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ABOUT DOG BREEDS
 ENGLISH MASTIFF
Description Temperament Height and Weight Health Problems
Ideal Living Conditions Exercise Life Expectancy Litter Size
Grooming Origin Group Color
Breed Clubs Breed Rescues

Description
The size of the English Mastiff is the breedтАЩs most distinguishing characteristic. Large dogs tend to average about 100 pounds. The English Mastiff easily doubles this standard. Its weight is not attributed to fat. The breed has well developed muscles and is very strong. Its torso is longer than it is tall. The neck is thick, but average in length. A strong and straight back extends from the neck. The head is comparable size to the body. The ears and facial features are small in relation to its massive head. The breed has a double coat that is coarse on the outside and smooth on the bottom.
Temperament
Much of the violent behavior that is associated with the English Mastiff has been bred from it. It should not have any type of extreme behavior. While the breed is no longer violent, it should not be passive. Its guard dog qualities (confidence, defensive, and courage) should definitely exist. The breedтАЩs protective and low-key nature makes it good with children. However, supervision is vital with small or young children. Mild training is necessary for it to get along with other pets, especially dogs.
Height and Weight
Male height: 30 inchesMale weight: 160 poundsFemale height: 27 inchesFemale weight: 150 pounds
Health Problems
The health problems that plague the English Mastiff most often include gastric torsion, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), and Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD). Some types may also develop elbow dysplasia.
Ideal Living Conditions
The English Mastiff is a large breed, but it is suitable for apartment or other small living conditions. Whether or not the breed should be kept indoors is dependent on the amount of exercise the breed gets. If it will be left indoor alone for most of the day, it should instead be kept outdoors.
Exercise
The English Mastiff is not a huge fan of exercise. However, exercise should be a part of the breed's daily regimen. The breed should have at least a walk every day. The walk doesn't have to be long. Exercise is most important for indoor types.
Life Expectancy
The average life expectancy of the English Mastiff is 10-12 years.
Litter Size
The English Mastiff can have as few as one puppy and as many as 16.
Grooming
Owners of the English Mastiff will appreciate how easy it is to maintain the breed's coat. Simply brushing the coat on a regular basis and washing it occasionally is all that is needed. A dry shampoo is recommended.
Origin
Great Britain
Group
Working
Color
Most colors are acceptable for the English Mastiff. The most common are light shades of brown and orange. Some types are a combination of colors.
Breed Clubs
Old English Mastiff Club http://www.mastiffclub.com Mastiff Club of America http://mastiff.org Mastiff Club of Victoria Inc. http://www.mastiff.com.auCanadian Mastiff Club http://www.mastiffcanada.org Old English Mastiff Club of England http://www.mastiffclub.com Pacific Southwest Mastiff Club http://www.psmc.usSouthern States Mastiff Fanciers http://ssmfmastiff.com
Breed Rescues
Midwest South English Mastiff Rescue http://members.petfinder.org/~M0245/home.html Great Lakes Mastiff Rescue, Inc http://www.glmr.org Old English Mastiff Rescue, New England http://www.infodog.com/fancierpages/rescue/pages/r120505a.htm Mastiffs Unlimited of NY http://www.mastiffsunlimited.org Mastiff Rescue South Atlantic Region http://www.geocities.com/fjones7tn/index.html Gentle Giants Rescue and Adoptions http://www.gentlegiantsrescue.com/english_mastiffs.htm

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