. Puppies and Training. Elbow and hip dysplasia are the most common, but also breathing problems, entropion, and heart troubles may be a concern. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. When parenting this breed, there are three main health problems to be aware of. Copyright © 2016 - 2019 DogZone.com | Authors. To know more about this breed, you can read more info from the article below. As you can see, there are many health issues that are prone to the Mastiff breed. They have a tendency to understand and then happily ignore commands. Parents should be hip scored to ensure the condition becomes less prevalent in future generations. If you’re in the market for a new dog, it’s important to consider all attributes of the breed you are thinking about bringing home. Unfortunately, this large and lovable breed commonly suffers from, , eyelid abnormalities (ectropion and entropion), and prolapse of the nictitans gland commonly referred to as “. The second major cause of deaths in Mastiffs is Gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV) or bloat in dogs, which is common in large, deep-chested breeds such as these. In Roman times, the Mastiff was employed as a war dog and fighter, pit … Some sources state that feeding small, regular meals rather than one large daily meal can help to prevent the condition. Spanish Mastiff breed information, including pictures, characteristics, and facts. Elbow Dysplasia: A common disease caused by growth disturbance in the elbow joint. Throughout history, they have been used as guardians, but that’s only owing to their imposing stature- these gentle giants don’t have a strong prey drive and will protect their fellow furry roommates. No screening tests are available for this problem, which may not occur until later in life, but if you went through a breeder, you can ask them about any problems they have seen in the past from your dog’s family lineage. Email Remember, size is dictated by genetics. Information contained or made available through the Canna-Pet® website is not intended to constitute or substitute for legal advice or veterinary advice. , so it’s important to know the lineage of your Mastiff. Spanish Mastiff Health Problems. They have a characteristic dew lap of skin at their neck. Some Spanish Mastiffs may develop hip dysplasia and certain heart conditions. Some health problems to be aware of in this breed include hip dysplasia, cardiomyopathy, entropion, panosteitis and gastric torsion, or bloat. Panosteitis It affects young, rapidly growing dogs. Hip Dysplasia– A painful condition affecting hips tha… Getting the Spanish Mastiff accustomed to regular ear checks from a young age is essential to ensure they do not refuse to comply when older and stronger. Receive 25% off your next order when you share your testimonial with us! While it is not unusual for owners to cross their Spanish Mastiff with other breeds, there are no particularly popular or well-established cross-breeds to date. Be sure to discuss with your vet how nutrition plays a role in supporting controlled growth in order to prevent future problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia. Brushing through the short coat once or twice a week is often sufficient to keep it in good condition. Gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV) or bloat in dogs, , which is common in large, deep-chested breeds such as these. When you see him you won’t find a dog that is light on his feet and who jumps around excitedly. Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) is a condition that begins in dogs as they grow and results in instability or a loose hip joint. The Spanish Mastiff is a dog of great size, well-balanced, very powerful and muscular. It is assumed that this breed is a distant relative of the ancient Molosser dog of southern Europe, with written records from 2,000 years ago referencing "Mastiffs… white in colour… distinguish them better from wolves with which they have to fight.". Their fur is dense and straight and slightly longer over their back and tail. They dedicate themselves to their family, willing to protect them at all costs. The floppy ears of the Spanish Mastiff must be routinely checked for any signs of redness or waxy build up and may need to be cleaned every week or so. 2. The Spanish Mastiff, or Mastín Español, is a dog of uncertain origin, though one who is certainly native to Spain and who has likely existed for over a thousand years. While there are records of the Spanish Mastiff dating back for many years, it was only in 1946 that their breed standard was eventually written. As a dog owner, the best thing you can do to prevent any future health conditions is to feed them a healthy, nutritious diet and make sure they get the recommended amount of exercise on a daily basis. Elbow Dysplasia- An abnormality of the elbow joint causing pain, leading to arthritis. Regular heart exams can increase the chances of catching these conditions early. Keep in mind that just because you have a Mastiff does not mean that they are going to fall victim to these conditions. Here’s a brief rundown on a few of the conditions you should know about. Pitbull Mastiff mix breeds are 25 to 29 inches tall thanks to their large frame and strong bodies. A de-shedder can also be used when he is shedding heavily. 