Alice White
The good-natured giant, the world record holder for size, is the English Mastiff. This magnificent dog conquers with its calm character and noble appearance.
Character
The English Mastiff is considered a calm, friendly dog. He is not characterized by mood swings. The dog is patient, the character of the English Mastiff is emotionally stable and reliable. The behavior is traced to nobility and the absence of puppy pranks. Being a phlegmatic in behavior, he is devoted to the owners.
Mastiffs are considered true companions. Loneliness is hard to bear. During an extended absence of the owner due to the opportunity, boredom can damage the home. Important: in the presence of a time-consuming job, understanding of frequent trips (travel, business trips), it is better to refrain from this breed.
Mastiffs are equally comfortable in an apartment and in a private house. They are not inherent in vanity, haste. During walks, mastiffs walk slowly, rarely getting carried away by running. You don’t have to use the leash – the dog will be nearby.
Mastiffs are good guards to protect the territory and family members. It is not common for them to attack first, but this is not required.
To unfamiliar people, he is wary and closely watching strangers. The only thing that the owner will have to fight with a puppy or an adult at home is a sleeping place. The main feature of the breed is its preference for comfort. Mastiffs climb up to rest on the master’s sofa without permission.
Families with small children are advised to refrain from establishing an English Mastiff for various reasons. Firstly, this is due to the size of the animal: during the game, it can accidentally injure the child. Secondly, the dog’s jealousy.
The English Mastiff must be walked for a long time in any weather and season. It’s hard to make them run. In winter, at low temperatures, they feel comfortable with a thick undercoat and do not rush home. However, in the summer heat, it is best to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun to avoid overheating the dog.
Care and maintenance
The maintenance and care of the English mastiffs are quite simple and do not require skills, and all thanks to the short hair of the dog. The pet must be brushed once every 2-3 weeks. During the shedding period, you will have to comb more often using a stiff bristle brush. To add shine to the coat, you can use a cloth or a piece of suede and periodically wipe the sides and back of the dog.
The animal is rarely bathed and, if necessary, with the use of special zoo shampoos, so as not to provoke hair loss and skin irritation. For more frequent grooming, you can use dry shampoo.
It is very important to keep your pet clean. Conduct regular eye examinations, wipe chamomile or strong tea. If a discharge of any color appears, you should contact your veterinarian.
After a walk, ears should always be wiped with a damp cloth and examined. Use a damp cotton pad or soft cloth to regularly clean the folds on the face and neck: food particles, dust, grease, and dirt can accumulate there.
It is recommended to clean the teeth and oral cavity once a week using a toothbrush with a special tip on the finger or a bandage folded in several layers. Claws should be periodically removed with pruning shears, even if the claws of dogs grind off during a walk under heavyweight.
Interesting facts about English mastiffs
- Representatives of this breed of dogs have been included in the Guinness Book of Records more than once. One of the striking examples is the dog, which became the record holder for its size in 1989. The bodyweight of the animal exceeded 155 kilograms. The height of the body at the withers is 95 centimeters;
- The English Mastiff has a long history. The oldest image of an animal dates back to about 2000 BC;
- English mastiffs are naturally endowed with excellent hearing. Even when they live with their owners in the upper floors of high-rise buildings, they can hear the steps of someone from the family entering the entrance;
- Mastiffs are recognized as excellent educators. They easily, sometimes even gladly endure all the whims of children. Dogs will not show their discontent or incontinence. Disagreement or protest towards children is shown simply – they take children by the hand;
- Dogs are very fond of tactile contact and hugs with their owner. Often they just jump into his arms;
- Animals hate loneliness. This is the worst punishment for them. Leaving them for a long time is not recommended, as they can find entertainment for themselves, and in this case, serious damage cannot be avoided.
Pros
- The English Mastiff is a wonderful companion and friend, especially for people with a sedentary lifestyle, including the elderly;
- He loves leisurely walks;
- Can’t imagine life without communication with its owner;
- Mastiff is able to understand the requests and wishes of the owner;
- The pet is not pretentious in the choice of space, it can be kept not only in the house but also in apartment conditions;
- Will be an excellent security guard. He is rather wary of all strangers, and studies them quite closely;
- Loves to play with children, take care and protect them;
- Easily gets along with other animals;
- The English Mastiff has a calm disposition. It is this dog that is the embodiment of calmness, kindness, and patience;
- Rarely gives voice;
- Does not require specific, complex daily care.
Cons
- For the dog to be able to understand the owner, it will take a long joint work, training, and education;
- Poorly tolerates heat, since it has a specific structure of the nose;
- Are prone to allergic effects;
- Are prone to overweight, obesity;
- Snoring too much and too loudly in their sleep;
- Profuse salivation is noted;
- It sheds quite a lot. The wool of animals is not long, but thick, so it must be combed out;
- They do not like active leisure and games too much;
- In general, keeping such a large dog is an expensive pleasure.
