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There are nearly 100 FAQ's available for this group. For a complete
listing of these, get the "Complete List of RPD FAQs". This article
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This article is Copyright 1997 by the Author(s) listed below.
It may be freely distributed on the Internet in its entirety without
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It may NOT reside at another website (use links, please) other
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This article may not be sold for profit nor incorporated in other
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==========
MASTIFF F. A. Q.
Frequently Asked Questions about
the Mastiff,
also commonly referred to as
the English or Old English Mastiff (OEM)
"Dedicated to the Ones who wait for us
at the end of the Rainbow Bridge."
Revision History:
* Release 1.00, January 20, 1997 (Pre-USENET Release)
* Release 1.01, February 1, 1997
* Release 1.02, March 14, 1997
* Release 1.03, March 31, 1997 (USENET Release)
* Release 1.04, August 12, 1997
+ Combined the two separate parts into one document
+ Updated the largest dog in the world's weight
+ Added 1998 Specialty information
+ Appendix D - Rescue - revised to reflect new structure
+ Appendix E - Added a number of Mastiff books, sites
+ Appendix I - Updated MCOA contact list
+ Appendix J - New or changed sites for Bullmastiffs, Dogues,
Filas, Saints, Tibetans
+ ... and a number of minor changes through-out
_________________________________________________________________
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION AND LEGAL STUFF
A. Introduction
B. Copyright
C. Disclaimer
D. Contributors
II. QUESTIONS FREQUENTLY ASKED ABOUT THE MASTIFF
1. What is a Mastiff?
2. What is the Mastiff Club Of America (MCOA)?
3. Where do Mastiffs come from?
4. What are Mastiffs good for?
5. Are all Mastiffs the same?
6. Are Mastiffs:
a. Aggressive?
b. Easy to train?
c. Fighters?
d. Good guard dogs?
e. Protective?
f. Shy?
7. What are Mastiffs like in the house?
8. How much does a Mastiff:
a. Cost?
b. Eat?
c. Weigh?
9. Do Mastiffs:
a. Bark much?
b. Bite?
c. Chew?
d. Dig?
e. Make good obedience dogs?
f. Need a lot of exercise?
g. Pass gas?
h. Roam?
i. Shed?
j. Slobber?
k. Smell?
l. Snore?
m. Live indoors or outdoors?
10. How are Mastiffs with:
a. Burglars, muggers and other miscreants?
b. Other dogs?
c. Other animals?
d. Strangers?
e. Young children?
11. How long does a Mastiff live?
12. Can I get a white Mastiff? What colors can I get?
13. Male vs. female, which is friendlier? more protective? Easier
to train?
14. Is there anything special I should know about raising a
Mastiff puppy - isn't it the same as any other breed?
15. How much training does a Mastiff need?
16. Do Mastiffs have any genetic health problems?
17. What are the common non-genetic health problems in Mastiffs?
18. What other problems do Mastiffs have?
19. What kind of a temperament does a Mastiff have?
20. What does a Mastiff eat?
21. What kind of living quarters does a Mastiff require? How
about crating? Where do they sleep?
22. Does owning a Mastiff:
a. Cost a lot?
b. Require a lot of work?
23. Are you trying to talk me out of getting a Mastiff?
24. Where should I get a Mastiff?
25. Where can I get more information about Mastiffs?
26. How do I pick a Mastiff puppy?
27. What questions should I ask the breeder (and what answers
should I get)
28. What kind of toys and other paraphernalia do I need for my
Mastiff?
29. Is that a Mastiff in:
30. What's the difference between a Mastiff and a Bullmastiff?
III. APPENDICES
A. History of the Mastiff
B. MCOA / AKC Mastiff Conformation Standard
C. MCOA Code of Ethics
D. MCOA Rescue Service
1. What is the MCOA Rescue Service?
2. MCOA Rescue Service Contacts
E. Mastiff References and Resources
1. Books
2. Publications
3. Video / Audio
4. Computer Programs & Databases
5. Mastiffs on the Internet
F. Health Tests / Certifications every Mastiff SHOULD have
G. Questions To Ask a Mastiff Breeder
H. Special Aspects of Raising a Mastiff Puppy
I. Mastiff Clubs & Contacts
1. Mastiff Club of America
2. US Regional Mastiff Clubs
3. Mastiff Clubs in Other Countries
J. Mastiff Varieties and Internet References
_________________________________________________________________
I. INTRODUCTION AND LEGAL STUFF
A. _Introduction_
Hello and welcome to the wonderful world of the Mastiff! In our
not so humble opinion, the Mastiff is THE best breed of dog to be
owned by, bar none. BUT, the Mastiff is NOT a breed for everyone.
