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John Paul Trueman | Aug 13, 2020 | 0 comments
English Mastiff
Mastiffs are amongst a group of breeds classed as ‘Category Three’ by The Kennel Club. These are breeds of dog that have been highlighted as having visible conditions or confrontational issues that can cause pain, discomfort or health issues due to exaggerations. This means that these breeds of dog have been bred over many years to look a certain way but that these changes to the way they look have started to cause them health problems.
Mastiffs are a member of the ‘Working’ breed group. Working breed dogs were bred to become guard and search and rescue dogs. Breeds in this group are specialists in their work.
Mastiffs are gentle giants – calm, good-natured dogs that tend to get on well with everyone. As with all breeds, early socialization is important to ensure they grow up into confident, sociable dogs. They need grooming just once a week, but their facial wrinkles will need daily cleaning.
Although some of these health problems are manageable, it’s been identified that it’s in the best interests of the dog to try and selectively breed to decrease the characteristics which cause the health problems.
Some of the characteristics and associated health problems you’ll want to know more about in relation to Mastiffs include:
For more information about these health problems you can speak to your vet or visit the Kennel Club, The Old English Mastiff Club or The Mastiff Association.
For some conditions, there are screening programmes available through the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and the Kennel Club. The Canine Health Schemes allow breeders to screen for a range of inherited diseases, so it’s a good idea to check the parents of any puppy you’re looking to re home have been screened under these schemes. We’d also recommend discussing the medical history of your potential puppy’s parents and grandparents, and think very carefully before taking on a dog with any of the health conditions listed above evident in the family line.You can find out more about the Canine Health Schemes on the BVA's website.
As adult dogs, Mastiffs need around an hour of exercise daily, but shouldn’t be over-exercised as puppies when their bones and joints are still developing. Training will require patience but can be achieved using reward-based techniques. Take a look at our Dog Toy Cotton Rope Knot Ball, perfect for keeping your dog fit and receive plenty of exercises.
Like most giant breeds diet should be formulated for a large to giant breed with moderate to high exercise requirements. You should consult your veterinarian or professional nutritionist for advice on what to feed your English Mastiff and the correct portion sizes. Their dietary needs will change as they grow from puppyhood to adulthood and senior age. Stay on top of these nutritional requirements, suggested food diet consists of fruit, vegetables, raw chickens whole raw eggs as the shell's are high in natural calcium (never feed cooked!) and a high-end kibble, also a joint aid supplement is recommended, not forgetting 10% bones.