
Mastiff
A large, muscular, powerful dog, the Mastiff has a broad head and body, a powerful build and legs quite wide apart.








Bullmastiffs are a brachycephalic breed; problems associated with the condition include;
- Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome: a condition in brachycephalic breeds (those with a short nose and squashed face) where breathing is obstructed and can lead to reduced ability to exercise, or even severe respiratory distress.
- Skin inflammation/infection: brachycephalic breeds have a short nose and a normal amount of facial tissue. This means there is often excess skin around their face which leads to skin folds. The skin inside these folds can become sore and infections are prone to develop.
- Eye ulcers: ulcers are painful erosions on the surface of the eye. They are more common in brachycephalic breeds due to their conformation, as their eyes tend to be more bulbous.
They can also suffer from:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Cruciate problems
- Gastric dilatation volvulus
- Panosteitis
- Dilated cardiomyopathy¹ which is a condition where the heart muscle becomes progressively weak and cannot beat properly.
- Wobblers syndrome² which is a problem in the spine that causes a wobbly abnormal gait.
- Entropion³ and/or ectropion which are painful conditions where the eyelids turn inwards or outwards, this happens as a result of excessive skin around the eyes.
- Cherry eye4, which is where a gland within the third eyelid pops up in the corner of the eye.
Priority Kennel Club health schemes and testing:
- Hip dysplasia screening scheme
¹M. Borgarelli at el, 'Prognostic Indicators for Dogs with Dilated Cardiomyopathy', 2006, Journal of Internal Veterinary Medicine
²P Sekhar et al, 'Wobbler's syndrome in labrador and rottweiler pups: an emerging concern in canines: a review', 2018, International Journal of Science, Environment ISSN 2278-3687 (O)
and Technology
³J. E. McDonald, 'The use of hyaluronic acid subdermal filler for entropion in canines and felines: 40 cases', 2019, Veterinary Ophthalmology
4P. Tamilmahan, 'A retrospective study of ocular occurrence in domestic animals: 799 cases', 2013, Vet World
Despite their often violent past, the Mastiff is a calm, gentle and noble dog that is devoted and loving towards their family - often thinking of themselves as a lap dog! They are however indifferent or even suspicious of strangers - human or canine.