Meliteo Kinidio vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison

English Mastiff is originated from United Kingdom but Meliteo Kinidio is originated from Greece. English Mastiff may grow 44 cm / 18 inches higher than Meliteo Kinidio. English Mastiff may weigh 105 kg / 232 pounds more than Meliteo Kinidio. English Mastiff may live 3 years less than Meliteo Kinidio. English Mastiff may have more litter size than Meliteo Kinidio. Both English Mastiff and Meliteo Kinidio requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Molosser dogs
Companion dog
undefined
United Kingdom
Greece
Height Male:
74 - 76 cm
29 - 30 inches
23 - 32 cm
9 - 13 inches
Height Female:
70 - 73 cm
27 - 29 inches
23 - 32 cm
9 - 13 inches
Weight Male:
68 - 113 kg
149 - 250 pounds
3 - 8 kg
6 - 18 pounds
Weight Female:
54 - 84 kg
119 - 186 pounds
3 - 8 kg
6 - 18 pounds
Life Span:
7 - 12 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
3 - 7
Size:
Giant
Small
Other Names:
Mastiff Old English Mastiff
Small Greek Domestic Dog
Colors Available:
silver-fawn, apricot-fawn, or dark fawn-brindle, fawn
white or black, Beige, blonde
Coat:
fine, smooth
Long- and short-haired
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Courageous, Docile, Friendly, Independent, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

english mastiffThroughout 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.

Originating in Greece, the Melitea Kinidio is also known as the Small Greek Domestic Dog. It is an ancient dog breed. The dog has always been a skillful hunter of small game and birds.

It is believed that the dog breed originated from Malta, explaining its Greek name, Melitaion Kunidion.

There are efforts to recognize the Meliteo Kinidio as a separate and unique Greek dog breed but no formal breed clubs exist so far today. The dog also hasn’t been recognized by any reputable registry. Today these common dogs are found in high numbers throughout most of Greece.  

Description

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.

The Meliteo Kinidio is a deep chested small sized dog which weighs about 3 to 8kg and stands at about 23 – 32cm in height.

The dog has a bright, fox shaped face, floppy ears and a tail which curls over the back and which is feathery or plumed. The body is longer than being tall.

He is available with two coat types – long- and short-haired, with the long haired one being the more common of the two. People often confuse this dog with the long-haired Dachshund. The coat is dense, weatherproof, silky and wavy.

The coat colors can be beige, blonde, white or black, with there being no standardization with color.

Temperament:

These Greek dogs are no pushover and in fact they are fairly fearless dogs, possessive of the human family, wanting to protect them and therefore being territorial as well. They make excellent pets, being very sensitive to their owners, sensing their different moods.

He has always been a hunting dog so he loves to be busy, making a good dog to have on the farm. They are even tempered and gentle, but have a loud, robust bark for their size.

Characteristics

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.

These feisty Small Greek Domestic Dogs are loving, loyal dogs who enjoy being around their human family but who don’t mind spending some time on their own either.

They’re dogs which are in tune with their owners and they’re intelligent too so they learn easily. You can expect to a have a good friend when you allow this companion dog into your home.

Health Problems

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.

This dog breed enjoys good longevity and can live to be about 12 to 15 years of age with good care.

One thing you have to be careful of with a dog like this is that because he is active he loves to running around and jumping. However, with his long back, jumping off a fairly high bed for instance, can lead to injury and should be discouraged rather. Apart from ear infections, other health issues can be dental.

Dental Issues:

Brushing your dog’s teeth 2 or 3 times a week can prevent dental problems. Small dogs are more prone to plaque formation and gum recession. Many small dogs loose their teeth with dental issues. Plaque that is left on the surface of the tooth is detrimental to the dog’s immune system, starting an inflammatory response. Without good oral hygiene, other health issues such as heart disease and diabetes can become a factor.

Ear Infections:

Ear infections in dogs, particularly those with floppy ears, are common and can be painful.

Scratching at the ear with head shaking is a common sign that your dog has an ear infection as well as the presence of redness and swelling. The inside of the ear needs to be gently cleaned with ear cleanser, but many people don’t like to do this, fearing they may damage the ear. Then it becomes important for your vet or professional groomer to do it for you.

Caring The Pet

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.

The Small Greek Domestic Dog is easy to groom and the coat which sheds moderately will simply require brushing twice a week to keep it silky and vibrant.

Diet:

The Small Greek Domestic Dog is sleek lean and muscular and you want to keep him like that at all costs and avoid obesity. To keep him happy and fit feed him two smaller meals as opposed to one. If you buy commercially manufactured food, make sure its the best quality one as the lower quality foods have inferior ingredients devoid of minerals and vitamins. When you have bought the best quality kibble, treat your dog to some home-made food from time to time – nothing exotic – just plain boiled chicken, brown rice and pasta and cooked vegetables such as potato, carrots and spinach. Some raw meat added in occasionaly is also excellent. Feeding your dog a simple but nutritious meal like this will ensure your dog is healthy, content and free of stomach problems. Fresh, cool water must be availabe around the clock.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. English Mastiff vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. English Mastiff vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. English Mastiff vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. English Mastiff vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. English Mastiff vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. English Mastiff vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. English Mastiff vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. English Mastiff vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. English Mastiff vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. English Mastiff vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. English Mastiff vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. English Mastiff vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. English Mastiff vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. English Mastiff vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. English Mastiff vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. English Mastiff vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. English Mastiff vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. English Mastiff vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. English Mastiff vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. English Mastiff vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. English Mastiff vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. English Mastiff vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. English Mastiff vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. English Mastiff vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. English Mastiff vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Meliteo Kinidio vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Meliteo Kinidio vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Meliteo Kinidio vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Meliteo Kinidio vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Meliteo Kinidio vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Meliteo Kinidio vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Meliteo Kinidio vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Meliteo Kinidio vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Meliteo Kinidio vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Meliteo Kinidio vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Meliteo Kinidio vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Meliteo Kinidio vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Meliteo Kinidio vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Meliteo Kinidio vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Meliteo Kinidio vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Meliteo Kinidio vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Meliteo Kinidio vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Meliteo Kinidio vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Meliteo Kinidio vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Meliteo Kinidio vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Meliteo Kinidio vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Meliteo Kinidio vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Meliteo Kinidio vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Meliteo Kinidio vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Meliteo Kinidio vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison