Mastiff Dog Breed
The Mastiff dog breed can be described as a combination of good nature, docility, courage, and dignity. Adult Mastiffs are calm and quiet. These dogs like interaction with humans and need much space indoors and in the yard. Developed for fighting with dogs and baiting large animals, Mastiffs are nowadays very friendly, affectionate, and loyal. They can be trusted with children. The main function of the present-day Mastiff is guarding the house and the property.
The Mastiff dog breed is an ideal guard. These quiet giants don’t hurt intruders, but keep them in till the master comes. These dogs are good as conformation and obedience, but they don’t enjoy being in the center of attention. Most Mastiff dogs are coach potatoes that prefer lying in the shade and keeping an eye on what is going on around them. When the family gets together in the evening, Mastiffs like to lie on someone’s lap or sit on someone’s feet.
The Mastiff dog breed is one of the largest dogs. Purebred adult males reach up to 34 inches at the withers and up to 200 pounds in weight. The size of the Mastiff dog makes it suited only to a large house with a yard. Though these dogs are very quiet indoors, they need much space to stretch, walk, and communicate with the owner. It’s difficult to place a dog of this breed into an average car. The exercise needs of the Mastiff are moderate. A short daily walk in a park is enough to keep the dog fit.
Mastiff dogs are naturally very territorial, protective, and alert. It’s very important to socialize them around various people to teach them to recognize the normal behavior of friendly strangers. Without early socialization, the dog may be suspicious of everyone. Male Mastiffs don’t normally tolerate other male dogs. All Mastiffs have a strong instinct to chase cats. Only careful and firm training helps get rid of this bad habit. Talking of bad habits, Mastiffs are prone to snoring, grunting, drooling, and slobbering. In terms of grooming, the Mastiff dog breed is not very difficult to keep.
