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Some Interesting Facts About Mastiff DogsMastiffs have been admired for a long time. In fact, there's a quote about them in the London's Cyographia Britannica. It reads: "What the Lion is to the Cat, the Mastiff is to the Dog, the noblest of the family; he stands alone, and all others are below him." This shows the esteem in which mastiff dogs have been held.
Mastiffs are large and have a sturdy build, but this is not their only special trait. Many other breeds of dog can compete in size. Mastiffs are readily trainable, though they
may possess a stubborn streak. They are also well known for their excellent temperament.
Mastiff dogs originated as cattle dogs, bred to herd these and other animals. This explains their robust build, as stamina is needed for this kind of dog, and it must be large enough to be able to make the cattle go where required. Mastiffs are generally between twenty-five and thirty five inches tall at the withers. They weigh between a hundred and seventy and more than two hundred pounds, making them among the world's heaviest dogs. Exceptional cases have weighed even more, such as a record-setting St. Bernard, who weighed an amazing 336 pounds. The Guinness World Record holding mastiff, Zorba, stands at thirty-seven inches and weighs three hundred fifteen pounds. With this kind of impressive size, it's easy to understand how mastiffs could be mistaken for ill-tempered dogs.
However, nothing could be further from the truth. In general, mastiff dogs are very tolerant of other animals and of small children. They are known for their extreme loyalty. This means that when getting a mastiff, you must be sure you intend to keep it. Separation from the family to which your mastiff has grown attached could be quite cruel to the dog. Mastiffs are so well known for their loyalty that they've featured in a number of books and other media. For instance, in Peter Pan, Nana is a St. Bernard.
Mastiffs can use their great size to protect the people to whom they've grown attached. They have been known to stand firmly in front of their masters when they believe that there is a threat. Although it takes a good deal to convince a mastiff to attack, it will not budge when it is trying to protect someone.
In addition to the gentle and powerful St. Bernards already mentioned, mastiff dog breeds include the English Mastiff and the Great Dane. The smaller Boxers and Bulldogs are also related to the mastiff line. If you have the space and are willing to devote enough attention, mastiff dogs can make excellent pets. |
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