying the highest price for the pup doesn't mean you are getting the best either!!

There are many things to ask the breeder but one i feel important is testing for Hip and Elbow Dysplasia. Ask the breeder if they test for this, 'usually' if they do they will be pairing the dogs up together to be a suitable match. If they don't test and are breeding they don't know wether their dogs have Dysplasia, or not. Breeders testing for this are doing their best to prevent their puppies from developing this dabilitating disease.

Here is a site to visit, as i can't cover everything! look under Origins, About the Breed and Puppy Enquiries for loads more info!! Mastiff Club Of Victoria.

Edited October 6, 2009 by HANNAH

[Lynai]

QUESTIONS

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc) My first mastiff came into my life in 1992 as a rescue, we used to visit schools and meet the breed days. I now show and breed, but keep only 3 to 4 max, so they can all be in the house and be part of the family.

2. Where and why was the breed first developed? This breed, as it stands today was developed in England. Its roots trace back even further, but the Mastiff we all know and love today was developed in England. Mainly as a guard dog on estates in England. It is now prized as a family dog, but does keep its protective instincts without being viscious.

3. How common is it in Australia? I'm sorry, I don't live in Australia..but it has been gaining in popularity in the states.

4. What is the average lifespan? A shorter lived breed, 8-10 years average, with some leaving sooner and some leaving much later.

5. What is the general temperament/personality? Gentle, Kind and Dignified. Capable of guarding and protecting the family, but not prone to visciousness. They dote on their families and thrive when raised indoors as part of that family.

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult? Nice 30 minute walk or an hour or two of free play in a yard. Much like humans, some want and desire more excersize than others. Overall, not a high excersize dog.

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with? Only if you are purchasing one with some guidance from other Mastiff or working dog owners readily available. This is still a working/utility breed, it was bred to guard. If it feels like the owner is weak, many of these dogs may become over protective of the household, causing a problem.

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods? I have not had an issue with this, a nice bone or toy to chew on, in the crate, adults do fine...left to roam, well, just like any dog, young ones can become destructive and a mastiff being destructive usually means a room renovation.

9. How much grooming is required? Minimal, but they do shed out much like a labrador does, so a good brushing helps a lot with hair control

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)? It is a big dog and when young and more prone to being goofy, it can accidentally knock someone over. All my children were raised around mastiffs, but none were left alone, nor would I let them walk them unsupervised..never let them wrap a leash around a hand. Other than that, they were gentle, kind and great with everyone.

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of? Hips and elbows, cancer and thyroids can be issues. there are others as well, PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) testing should be done on both parents so you know the pups are clear.

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)...Parents should be tested for hips, elbows and PRA at a bare minimum. Even then the only guarentee is the PRA, as that has a genetic marker that can be tested for and eliminated from a breeding program. With hips and elbows, well at least you know what the breeder was working with. There are more tests, Thyroid and heart..more the merrier. I personally would avoid untested parents unless you know for certain the people will stand behind their dogs and have a long, and reputable history in the breed.

Edited October 7, 2009 by Lynai

[Kustali]

Thanks Lynai

I too think PRA is an important one to test for as we can do a DNA test to see if they are clear or affected. Clear parents will produce clear offspring.

My dogs have tested clear (a U.K. import and a Swedish import) but most breeders will not test for this as it does not seem to be common in the Mastiffs of Australia. But, it would only take one affected dog to be used at stud or an affected dam having 12 or more puppies to affect the gene pool, so i think it is worth ruling it out totally, better safe than sorry! and this is one test that is a 'sure thing', your dog is either clear or affected.

Edited October 7, 2009 by HANNAH

[Lynai]

You should post a photo of your wonderful Mini and Bo. :rolleyes:

Hannah, PRA probably never got a foot hold due to the low Mastiff numbers down there and when importing pups and semen became more common, well PRA testing was probably already in full swing..so it never really took off there, of course this is PURE speculation on my part . I'm sure most people importing are going to make sure the dog is clear by parentage or tested, since your right, who would want to be the breeder to bring that mess to Australia or NZ.

Edited October 7, 2009 by Lynai

[Kustali]

Ok, so you twisted my arm Lynai!

An example of a fawn dog and a brindle bitch, both with very good masks (black muzzle, ears eyes and nose) and lovely expression.

A fawn dog standing front on and side on.

A brindle bitch being examined by the judge at a Championship Show

A fawn dog having a cuddle with an 8 year old

[Kustali]

Head progression pictures of a fawn male

at a few days old

6 weeks

5 or so months old

21 months old

Edited October 8, 2009 by HANNAH

[The Spotted Devil]

My Dalmatian's very best friend at show training was an adult entire male Mastiff. I was gobsmacked at the wonderful temperament of this huge dog and his incredible tolerance as he played with a very silly, hyperactive and persistent 6 month old Spotted Clown. Funnily enough, the way he played with Ziggy is similar to how Ziggy now plays with my foster kittens - one relatively giant mouth gently wrestling with a much smaller animal.....the result was similar too....lots of drool My question is: is this tolerant, patient nature something you typically find in the breed?

I just adored this lovely lad...although he was known to lie down at show training and refuse to move when he'd had enough

[Kustali]

Hi, yes that would be the lovely Axel would it not??

