The breeds of dogs are known a lot, among them there are many ancient ones. These animals have much in common with wolves. In world cynology, there are 14 breeds of ancient dog breeds, which include mastiff. Nowadays, the varieties of this breed have gained high popularity among dog breeders.
Who are the mastiffs?
Mastiff is a big dog with kind eyes. Despite the fact that when you first look at it, you may get the impression that this is a terrible and terrible beast, in fact the animal is characterized by opposite qualities. This is a good-natured sensitive dog, a real guard and a loyal friend to humans.
The exact hypothesis about the appearance of the mastiff breed does not currently exist. However, historians agree that this dog has fighting roots. The birthplace of a huge pet is considered to be Asia, namely its central regions. Many hundreds of years ago, people used the mastiff to protect housing and property from strangers, as well as from the attack of wild animals. Sometimes an animal of this breed participated in battles.
Over time, the dog spread from Asia across the globe, while the dog acquired new external qualities and characteristics.
Today, the mastiff is a kind, calm pet with strong will and strong character.
general characteristics
Mastiffs are large massive dogs with a powerful physique. The description of this breed suggests that these animals have a heavy skeleton, covered with well-developed muscles. Life expectancy of this dog leaves from 10 to 15 years. Depending on the type of wool can have different lengths and colors. The most common colors of the mastiff are black, white, gray, blue, maybe with and without tan.
This pet's body shape is elongated, its weight corresponds to its height. Males are usually taller and heavier than bitches. Body weight can vary from 40 to 80 kilograms with growth of about 60 centimeters. The head of the pet is characterized by massiveness, on it are set deep-set eyes with almond shape. Usually the color of the iris is brown. Walking a large dog is always confident and easy.
Each member of the Mastiff family has calm and balanced temperament. The intelligence of the animal is well developed, so it can be trained. This dog will be an excellent guard for the family, who is incredulous of strangers.
The representative of this breed is a wonderful companion and comrade who does not like to play and sensitively reacts to the negative towards him.
What are the breeds?
Due to the fact that the mastiffs have spread throughout the planet, each type of individual region has acquired not only a special appearance, but also character. Today you can meet the Himalayan, Chinese, Thai, Caucasian, African, Afghan, Mongolian and other species of this breed.
The main types of mastiff are as follows.
Siberian
In another way, this breed is called the Tibetan Mastiff. A distinctive feature of this large and muscular dog is wool, which has a thick undercoat. Males weigh 73 kilograms, bitches a little less. In the withers the height of the dog can reach from 69 to 73 centimeters. The head and neck of the Mongolian wolfhound are large and massive, a fold can be traced from the eyes to the jaw. Wool forms a large collar that resembles a lion's mane.
The jaw of the animal is square, strong with large and white teeth. Scissor bite. Pet's nose is black with open nostrils. Hanging ears, small size. Limbs are characterized by straightness, power and small height. Tail thrown over croup. The eyes of the Siberian mastiff are large, they have a shaft shape and a dark color. The wide sternum has the shape of a heart. Coat color can be of three options: black, black and tan, red. This imperturbable self-sufficient animal has no tendency to aggression.
A capricious pet has a great affection for his family, loves children, but due to its size can unintentionally harm them.
Belgian
This mastiff is called maten or Flemish sled dog. The body of the animal has a powerful musculature, which is well defined. The body of the dog is characterized by massiveness and breadth. The limbs of a large dog are long and prominent. The average height of a pet is from 0.7 to 0.8 meters. Mass dog is 45 pounds.
The appearance of the animal is aggressive, serious, strong and reliable. The neck is characterized by massiveness and strength, as well as a neat transition to the head. Puppies have births already at birth. There are triangular hanging ears on the head. Despite the massive physique, it is characterized as embossed and toned. The abdominal part has a taut and elastic structure. The tail of the pet should be docked by 10-15 centimeters. Wool has a pale color, there are tiger prints.
If the animal has a solid red color, then often it has a black muzzle. This dog is serious and wise, it is characterized by high intelligence, so the pet can easily master even complex commands.
Belgian mastiff is characterized by dedication, endurance, and performance.
Deutsch
The official name of the breed is the Great Dane. This dog was bred in Germany as a moloss. This stately and large animal has a harmonious constitution and a nearly square body format. The head is large in size with an elongated rectangular muzzle. Brylyam is not inherently excessive drooping. Brown eyes are oval and small in size. Nose is painted black, sometimes black with specks of color. Fit ears high, they are of medium size and the front edge adjacent to the dog cheeks. The long neck is characterized by muscularity, grace and long length.
The Great Dane has a well-defined witch. The back of the animal is short, the tail is thin and long. The dog has a taut belly that forms an attractive curvature line. Legs are flat, strong, not massive. This is a short-haired animal with a smooth, shiny and dense fur. Dogs of this breed are characterized by tranquility, peacefulness, poise and goodwill. This clever and intelligent dog can easily be trained.
Such a pet is patient with children, therefore it is considered a good nurse.
