Mastiff
The heaviest breed by weight, and one of the oldest in Britain: it went to war with the Romans and came home again. Enormous, and quiet with it.
Overview
The English Mastiff is one of the heaviest dogs in the world, with individuals recorded well over two hundred pounds. It is an ancient British type, used for guarding and taken to war, and Caesar's account of the British campaign describes dogs of this sort.
It very nearly died out in Britain after the Second World War and was rebuilt using dogs from North America. Six to ten years is the realistic lifespan.
Temperament
Calm, dignified and gentle. Mastiffs are affectionate with their families, patient with children, and among the quietest of the giant breeds.
They are guardians by instinct without needing training to be, and their size means early socialisation is essential rather than advisable. They are sensitive and respond badly to harsh handling. They are also slow to mature and clumsy for two or three years.
Care and grooming
A short coarse coat, a weekly brush, moderate shedding. They drool copiously and the facial folds need wiping.
Hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, cardiomyopathy and bone cancer all occur at significant rates. Progressive retinal atrophy has a DNA test. Anaesthesia needs care in a dog this size and shape.
Living and exercise
Thirty to forty five minutes a day of gentle exercise as an adult, and very little while growing.
They overheat easily, they take up an enormous amount of space, and everything about owning one costs more, from food to medication to the car that has to carry it. The lifespan is the thing to go in knowing.
Something here wrong or out of date?