The Mastiff is a very large dog, powerful and stout, with a massive head, two large drooping triangular ears, a broad muzzle and a face as if covered with a black mask which completes to impress.

Poil : short, in all shades of fawn (apricot, silver…), sometimes with stripes (brindle).

Size (height at the withers): 70-75 cm.

Weight: 70-90 kg.

Classification FCI : N°264.

What a glorious story! The Mastiff is one of the few races still in existence which can be proud of having participated in the great history of men, and this for many centuries. The French armies, for example, got to know this auxiliary hound of the English troops during the Hundred Years Battle. Its very ancient presence in Britain is attributed to the merchant civilization of the Phoenicians. For centuries it was a dog of war, of combat, of hunting, of guard… after having almost died out, the breed regained vigor in the second half of the XNUMXth century.

Beneath his terrifying ogre airs, the Mastiff is actually a gentle giant. He is calm and very loving towards his loved ones, humans and family animals. He is devoid of aggressiveness, but is reserved and even indifferent towards strangers. His colossal physique is enough anyway to make him a good watchdog that will deter anyone from approaching him. Another quality to be credited to this animal: it is rustic and adapts to nothing.

Due to its rapid growth and very large final size, the Mastiff is very exposed to orthopedic pathologies commonly encountered in large breeds. He should be avoided any intensive exercise before the age of two so as not to damage his growing cartilages. That said, the Mastiff appears to be less prone to frequent dysplasias, according to data collected by theOrthopedic Foundation for Animals : 15% with elbow dysplasia (22nd among the most affected breeds) and 21% with hip dysplasia (35th rank). (1) (2) The Mastiff is also logically exposed to the risk of rupture of the cruciate ligament.

Another risk of pathology directly linked to its large size: the dilation-torsion of the stomach. Clinical signs (anxiety, agitation, unsuccessful attempts to vomit) should alert and lead to urgent medical intervention.

It is accepted by the various clubs that cancer is the main cause of death in Mastiffs. As is the case with other large breeds, bone cancer (Osteosarcoma is the most common) seems to particularly affect this dog. (3)

Canine Multifocal Retinopathy (CMR): this eye disease is characterized by lesions and detachment of the retina which can impair vision only in a minor way or cause complete blindness. A genetic screening test is available.

Cystinuria: it is a dysfunction of the kidneys causing inflammation and the formation of kidney stones.

Cardiac (cardiomyopathy), ocular (entropion), hypothyroidism … disorders are also observed in the Mastiff but their prevalence is not abnormally high compared to other breeds.

Despite its good character, the Mastiff is a muscular animal that weighs the weight of an adult. It can therefore represent a potential threat to foreigners. His master therefore has a duty to educate him and prevent any dangerous situation, otherwise this dog could do as he pleases. Confidence and firmness are the key words for a successful education. The Mastiff is not affected by the law of January 6, 1999 relating to dangerous animals.