We've tried to gear this F. A. Q. towards the breed browser and
the first time Mastiff wanna-be owner. Here we've tried to show
both the upside and the downside of the Mastiff / human
relationship. Not that we're trying to chase you away (we wish
everyone could enjoy the love and companionship of one of these
great beasties), but we'd much rather have you know about the
possible trials and tribulations BEFORE your new Mastiff pup walks
through the front door, not AFTER. As the breed's popularity and
exposure increases, more and more people are getting a Mastiff
without any idea what-so-ever of what they're getting into. Way
too often this ends up in severe disappoint for the human and
tragedy for the Mastiff. So please, please, study this F. A. Q.
Ask questions. Look before you leap! We hope that this F. A. Q. in
some way helps you in making your decision and / or preparing for
your life with a Mastiff. Good luck and doG Bless!
B. _Copyright_
This FAQ is a publication of, and Copyright (c) 1995, 1996, 1997
by, the Mastiff Club Of America, Incorporated (MCOA). All rights
are reserved. The Mastiff AKC Conformation Standard (Appendix B)
is included with the permission of the American Kennel Club, Inc.
The MCOA hereby gives permission to freely distribute this
document in its entirety for non-profit, non-commercial, personal
use and for traditional Internet archiving, provided that the
document is distributed in its entirety and that no changes are
made. Permission is also given to freely distribute excerpts and
quotes provided that attribution is given to the Mastiff Club Of
America, Inc. This FAQ may NOT be included in any commercial
collections or compilations. If you find it in one, please notify
the FAQ maintainer so appropriate action can be taken.
C. _Disclaimer_
This FAQ is provided as is without any express or implied
warranties or guarantees as to the content's accuracy,
completeness or applicability to a specific animal. While every
effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information
contained in this article, the MCOA, the contributors and the
maintainer assume no responsibility for errors or omissions, or
for damages resulting from the use of the information contained
herein.
D. _Contributors_
+ Laurie Adams
+ Donna Dick
+ Deb Jones
+ Sharon Krauss
+ Kirsten Ludwig
+ Mike McBee
+ Linda Monroe
Please send any comments, corrections or criticisms about the FAQ
to the FAQ maintainer, Mike McBee, at mmcbee@access.mountain.net.
_________________________________________________________________
II. QUESTIONS FREQUENTLY ASKED ABOUT THE MASTIFF
1. _What is a Mastiff?_
A Mastiff is a giant breed of dog, descended from the ancient
Alaunt and Molosser. Today, mastiff is used to describe many
different breeds around the world, all descended from the same
root stock. In the US and other English speaking countries,
Mastiff is used to refer to the Old English Mastiff (OEM),
developed in England and nearly extinct after WW II. With that in
mind, Mastiffs (OEMs) are generally very large dogs; fawn, apricot
or brindle in color; all with a black mask and ears; possessing a
medium to short coat with very little white (which, if it appears,
should be confined to the chest but often appears on the toes as
well). There is no upper height limit and no weight range in the
Mastiff Standard. In height they generally range from the
Standard's minimum of 27 1/2 inches up to 36 inches for the
exceptionally tall ones. They can weigh anywhere from 110 pounds
to the 343 pounds of Zorba, the world's largest dog, although most
Mastiff males weigh around 160-230 pounds and females around
120-170 pounds. This breed is supposed to be very broad with a
huge head, wide chest and large bone, and is longer in body than
in height (see Appendix B, the Mastiff Conformation Standard).
Mastiffs are not supposed to resemble Great Danes except possibly
in height, nor Saint Bernards, except for the bone, width, chest
and large head. They should not be as wrinkled as a Neapolitan nor
as dome headed as a Dogue de Bordeaux, nor 'houndy' like a Fila
Brasileiro. Mastiffs possess characteristics unique to the breed,
especially the head with a broad, deep muzzle with flews hanging
over the bottom lip, giving the head a square appearance. A
Mastiff should possess a calm, self assured temperament and be
devoted to its family and friends. Mastiffs should not be
aggressive to humans or other animals, including other dogs,
although, unfortunately, some of them are. Mastiffs should be
steady, gentle, eager for affection, good with children, calm and
self assured, and used primarily as a family companion.
