Mastiff, also known as Mastiff in English, is a breed of the largest dogs. According to records, it may have been introduced to England by Persians from Egypt, and gradually developed, bred, and formed into this stable breed in England.
In ancient times, the dog was mainly used to help its owner push wooden carts, engage in battles, guard, and participate in animal sports fights, etc. It likes to go out in groups. The dog has short hair, a hard texture, and the majority of its color is light yellow-brown, peach, or brown. The tail and ears both droop. The eyes and nose are black.
The dog has a stable and faithful character, kind and obedient. If it undergoes strict training, it can definitely become a highly capable guard dog.
Although the dog has a huge size and a fierce expression, in reality it is not aggressive. On the contrary, it is very friendly towards humans, especially enjoys playing with children. It has long been regarded as a member of the family abroad and is an emotionally rich family dog.
Mastiff, also known as Mastiff in English, is one of the oldest breeds in the dog species. Over 4,000 years ago, the ancient Babylonians particularly favored this breed and regarded it as a treasure. During the time of Caesar, this breed began to appear in England. As people interacted with it, they discovered that it could take on the roles of a formidable guard and a hunting dog. After World War II, the number of this breed in the United States decreased significantly due to the war and other factors, but the situation gradually improved.
In Egyptian paintings dating back to 3,000 years ago, there were portraits of dogs similar to Mastiffs. It is said that Mastiffs were brought to England by Persian traders or invading Anglo-Saxons, and they were once raised by the Celts.
In 55 BC, when Caesar invaded England, he used this breed in the war. In the 17th century, Mastiffs were used not only in battles but also for hunting bears, wolves, and participating in dog or bear fights. In the 19th century, hunting and competitive activities were gradually banned, causing the breed's popularity to decline, and fewer people in England knew about this breed.
Currently, there are two varieties of this breed: Devonshire Duke of Alva's Montezuma Mastiffs and Cordoba Mastiffs.
Mastiffs, although fierce-looking, are loyal and steady in character. They are intelligent and friendly towards humans. They are particularly fond of exercise and require a large amount of physical activity. Therefore, they are not very suitable for crowded city apartment living.
They can be kept as guard dogs, as their guarding abilities are impressive. Anyone who attempts to invade their owner's property will be taught a lesson.
1. Heart disease
Canine heart disease is often associated with obesity and old age. When a dog has heart disease, the main symptoms are fatigue and shortness of breath. It is difficult to detect heart disease in dogs, and by the time the owner notices it, the dog is often seriously ill.
2. Infectious diseases
Canine distemper and canine parvovirus are common malignant infectious diseases in dogs, with high fatality rates. Dogs that have not been vaccinated in a timely manner are prone to these two infectious diseases. Once they become ill, they will show symptoms such as depression, loss of appetite, high body temperature, vomiting, and diarrhea.
3. Kidney disease
When it comes to common diseases and symptoms in dogs, kidney disease cannot be ignored. The frightening thing about canine kidney disease is the unconscious process of the disease. By the time the owner discovers it, the dog's kidney cells are often already damaged by more than 75%. When a dog has a problem, the symptoms usually include blood in the urine, abnormal urine color, and changes in urination habits.
4. Parasites
Intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, and heartworms are common parasites found in dogs. When a dog is infected with gastrointestinal parasites, the main symptoms are emaciation, depression, diarrhea, presence of worms in the feces, and pale gums. Heartworms are parasites that live in the dog's heart. After a dog is infected, it will show symptoms such as low vitality, coughing, anemia, wheezing, and ascites.
5. Canine pneumonia
Pneumonia is also a common disease in dogs, but canine pneumonia is a complication of other diseases. It often occurs in dogs with abnormalities in the upper respiratory system, bacterial infections, canine distemper infections, viral flu, impaired lung function, and heartworm infections. Coughing, nasal congestion, and increased body temperature are the main symptoms of canine pneumonia.
1. Do not give Mastiffs milk. Milk contains lactose, which many dogs are intolerant to. Drinking milk can cause digestive issues and dehydration, and in severe cases, it can be fatal. If the puppy is not being breastfed, it is best to feed them specialized puppy milk powder.
2. Do not feed Mastiffs onions and garlic. These contain disulfides, which can cause oxidative damage to the red blood cells of Mastiffs and lead to hemolytic anemia.
3. Eating small amounts of animal liver is not bad for Mastiffs, but excessive consumption can cause skeletal problems. Liver contains a large amount of vitamin A, and severe cases can lead to vitamin A toxicity.
4. Absolutely do not give Mastiffs chocolate. The theobromine in chocolate can decrease blood flow to the brain in animals, causing heart disease and other life-threatening issues.
5. Do not feed Mastiffs raw eggs. Cooked eggs are suitable for them, but the yolks should be fed in moderation.
6. Do not feed Mastiffs raw meat. It can easily lead to parasite infections and is also difficult to digest.
1. Can't bathe frequently
Bathing a dog should not be too frequent. It depends on the dog's hygiene condition. In hot weather, you can bathe it one or two more times, and in winter, you can reduce it by one or two times. But overall, it should not exceed 5 times. Otherwise, it will damage its fur and skin!
2. Combing hair diligently
Dogs almost shed hair every day, especially in spring and autumn. If you want their hair to grow well, combing their hair diligently is an important step. Pet owners can use a pet-specific comb to help dogs clean naturally shed hair and avoid tangling. Comb their hair once in the morning and evening, for about five minutes each time.
3. Sunbathe
Sunbathing is good for the growth of a dog's fur. In addition to making the fur more shiny, letting dogs sunbathe can also help kill bacteria. While sunbathing, pet owners can let their dogs exercise a bit, which can help improve their physical fitness and promote blood circulation to grow healthier fur.
4. Deworming
Poor fur quality is also closely related to parasites. Parasites absorb a large amount of nutrients from dogs and compete for nutrition. Therefore, deworming is essential. It is recommended to do both internal and external deworming. Deworming drugs can cause significant damage to a dog's digestive system, so it is advisable to feed probiotics regularly to relieve gastrointestinal discomfort.
5. Pay attention to diet
In order for dogs to have shiny fur, it is necessary to establish a good nutritional foundation and pay attention to daily diet. On the one hand, feed dogs with nutritious and healthy dog food, choose a dog food that is suitable for dogs and is nutritionally sufficient to meet their needs. On the other hand, you can also give dogs a moderate amount of lean meat, cooked egg yolk, and vegetable oil.
Pet Encyclopedia
