If you are a dog lover with an impressive appearance and gentle character, then this breed is sure to appeal to you. In this article, we will review the description and appearance of the English mastiff, learn about its characteristic features, find out how to train and raise it, discuss the price of the English mastiff, and present both the advantages and disadvantages of this breed. In addition, we will explore the health, diseases and grooming of the English mastiff. Let’s discover the secrets and fascinating history of this unique breed!
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English mastiff – description and appearance of the breed
The first step in learning about the English mastiff is to familiarize yourself with its description and appearance. It is a dog of enormous size, strong and muscular. Its impressive physique, combined with its broad skull and strong jaw, give it a majestic appearance. The English Mastiff has a dense, short coat that can come in a variety of colors, such as fawn, brown, black or brindle. His eyes are dark and full of expression, and his ears are medium-sized, usually dangling.

Character of the English Mastiff dog breed
Another aspect worth knowing is the character of the English Mastiff. It is a dog with a calm and gentle disposition, which often shows great loyalty to its family. Despite its huge stature, the English mastiff is usually very friendly and affable. However, he can be somewhat distrustful of strangers, so it is important to properly socialize him from puppyhood. The English Mastiff is also patient with children, making it a good option for families with children.
Skills – what should you know?
When training the English Mastiff, it is important to take into account its natural abilities. This is a breed that was once used as a guard dog, so it may have a protective instinct. It’s worth introducing obedience training to ensure that he has good control over his strength and size. The English Mastiff usually learns commands quickly, but requires a calm and consistent approach.
What kind of personality does he have?
The English Mastiff’s personality can be described as calm, trustworthy and patient. This is a dog that needs a stable and harmonious environment. The English Mastiff is devoted to his family and usually establishes strong emotional bonds. However, he can be independent and sometimes stubborn. It is important to support him properly socially and emotionally.
English mastiff – how to train and raise?
A key part of raising an English Mastiff is proper training. It is advisable to start training at a young age, because then the dog is more receptive to learning. It is important to be consistent and use positive training methods based on rewards. The English Mastiff is intelligent, but can show independence, so be patient and consistent during training. It is also worth ensuring that the English Mastiff is properly socialized so that it learns how to behave in different situations and towards other dogs.
For whom is the English Mastiff suitable?
The English Mastiff is a dog that will do best in a house with a large garden or in the countryside, where it will have space to move. Due to its huge size and need for physical activity, it is not suitable for people living in small apartments. This breed also requires close contact with the family and does not like to be left alone for long periods of time. The English Mastiff can be an excellent companion for people who appreciate calm, loyal dogs with a majestic appearance.
English mastiff – price
When deciding on an English Mastiff, you should be prepared for some expenses. The price of a dog of this breed can be quite high and depends on many factors, such as origin, breeding lines and quality of puppies – it is about 2000-3000 euros (9000 – 13000 zlotys). Before buying an English mastiff, it is always a good idea to find a reputable breeder who is responsible for good breeding conditions and the health of the puppies. Also, the cost of feeding, grooming and veterinary care should be taken into account.
Advantages and disadvantages
Like any breed, the English Mastiff has its advantages and disadvantages. It is important to be aware of both before deciding to own this dog.
Disadvantages
One of the disadvantages of the English mastiff is its enormous size. This is a dog that can take up a lot of space in the house and be demanding in terms of care and daily exercise. The English Mastiff can also be prone to sleep apnea, joint problems and excess weight, so it is important to take care of its health and control its diet.
Advantages
One of the greatest advantages of the English Mastiff is its calm and gentle nature. This is a dog that can be an excellent companion for people looking for a loyal and devoted friend. The English Mastiff is also known for being very protective of its family, especially children. This is a breed that can be an excellent watchdog and deter potential intruders thanks to its imposing appearance.
English Mastiff – Health, diseases and grooming
The health of the English Mastiff is a key concern for owners. Proper nutrition, regular visits to the vet and proper grooming are vital to keeping the dog in good shape.
Nutrition
The English Mastiff should be fed a high-quality dog food that is appropriate for its age, size and activity. It is important to control the amount of food consumed to avoid overweight, which can lead to health problems. Regular feeding and dividing the daily portion into smaller meals can help the English Mastiff maintain a healthy weight.
Grooming
The English Mastiff has a short coat, which makes grooming easy. Regular brushing and bathing as needed are enough to keep his coat in good condition. It is also important to take care of the English mastiff’s ears, eyes and claws.
Diseases
The English Mastiff, like many other breeds, can be prone to certain diseases. These include joint dysplasia, respiratory problems, overweight, stomach torsion and skin infections. Regular visits to the vet and monitoring your dog’s health can help prevent and detect possible health problems early.
Accessories and equipment or how to prepare for this breed?
Getting ready to own an English mastiff requires the right equipment and accessories. Due to the enormous size of the English mastiff, it is important to provide him with a comfortable bed that is properly adapted to his size. It is also advisable to have sturdy leashes and collars to ensure that the dog can be walked safely. If traveling by car, it is necessary to use a special carrier that will ensure the safety of both the dog and the driver.