2. _What is the Mastiff Club Of America (MCOA)?_
The Mastiff Club Of America was incorporated in 1929 to protect
and promote the Mastiff. It is the Mastiff parent breed club
member of the American Kennel Club. Membership is open to persons
18 years or older, in good standing with the American Kennel Club,
who subscribe to the purposes of the Club, and who agree to abide
and uphold the Club's Code of Ethics (Appendix C), Constitution
and By-Laws. Applicants must be sponsored by two MCOA members who
have been members in good standing for at least three years.
Applicants will be an associate member (without voting or office
holding privileges) for a period of one year. The MCOA is a
non-profit organization. For membership information and
application forms, contact the MCOA Membership Chairman (see
Appendix I.1 for contact information).
The objectives of the Club are:
+ to encourage and promote the selective breeding of quality
purebred Mastiffs and to do all possible to bring their
natural qualities to fit the standard
+ to encourage the organization of independent local Mastiff
Specialty Clubs in those localities where there are
sufficient fanciers of the breed to meet the requirements of
the American Kennel Club
+ to urge members and breeders to accept the standard of the
breed as approved by the American Kennel Club as the only
standard of excellence by which Mastiffs shall be judged
+ to do all in its power to protect and advance the interests
of the breed and to encourage sportsmanlike competition at
dog shows and obedience trials
+ to provide for the welfare of the breed through a program of
Mastiff Rescue and continuing education
+ to conduct sanctioned matches, obedience trials, and
specialty shows under the rules of the American Kennel Club.
The MCOA conducts a roving Independent National Specialty in the
spring of each year; in 1996 the Specialty was held in St. Louis,
Mo. and in Sacramento, Ca., in 1997. The 1998 MCOA National
Specialty and Obedience Trial will held May 5-9, at the Embers Inn
and Convention Center, Carlisle, PA. See
http://www.idsonline.com/business/djones/spec98.htm for more
information.
The Club publishes a quarterly Journal available by subscription
(see Appendix I.1 for Subscription Editor's address) and a
quarterly Bulletin for its members.
The MCOA offers a Genetic Data Collection Service to individuals
and breeders who are interested in researching the genetic
background of their dogs (see Appendix F for more information).
3. _Where do Mastiffs come from?_
See Appendix A for a brief history.
4. _What are Mastiffs good for?_
Mastiffs excel as companions, family members, therapy workers and
as watch dogs. Mastiffs have also done well, when properly trained
and conditioned, at carting, tracking, obedience, conformation
showing, search and rescue (SAR), and weight pulling. They are
also great foot warmers and couch potatoes. :-)
5. _Are all Mastiffs the same?_
No. Like humans, Mastiffs are individuals. Each has its own
genetic and environmental history that effects its attitude,
temperament, health and responses to stimuli. These questions are
answered with the general breed characteristics in mind, no
individual Mastiff will match the answers in every respect.
Oh, that's not what you meant. While it is correct that the breed
of mastiff dog developed in England has pre-empted the official
name of 'Mastiff', according to the AKC's 'The Complete Dog Book',
18th Edition, "The breed commonly called "Mastiff" in English
speaking countries is more properly described as the 'Old English'
Mastiff." From the same source: "The term 'mastiff' describes a
group of giant varieties of dogs rather than a single breed."
If this is what you meant, then No, not all Mastiffs are the same.
See Appendix J for a list of some of the different Mastiff
varieties.
6. _Are Mastiffs:_
a. Aggressive?
Aggression is unnecessary force or dominance in any
situation. Aggression should not be confused with protection
where a dog uses force or dominance to protect its people or
territory when threatened.
The typical Mastiff's temperament, by nature, is one of
gentle demeanor. However, as with any breed, a Mastiff can
become aggressive for varying reasons.
Typically, aggressive behavior is established due to
environment as a "learned response" and/or results from a
lack of proper socialization during the dog's developmental
stages.
A certain percentage of dogs may be genetically unstable and
inherit aggressive tendencies. For this reason, before you
purchase a puppy, it is best to ask the breeders about the
temperament of the sire and the dam and try to see both if at
all possible.
Some dogs may have a predisposition for certain
characteristics which may be the basis for aggressive
behavior: a dominant dog may exhibit Dominant Aggression, an
unsocialized dog may develop Fear Motivated Aggression, or a
dog unsocialized with other dogs may develop Species
Aggression. Most aggression can be prevented by proper
rearing and socialization, beginning as a puppy.
If you are experiencing a problem, consult your Mastiff's
breeder, your veterinarian, and/or a trained animal
behaviorist BEFORE the problem becomes serious.
b. Easy to train?
Both easy and difficult. Mastiffs are smart, and live to
please. However, they go through phases where they are also
stubborn, and these phases can last anywhere from a few weeks
a couple of times in puppyhood to (in some cases) the
lifetime of the dog!
