Types of Mastiff

Mastiff dogs are among the oldest dog breeds and the history of these dogs can be traced back to about 2,000 years. It is believed that mastiffs were used as fighter dogs, right from the time of ancient Roman civilization. Many other ancient civilizations had used mastiffs as guard dogs, hunt dogs and fighter dogs. It is said that this dog was brought to England during the sixth century B.C. Soon, they became popular among the British royals, who used them to guard palaces and estates. Later, this dog was introduced in America and they became popular by the nineteenth century. With time, mastiff dogs gained popularity in other parts of the world and are now, raised as rescue dogs, police dogs, show dogs, guard dogs or just as pets.

Mastiffs are still one of the largest dog breeds that can grow to a height of thirty inches and have a weight of around 220 pounds. In fact, the current status of the heaviest dog in the world is adorned by a mastiff named Zorba from England. The weight of Zorba is 343 pounds. Though, these dogs are massive and were raised as fighters, today's mastiffs are affectionate, gentle and sensitive. There are various types of mastiff dogs and a basic know-how about them may prove beneficial for choosing the one, that is best suited for you.

English Mastiff

English mastiff dogs are really massive with a large body, broad skull and square-shaped head. Mostly, they have a coat of short and closely lying hair, but, long-haired mastiffs are also not uncommon. The coat color varies between apricot-fawn, silver-fawn and fawn. The muzzle, ears, nose and areas around the eyes will be black. English mastiff can grow to a height (at the shoulder) of around 30 inches, and have a weight range of 70 to 110 kilograms. As far as the temperament is concerned, English mastiffs are calm, gentle, loyal, good-natured and affectionate. However, they are highly valued as protective dogs and are one among the top five guard dog breeds in the world. They are also suitable as family dogs. However, regular exercise and right food are very much necessary for these dogs.

Neapolitan Mastiff

Neapolitan mastiff is otherwise known as Italian Mastiff or Mastino. These dogs breed have been raised in Italy for a very long time and it is said that the Roman Army had used them during war times. Neapolitan Mastiffs are characterized by their wrinkled body. They have the most wrinkled body among the mastiffs. Their coat color varies between silver and beige. They can reach a height of around 30 inches and their weight can range between 70 to 90 kilograms. They are extremely intelligent, protective, calm and loyal. As compared to English mastiffs, Neapolitans are more territorial and bark rarely. They are not aggressive, but, are not recommended for beginners and for homes with small children. Even though, they are healthy, Neapolitan mastiffs may require extra care, as they may develop skin infections, due to the wrinkled skin.

American Mastiff

American mastiff is a cross between the English mastiff and the Anatolian Mastiff. This newer mastiff breed has a coat color of fawn, apricot or brindle. Even though, they are born with a dark-colored coat, it will get lighter with age. They may have white markings on the chin, nose, chest and feet. However, true American mastiffs is said to possess a black mask. American mastiffs grow to a height of around 35 inches and can attain a weight that ranges between 140 to 180 pounds. These dogs are found to be gentle, loving, protective and loyal. It has been observed that they are very much attached to their families and love kids. They need loving people around them. Compared to other types of mastiff dogs, they have very few health problems and live up to 12 years.

Spanish Mastiff

Spanish mastiff originated in Spain and was mainly used as guard dogs for livestock. They are very powerful and strong, but are more stocky and rustic looking. They have loose folds of skin around the face and a double dewlap (hanging fold of loose skin) on the neck. Compared to other types of mastiffs, they have long muzzle. The coat color may range between fawn, brindle or black. They have small eyes and drop ears. Spanish mastiffs have a height of around 34 inches and a weight of 110 to 140 pounds. Even though, gentle and affectionate, they can attack visitors. They are always alert, but, tend to be lazy at times.

Bull Mastiff

One of the popular types of mastiff, bull mastiff is a cross between English mastiff and old English bulldog. They are shorter and stockier, as compared to other mastiff types. They can grow to a height of around 27 inches and a weight of up to 130 pounds. Their coat color ranges between shades of fawn, red and brindle. They have no markings, but, some of the bull mastiffs sport white markings on the chest. Even though, they are loyal, calm, loving and territorial, they can be stubborn too. So, proper dog training and socialization is a must. Bull mastiffs can be good pets and family dogs. They have a life span of around ten to eleven years.

Apart from the above mentioned kinds of mastiff, there are many others like French mastiff, Tibetan mastiff, Japanese mastiff, Cuban mastiff and German mastiff. So, If you have any plans about raising a mastiff as a pet, you have to understand the various aspects of the different types of mastiff, so that you can choose the one, that is best suited for you.