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INTRODUCTION To Top of Page "Mastiff" is a term frequently used to describe a variety of large breeds. Therefore, for purposes of this piece, I will use the acronym OEM (Old English Mastiff) when referring to the featured breed. Please remember, as you explore the breed, that while traits and characteristics identified in a breed can be helpful in determining whether or not it will fit your lifestyle and environment, all dogs, regardless of breed, require a sufficient amount of socialization, formal training, attention, maintenance and care. Further, each dog is an individual. As such, each comes with its own 'history' which may affect its health, physical characteristics, and temperament. Therefore, much of what will determine your success as a dog owner is dependent upon your ability to thoroughly research and analyze these variables, your current and future lifestyle and environment, your commitment to be a responsible owner, and the nature of the individual dog. |
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HISTORY & BREED BASICS To Top of Page Mastiffs are a breed with a long and colorful history spanning several continents and centuries. Several of the breeds we know today were either derived from, or influenced by, the introduction of Mastiff blood. However, Great Britain is considered the birthplace of the Old English Mastiff, as it exists today. For more information on the history of the breed, visit the Mastiff Club of America's History Page. While there are no weight or height limitations in the OEM standard (AKC, KC), in general, OEMs weigh between approximately 130 and 220 pounds. Females generally fall in the 130-180 lbs range, with males running between 170-220 lbs. However, the world record for largest dog is held by Zorba, an OEM, weighing 343 lbs.  The OEM is double coated with a medium short, coarse and smooth topcoat and a short and dense undercoat. Color possibilities include fawn, apricot, fawn brindle, and apricot brindle. All accompanied by black mask and ears.Caroline Tobin has informed me that the long hair is a recessive gene and is not terribly uncommon in the Mastiff breed. In fact, many short coated breeds can and do throw long haired offspring. Though the long coated is not a disqualification in the ring, it is considered a serious fault. The coat does require extra grooming work. Photo right: "I finally found a flooring to match the dog." An OEM, in the right home, is a wonderful addition to the family. They should be gentle, steady, and devoted, and not be aggressive to humans or other animals. Unfortunately, as in all breeds, some OEMs do not possess the temperament that is appropriate for their breed. And, in these cases, their formidable size can significantly exasserbate this problem. They also, generally, possess characteristics and traits that may make them unsuitable for your lifestyle and environment. It is extremely important that you not minimize the requirements for proper care, socialization, exercise, attention, and training of any breed you might consider. But, it is particularly true of breeds, like the Mastiff, who already have a significant rescue population. The OEM is NOT the right breed for everyone. But, if you have what it takes to care and provide for the breed, these "gentle giants" can bring years of companionship, love, and devotion. For more information, I strongly urge that you read the MCOA's FAQ section, in its entirety. The section, covers many OEM topic areas including, but not limited to, Health, Temperament, Traits, and Trainability, in an honest and forthright fashion. Additionally, if you are considering adding an OEM to your family, please also see the MCOA's: Is the English Mastiff the right breed for you? I would like to express my appreciation for the assistance of Deb Jones and Caroline Tobin. I would not have been able to do this piece without their contribution and guidance. Additionally, I would like to recognize the exemplary efforts of the Mastiff Club of America, who through their code of ethics as well as educational, research, incentive, and rescue programs, are providing a great service to the benefit of their breed. Further, the wealth of educational content available at their website added, significantly, to my ability to direct visitors to helpful information and resources. |
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RESOURCES Clubs To Top of Page United States: The Mastiff Club of America website (AKC parent club) has a wealth of information including a comprehensive listing of Clubs & Contacts, both in the US and International. International: While many more international club contacts are available within the MCOA Clubs & Contacts section, I've included a few representative samples below:  Rescue To Top of Page The Mastiff Club of America has an excellent, comprehensive, rescue section available at their website. It not only lists MCOA rescue contacts, but also includes program information and information for international OEM rescue organizations. Please visit the Rescue Section of the MCOA website. eMail Lists, Chats & More To Top of Page  If you're looking a resource that will allow you to "network" with a variety of OEM enthusiasts, you may want to subscribe to a breed-specific eMail list.You will often find the lists have memberships that represent a diverse and varied base of knowledge and experience. Usually, the lists are open to all, however, some are only able to support a limited # of members. Many even have their own websites! Be sure to read each lists Welcome & Information statement prior to posting to the list. This information should be automatically sent with your subscription confirmation. Also, it can be helpful, especially if you are not familiar with email lists, to 'lurk' for a while to get a feel for the list's personality. While it is impossible for me to individually review every dog related email list available, it has been my experience that these lists often have very knowledgeable and experienced members who are helpful and supportive. Of course, as with any information, referencing a variety of appropriate, related sources and verifying the information, is prudent and recommended. Deb Jone's maintains a page of information of Mastiff eMail Lists, Message Boards, Chats and other related forums on the Internet Books, Periodicals, Videos etc. To Top of Page Once again, I would refer you to the MCOA website. Their Publications section is an excellent resource. However, some titles that are recommended include: BOOKS |
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WEBSITES Deb Jone's Articles & Information About Mastiffs hosts a variety of original articles and information while also serving as a guide to much of the Mastiff related information available online.  The Mastiff Reporter Archives are available (1993-1995) with many articles covering such topics as Health Concerns, Activities,
Genetics, and Nutrition. While litter announcements are available through this site, many of them can serve as an example of the type of information that should be available to owners when considering a breeder.Mastiff Web Finn Harald Roed's website featuring loads of Mastiff information (History, Art, Standards, Temperament, Grooming, etc.), forums (chats, message boards, surveys, etc.), fun (games, photos, postcards, etc.), Kaiser, and more. Jennifer's Mastiff Information & Links Page includes personal stories, breed information, and links to several Mastiff related websites, by type. Theresa Terry's Rainbow Bridge, Beloved Mastiffs is a page of tributes, memorials and poems Kirsten Ludwig's Mastiff Website |
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The DogInfomat™ est. 1994 © 1994-2005/Sandi Dremel The original content, concept, and design of the DogInfomat are the property of Sandi Dremel. All content submitted for inclusion remains the sole property of it's owners. As such, none of the contents made available at the site are to be copied, redistributed, retransmitted, or repurposed without the prior consent of it's owners. Last Revision: Friday, August 10, 2001 |
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