Keep training sessions short (10-15 minutes) and frequent
(several times a day). In addition to their stubbornness,
Mastiffs have very sensitive feelings, and if they are
frightened, hurt, or confused, they cannot be budged. Make
training like a game. Use a happy, excited voice. You have to
be consistent and firm to train effectively. Once a dog is
well trained, it needs practice on a regular basis. Dogs LIKE
to be trained because they WANT to know how to please their
beloved owners. Once trained, a Mastiff seldom needs stronger
correction than a stern voice.
Except for formal obedience training, you can use food treats
for motivation. But the best reward for any Mastiff is lavish
hugs and plenty of praise.
c. Fighters?
Mastiffs, with their gentle natures, do not have the
instincts that dogfighters are looking for. Their protective
instincts make them actually the opposite to the aggressive
fighting personality. However, they will, at times, fight
among themselves, or with other dogs, for the typical canine
reasons such as pack dominance and sexual competition. Two
190 pound adult male Mastiffs in combat for pack leadership
can be next to impossible, as well as exceedingly dangerous,
to separate.
d. Good guard dogs?
Mastiffs are excellent guard dogs. They go to the door and
bark, their hackles stand up, and they look formidable, but
Mastiffs, as a breed, are not trigger-happy. They have a
gentle, rather than an aggressive, nature.
Mastiffs need the company of their human family much more
than some other breeds of dogs do. A Mastiff left alone, tied
out, or kept in a fenced yard with too little human company,
will either pine away or develop destructive behaviors out of
loneliness and anxiety. Denied the needed time with its
family, a Mastiff may be much LESS protective because it
isn't sure it belongs to that family.
A normal, well adjusted Mastiff will protect it's family, but
only if the need arises. You don't want an aggressive Mastiff
that protects you from friends and family. The ideal
temperament is one where you never know that you are being
protected unless a true situation arises where a Mastiff's
services are needed.
e. Protective?
Mastiffs ARE protective. However, many people do not
understand the difference between protection and aggression.
If a dog growls when there is no danger, that is aggression,
NOT protection. A protective dog has the judgment to see when
there is a real risk of danger, and therefore, if you have a
TRULY protective dog, you may never know it till you ARE in
danger.
The protective instinct is shown in subtle ways, such as the
Mastiff tending to stand between their person and a stranger.
Many people who have kids discover that they can't spank a
kid in front of the Mastiff -- it looks worried and gets in
between the parent and child! Couples who sometimes
play-wrestle together have reported their Mastiff trying to
stop them for fear it is a fight.
f. Shy?
Because of their great sensitivity, Mastiffs who are not
THOROUGHLY socialized when young can very easily become shy
of strange people, places, and animals. Shyness can be both
inherited and/or the result of inadequate socialization. This
is why puppy kindergarten, obedience classes over an extended
period of time, and visits to parks are EXTREMELY important
to the development of your Mastiff. If you do not have the
time to do these things with and for your Mastiff, you need
to think over whether you are in a position to do right by a
dog, at least at this point in your life.
A shy dog is an uneasy, unhappy dog. If your dog is more shy
than the average, then it is more important than ever to get
the right amount of gentle, gradual socialization with lots
of positive reinforcement for all its friendly, confident,
non-shy actions.
7. _What are Mastiffs like in the house?_
Clean, quiet, and undemanding. Heaven to a Mastiff is a rug beside
his owner's chair. Mastiffs are naturally clean (except for
slobber), and quick to housebreak. Most adult Mastiffs don't chew
what they shouldn't, and they don't get on the furniture (unless
you let them _;-)_).
If you do let your young Mastiff on the sofa, just remember that
they grow FAST, and it is unfair and quite unreasonable to let the
dog learn to enjoy something, and then decide the dog is too big
to get up there any more. Mastiffs have long memories, and are
much easier to train correctly the first time than to retrain to
get rid of bad habits.
8. _How much does a Mastiff:_
a. Cost?
Puppy prices usually run $800-1500 and up, depending on a
number of variables such as pedigree, show potential,
geographic location, and breeder costs. A higher price does
NOT necessarily mean a better dog! Read this FAQ thoroughly
to learn about testing and other evidences of health and
soundness, as well as show wins, as the basis for selecting
the pup most likely to be healthy, happy, and just what you
want.
b. Eat?
Probably not as much as you think. Pound for pound, the
larger the dog the less food it needs for each pound of body
weight. Exactly how much food your dog needs depends on many
factors including its size, age and activity level. Feed your
Mastiff a good quality, balanced diet - low on table scraps -
and don't let him get too fat.
c. Weigh?
