Largest Dog Breeds Series : Bullmastiff

(Source:  Wikipedia)

 

 

 

 

The origin of the Bullmastiff is in England and records of this breed date to the late 1700s.  The Bullmastiff owes inheritance to the Mastiff and the Bulldog.

 

The Bullmastiff is calm and affectionate.  The Bullmastiff is intelligent, devoted, and loyal.  This dog is good with children.  The Bullmastiff is fearless.

 

Firm, confident, and consistent leadership and training are a must.  Socialization in puppy years is best to be comfortable around people, other dogs, and other household pets.

 

Stats:

- Males weigh 110 to 133 pounds & Females weigh 100 to 120 pounds

- Prone to cancer, hip dysplasia, tumors, eyelid problems, mast cell tumors

- Prone to bloat...DO NOT OVERFEED

- Sensitive to extreme climates

- Under 10 years is the average life span

 

Source:  Dog Breed Info



Largest Dog Breeds Series : Neapolitan Mastiff

(Source:  American Kennel Club)

 

 

 

"All European mastiffs are descended from the Tibetan Mastiff, the most ancient member of the canine species." - Dog Breed Info

 

The Neapolitan Mastiff is also referred to as the Italian Mastiff and Neo.  The Neapolitan Mastiff is often used by the Italian police and army.  The Neo is considered to be a "formidable guard dog."  (Dog Breed Info)

 

The Neapolitan Mastiff is affectionate and calm.  The Neo is intelligent, protective, and courageous. 

 

Socialization is critical to avoid reservation around strangers, other animals, and unfamiliar territory.

 

The Neapolitan Mastiff is good with children IF the children show proper leadership.

 

The Neapolitan Mastiff is not recommended for a new dog owner.  Dominance and experience are ideal in training.  Natural leadership is likewise ideal.  Consistent communication is necessary.  According to Dog Breed Info, if this dog does not listen to a command, the owner should try a different approach while remaining confident.

 

Stats:

- The average weight is up to 165 pounds.

*Male Neapolitans can weigh as much as 200 pounds.

- Prone to cherry eye, hip dysplasia, bloat

- Sensitive to heat

- Long walks twice a day or more

*Neapolitan Mastiffs require a good amount of daily exercise

- Up to 10 years is the average life span

 

Source:  Dog Breed Info

 

Largest Dog Breeds Series : Mastiff

(Source:  Dog Breed Info)

 

 

The Mastiff is commonly referred to as the English Mastiff or Old English Mastiff.

 

The history of the Mastiff can be traced as far as 3000 B.C. with images on Egyptian monuments.  The Mastiff was used in battle with English soldiers in 55 B.C.  In later years, the Mastiff was favored by English peasants.  The Mastiff may have been brought to America on the Mayflower.

 

"Born guard dog" - Dog Breed Info

 

The Mastiff, by nature, defends its territory and family.  This breed generally does not bark and when in defensive mode, will keep an intruder at bay as opposed to attack.  An owner will tell its dog when not to guard.

 

The Mastiff is patient and great with children.  This breed is intelligent, calm, and even-tempered.

 

The Mastiff needs firm but gentle leadership and training.  Consistent communication is required to avoid dominance especially.  Socialization will allow the Mastiff to accept strangers and other dogs.

 

Stats:

- Males weigh on average 160 pounds & Females weigh on average 150 pounds

*Males can exceed 200 pounds

- Daily walks and exercise will avoid laziness

- 10 to 12 years is the average life span

 

Source:  Dog Breed Info

 

Note:  Refer to this source for detailed health issues.

 

 





Largest Dog Breeds Series : Great Dane

(Source:  Wikipedia)

 

 

 

"Apollo of all dogs" - Dog Breed Info

 

Images of a possible Great Dane have been seen on Greek money as far back as 36 B.C.  Drawings of the Great Dane can be found on Egyptian monuments dating to 3000 B.C.  Literature about possible Great Danes come from the Chinese dating to 1121 B.C.

 

The Great Dane may owe inheritance to the Wolfhound, old English Mastiff, and Greyhound.  The Great Dane is listed under the Mastiff classification.

 

"Gentle giant" - Dog Breed Info

 

The Great Dane has an affectionate, loyal, and reliable temperament.  This breed is patient with children, loves everyone, and needs to be with people.

 

Due to the natural size of the Great Dane, training and leadership must begin in puppy years to establish rules and authority.  According to Dog Breed Info, this dog must be taught not to jump or lean on people especially.

 

Stats:

- Males weigh 120 to 200 pounds & Females weigh 100 to 130 pounds

*Dogs of larger size receive further attention

- Prone to hip dysplasia, bloat, heart disease, tail injuries

- Prone to mast cell tumors

- Daily walks are a must BUT jogging exercise should wait until at least one year of age

- Under 10 years is the average life span

 

Source:  Dog Breed Info

 

 

 

 



 



Daily Puppy Trend : Mixed Breeds

The Daily Puppy is intriguing in recent trends.

Consider Daily Puppy Trend : The Labradoodle.  The Labradoodle is a popular feature in this month of May.

Consider Boxer Week on The Daily Puppy.  The Boxer was a popular feature in the week of May 18th.

There is one trend on The Daily Puppy that has long been consistent for some time - mixed breed features.

I cannot guess with certainty what each day's mix is.  However, with some research, I found the 10 most popular mixed breeds -

1.  Cockapoo - Cocker Spaniel & Poodle


(Source:  Wikipedia)

2.  Maltipoo - Maltese & Poodle


(Source:  Dog Breed Info)

3.  Labradoodle - Labrador Retriever & Poodle

(Refer to the Daily Puppy Trend : The Labradoodle link above for an image.)

4.  Goldendoodle - Golden Retriever & Poodle


(Source:  Dog Breed Info)

5.  Maltese Shih Tzu - Maltese & Shih Tzu


(Source:  Dog Breed Info)

6.  Puggle - Beagle & Pug


(Source:  Dog Breed Info)

7.  Schnoodle - Schnauzer & Poodle


(Source:  Dog Breed Info)

8.  Peekapoo - Pekingese & Poodle


(Source:  Dog Breed Info)

9.  Yorkipoo - Yorkshire Terrier & Miniature Poodle


(Source:  Dog Breed Info)

10.  Goldador - Golden Retriever & Labrador Retriever


(Source:  dogtime)

*Note that this list was created in 2013 on DogTime.com.