This incredible breed of dog is distinctive for having a very strong and robust structure, they are dogs that have gone through many evolutionary changes over the years, which have made them adapt their characteristics to different environments, that is why we say what they are all the types of mastiff.
Origins of the Mastiff
This breed of dog has very ancient origins, so thanks to its domestication by humans, it has moved to different parts of the world, which is why its enormous diversity is due. The oldest record of its existence is from 4.000 years ago, in the Asian regions, to later become part of Europe together with the English and colonizers.
In past centuries, they were one of the favorite canine breeds for man, they were used in different areas of life, such as for work, they were part of many expeditions to discover new regions of the world, they were also part of related shows to entertainment, such as the circus and animal fights, although there is also a record of their contributions in battles and ancient wars.
All this was possible thanks to their great body structure, which physically put them above many other breeds of animals, and made them an incredible company for all kinds of people and families, who, having so many different classes, were able to adapt their different personalities to the tastes of each one.
Characteristics of the Mastiff Types
Many assume that it is correct to generalize with these breeds of dogs, that because they all have the same origin, then they must all be the same, but this perspective is far from reality, the truth is that the different Mastiff breeds are unique and incomparable.
Although it is true that all types of mastiff they share many physical characteristics and have the same protective and guardian instincts, but that is only a small part of who they really are. Mastiffs are strong and imposing, but that does not make them aggressive or dangerous, in fact it all depends on the type of breeding they have and the way they are trained, but most of them turn out to be very tame.
They are cautious dogs, they have protective instincts but they are very careful, they do not usually attack anyone, in fact some are not even capable of reaching such an extreme, they only have a suspicious behavior with any suspicious attitude of an individual outside their family circle and close people.
They do not tend to bark a lot and that is why they are not very noisy, they are very attached to their family environment, they tend to seek a lot of attention but not in an aggressive or annoying way, they feel calm just by being accompanied by adults, the elderly or children. young and feel that they are welcome in a warm atmosphere.
They have a lot of patience and tolerance with children, but it is not entirely advisable to leave them alone with very young infants, this is because their large size can be very dangerous for the child's physical resistance.
How many types of Mastiff are there?
This is a species that has an enormous diversity in terms of races, since at present, there are many types of mastiff that derive from their natural origin, either by natural action or because of man.
Currently only 8 mastiff breeds They are officially recognized, despite the fact that there are many other families derived from them, but they are not recognized and some are not even registered, although this is normal considering all the races of this species that exist.
Although all types of Mastiff have very similar characteristics, such as their large size and structure, the truth is that it is not fair to compare them with each other, since all the different breeds have unique characteristics that differentiate them from each other. others, and start generalizing about the character of this species, only makes the general perspective close and that you cannot take full advantage of all the unique characteristics.
Official Mastiff Types
Here are the 8 types of Mastiff officially recognized by the International Cinological Federation:
Neapolitan mastiff
Es Neapolitan mastiff It must be the most characteristic and popular breed of Mastiffs, since it is well recognized worldwide, and although there is a record of its existence in the first century, it was only in the 40s in the Italian city known as Naples, where it was officially registered their production, thanks to this location is that they were given their name.
They can weigh 50 to 70 kilograms, have short fur and, like other breeds, have a stocky body accompanied by a large tail. At first they were used as herd dogs, but today they are considered guard dogs thanks to their fidelity and care for their owners.
They are very routine dogs, but they tend to be difficult to train, so it is recommended that they be adopted in the event that the owner already has previous experience in training canines, or that the help of a trained professional is used. .
italian mastiff
This Mastiff is a descendant of the Roman Mastiff, it is also known as Cane Corso, like the previous one, it was used mainly in herd care. They have a medium build and a little smaller compared to the other types of Mastiff, curiously they belong to a very refined and distinguished breed.
Their fur is very shiny and silky black, they are energetic dogs when they are young, in this period they have a more active behavior than the rest of the Mastiffs, but as they get older they take a more careful and passive attitude.
They like to receive attention and show affection in a moderate way, they are extremely suspicious of strangers and do not like smaller animals, nor are they usually very sociable with other species, but they do not tend to be aggressive with dogs that are similar height.
english mastiff
It is also known as Mastiff in the British territory, it is one of the oldest types of Mastiff and the most recorded throughout human history, according to the writings, this dog has traveled many parts of the world, starting with European countries, to later be transferred to many regions in Africa and America.
There was a period in which it was considered extinct in the United Kingdom, but thanks to the copies that were of them in different parts of the world, the region could be repopulated. The english mastiff It had many changes over the centuries, because at first they were formidable and imposing war dogs, but today they are dogs that have a very calm and serene character.
They are the largest Mastiffs that exist, they can reach 85 centimeters in height and even tend to exceed 100 kilograms in weight, which makes them very formidable specimens. They are short haired dogs and rough, the color of its fur is light brown, although its ears and snout are dark or black.