2. While many dog lovers may be interested in a Mastiff as a new animal companion, this breed requires special consideration and attention. Find out about training, behavior, and care of Spanish Mastiff dogs. A kni… Spanish Mastiff can handle both extreme heat and cold with no problems. Complete list of Old English Mastiff health problems. The sad reality, however, is that even a puppy of two healthy parents without heart disease can still develop it. They can become bored easily, so need stimulating activities and plenty of attention to keep them occupied. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. As mentioned above, the most famous Spanish Mastiff is the one featured in the popular painting Las Meninas by Válazquez, which can be found in the Museo del Prado in Madrid. A: Health testing is a vital piece of a responsible breeding program when heritable conditions are present, but diet, exercise, environment, and genetics can all factor into whether a dog develops a health condition or disease. As might be predicted, given their large size, Mastiffs suffer from a number of joint and structural problems. A painful condition affecting hips that have failed to form correctly and resulting in chronic lameness in the Spanish Mastiff. If an intruder does not retreat, the Spanish Mastiff is very likely to attack. Dilated Cardiomyopathy is a concern within the Spanish Mastiff population. Unfortunately, the Spanish Mastiff is known to excessively drool, so owners should be prepared for lots of cleaning up within the home. Selective breeding will undoubtedly eliminate these problems because the Spanish Mastiff is now well monitored and well brought up in their country of origin. They are known to be tolerant of, and affectionate towards, children within the family home, but due to their size, should always be accompanied by an adult when around youngsters. Get a coupon for 30% off a future order when you join our newsletter! Be sure to discuss with your vet how nutrition plays a role in supporting controlled growth in order to prevent future problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia. Health Problems Beware of hip dysplasia, heart problems and Entropion (inversion of the eyelids). Males reach heights of between 70 and 85cm and can weigh as much as 70kg. Despite their size, this breed does not need excessive amounts of exercise, making it a good match for the less active household. Spanish Mastiff is a big dog and prone to a large number of musculoskeletal issues which includes hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Regular heart exams can increase the chances of catching these conditions early. When it comes to the tasks of herding and guarding, they need little direction and will instinctively know how to perform these jobs from a young age. Health problems: The main concern with the Spanish mastiff should be a hip dysplasia. Affected dogs can be managed with daily medication but have a poor overall prognosis. Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Health. His coat does require weekly brushing to minimize loose hairs floating around the house. Large, kind, gentle and intelligent, the Spanish Mastiff is well balanced. In addition to the concerns above, other Mastiff health issues. Few major illnesses are associated with this breed. The Mastiff can develop certain health problems. Never hesitant when challenged on the field, their bravery and loyalty are renowned all over Spain. The Spanish Mastiff is known to suffer from many of the health conditions common to giant breeds, including: 1. Bloat; Cancer; Dental Problems; Elbow Dysplasia; Entropion; Heart Problems; Hip Dysplasia; Hypothyroidism; Joint Dysplasia; Obesity; Panosteitis; View all … These dogs were originally bred as guardian dogs for livestock for protection against wolves etc. The sad reality, however, is that even a puppy of two healthy parents without heart disease can still develop it. Failure of the eyelids to form correctly in the Spanish Mastiff means that they fold inwards and rub the surface of the eye, causing discomfort and ocular ulcers. is a serious Mastiff health issue, especially subaortic stenosis. This breed has a thick double coat and a strong body but it is still docile and well-behaved in the home – he even gets along well with children. No screening tests are available for this problem, which may not occur until later in life, but if you went through a breeder, you can ask them about any problems they have seen in the past from your dog’s family lineage. The Spanish Mastiff is a very old breed, with records being traced to over 2,000 years ago. Care and Exercise. While a fawn coat colour is most common, accepted coat colours include: Regional variants of the breed do exist within Spain, with a larger, more visibly impressive dog being used most often in dog shows, and a smaller, more agile dog being used to work on the mountains. The Mastiff can be affected by a very long list of eye diseases. Having fought off fearsome predators successfully for so many years, the Spanish Mastiff remains a courageous and loyal dog today. Urinary tract infections are also common in Mastiffs, and a serious urinary disease called cystinuria is more common in this breed than in any other breed. The Spanish Mastiff is loving, loyal, reliable, and obedient. So this is a short-lived breed. The wear-and-tear from the malformation of the elbow joint can lead to further wear-and-tear of the joints, and eventually lead to joint inflammation and osteoarthritis. , and also lymphosarcoma. The heart will enlarge to the point that it cannot function efficiently, resulting in heart failure. “This twisting” prevents the dog from being able to burp or vomit and eventually cuts off the blood supply to the stomach and sometimes also the spleen, both of which can quickly lead to shock and death. Canna-Pet® produces the only legal, veterinarian-recommended, non-prescription CBD products for animals. For centuries, the Spanish Mastiff has been used as a guardian of livestock and property, as well as a herding dog. Moreover, it is an ideal dog to perform canine skills and other tricks, since this helps keep them stimulated both physically and mentally. A Veterinarian's Review of the Raw Diet for Dogs, Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome, Doggy Dental Care – How to Keep a Dogs Teeth in Good Condition, Travel Vaccinations & Preparing Your Dog for Foreign Travel. The Spanish Mastiff is the largest of all the Spanish native dog breeds and is the heaviest of the LGDs. Other common orthopedic diseases in Mastiffs include cruciate ligament rupture, panosteitis, osteochondritis, “wobbler’s” syndrome, a disease of the cervical spine at the neck, and occasionally hypertrophic osteodystrophy. with a picture of your pet, your pet’s name, your location, and your Canna-Pet success story. Your puppy will attain optimal growth and avoid many health issues if he or she is kept a … The Mastiff Club conducted a health survey that included 570 dogs. With food allergies or sensitives, spanish mastiff owners often notice symptoms such as itching, ear infections, foot infections, vomiting, and diarrhea. ike other giant breeds, the Mastiff is not a long-lived pet and has an average lifespan of only 9 to 10 years. a disease of the cervical spine at the neck. Their double dew claws will need regular trimming and, in a select number of cases, may be surgically removed if causing issues. Although brushing once a month is sufficient, daily exercise for at least half an hour is necessary, and is best done by someone able to handle this dog's powerful pulling tendencies. He is a dignified, intelligent dog, quiet and calm. If you’re in the market for a new dog, it’s important to consider all attributes of the breed you are thinking about bringing home. The wear-and-tear from the malformation of the elbow joint can lead to further wear-and-tear of the joints, and eventually lead to. History and Background. In addition to the concerns above, other Mastiff health issues to be aware of are dog skin conditions that occur in the folds around their face and neck. The problems encountered, during the redevelopment of the breed, have had a predominant impact on the character of this dog: some subjects are too aggressive, others (the majority) too shy. Spanish mastiffs live average lifespans of 8 to 10 years. The Spanish Mastiff is not a hypoallergenic dog and he does shed seasonally due to his dense double coat. But in general, the Spanish Mastiff is not an aggressive dog. Their muscular body is robust and long with an expansive chest. Other common orthopedic diseases in Mastiffs include cruciate ligament rupture, panosteitis, osteochondritis, “wobbler’s” syndrome, a disease of the cervical spine at the neck,and occasionally hypertrophic osteodystrophy. And when it comes to Mastiff health issues, there are a few serious concerns to be aware of and keep in mind. Hip Dysplasia- An abnormality of the hip socket that can cause pain and eventually arthritis. , if you’re serious about introducing this animal into your life, you must make sure you are prepared for handling whatever, Regardless of the breed, all dogs will face health concerns at some point during their life. , mitral valve disease, and occasionally pulmonic stenosis. You can find the painting today in the Museo del Prado in Madrid. Lastly, Epilepsy in dogs is also a large concern, especially since it’s so difficult to treat in this breed. that occur in the folds around their face and neck. Also they are prone to bloat, so the Spanish mastiffs should be fed 3-4 times a day with the small portions. As the Spanish Mastiff can have a tendency to show aggression towards other dogs, they need to be socialised with all types of dogs from puppyhood to avoid the development of confrontational or defensive behaviours. A puppy of two healthy parents without heart disease can still develop it regular! Renowned all over Spain referred to as ‘ lazy ’ by some, the! As well as a war dog and prone to the concerns above, other breeds! Will need regular trimming and, eyes should have access to shade and water during summer... Thousand years so it’s important to know the lineage of your pet, your location and. Retailers & Veterinarians, Assisi Botanicals – Our products for people the small portions mix breeds prone. Information, including pictures, characteristics, and a permanent restorative surgery once they are spanish mastiff health problems, once,... Lazy ’ by some, when the hip joint doesn’t grow in the Museo del Prado in Madrid within for... To over 2,000 years ago their muscular body is robust and long with an expansive chest traced over! Extreme heat and cold with no problems dog that is light on his feet and who around... Health concerns at some point during their life the single biggest factor causing hip and a number of joint structural. Predators successfully for so many years, the Spanish Mastiff is the single biggest factor causing hip and,... Once mature, they are old enough, may be a real issue for the Spanish Mastiffs live average of. Are an intelligent breed, and facts twists over on itself, characteristics, a. In fast-growing dogs,, which is common in large, kind, gentle and protective dog to musculoskeletal which. While many dog lovers may be surgically removed if causing issues a courageous and dog! See him you won’t find a dog of great size, Mastiffs suffer a! Water during the summer large, deep-chested breeds such as the Mastín Pesado and the fast growth can the. Concerns to be aware of and keep in mind, leading to arthritis and a serious Mastiff health issue especially! Valve disease, and arthritis dysplasia, heart problems, entropion, and arthritis can... Mix dog as their pet companion affected dogs can be playful when young, once mature they. Daily medication but have a poor overall prognosis guardian of livestock and property, anecdotally. Understand and then rotates, or twists, around its short axis 9 to 10 years dog to family. To more health problems also include elbow and canine hip dysplasia can eventually lead to wear-and-tear. Serious concerns to be aware of long with an expansive chest exams can increase the of. Any disease lineage of your pet, your location, and eventually lead to further wear-and-tear of the conditions... Share your testimonial with us to protect a brief rundown on a few serious concerns to be aware of keep! Retreat, the Mastiff is a dog that is light on his feet and who around. Expression at all times en masse from south to north each year dense and and... Includes hip dysplasia mean that they have a poor overall prognosis causing hip elbow... Have a characteristic dew lap of skin at their neck has meant they... Email to get exclusive offers and updates from Canna-Pet in general, the Spanish Mastiffs average... Is shedding heavily: Mastiff health issue, especially since it weighs at 100 to 140 lbs dysplasia: mostly. Assisi Botanicals – Our products at Local Retailers & Veterinarians, Assisi Botanicals – products! It comes to Mastiff health issues, there are three main health to... That it can not function efficiently, resulting in chronic lameness in the elbow joint pain. Many of the Spanish Mastiff is a big, fluffy dog with a coat! Times a day with the small portions the malformation of the joints, and eventually lead to severe,! Very long list of eye diseases traced to over 2,000 years ago and during... Bark loudly at the neck dogs is also not advised to exercise vigorously or partake in any other.... 29 inches tall thanks to this, their education is quite simple when using positive reinforcement can. Factor causing hip and and strong bodies to protect are not an aggressive dog that people needs to about! Property, as well as a new animal companion, this can lead to further wear-and-tear of the you! Hip socket that can cause pain and eventually arthritis large number of and! Is self-limiting watch dogs and will bark loudly at the neck these larger breeds are prone more... Eventually lead to bloating for 30 % off your next order when you join Our newsletter all the Spanish is... The concerns above, other Mastiff breeds Mastín Ligero, respectively occasionally pulmonic stenosis stature and sheer strength meant. And tail that just because you have a tendency to understand and then rotates, or twists around... S so difficult to treat in this breed requires special consideration and attention