McNab vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

McNab vs English Mastiff - Breed ComparisonMcNab is originated from United States but English Mastiff is originated from United Kingdom. McNab may grow 12 cm / 4 inches shorter than English Mastiff. McNab may weigh 83 kg / 182 pounds lesser than English Mastiff. McNab may live 3 years more than English Mastiff. McNab may have less litter size than English Mastiff. Both McNab and English Mastiff requires Low maintenance.

History

mcnab - historyThe attractive McNab dog is also known as the McNab Shepherd or McNab Collie. This very lively dog originated in the Mendocino region of Northern California, being specifically bred to withstand tough weather conditions and rough terrain.

The dog is becoming popular outside of California now. A Scottish rancher with the surname McNab left Scotland and arrived in California in the 19th century. He crossed Scottish Border Collies with Shepherd dogs and the ranchers in California started using these dogs for herding livestock.

Today they are still being used as herding dogs in California and other countries. The dog isn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club. It was in 2014 that a group of McNab Shepherd breeders established the McNab Shepherd Registry so as to work towards the advancement of the McNab Shepherd.

english mastiff - historyThroughout most of history there have been images created by people of very large, sturdy dogs that they shared their space with. The English Mastiff can trace some part of her ancestry to these same dogs. This breed is thought to have come from the stock of ancient breeds such as the Alpine Mastiff, Pugnaces Britanniae and Alaunt. The Mastiff in general has then become a main descendent of many other breeds of dogs since the 1880’s. The images of these types of dogs goes back to the 5th and 6th century.

There is no genetic evidence linking these dogs to the modern Mastiffs and the English Mastiff, but the resemblance is obvious. There is anecdotal evidence that these Mastiff type dogs were exported from England – the English Mastiff – to Greece to hunt game but were also used as war dogs by the Celts. The Alaunt was probably used the Normans and bred by the Alans. Writings and images throughout these times depicted a dog that looked very much like today’s English Mastiff. Some speculate that the English Mastiff came to the United States of the Mayflower.

There was a decline in the English Mastiff in its homeland in the 1800’s following the Cruelty to Animals Act of 1835 which prohibited owners and trainers from baiting animals. Then in the 19th century, prior to the first World War, systematic breeding programs began with J.W. Thompson. His first English Mastiff was a female named Dorah. Dorah’s ancestors included dogs from Thompson’s Grandfather. Captain John Garnier of the Royal Engineers also had dogs that contributed to the development of the English Mastiff.

During this time some breeders got away from pure type and began to breed for other factors. In the late 1800’s, Edgar Hanbury and Mark Hanbury Beaufoy began restoring the breed to its original soundness. One of their dogs was exported to the US were breeding to soundness continued until the First World War reduced the number of English Mastiffs around the world. By the time the war ended there were no English Mastiffs outside of England.

There was a dog in Canada named Beowulf and direct descendent of imports from Britain, who came to the States after the war and began to re-establish the breed on this continent and registered with the American Kennel Club. Yet as of 1945, the contribution from North

Breeding was stopped again for World War II and started again after the war. Many of these puppies died of distemper. Only one female had pups that were able to grow up into adults. North America sent dogs to England at this time and all of the Mastiffs from that time, could be traced back to Nydia and the 14 North American Mastiffs. Since then the breed has been restored slowly in Europe, North America and everywhere in the world.

The English Mastiff is known by his massive head with a black mask and comes in a wide variety of colors. He is also known as a gentle giant because of his personality and the love he has for his people.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Molosser dogs
Origin:
United States
United Kingdom
Height Male:
40 - 64 cm
15 - 26 inches
74 - 76 cm
29 - 30 inches
Height Female:
40 - 64 cm
15 - 26 inches
70 - 73 cm
27 - 29 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 30 kg
30 - 67 pounds
68 - 113 kg
149 - 250 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 30 kg
30 - 67 pounds
54 - 84 kg
119 - 186 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 15 Years
7 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 7
5 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Giant dog
Other Names:
McNab Shepherd, McNab Collie
Mastiff Old English Mastiff
Colors Available:
Black or red with white feet, white tipped tails and white markings around the face
silver-fawn, apricot-fawn, or dark fawn-brindle, fawn
Coat:
Short and dense
fine, smooth
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Courageous, Docile, Friendly, Independent, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Stubborn
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Description

mcnab puppy - descriptionThe McNab Dog is a medium-sized working dog. The appearance of this dog varies quite a bit. For instance you may come across a dog with erect ears or floppy ears or a long tail or one that is naturally bobbed.

