The English Mastiff dog would definitely rank right up there in the top two or three of a "top ten" of dog breeds. His appearance alone guarantees that anyone who stumbles across this dog thinks twice about coming near him.

The English Mastiff is a powerfully built canine with a body that can only be described as "massive." He enjoys the distinction as being "the heaviest dog in the world." In fact the mastiff probably gets his name from the Anglo-Saxon word for powerful - "masty." The English Mastiff is descended from both the ancient breeds, the Alaunt as well as the Molosser and he is recognized as the oldest British breed of dog (and sometimes he acts as if he knows this!)

Not surprisingly this huge dog was used - as early as the sixth century BC - for various "fighting" purposes. He was indispensible in many of the blood sports that have become legendary, including bear-baiting, bull-baiting, lion-baiting (believe it or not!) as well as dog fighting.

The English Mastiff breed is an incredible intermingling of grandeur, dignity and courage. He is perhaps to those who don't fully understand the breed, the ultimate paradox of dogs. Loyal, calm, affectionate and loving toward his family, he is a first-class guardian as well, ferocious, tenacious and fearless when the need arises. As stunning evidence of this, an English Mastiff will instinctually position himself between his owner and an approaching stranger to protect the "family territory."

Should the approaching stranger not give the dog his due, the Mastiff may take swift, immediate defensive action. And now you see why, he could be ranked up there with the top ten guard dogs of all time!

For all his fierceness, the English Mastiff is incredibly gentle with children.

The English Mastiff is indeed an imposing figure of a canine. The average Mastiff stands at about 30 inches at the shoulder for males and only a little shorter - 27.5 inches - for females. A male English Mastiff can tip the scale between 160 and 230 pounds. The female is not far behind, though, weighing in between 140 and 190 pounds or more!

Loke most breeds of dog, the English Mastiff has its share of health issues. These include bloating and hip dysplasia. The breed is also prone to obesity. You can manage both the bloating and the weight by feeding your dog two or three small meals a day. As loved as this dog is, there are still plenty of english mastiff rescues.

The English Mastiff also possesses a higher incidence of bone cancer than some other breeds of dog. They are also one of the breeds that may be prone to developing kidney stones.

A healthy English Mastiff lives to be between nine and 11 years old. He demands a good diet as well as plenty of exercise - as you can well imagine. Sometimes you will have to coax him to exercise. Just like his human owner, he's prone to enjoying "the good life." You may find that he's quite comfortably lounging in the living room rather than running the track outside or walking through the park with you.

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