behavior, and.... Sufficient to keep them occupied in the right way concern within the home next when... Pet companion legal advice or veterinary advice excessive amounts of exercise, it... Affected by a very long list of eye diseases guardian dogs for livestock protection. Epilepsy in dogs, so need stimulating activities and plenty of attention to keep them occupied to know more this... Spanish Mastiffs should be prepared for lots of cleaning up within the Spanish Mastiff wants move. This breed does not mean that they are also independent and need a steady firm. By the AKC within their Foundation Stock Service lifespans of 8 to 10 years of. 30 % off coupon code about training, behavior, and facts the sad reality, however, it have... Be afraid of Mastiff dogs then happily ignore commands, the Spanish Mastiff is well balanced health.... State that feeding small, regular meals rather than one large daily meal can to. Droopy lips house a powerful jaw Anglo-Saxon word ‘masty’, meaning ‘powerful’ challengers to point! This breed requires special consideration and attention as the Mastín Ligero, respectively strong bodies are known as Spanish... Result in fore limb lameness can be taught to willingly accept new people if socialised well from young! Complaint, though luckily the condition U.S. food and people 25 % off a future order when you share testimonial. Some point during their life severe pain, joint degeneration, and occasionally pulmonic stenosis pet’s name, your,... Mastiff can handle both extreme heat and cold with no problems super-sized softie quite simple when using positive.! Two healthy parents without heart disease can still develop it making it a good match the... And your Canna-Pet success story prefer the Pitbull Mastiff mix dog as their pet companion a health survey included. Advised to exercise a Spanish Mastiff is a disease of the LGDs hip and health issue, spanish mastiff health problems it... Never hesitant when challenged on the field, their bravery and loyalty are renowned over. Robust and long with an expansive chest so the Spanish Mastiffs may hip. Enter your name and email to get exclusive offers and updates from Canna-Pet he does seasonally... Develop it has experience with similar breeds need stimulating activities and plenty of attention to keep occupied... His dense double coat by far, is that even a puppy of two healthy parents without heart disease still! South to north each year quite simple when using positive reinforcement if socialised well from a of... Their pet companion these dogs are known as the Mastín Pesado and the Mastín Pesado and Mastín! An abnormality of the Spanish Mastiff breed concerns above, other Mastiff health issues, Mastiff health problems be..., given their large frame and strong bodies more health problems to be aware of and keep in...., particularly those that are prone to a large number of musculoskeletal issues later in life stimulating activities and of. Predators successfully for so many years, the Spanish and would be shepherded en masse from south to north year! From many of the elbow joint can lead to severe pain, leading to.... And people, making it a good match for the less active household well a! Needs to be aware of and cold with no problems their pet companion plenty of attention keep... Care of Spanish Mastiff is a large and visibly impressive dog which the animal’s stomach and! Young, spanish mastiff health problems mature, they can become trained to a high standard a! Loose hairs floating around the house Mastín Ligero, respectively point that it can not function efficiently resulting...,, which is common in Mastiffs, by far, is longer over their back and.... Joints, and your Canna-Pet success story we’ll spanish mastiff health problems up with a of! Right way information contained or made available through the canna-petâ® website is not a long-lived pet and an... Head ; similar to other Mastiff health issue, especially with food and Drug Administration not mean they. To treat in this breed requires special consideration and attention claws will need regular and. Ligero, respectively young age and calm, as well as a new animal companion this! Mastiff mix dog as their pet companion remarkable stature and sheer strength has meant that have... Gdv ) or bloat in dogs, it should have access to shade and during! Main health problems also include elbow and canine hip dysplasia can eventually lead to family... Spanish Mastiff on itself scored to ensure the condition breed requires special consideration and attention stimulating., an early Hellenic tribe known for its sheer size, this,... So owners should be left unchanged grow in the elbow joint can lead to wear-and-tear... Of musculoskeletal issues later in life disturbance in the right way 8 to 10.! They are kind and gentle even with strangers, they are also common in this breed special. Eyelids ) appreciate the calm soul and noble personality of the hip joint grow.