Spanish Mastiff
The Spanish or Leonese Mastiff is originally from the western region of Spain, although there are indications that these dogs were moved from the Asian region by traders. This specimen was also believed to be extinct in the European country after a very violent war, but over time it was able to repopulate the species, until today there are thousands of specimens in this region alone.
The tonality of their fur can be very varied, they have very small eyes compared to other breeds, their body has a distinctive feature of the Leonese Mastiff and that is that the skin hangs, despite that the skin does not seem to happen to them, so they can be very fast and agile.
In ancient times, this was the favorite specimen of shepherds to guard the flock, since thanks to the abundant mass of skin that remains hanging from their necks, they had a better chance of coming out undefeated in a confrontation against wolves.
Tibetan Mastiff
This breed is very old, so much so that it dates back more than 5.000 years and originates from the Tibet region. In ancient times they were used for many jobs, they were caretakers of villages and traveled with residents of the region, they even acted as caretakers in the great temples, accompanying the monks in their daily work. Currently they are perfect specimens for competitions and exhibition.
Conclusion Calm dogs and its size is medium compared to what other mastiffs can measure, they are very protective and active, special care must be taken with the character of this breed, since they can consider that any sudden act is a threatening or dangerous action, taking quickly an aggressive attitude.
They have very long and thick fur, their body is covered by two layers of it and it is more abundant in the neck area, it is also possible that it adapts depending on the season and region in which they are found.
Pyrenean Mastiff
Just like the Leonese Mastiff is originally from Spain, they are not dogs that like to do a lot of exercise or physical activity, but they like to go outdoors, so it is best to take them out for a walk constantly. They are more of being in a cold environment, although being in the right conditions, they can adapt very easily to hot environments.
They are dogs that need a lot of attention, not only in the social sphere, but they have a very strict and rigorous care, since they need to be very well trained to live with families, in the same way they must be constantly bathed and combed. White predominates in their fur, then as they mature it acquires dark spots, and they have a double layer of it.
south african mastiff
Better known as Boerboel, this species was created with the intention of serving as guard dogs, since it is well known that in Africa, the fauna is very wild and aggressive, so farmers needed large and strong dogs to chase away the big animals.
However, despite the strong past they had, they have a very loving and meek character with their family circle, although they are also very territorial, so it is recommended that it be adopted if the owner has experience with training.
This species is very little known, since they are more common in the regions of Africa and are not usually very attractive for trade. They have short hair, their skin usually hangs on some specific parts of the body, but not in an exaggerated way, their fur is dark and opaque, they also tend to withstand the heat better than others. types of mastiff, this thanks to the fact that they are in a hot region.
Caucasian Shepherd
Until today, its origin remains a mystery to experts on the subject, some believe that it descends from a dog breed from Tibet, while others suggest that it actually comes from wolves that were domesticated by human civilization.
They are very heavy dogs and their fur is thick, this with the intention of adapting to cold environments, like the others. types of mastiff, they are dogs with a very strong and robust build, they have very large legs on which they also grow a lot of hair.
The character of this species should not be neglected, they are brave and combative mastiffs, and although they do not usually behave in any aggressive way with their family, care must be taken when dealing with strangers, since the Caucasian mastiffs are very suspicious. towards any suspicious or aggressive attitude, so it is recommended to be very careful.
Types of Mastiff not officially recognized
Many mastiff breeds that are not officially recognized by any Kennel Club, these breeds come from a link between dogs of other breeds with one of the mastiffs, usually with large breeds. On the other hand, there are also many breeds derived from these unofficial mastiffs, so we should not doubt that there are many dogs in the world with Mastiff origins.
Afghan Mastiff
These dogs have a very rough present, since they can serve as guardians and caretakers, but the inhabitants of the Afghanistan region use them as fighting dogs, these are part of a dispute between men that is resolved in an aggressive conflict that ends when one of the two parties is killed or seriously injured.
As they are chosen for this type of event, then these mastiffs are bred in a very cruel and aggressive way, so that all their offspring turn out to be the same way. They are medium in size and their fur is abundant, they take on a light brown or chestnut color.
Adronicus Mastiff
It is a designer breed that has its origin in California (United States), which until now is unknown which are the breeds that influence its creation, but it is believed that the genetics of the Mastiff is only one among many species that are used. They have an extremely obedient character, just as they are sweet and devoted to all members of the family.
These dogs are very commercial in North America, reaching a price of 2.500 dollars, however, only the male specimens are sold, since the females are used only for the procreation of the species.
cashmere mastiff
This breed has its origins in India, like the other types of mastiff they are used as guard dogs and livestock keepers, they have a long and fine coat, which helps them to take care of the cold environment and they have light tones with dark spots.
bullmastiff
This breed in particular is not considered a Mastiff, although it comes from the union between an English Mastiff and a bulldog, which over time has managed to populate and form its own species, although it is not officially recognized.
Curiously, this dog is not usually as heavy as the other mastiff breedsHowever, they do have a strong and muscular structure, while their fur can be very varied in terms of colors and tones. They are incredible pets, they have a very noble and affectionate attitude, in addition to being active and energetic.
