Content
- How many types of Mastin are there?
- 1. Neapolitan Mastiff
- 2. Tibetan Mastiff
- 3. Shepherd of the Caucasus
- 4. Italian Mastiff
- 5. Spanish Mastiff
- 6. Mastiff of the Pyrenees
- 7. Boerboel
- 8. English Mastiff or Mastiff
- Other Unrecognized Mastiff Types
- Kashmir Mastiff
- afghan mastiff
- bullmastiff
The mastiff is a breed of dog characterized by having a muscular and robust body. The Mastiff breed has different types, varieties with their own characteristics that, however, share common elements. It is worth noting that some of them are independent breeds.
If you want to adopt one of these puppies or simply want to find out about their varieties, don't miss this complete list. Find out in PeritoAnimal how many types of mastiff there are many curiosities about them. Good reading.
How many types of Mastin are there?
The Mastiff is a dog breed of the molosso type (with a strong physique and physical traits in common with a very old dog that no longer exists, the Molossus). There are records of its existence from the 2nd century BC. Over the centuries, whether naturally or through human intervention, the race has evolved into distinct defined varieties.
Well, how many types of mastiff are there? The International Cynological Federation recognizes 8 varieties of Mastiff, most of which originate from European countries. All are separate breeds, have characteristics of molosso dogs and have very old ancestors.
Below, you will learn more about each of the varieties of Mastiff dog.
1. Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff is descended from a molosso dog which is recorded from the 1st century after Christ. This variety is recognized as native to Naples, in southern Italy, where its official breeding began in 1947.
This type of Mastiff measures between 60 and 75 cm to the withers and can weigh between 50 and 70 kilos. The Neapolitan Mastiff has a powerful jaw, has a muscular body and a broad, thick tail. Regarding the coat, it is short and dense, hard to the touch, reddish, brown, mottled or gray. Due to his alert and faithful personality, he is considered a excellent guard dog.
In this other article by PeritoAnimal, you will meet other Italian dog breeds besides the Mastiff Napolitano.
2. Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff or Tibetan Mastiff is originally from Tibet, where it is commonly used as a guard and companion dog. There are records of this variety since the year 300 BC, time when he lived with nomadic shepherds.
The dogs in this food have a powerful and imposing appearance. Puppies of the Tibetan Mastiff take a long time to reach maturity, as females reach adulthood only at 3 years old and males at 4. Regarding its coat, it is rough and thick, more abundant on the neck and shoulders. ; it can be black, bluish or reddish, and it can be smooth or with brown or white spots.
In this other article you will see that the Tibetan Mastiff is on the list of the biggest dogs in the world.
3. Shepherd of the Caucasus
The Caucasus Shepherd is a dog with a daring personality, used for a long time as a guard dog. Features a big heavy looking body, for its abundant coat gives the impression of poorly formed muscles. However, he has a lot of strength and is a faithful dog.
The hair is dense and thick, more abundant on the neck, where it also accumulates some folds. It presents a varied coloration, always in combination with different colors, such as black, brown and beige; black and reddish brown, among others.
Although he loves the outdoors, the Shepherd of the Caucasus also loves spending time with his family, so, with proper training, he can be a very relaxed companion.
4. Italian Mastiff
The Italian Mastiff, also called Corsican dog, is descendant of the roman molosso. It is a medium to large-sized dog with a muscular appearance, but elegant. It features a large head with a black nose and square jaw.
Regarding the coat, this type of Mastiff dog presents a black, gray or brown coloration in a dense and shiny coat. The Corsican dog's personality is loyal and attentive, so it is an excellent guard dog.
5. Spanish Mastiff
Also known as Lioness Mastiff, this is one of the best known types of Spanish Mastiff. In Spain it has always been used as a guard dog for properties or herds. Regarding its appearance, it has a compact skeleton that gives it a massive and strong appearance, with proportional extremities. The mantle is semi-long, smooth and dense, it can be present in yellowish, reddish, black or a combination of the three colors in different amounts.
With respect to personality, this type of Mastiff dog stands out for showing intelligence and its affectionate personality.
6. Mastiff of the Pyrenees
Among the types of Mastiff, the one from the Pyrenees also haveits origin in Spain, where it is also used as a guard dog. It is a medium-sized variety with a large head, small eyes and droopy ears.
With respect to the mantle, each fiber is thick, dense and 10 cm long. It is white with a dark mask on the face, which is why many people know this variety as "white mastiff". However, there are also some specimens of the Mastiff do Pirineu in yellow, brown and gray tones.
7. Boerboel
The Boerboel is a breed of molossos of South African origin, which is why it is also called South African Mastiff. Its origins date back to the year 1600, when it was used as a protective dog on farms. is considered a big race, it reaches between 55 and 70 cm to the withers.
As for the fur of this type of mastiff dog, it is short and shiny in appearance. The color of Boerboel can vary, appearing in sandy, mottled and reddish tones.
8. English Mastiff or Mastiff
The English Mastiff, also called Mastiff, is originally from Great Britain, which was the place where the breed started to be registered. in the fifteenth century. However, there was an ancestor that was recognized during the Roman invasions of England, so it is suspected that the Mastiff is much older.
The breed has a square head and a large, imposing bony body. The English Mastiff's personality is affectionate but, at the same time, fulfills the role of a guard dog. In relation to the coat, it is short and coarse. It has a brown or mottled hue, together with a black cheek, ears and snouts, in addition to patches of this color around the eyes.
Besides the English Mastiff, get to know other breeds of English dogs in this other article.
Other Unrecognized Mastiff Types
There are some Mastiff breeds not officially recognized by the International Cynological Federation. They are as follows:
Kashmir Mastiff
This Mastiff breed of dog sometimes gets its name Bakharwal and has not yet been recognized by canine federations. It is a working race that is raised in the Himalayan mountains, where it is used as a protective dog for cattle.
It has a muscular body with a broad chest and long legs, defined by strong bones. The coat is smooth and goes from long to medium, brown, black and mottled.
afghan mastiff
The Afghan Mastiff has been used since ancient times as a guard dog of the nomadic tribes. However, it has not yet been recognized by canine federations.
It has a medium body with long, slender legs, which contrast with its muscular torso. The muzzle of this breed of Martim is thin and the ears are slightly folded. In relation to the fur, it is of medium length, more abundant on the neck and tail and mainly in pastel shades and light brown.
bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is originally from Great Britain and although many classify it as a type of Mastiff, what is certain is that does not consider himself a true Mastiff dog, since it was developed from the cross between an old Mastiff and a Bulldog breed dog. In its origins, it was used as a protective dog and as a forest guard.
The variety has a symmetrical appearance and strong, but not heavy. The muzzle is short, the profile flat and the jaw strong with voluminous cheeks. Regarding the fur, it is short and rough to the touch, has reddish, pastel and mottled, light or dark colors, with white spots on the chest and a black mask around the eyes.
With respect to personality, this breed of dog is characterized by being lively, loyal and faithful, that's why it became an excellent companion dog. In addition, puppies of this breed gained popularity when certain celebrities such as Bon Jovi and Christina Aguilera decided to adopt puppies of this breed.
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