They are very tollerant with other dogs, very gentle and careful with how they play, they know the young ones are babies and are so so patient with them. I have taught Bo to lie down when we go up to the smaller dogs so he is not as intimidating, now he does this most of the time and the littler dogs come right up and they'll be the best of pals

We hung around last night after show training and stayed for obedience sign up for socialising, lots of new dogs and people, dogs barking and growling, Bo took it all in his stride, he loves to say hello to all the dogs, and everyone is in awe of him, you get all the comments and everyone can see you coming from a mile away......but to see the dogs together is just the best

We had our Ambull back here for re-homing, two males who had never met before, i let them meet and greet through the fence for a while, after a couple of days when i felt they were ready i let them in together and they played like the bestest of buddies!!!! Was a sight to see, Buddy is half the size of Bo but more agile, is was wrestle mania!!!!

But, if the dog is not socialised it may be a different story, some if they have not been allowed to interact with other dogs might not be so friendly. I do think being tollerant of other dogs is a breed trait though.

Hope this helped!!

There is a great little write up on this, Lynai may have it, it is a really old one??

[The Spotted Devil]

Yes, the lovely Axel it was I figured you'd know him as they aren't very common as you say! Thank you

[Kustali]

I've never 'met' Axel, but have seen many pics of him so recognised him easily. Looks like your boy does love him heaps though from the pic I'm sure they love the attention too the Mastiffs, just the look of joy on their faces because they're getting all the attention!!!

[KitKat]

Oh Oh I knew it was Axel!!!! Fell for him after seeing his pics on the Vote My Pet Site and comp Such a handsome lad!

[The Spotted Devil]

Axel is even MORE gorgeous face to face He is the first Mastiff I had ever come into contact with and is a wonderful ambassador for the breed!

The toughest thing was getting any training done - when I was taking Ziggy around the practice show ring, he would launch playfully at Axel every time we passed him And being behind him in the "line-up"? Forget it!!! His whole body wagged in anticipation of getting to jump on Axel's head

[Kustali]

Hahahaha! Yes can just imagine it :p

[Freshstart16]

Not knowing much about this breed I have always assumed they were aggressive (please don't flame me, Im a newbie at dogs) i guess they just look scary to people who dont know much about them, they are very beautiful, and I love the fact that they are so placid and HUGE!! Keep the pics coming guys, I think I will be haunting this thread too, along with the bostons,pugs,danes, dachshunds ...you get the picture.

[Clyde]

That preconceived notion of the breed is more than likely because anything tan and larger than a Kelpie is labelled a Mastiff these days. This then leads to anything tan or brindle in the news for anything untoward and unable to be sensibly labelled a Pitbull, gets called a Mastiff. Very sad. I wish people would wake up and realise that Mastiffs are not on every corner block. Breed misidentification could very well lead to the end of the breed.

I can't tell you how many Mastiff x's I groom Not one dog resembles any kind of Mastiff let alone the English.

Lovely photos Hannah. I follow the Mastiff thread in hope of photos so it's lovely to see so many on the one page

[Kustali]

Excellent post Clyde, so well said

Almost every large dog is called a Mastiff, when in fact it is nothing like what a Mastiff should be like, in looks and in temperament, usually because it is a cross breed with many dogs in the mix, but because it is large and may be a similar colour it is called a Mastiff. It is just a label given, and i think people like to give that label to their big dogs not thinking about the misrepresentation they are giving to the real Mastiff breeds.

There are many different breeds of Mastiffs, all different in type and temperament. There are the Bullmastiffs, Neopolitan Mastiffs, French Mastiffs (Dogue - Turner and Hooch dog) Italian Corso, Spanish Mastiff, Tibetan Mastiff, Central Asian Mastiff (Ovcharka), Pyranean Mastiff and the English Mastiff. Then there is the South African mastiff the Boerbel (not a recognised breed with the ANKC but has their own registry) and the Fila Brasileiro (also not recognised with the ANKC ((not allowed into the country))registered by the FCI and others).

Then you have these 'people' who are ruining or breed by 'creating' the so called 'Australian Mastiff' which has everything in the mix (according to their website) including English Mastiff, Bullmastiff, Great Dane, Ridgeback, Rottweiler, Dogue De Bordeux, and Ovcharka. These 'people' are selling the pups for as much as what a purebred registered Mastiff will cost. Also they train them to be highly protective. Adding one of these creations into your family is just asking for trouble.

When you start mixing different breeds together you are throwing different personalities in the mix, not knowing what you will get from it. 100 kg dog with a kelpies brain...can you imagine it!!!!

Mastiffs are naturally a guarding breed and will protect their home and family if needed, but they should never be 'trained' or taught to be aggressive towards people or other dogs.

These days Mastiffs are bred to be much softer than what they were used for in the past and with their masters approval will accept you into their home with not a problem. If you are out walking on the street children and adults can come and greet your Mastiff without a worry, the dog is sound and knows his size. Other dogs can approach and be happily greeted by a wagging tail. A person can offer the dog food and the dog will take the food as gentle as can be with only his front teeth....this is just how a Mastiff is, large kind and gentle, always knowing his size accepting all that is around him.

[Kustali]

I would like to add this picture to the thread.

A good represent of the Mastiff breed.

[Kustali]

A brindle bitch at 3 years old

[Danielle]

I dont know if this is the right place to post this or not, but oh well. I want to know more about the Tibetan Mastiff but couldnt find a thread on them. I know they are pretty hard to find etc, so this may be why Troy never put up a thread on them. But Id love to know more about this divine breed.

Mastiffs of all origin are just amazing animals, so loyal and gentle. :D

I just love them, if I didnt already have three poodles Id have a mastiff! :D

Edited January 17, 2010 by Danielle