Russian Mastiff
It can be kept both in the apartment and in a country house. The animal tolerates cold and hot weather, is characterized by endurance and loves slow walks.. The appearance of the dog is powerful and balanced. The height of the dog reaches 0.7 meters, and females - 0.6, while the pet weighs about 70 - 80 kg. The dog's coat is of medium length, it is soft and pubescent. On the neck, limbs and tail the fur is longer. Wool color can be any. The head is large, it has a well-defined stop, it may be slightly rounded.
The jaw is wide, strong, consists of medium and large teeth and has a scissor bite. The ears are set high and far apart, they hang down and lie flat against the cheeks. Often they stop. Eye color depends on the color of the coat. The tail has practically no narrowing, usually it hangs down and can be stopped. The legs are well developed, they are strong, powerful, muscular.
By temperament, the animal resembles the molossoid, as it is calm, restrained and able to tolerate. Training a representative of this breed is not difficult.
Due to the intelligence and seriousness of the dog requires a special approach.
Argentine mastiff (mastiff)
This is a courageous white handsome. The animal is powerful, courageous, noble, cheerful and peaceful. This breed belongs to the hunting service. The pet is characterized by an athletic physique, proportionality and development of muscles. The head is large, powerful jaws. The dog's skin is thick, elasticity is inherent in it. According to the standard, the Great Dane of Argentina has a snow-white color, there may be a black spot on the face. Due to the athletic build the dog looks scary, but in fact the animal is intelligent and obedient. Pet is characterized by the absence of aggression and courage.
Males in growth reach 0.68 meters, and females - 0.6. Male representatives have a mass of up to 45 kilograms, and female - up to 40. The head is large, with a convex-concave profile. By standard, the dog's eyes should be painted black or brown. The tail has a great length and hanging position.
The fur is thick, short and white. The ears of the animal are erect and triangular, they need to be stopped. A special feature of the Argentine mastiff is the versatility of working opportunities. Representatives of this breed are fast-moving and hardy hunters with a strong grip. Despite the courage and well-developed hunting instincts, this dog is cheerful and friendly.
Korean
Outside of their homeland, the breed is no longer popular. This large and powerful animal brings a lot of trouble and difficulties during the maintenance.
The peculiarity of it is the presence of folds on the face, which need constant wiping.
Irish
He is English and British Mastiff. The purpose of breeding this animal was the protection of housing, as well as hunting for animals. Ireland is considered the birthplace of this breed. The dog has a short hard fur, painted in peach color or tiger print. On the face of the animal there is black wool. The eyes of the dog are black with a rhombic shape. The tail of the representative of the English Mastiff is set high. The backbone of the dog is powerful and strong. This kind animal has guard qualities and gets along well with children.
People who wish to become owners of such a creature should be aware of the considerable costs of feeding it.
Spanish
This official breed dog is recognized as one of the largest in the world. In adulthood, a pet can reach a height of 0.8 meters and a weight of up to 85 kilograms. Hispanic is characterized by mental stability and a high level of mental abilities. The animal gets along well in families, but its socialization should be carried out as soon as possible.
Neapolitan
Neapolitan or Italian mastiff is especially popular in our time. Slowness and regularity, as well as independence and good mental abilities are inherent in this dog.
He protects his family, but the suppression of the dog's will is not an easy task.
Afghan Mastiff
This is an animal with a noble character. He feels affection and affection for his masters. He fearlessly and aggressively reacts to other dogs. At home, the dog does not show much activity, but in a public place it is worth walking it solely in a muzzle, without removing the leash. The Afghan mastiff needs education from an early age. The animal is characterized good healthhe always Exercise is required. This guard can reach a mass of 55 to 80 kilograms, while the height of the pet is 0, 7 - 0, 85 meters. The bitch is smaller than a dog.
The lifespan of a representative of this breed is about 10 years. The coat color of the Persian Mastiff is usually gray, fawn, and brindle. The head of the dog is large with a broad forehead, the muzzle has an elongated shape and gray lips.The pet face description includes a black lobe, medium sized dark eyes. The dog's neck is short, powerful, strong. The ears are of medium size, they can be cropped.
Mountain mastiff
Mountain Mastiff or Pyrenean Mountain Dog. It bears resemblance to polar bears. Despite the awesome appearance, the disposition of the pet is soft and friendly. This dog is characterized by courage, strength, endurance, so he is quite popular around the world. The optimal conditions of detention for a representative of this breed is an aviary and a spacious house adjoining territory. This animal can perform the functions of a shepherd, guard, companion.
Pet's coat color is white, but there may be splashes of gray or yellow. Wool mountain mastiff is characterized by a large length. Females grow to 0.75 meters, and males - to 0.8 meters. The dog weighs about 60 kilograms. The dog's head is large with a dry wedge-shaped shape, dry cheekbones and cheeks. The jaw is strong, strong, scissor bite. The nose has a large size, it is characterized by a special sensitivity. Wide-set eyes have an average size and dark iris.
Ears have a low fit and a triangular shape. The body of the animal has a rectangular format, while it is strong and muscular. Belly tight and not tucked up. Chest is characterized by omission and the presence of rounded ribs. Landing tail is located below the croup. It is long, during the activity can rise. Legs straight with oval legs. The fur has a soft and fluffy undercoat, as well as a stiffer guard coat. This mastiff is considered a balanced pet, he is kind and patient in relation to children, friendly to other living creatures in the house.
