Mastiff dog breed

As one of the largest and heaviest dog breeds , it’s no surprise the Mastiff has a colossal appetite. They require a lot of wet and dry food, but the amount varies depending on their age, lifestyle and activity level.

Mastiffs benefit from a nutritious and balanced diet, including minerals and vitamins to support their joints. Berries and certain veggies can also work for their diet, but it’s important to know what dogs can and can’t eat to avoid giving them an upset tummy – or worse. 

Mastiff pups should be fed large-breed puppy food, then switched to an adult formula once they reach 18-24 months old . Be careful to not overfeed them as Mastiffs are prone to bloating and stomach problems. Small and frequent meals work best. Always check the food packaging for feeding guidelines if you’re unsure.

Mastiffs have a short, dense coat that’s easy to groom. A quick brush every few days or once a week should suffice. This breed tends to heavily shed once or twice a year, so you’ll need to brush more frequently with a strong, toothed comb. This is especially important before giving them a bath.

One of the Mastiff’s most prominent features is the deep wrinkles around their head, eyes and muzzle. This extra, loose skin should be regularly inspected and cleaned. And don’t forget their drool! Always keep a cloth nearby to clean their face and jowls.

Mastiff dogs were bred to be guardians of the home, so their exercise needs are lower than other breeds. They make the perfect couch potatoes and they love to relax and snooze indoors. 

This breed requires at least one hour of exercise per day  and will enjoy leisurely walks or gentle playtime. They have a tendency to plop down if they’re tired or overheated, so time their exercise appropriately. Avoid overexercising Mastiffs when they’re young – this can strain the muscles and joints and lead to skeletal problems.

Mastiffs are devoted to their owners and eager to please, which extends to their training. They’re quick learners but can lose attention and focus easily. In that case, they might lie down and snooze.

Early training and socialisation for your Mastiff dog is a must. And like any giant-breed dog, they should be taught to walk on a lead and harness. Mastiffs respond well to praise and positive reinforcement. They’re also big on eye contact and can read body language and expressions well. 

Keep training sessions short and fun with activities like search and rescue, tracking and pulling carts. Your Mastiff will thank you for it, and maybe even sit on your lap. 

Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes fits and can be inherited in Mastiffs. It can be brought on by brain tumours or head traumas, but there is no exact cause. Epilepsy affects around 0.75% of dogs and typically starts between ages one and five.

Dogs with epilepsy may look dazed and unstable, or may collapse on their side and make jerking movements. They can also foam at the mouth and lose control of their bladder. Epileptic fits are unpredictable, but often occur when your dog is relaxed.

While there is no cure for canine epilepsy, medication can reduce the number of seizures in your Mastiff and sometimes prevent them altogether. 

Mastiff dogs can be predisposed to eye disorders including entropion (eyelids growing inward) and ectropion (eyelids drooping downwards). This is due to excessive skin over their face and eyes.

Both conditions are often genetically inherited, with symptoms including eye discharge and excessive watering of the eye. In most cases, entropion and ectropion can be treated with lubricating eye drops, injections or surgery. 

GDV, or bloating, is when the stomach fills with gas and twists around on itself. It typically occurs in deep chested breeds—including the Mastiff—right after they’ve had a big meal. This buildup of food and gas causes the stomach to expand, affecting normal breathing and blood flow.

Signs of GDV include retching, decreased appetite and general signs of abdominal pain. Dogs can be treated with surgery, and more severe cases may require the removal of badly affected stomach wall, spleen and intestine.

Mastiff dogs can be prone to developing some forms of cancer including osteosarcoma (bone tumours), lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma and mast cell tumours. Each of these cancers may show different signs, from lameness or limping to small growths on the skin.

Treatment is available for certain cancers and usually involve surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy. If your Mastiff shows any signs of abnormal behaviour, repeated stomach problems, weight loss or more, seek advice from your vet immediately.