Grand Gascon Saintongeois vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison

Grand Gascon Saintongeois vs English Mastiff - Breed ComparisonEnglish Mastiff is originated from United Kingdom but Grand Gascon Saintongeois is originated from France. Both English Mastiff and Grand Gascon Saintongeois are having almost same height. English Mastiff may weigh 78 kg / 172 pounds more than Grand Gascon Saintongeois. Both English Mastiff and Grand Gascon Saintongeois has almost same life span. English Mastiff may have more litter size than Grand Gascon Saintongeois. Both English Mastiff and Grand Gascon Saintongeois requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Molosser dogs
Gun dog
undefined
United Kingdom
France
Height Male:
74 - 76 cm
29 - 30 inches
61 - 73 cm
24 - 29 inches
Height Female:
70 - 73 cm
27 - 29 inches
61 - 73 cm
24 - 29 inches
Weight Male:
68 - 113 kg
149 - 250 pounds
30 - 35 kg
66 - 78 pounds
Weight Female:
54 - 84 kg
119 - 186 pounds
30 - 35 kg
66 - 78 pounds
Life Span:
7 - 12 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
3 - 7
Size:
Giant
Large
Other Names:
Mastiff Old English Mastiff
Virelade
Colors Available:
silver-fawn, apricot-fawn, or dark fawn-brindle, fawn
White with black patches
Coat:
fine, smooth
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
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, 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.

grand gascon saintongeoisKnown also as the Virelade, the Grand Gascon Saintongeois hails from the Saintongeois region of France, being a newish addition to the hunting dog breed.

The Saintongeois hound and the Grand Blue de Gascogne are the ancestors of this scentdog as these two breeds themselves, are exceptional hunters. The Grand Gascon Saintongeois is a large dog and favored by the French nobility for its ability to hunt.

After the French Revolution the popularity of the breed waned. It was Baron Joseph de Carayon-LaTour who tried to revive the Saintongeois Hound. The dogs were mated with the Grand Bleu de Gascogne and were so outstanding that breeding was continued. The breed that was created is the Grand Gascon Saintongeois which we know today.

It was in January 1993 that the Grand Gascon Saintongeois was officially recognized by the United Kennel Club.

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.

grand gascon saintongeois puppy - descriptionThe Grand Gascon Saintongeois is a large, well built breed of dog that looks strong and robust. His head is strong and covered with loose skin that forms wrinkles around the cheeks. He stands at 61-73cm and weighs 30 to 35kg.

He has straight, long legs. He has a short, smooth coat which is white with black patches. Sometimes you'll also find a speckled or ticked pattern. There'll be tan dots over the eyes.

The eyes are brown, the nose black and the long, thin textured ears are low on the dogs head and also well back on the skull. The tail is long.

Temperament:

He is known for his deep voice to voice an opinion. He is a loving, friendly, courageous and affectionate breed with a well balanced temperament, making him a splendid pet. He is also intelligent and so he won't battle at all to learn some rules. Training and socialization will be good for him even though he is such an amicable dog already, but then he just becomes extra obedient.

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.

grand gascon saintongeois dog - characteristicsYour Grand Gascon Saintongeois is a true hunting dog breed and valued for his hunting prowess. He has another side to him though and is gentle, loving and calm with his human family.

He makes a wonderful family companion, getting on well with children as well as pets in the home. He may show a bit of aggression to strangers and this is why training and socialization works so well with him as it helps him behave well around family and strangers.

Training is never a problem as he is an intelligent dog. He is an energetic dog and won't fit well into city life in tiny properties, also because of his tendency to bark when bored. He fits well into country life or large properties.

When you provide your large pet with good food, a warm place to sleep, exercise and plenty of love and attention, the Grand Gascon Saintongeois is going to turn out to be one of the most loyal, affectionate pets you can imagine.

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.

grand gascon saintongeois puppies - health problemsYour Grand Gascon Saintongeois is a robust dog, who with good care can reach up to 14 years of age. You're not going to be running to the vet often with this strong looking dog, but even so, there are one to two problems that you'll want to look out for.

Ear Infections:

Long-eared dogs are more susceptible to canine ear infections. The symptoms of the infection will be dependent on how severe it is. Certainly your dog may experience pain and you'll see him shaking his head and pawing at his ear. If both ears are affected by inflammation, he may even walk in a wobbly fashion and the infection could lead to deafness. It is imperative that he get to the vet as soon as possible.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is where the ball and socket joint of the hip is malformed. It results in a joint rubbing and grinding. It can lead to loss of function of the hip joints. It is a common skeletal disease in young or old dogs, small or large dogs and in both males and females.

Large dogs are more commonly affected though with hip dysplasia which can see arthritis developing too. Your dog will display decreased activity and difficulty with standing up after lying down. Veterinary intervention will be required.

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.

grand gascon saintongeois dogs - caringThese large dogs with their short smooth coats have very little grooming needs. Regular brushing twice a week will remove dead hair and also ensure the good condition of the coat.

He has long ears and these will need to be checked regularly to avoid ear infections. It will be a good idea to learn how to clean the ears and to do it in such a way as to avoid damaging them. Signs of ear infection include redness, discharge, irritation and bad odor.

Diet:

Following the feeding instructions on the packaging of top quality kibble, provide your Grand Gascon Saintongeois with at least 2 meals a day. To steer away from the monotony of kibble every day, mix in some raw meat from time to time, and also include some cooked brown rice, chicken and vegetables as a tasty treat. Fresh, cool water should always be easily accessible to him.

Comparison with other breeds

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