“Mastiffs” are of the Molosser group and all are guarding breeds, though their
specific functions may differ. Aristotle, the great Greek writer, recommended
that a suitable cross for the famous “hounds of Sparta” would be the “Molussus”.
Such a cross was considered to produce an animal with unsurpassed courage,
fidelity and endurance. Some Mastiffs were developed as guards of humans and
property while others as guards of sheep or goats. Probably every dog breed of
today has been produced by cross breeding. The fact that the word “Mastiff” has
been used over the centuries should not be taken as proof that any dog within
the group today is similar to the dogs alleged to have fought in the Roman arena
or in pre-Christian times. In the Middle Ages the word “Mastiff” was used as a
generic term for any large dog with distinct guarding abilities. There were
Mastiffs used to draw carts, “butcher” Mastiffs whose function was to pin down
the animals in the slaughter houses and fighting and bating Mastiffs but the
term was usually applied to large dogs used as guards of houses and other
property. The “Bandog” was another name for the Mastiff. It derived from the
Saxon word “banda”, meaning a chain, as the dog was chained by day and allowed
to roam on the property at night. There were certainly various types of
Mastiffs, lighter built, hound-like dogs used for hunting and the heavier,
low-slung, used a guard and watchdog. Today, Old English Mastiffs and Bull
Mastiffs are the most renown Mastiffs, however, there are several other Mastiff
breeds, for example, the Fila Brasileiro, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog, the
Spanish Mastiff, the Pyrenean Mastiff, the Dogue de Bordeaux, the Neapolitan
Mastiff.
Generally as a group, there may be a tough exterior shown to the outside world,
but this is balanced by an amazing and unique loyalty and affection to their
owner, provided that such an owner cultivates this side of the dog’s nature and
does not attempt to stimulate aggression. Indifference to anyone outside the
immediate family is a common trait of the Mastiff group but, to those who are
within the family, the dogs have an inherent desire to please, and they show
genuine contrition of they realize that they have caused offence. They have a
strong guarding instinct and are dogs of spirit.
Medically, they may be prone to orthopaedic problems for examples, hip dysplasia,
luxated patella, spondylosis of the spine, and cranial cruciate ligament
disease, the latter requiring surgery that is very costly. They can have
chronic ear problems that require weekly maintenance and “cherry eye”, more
associated with Neapolitan Mastiffs. Their dietary needs include excellent
quality food that is typically purchased at high end specialty pet shops.
Examples of foods are Wellness, Timberwolf, Innova, Pinnacle, Solid Gold,
etc. Some Mastiffs enjoy and benefit from a raw food diet; others enjoy fresh
cooked meats added to their special kibble. Nutraceuticals are a must including
approved Glucosamine and Chondroitin, Vitamin C, MSM addressing inflammatory
issues. If they are older and develop degenerative joint disease and also for
acute problems, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication may be prescribed by
the DVM. These latter medications can be quite costly and Owners of Mastiffs
must have the financial resources to care for their gentle giant in the proper
manner. We strongly recommend purchasing pet insurance to help defray the costs
associated with many of the above mentioned conditions and associated
surgeries.
Mastiffs
drool, require grooming to maintain their beautiful coats, toenails trimmed
periodically yet they are inside dogs and prefer being with their human
companion curled up by the fireplace in the winter and in air condition during
the hot summer months.
Their
devotion to their human companion is unparalleled. Before you consider a
Mastiff, we strongly encourage reading about this magnificent breed, their
potential health problems and care that they require. Sugarland Ranch screens
applicant ensuring that the applicant has the resources to properly address
these issues.
Dogue de Bordeaux and Mastino Napoletano
Sugarland Ranch has had the privilege of caring for Dogues de Bordeaux and
Neapolitan Mastiffs. The following provides brief information regarding these magnificant
Mastiff breeds.
The
Dogue de Bordeaux is probably one of the most ancient French breeds, though it
only became known by this name in the 2nd part of the 19th
century. The Dogue is sometimes called a “French Mastiff”, deriving from the
old name, “Matin”, which comes from the same root as the word “Mastiff”. In the
old days, Dogues were kept for all sorts of jobs: hunting, fighting, guarding,
and pulling loads. Butchers used them to prevent steers getting away and to
keep them in their place and also for pulling loads of meat from the
slaughterhouse to their shops. During the First World War, some Dogues helped
to drag injured people to safety. Another task given to them was hunting
animals such as boars. In Britain, the Dogue was only officially recognized by
the Kennel Club in November, 1997. More recently efforts are underway to have
this magnificent Mastiff recognized by the AKC here in the USA.
Faithfulness to its master is one of the Dogue’s main features. It is a very
affectionate and gentle dog with its owner. It would be an error to leave it
alone to guard property or keep it in a kennel all day long. It is gifted at
guarding without aggression. It has an instinct for protecting “its” family and
especially the children. IT is calm and not easily upset. Its reaction
threshold is high, which means it does not easily become aggressive. Dogues
have a STRONG sense of devotion to their master and ALWAYS like to be nearby.
Mastini
Napoletanos or Neapolitan Mastiffs (“Neos”) are totally devoted to their human
companion and wary of strangers. They have a guard dog history and to this day
are considered a formidable guard dog par excellence. Did such dogs exist over
two thousand years ago? Is it possible that the sculptor just imagined that
such a dog existed? What was this ancient giant dog of the Middle East, and
what were its origins? It is known that the Greeks and, later, the Romans,
admired the ferocious Mastiff-type dogs which were not uncommon in the Middle
East.
The
prime mover in introducing the breed to the USA was the late Michael Sotile of
New Jersey who in 1973 founded The Neapolitan Mastiff Club of America. This
breed is unique, both physically and mentally. There is an aura of ancient
mysticism in their inscrutable expression and few can overlook their compelling
presence. LOYALTY and COMPANIONSHIP to those that it loves are its passwords.
Not only is it deeply affectionate but, when the very necessary degree of
rapport has been established between dog and owner, the breed is so perceptive
that if frequently seems to be able to read the thoughts of the person to whom
it has become attached. This attachment to one person is a breed
characteristic. It needs close contact and the ability to share its deep
affection with its owner. It is when starved of affection that the temperament
can become unreliable. To strangers there is usually a degree of controlled
intolerance. It may not be the ideal large breed for the complete novice, but
you can make of Neapolitans what you will. If you own it, train it, and offer
companionship and love but, at the same time, insist on the necessary degree of
control, you will be rewarded by owning a breed which has few peers. If you
neglect it, fail to understand and control it, or encourage it to be vicious,
you will create a liability both to yourself and anyone with whom the dog comes
in contact.
Visiting
friends are accepted with a calm indifference. Its role as a guard and battle
dog has not been lost in the mists of time, but today, in a more civilized
environment, such urges are cunningly controlled.
