Different Types Of Mastiffs

Many consider mastiffs to be a single breed; however, there are about 31 varieties (and another nine have become extinct).

Dating back to 5000 years, mastiffs are one of the most ancient canine breeds. Due to their larger size and massive weight, wrinkly face and reputation for guarding, protecting and fighting, mastiffs are perceived as a difficult breed. Au contraire, not only most are gentle and laid back in nature and make great companions; if properly socialized, they can make a great family dog. But they do gel well with a more assertive and confident owner. Many consider mastiffs to be a single breed, however there are about 31 varieties (and another nine have become extinct) and here some of the most beautiful ones.

 

Abruzzese Mastiff

 

Related to but distinct from the Maremmano-Abruzzese from the Abruzzi region of Italy, Mastino Abruzzese, the original Abruzzese strain, can exceed 100 Kgs in weight. Their coat is dense, slightly wavy and rough and long within woolly undercoat. Predominantly white, some main sport pale orange spots on the ears. This purebred is faithful, loving, sensible, and dynamic.

 

American Mastiff

 

Massive and powerful, these breeds have a heavy wide and rectangular-shaped head. The darker the amber colour of their eyes, the better is their pedigree. There moderately short coat is generally straight and coarse while the undercoat also shot is dense and tight. Also, pure bread they come in Fawn, Brindle, Apricot colours. Expect them to be calm, protective, affectionate and loyal.

 

Bordeaux Mastiff / French Mastiff / Dogue de Bordeaux

 

Expressive eyes underneath a deeply furrowed brow set in a massive head — proportionately the largest head in the canine kingdom, with a Bulldog-like undershot jaw, is their distinguishing characteristic. Their short coat is an equally identifiable fawn, mahogany, or red. This molossoid breed is easy-going, doting, loyal, vigilant, and intrepid.

 

Brazilian Mastiff /Fila Brasileiro

 

Developed in Brazil, its massive and heavy head, which is always proportionate to the body, appears pear-shaped, with the proportionate muzzle slightly smaller than the skull. Their smooth short-hair coat ranges from brindle, fawn, red yellow, or black. Docile and obedient, these working breeds are fearless, impulsive, determined and aggressive. Having superb tracking abilities, after trapping a prey, instead of attacking they rather guard it, till the hunter arrives to gather.

 

Bullmastiff

 

Created in the 19th century by crossing the English Mastiff with the now extinct Old English Bulldog, these dogs have a large powerful square-looking, solid build with a short muzzle. Their easily-maintainable short-haired coat comes in fawn, reddish-brown or brindle. Reliable, alert and reserved, they are also submissive, devoted, calm, poised, loyal, reserved, and courageous.