Everything You Need To Know And More About Mastiffs

Mastiffs are one of the most impressive and strongest dogs that you can get on the market.

They also have a rich tradition of being man’s best friend, often featuring in many old legends and literature.

Everything You Need To Know And More About Mastiffs

These types of dogs are often used for guarding property, as not only do they look intimidating, but they are very loyal.

However, they do have a kind nature and make great dogs for the whole family.

But what are the various types of mastiff? What are the distinctions between different kinds of mastiff? What are the physical similarities between mastiffs?

Well, if you are thinking about getting one of these dogs and want all the trivia, then you should keep reading.

Bullmastiff

Firstly, we start with a dog that everyone knows and loves, the bullmastiff.

These dogs originally come from the English bulldog and the Old English mastiff which were bred around 18060 to help people protect their estates.

These dogs are quite quiet compared to other types of mastiff.

They usually have to rely on their intimidating size to get their message across. Some people just look at a mastiff and want to run for the hills!

These canines are rather large, weighing anywhere between 100 and 130 pounds. These dogs have a distinctive black face, although they come in varying colors that include fawn, red and red brindle.

These dogs are probably the most athletic of the bunch, able to compete in dog shows with a high degree of success.

Mastiff

This next version of the mastiff is the original purebreed, hailing from ancient civilizations such as Rome and Ancient Egypt.

There are even accounts of the great Roman emperor Julius Caesar having a mastiff dog when he invaded Britain in 55 BC.

These dogs have been used for a whole host of purposes in antiquity, although most people bred them as fighting animals as well as guard dogs.

They were often pitted against a whole host of animals including bears, lions, tigers, bulls and even other human beings. Thankfully, these days, they are only kept as family pets of guard dogs.

These animals come in a variety of different colors including apricot, brindle and fawn. They also have the stereotypical black mask that defines a lot of mastiffs of this type.

This type of dog can weigh anywhere between 120 and 130 pounds, which makes them one of the larger mastiff breeds.

However, despite their impressive mass, they are actually very good-natured dogs and will blend in well with any family. They are full of energy and very loyal and can be played with for hours on end.

Neapolitan Mastiff

Neapolitan Mastiff

Next up, we have a mastiff that everyone will recognize, with their wrinkled face and jowls, they have a heritage that can be traced all the way back to Ancient Rome, where they were often used as attack dogs during wars.

They are often used to guard estates, with the largest weight of around 150-pounds that enabled them to keep out even the most determined intruder.

They come in a wide range of colors, more than the other mastiffs that we have listed. These colors include blue, mahogany, brindle and tawny.

This breed of mastiff is very easy to integrate with both dogs and humans, which makes them another great addition to a family. They are also very loyal, which might make it difficult when walking them in the park.

Tibetan Mastiff

Now we have a mastiff that looks radically different from the other breed, with a heavy coat and long hair, this is one of the more elegant-looking of the mastiff breeds.

The Tibetan mastiff is very strong-willed and it will take only the most dedicated and patient owner to train it.

One of this dog’s best (or possibly worst) characteristics is the fact that it will not come when it is called.

If you prefer a dog that has its own mind, then this is the breed for you.

It also might take a little bit more grooming than a lot of other dogs, as it tends to leave long hair all over the house.

Which Is The Best Type Of Mastiff For You?

When you are buying a mastiff, you should know that you’ll be getting a dog that is extremely loyal but might require a lot of training in the beginning.

If you are getting the Tibetan mastiff, then be prepared to put the hours in, as this dog is very strong-minded and might not always listen to its owners.

However, mastiffs will integrate well into a family and they are not overly aggressive dogs. You’ll always need to do extensive research before buying a mastiff for yourself.

This dog is great for older children, as they have a lot more energy and are very playful and affectionate.

This dog also has a tendency to drool quite a lot, so if you are fastidious about cleaning up your home, then you should be ready for having to wipe up white trails of spittle across the floor.

One of the main drawbacks of having one of these dogs is the fact they tend to put on weight very quickly.

In order to avoid health problems in old age, then you should monitor this dog’s diet very carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will A Mastiff Be Good To Have With My Kids?

This affectionate breed is a great family pet and they’ll often be seen cuddling up to children of all ages.

They are also very docile, so if you have a large dog with smaller children, don’t be surprised if you see the latter riding on the back of the former!

Will A Mastiff Get On With My Cat?

Despite their tendency to be fiercely loyal to their owners, a mastiff will get on with any other household pet, especially if they are introduced at a young age.

Conclusion

We hope that this article has given you a greater insight into this wonderful dog breed, maybe more than convincing you to get one for your home. You can learn more about other dogs like different types Of chihuahuas, various types of huskies, and many others here, expanding your knowledge of different breeds and their unique traits.

Olivia Kepner