Turkish Mastiff
Turkish mastiff or kangal. This Turkish shepherd's dog is distinguished from wolfhound by calmness and hard work. The height of the animal is 0.89 m, and the weight is 69 kilograms. The coat coat color is gray-yellow, gray-brown, brown-yellow. The presence of a black mask on the face is considered mandatory. This animal is harmoniously folded, has a powerful body and a strong build with slender legs. The head is large, with hanging ears. The tail of the pet is long and set high. With its large size, the dog is quite agile and looks very harmonious.
The main features of the character kangala can be called simplicity and performance.
African Mastiff
The African Mastiff is a powerful, deft guard dog breed. This representative of the Molossians has a thick short coat and is considered a heat-loving animal. It is not easy to maintain and educate, but if a person makes an effort and shows patience, he will get a faithful and reliable friend.
The dog is big and strong, it has well-developed musculature. Male reaches height in 0,66 meters, and a bitch - in 0,61 see Body weight is proportional to height and usually ranges from 60 to 90 kilograms. The dog has a large head and body, covered with well-developed muscles. Boerboel - is a smart, manageable and easily trained animal. In a dangerous situation, he is fearless and brave. In order for the animal to be curbed, it needs early education and regular exercise.
You can keep an African mastiff not only in the apartment, but also in the conditions of a country house.
Portuguese rafeira
This dog is an excellent guard for the farm, it protects the herd well, while showing vigilance. This is a large, powerful animal with an oblong body. The head of a pet resembles a bear, its profile is characterized by a bulge. The jaw is strong and very well developed. Eyes are colored dark, have an elliptical shape. The ears are small, triangular in shape.
The tail of the mastiff is long, not thin, it has a curved tip. Legs are straight and wide. The coat of the Portuguese area of medium length, thick and heavy, painted black, wolf, fawn, yellow.The height of males does not exceed 74 cm, and the bitch - 70 cm. Weigh bitches about 35, and males - about 40 kilograms.
How to choose a puppy?
Before you buy a small pet, you should seriously consider whether you will be able to meet all the requirements for keeping a purebred dog. During the selection of a puppy mastiff in no hurry. It is better to visit several exhibitions, go home to the breeders of the animal and learn as much as possible about this breed of dogs.
First of all, it is necessary to determine the floor of the mastiff, although often the puppy that is available is purchased. Male has a large size, he does not show inclinations to vagrancy. At the same time, the male representative eats more than the bitch, but is no less loving and devoted. Mastiff bitches are usually hard to give birth, and also picky in choosing a gentleman.
Also, be sure to evaluate the litter of puppies in general. It is important to see how the mother treats the babies, and it is also advisable to see the father of the offspring. It will not be superfluous to check X-rays of the hip and elbow joints of the puppy. So you can be sure that baby will not be ill with dysplasia - This is a very dangerous and common disease among mastiffs.
Sometimes breeders do eye tests.
At the age of 5-6 weeks, the puppy is already showing independence and curiosity, he is not so dependent on the mother. A small mastiff is a reduced copy of its parents, the animal must have large paws, large ears. Prefer worth puppy, which has a square head, a long body, a well-built skeleton. Also it is necessary to make sure that the puppy has claws cut, and the pasterns do not fall through.
Paws of the baby should be characterized by tight compactness, curvature of the fingers, as well as black claws. No need to buy a mastiff that is overfed and too fat. At 2 months, the baby must be active and well-fed. Do not be afraid if the puppy has a small undershot mouth - the jaw grows, so this defect will soon return to normal. The baby should not have a snub-nosed, narrow or too long muzzle.
It is considered inadmissible if the puppy mastiff has drooping eyelids, bulging or too wide eyes. In addition, the baby should have a wide breast, bulging ribs and an even back.
You should not choose the largest pet from the litter, as the size does not guarantee that in the future it will be the largest dog.
You can choose a puppy by wool color last, while taking into account your own preferences. When buying a small mastiff you need to watch how he behaves during the games. Whatever the breed of dog, kids have fun together, and then fall asleep with the whole company. There are dogs that will be curious when studying a person, and there are less determined dogs.
A small mastiff must be picked up and carefully examined for wounds and scratches. Dander and bald patches should not be present on the baby’s fur. The nose of the animal should be cool and moist to the touch, without obvious discharge. Puppy eyes should be clean, without pus. The color of the gums and tongue should be pink.
Stomach mastiff should not have signs of bloating. The puppy should not sneeze or cough, wheezing should not be heard during breathing. It’s worth taking a pet to your home at the age of 1.5 months, it must have a stamp or a chip.
Mastiff puppy is a pleasure that not everyone can afford. This breed of dogs is not easy in matters of training and education. With proper care, proper feeding and the manifestation of love for this animal, you can raise an excellent watchdog with a good soul.
You can find out how to choose the right Tibetan Mastiff puppy by watching the video below.