Adult males generally run about 160-230 pounds, females are
normally between 120-170 pounds. Males over 200 pounds are
not too uncommon and a few females reach these weights.
According to the Guinness Book of Records the record holder
for the world's largest dog is Zorba, a Mastiff, at 343
pounds. He stood 37 inches at the shoulder and was 8 foot 3
inches from the tip of his nose to the tip of his tail. Zorba
set this record in November, 1989, when he was 8 years old.
9. _Do Mastiffs:_
a. Bark much?
Puppies are puppies in most breeds. Young pups tend to bark
more than adults because of the excitement of play. Adults
rarely bark except when you first arrive home, or they hear a
sound they want you to investigate, like a doorbell. Most
Mastiffs will howl if they hear a siren close by, since it
sounds like a howl such as wild dogs would respond to.
b. Bite?
Any dog bites if hurt, frightened, or threatened, but a
Mastiff that is properly trained and socialized will
typically not bite except as a very last resort. Do NOT let a
pup (of any age) bite anyone or anything (except its litter
mates) in play, since they NEED to know that biting is not
allowed. They will still bite if there is an absolute
necessity, but will not try it any other times.
c. Chew?
As for chewing, puppies of any breed need to be given durable
toys that they know it is OK to chew. Any time you catch your
puppy chewing on anything except its own chew toys, take the
forbidden item away from it, and give it a chew toy, and
encourage the dog to chew on its own toy. Praise it when it
DOES chew on its own toy. Repeat as necessary (remember, we
told you these dogs are stubborn!)
d. Dig?
Engineers on the Panama Canal project considered bringing in
a myriad of Mastiffs to do the job, but ultimately rejected
the idea when they figured out the manpower they'd have tied
up in pooper scoopering.
Seriously, though, many Mastiffs do like to dig. You'll have
to ask them why.
e. Make good obedience dogs?
By nature, Mastiffs are eager to please. This makes them good
Obedience dogs. But like any other breed, temperaments vary
between individuals, so some Mastiffs are better candidates
for the Obedience ring than others.
Some Mastiffs are more laid back, aloof, and lethargic; while
others are more outgoing, inquisitive, and athletic. Though
both types of temperaments are trainable, the latter of these
two temperaments would be better suited for competition in
the Obedience ring.
f. Need a lot of exercise?
About as much as you do. Most Mastiffs are like most humans;
they can manage a sedentary life reasonably well - but, also
like most humans, they reach a physical peak with a moderate
degree of exercise. It is important that you NOT over
exercise any Mastiff under 2 years of age. Up until this age
(and sometimes later) their skeleton is still developing.
Since Mastiffs tend to be stoic, and also will do just about
anything to be with and please their people, they can easily
end up with an inflamed joint or other problems like those
that beset humans who run for exercise.
When you do begin to exercise your Mastiff, begin GRADUALLY.
Build up SLOWLY. Make sure you know and watch for the signs
of your dog getting tired or overheated. Take ice and water
with you in case the dog overheats. The extra weight will add
more effect to your workout! This is not to say that Mastiffs
should not have any exercise at all as pups. On the contrary,
Mastiff puppies are still puppies and need to do puppy things
like running and playing. If left to their own schedule, they
will rest themselves when they get tired. Crating a pup for
most of its puppyhood is more detrimental than letting it
play and exercise in moderation in the house and yard. If you
go for long walks and your pup gets tired, be prepared to
carry it home! Once a Mastiff is fully grown and its growth
plates have closed, it can usually keep up with the best of
us!
g. Pass gas?
Yep. Especially on a diet of beer, hard-boiled eggs and
beans. Actually, like humans, it depends on how the Mastiff
reacts to the food it eats, so using a good dog food should
minimize the problem. If a dog can digest its food properly,
it shouldn't have gas. Different dogs do best on different
foods. See Question 20. 'What does a Mastiff eat?' for more
information.
If a Mastiff should get gas in spite of your best efforts,
watch out. It is overpowering.
h. Roam?
Not usually. A Mastiff of either sex tends to be stay-at-home
dog. Learning to stay within property boundaries comes
naturally. Some individuals, however, would put Houdini to
shame. Nevertheless, when your Mastiff is outdoors without
supervision, as with all breeds, it's a good idea to have him
in a secure, fenced enclosure.
i. Shed?
Yes, like most breeds they shed approximately twice a year.
But, the short, sleek Mastiff coat is less objectionable,
when it sheds, than the coats of many long-haired breeds. A
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