History of the English Mastiff dog breed
The history of the English Mastiff dog breed is extremely fascinating and dates back to ancient times. The English Mastiff has a long history that dates back thousands of years. The origins of the breed can be traced to Tibet, from where mastiffs were brought to ancient Greece and Rome.
In Greece, the ancient Greeks used mastiffs as war, guard and defense dogs. Their immense strength and imposing appearance made them ideal companions for warriors and guards. In Rome, mastiffs were used in a similar way. They were present in amphitheaters, where they acted as fighting dogs, as well as guarding property and protecting cities.
In the Middle Ages, mastiffs were popular in England, where they were used to hunt wild boar and deer. Later they gained a reputation as guard dogs that protected castles and mansions. Their job was to scare off intruders with their powerful appearance and bold stance.
During the Renaissance, mastiffs began to be bred for show purposes. The nobility and aristocracy began to appreciate their majestic appearance and gentle nature. Mastiffs were also present in royal courts, where they served as watchdogs and companions for members of the royal family.
By the 19th century, English mastiffs were almost extinct, mainly due to changes in society and changing breeding trends. However, thanks to the efforts of a few enthusiasts, the breed was restored and brought back to life. Breeders, like Sir Peers Legh of Lyme Hall, have contributed to the restoration of the breed, taking care to preserve its original appearance and characteristics.
Today, the English Mastiff is valued mainly as a companion and guard dog. Its impressive appearance, gentle nature and loyalty to its family make it an excellent choice for many dog lovers around the world.
The history of the English Mastiff is full of courage, loyalty and devotion. This breed has a rich heritage that has endured for thousands of years. Thanks to the efforts of breeders and enthusiasts, the English Mastiff is now one of the most recognized and valued dogs in the world.
English Mastiff dog pattern
The English Mastiff dog pattern describes the ideal appearance and characteristics of this impressive breed. It is a dog with a powerful and muscular build that exudes strength and dignity.
The head of the English Mastiff is broad, with pronounced folds on the cheeks. The skull is large, and the muzzle is short and deep. The nose has large nostrils, and the nasal part of the muzzle is characterized by black pigmentation. Strong jaws and an even bite complete the appearance of the English mastiff’s head.
The eyes of the English mastiff are medium-sized, dark and full of expression. They are separated and widely spaced, which adds to the dog’s majestic expression. The ears are also medium in size, hanging down and attached to the head.
The neck of the English mastiff is long, muscular and well-muscled. It is wider in dogs, which adds to their massiveness. The chest is deep and broad, indicating powerful musculature. The back is straight and strong, and the loins are short and strong.
The English Mastiff has strong and well-muscled limbs. The front paws are straight and parallel, and the hind paws are strong and well-aligned. The paws are large, with strong toes and well-developed pads. The English mastiff’s movement should be smooth and free.
The coat of the English mastiff is dense, short and close to the body. It can come in different colors, such as fawn, brown, black, brindle or mint. Some mastiffs have white markings on the chest and toes.
The English mastiff breed standard also specifies the required proportions and size of the dog. Males should have a height at the withers of 76 to 81 cm, while bitches should be 69 to 74 cm. The weight of an English mastiff can range from 68 to 110 kg, depending on the sex and size of the dog.
Conformity to the breed standard is important at dog shows, where the dog’s conformity to the ideal breed standard is judged. However, regardless of external characteristics, it is the character of the English mastiff that is equally important. Gentleness, loyalty and a calm disposition are inherent qualities of this wonderful dog breed.
English mastiff – interesting facts about the breed
The English Mastiff is a breed that hides many fascinating curiosities. Here are some facts that may interest you:
- Impressive size: the English Mastiff is one of the largest dogs in the world. Males of this breed reach an impressive height at the withers of 76 to 81 centimeters, and their weight can reach up to 110 kg. This makes them true giants.
- Guarding history: English Mastiffs have a long history as guard dogs. Their imposing appearance, strength and courage make them excellent guards. In the past, they were used to protect castles and mansions. Even today, English mastiffs can provide a sense of security to their owners.
- Gentle disposition: Despite its powerful appearance, the English mastiff is usually gentle and kind. It is a dog that shows great loyalty to its family and can be a wonderful companion. It is patient with children and usually gets along well with other pets.
- English Mastiff in pop culture: This breed of dog has appeared in many movies and television productions. It often plays the role of a guard dog or a faithful companion of the main characters. Their imposing appearance and majestic stature make them excellent actors.
- Child-friendly: The English Mastiff is known for its friendliness towards children. This is a dog that can be patient and protective of the youngest members of the family. Of course, as always, proper socialization and supervision must be provided to ensure the safety of both the dog and the child.
- English mastiffs as therapy dogs: Because of their gentle nature and ability to form strong emotional bonds, English mastiffs are often used as therapy dogs. Their presence can bring relief and support to those in need.
Emily Carter is an experienced pet enthusiast and writer, with over a decade of experience caring for and working with animals. From her early days volunteering at animal shelters to becoming a pet care advisor, Emily has dedicated her life to understanding the unique needs of pets and helping pet owners provide the best possible care for their furry companions. She is especially passionate about topics like pet nutrition, behavior, training, and animal welfare.