Dogs

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN Germany

MOST SUITED AS Previously a hunting dog for large game and a watchdog, now a watchdog and family pet.

SIZE
The shoulder height is a minimum of 76cm (30in) for dogs and 70cm (27 1/2in) for bitches.

COAT
The Mastiff's coat is short-haired and can be apricot, silver, yellow, or streaked. With all of them, the face should be black.

CARE REQUIRED
During moulting the loose and dead hairs can best be removed by using a rubber brush. Give the Mastiff a soft place to lie down to avoid ugly pressure marks. Economies must not made with the young and growing dog's diet. Good nutrition is essential to optimum growth. Like other mastiff types, the Mastiff has a high pain threshold and since it is very demanding of itself, injuries and illnesses can be overlooked until they are truly serious.

CHARACTER
The Mastiff is a calm, self-confident, watchful, and patient dog who is soft-natured towards his family, intelligent, and dignified. It rarely barks but it is in its nature to defend its territory and the family who go with it against wrongdoers.

TRAINING
Training a Mastiff must be enjoyable, conduc­ted calmly and in an harmonious manner.Consistency, lots of love, and plenty of under­standing work wonders.

SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
Provided correctly socialized, the Mastiff pre­sents no problems mixing with other dogs, and household pets. Normally its behaviour with children is good-tempered and friendly. When strangers visit, it determinedly refuses them access unless they are accepted by its handler.

EXERCISE
Do not let a young Mastiff run about and play to its heart's content. Control exercise during puppyhood and youth, because this rapidly growing animal needs all its energy for development. If the dog is too strongly pressured or becomes over-tired, it can have an adverse effect upon the development of bones, joints, and muscles. An adult Mastiff has an average need for exer­cise. In general they do not really enjoy playing with a ball and similar activities.