When it comes to size, you will find that between the males and females they stand at roughly 40 – 64cm and weigh anything from 14 – 30kg.

Most of these McNabs are black or red with white feet, white tipped tails and white markings around the face. The coat is weather resistant and fairly short and dense. You also get tri-colored McNabs. Eyes are usually a brown or copper color though you might find some with bluish eyes as well.

Temperament:

These are such intelligent dogs so with training and socialization you’ll find he is able to learn easily and quickly. He is a self assured dog, so he will respond well to an owner who is firm and fair, patient, kind and consistent.

He is best suited to life in the country as he needs lots of place to run around. If you don’t live on a farm, take the dog for long walks every day as he requires lots of exercise and mental stimulation. He is a loving family member too, getting along well with kids in the home as well as other pets. He is also a good guard- and watch dog, taking his job as protector of his human family very seriously.

english mastiff puppy - descriptionThe English Mastiff is a giant dog with a broad head and body. In terms of mass it is the worlds largest dog, just a little bigger that the Saint Bernard. The Great Dane and the Irish Wolfhound are 6 inches taller but do not carry the weight and bulk of the Mastiff. Mostly square in his body and his head with a massive chest and wide set forelegs. The head is square and very large. No matter the color of the coat, the face should have a black mask like the St. Bernard. His eyes and nose are also dark.

Characteristics

mcnab dog - characteristicsThe McNab makes a splendid pet and is known to be even-tempered, being friendly and tolerant with his entire human family.

He gets on well with children in the home as well as other pets. He has always been a hard working pet and doubles up as being an excellent guard dog too. Those who have had the McNab as a pet say that you couldn’t get a more excellent family canine friend.

Children friendliness

english mastiff dog - characteristicsThe English Mastiff is very happy to play with children. You willl need to be careful with small children as he does not know his size and is likely to sit on them.

Special talents

This lovable giant is noble and loyal. He will protect his family and he will be courageous about it.

Adaptability

This is a big dog but he doesnt live outside. You need a big yard and perhaps a big house. He may not adapt to an apartment.

Learning ability

The English Mastiff is smart and certainly trainable. He can be independent and stubborn at times but he has the ability to learn.

Health Problems

mcnab puppies - health problemsThis dog doesn’t really have genetic health issues, but they can suffer with hip dysplasia, a problem that many dogs battle with, whether small or large, young or old.

They can also suffer with epilepsy and an eye disease such as entropion where the lid of the eye is turned inwards. Check its ears and teeth regularly for infections and keep up to date with his vaccinations.

The McNab is a health dog breed so you aren't likely to face any of these common dog health issues.

english mastiff puppies - health problemsBeing a massive dog can take its toll on the body’s development and that is certainly true of the English Mastiff. A lot of running is not recommended in the early life of the dog – preferable for the first two years. This could damage the joint’s growth plates and cause him a lot of problems in later years. Too much exercise in this massive dog can hurt him but so can, not enough exercise.

Some of the health issues other than this that the English Mastiff is prone to include:

  1. Calluses –
  2. On their paws. Must be taken care of before infection sets in.
  3. Arthritis

A large dog like the English Mastiff is always prone to pain from arthritic joints. See your vet about pain medication.

Hygroma

A spot under the skin that is swollen and filled with fluid. Can be treated. It is not an infection or contagious.

Hip Dysplasia

Can result in lameness and arthritis.

Caring The Pet

Diet:

mcnab dogs - caringYou can feed your McNab dog commercial dry kibble, but then you want to be sure its the best quality one. Buying inferior foods means that you’re getting a whole lot of ingredients in the food that are bad – sugar, salt, preservatives, fillers, colorants etc. Rather go for the best brands that will ensure that your dog is getting all the vitamins and minerals he needs.

Homemade food is also important and foods such as boiled chicken, brown rice and pasta as well as cooked or raw vegetables chopped up and added to his dry kibble can make for a delicious, wholesome treat. It will be to his benefit if you can every now and then give him some raw meat as well. Make sure to see that he has a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Exercise:

McNab Shepherds are very active dogs and they are going to require quite a bit of physical exercise as well as mental stimulation. They are dogs who have been used to herding livestock and he loves this busy life. It is why he wouldn’t be happy living in the city but is better suited to farm life or in a home with a large garden. Long walks and hikes will suit him as well as swimming and joining in every game there is.

Grooming:

The McNab is considered to be a low maintenance dog and grooming the short thick coat will be required twice a week. Always check around the eyes and ears as well as inside the mouth for problems and infections.

english mastiff dogs - caringThis is an enormous dog that grows quickly. It is important to feed them properly as they grow. If he doesn’t get what he needs as a puppy you will not be able to make it up to him later on.

Feeding the puppy

The English Mastiff puppy needs good nutrition for growing properly.

From 12-16 weeks of age feed him 3-4 cups a day of a high protein, high quality dry food. Break this up into 3-4 meals.

From 4 -6 months of age feed him 8-10 cups a day of a high protein, high quality dry food. Break this up into 2-3 meals.

From 6-18 months of age feed him 8-12 cups a day of a high protein, high quality, dry food. Break this up into 2-3 meals.

Feeding the adult

The English Mastiff is still growing from a year to 18 months. Starting at 18 months feed him 10-12 cups a day of high protein, high quality dry food. Break this up into 2 meals.

As your Mastiff ages, cut down on the protein and feed a dry food appropriate for his age.

Points for Good Health

The English Mastiff is a very large dog that should not be allowed to get obese since he is prone to dysplasia. He needs protein throughout puppyhood and until he is about 8-10.

Games and Exercises

This is a couch potato if you let him be. Make sure he gets at least one long walk per day or he will tend to gain weight. Play with them off leash about an hour every day.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. English Mastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  2. English Mastiff vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  3. English Mastiff vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  4. English Mastiff vs Broholmer - Breed Comparison
  5. Neapolitan Mastiff vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  6. Gaddi Kutta vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  7. Nebolish Mastiff vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  8. Great Dane vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  9. English Mastiff vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  10. English Mastiff vs Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  11. English Mastiff vs Alaunt - Breed Comparison
  12. English Mastiff vs Bully Kutta - Breed Comparison
  13. English Mastiff vs Alangu Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  14. English Mastiff vs Billy - Breed Comparison
  15. English Mastiff vs Bisben - Breed Comparison
  16. English Mastiff vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  17. English Mastiff vs Ciobanesc de Bucovina - Breed Comparison
  18. Newfoundland Dog vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  19. Leonberger vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  20. Irish Wolfhound vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  21. Sakhalin Husky vs McNab - Breed Comparison
  22. Portuguese Water Dog vs McNab - Breed Comparison
  23. Puli vs McNab - Breed Comparison
  24. McNab vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  25. McNab vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  26. McNab vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  27. McNab vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  28. McNab vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  29. McNab vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  30. McNab vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  31. McNab vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  32. McNab vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  33. McNab vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  34. McNab vs Finnish Lapphund - Breed Comparison
  35. McNab vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  36. McNab vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison
  37. McNab vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  38. McNab vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  39. McNab vs Griffon Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  40. McNab vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  41. McNab vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  42. McNab vs Jamthund - Breed Comparison
  43. McNab vs Karelian Bear Dog - Breed Comparison
  44. McNab vs Karelo-Finnish Laika - Breed Comparison
  45. McNab vs Kintamani - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds