Talbot vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Talbot is originated from France but English Mastiff is originated from United Kingdom. Talbot may grow 7 cm / 2 inches shorter than English Mastiff. Talbot may weigh 63 kg / 138 pounds lesser than English Mastiff. Both Talbot and English Mastiff has same life span. Both Talbot and English Mastiff has same litter size. Both Talbot and English Mastiff requires Low maintenance.

History

Known as the Talbot Hound, nobody really seems to have accurate records as to the origins of the Talbot dog breed but it seems to have originated in France.

It is believed that the Talbot, with his excellent nose, was a hunting dog, but he is now extinct.

It is thought that the dog descends from the beagle and the bloodhound. It came to England in 1066 and vanished towards the end of the 18th century.

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:
Gun dog
Molosser dogs
Origin:
France
United Kingdom
Height Male:
58 - 69 cm
22 - 28 inches
74 - 76 cm
29 - 30 inches
Height Female:
58 - 69 cm
22 - 28 inches
70 - 73 cm
27 - 29 inches
Weight Male:
36 - 50 kg
79 - 111 pounds
68 - 113 kg
149 - 250 pounds
Weight Female:
36 - 50 kg
79 - 111 pounds
54 - 84 kg
119 - 186 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
7 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
8 - 10
5 - 10
Size:
Large dog
Giant dog
Other Names:
Talbot Hound
Mastiff Old English Mastiff
Colors Available:
White
silver-fawn, apricot-fawn, or dark fawn-brindle, fawn
Coat:
Short and smooth
fine, smooth
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Courageous, Docile, Friendly, Independent, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Stubborn
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Description

The Talbot hound was a large, white purebred dog. He stood at roughly 58 to 69cm and weighed between 36 and 50kg.

He had a large head and a short, smooth, coarse pure white coat. He has a long tail which he held upright and fairly long floppy ears. He was a slow but efficient scenthound.

Temperament:

It is believed that this strong, hard working dog was gentle, loving and loyal and that he would have made an excellent family pet.

They were the kind of dogs that needed lots of social interaction with his human family. His amicable nature would have meant him getting on well with children and other dogs.

Slow, it’s a dog that had low intelligence and he may have taken a long time to learn any simple tricks or commands. If he were around today he wouldn’t have been suited to city living as he was a vocal breed – having quite a selection of barks and howls to voice his opinion.

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

The Talbot is extinct, but he was no doubt a docile, calm kind of dog that would have made a great family pet.

He would have been an ideal dog for first time dog owners too as he was a gentle, affectionate dog.They were tough, protective, stubborn but loving and loyal, and more’s the pity that this dog has disappeared.

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

Nobody can say what the health status of the Talbot dog was, but being a hunting dog, out in the open and getting plenty of exercise, he was no doubt a healthy dog. But all dogs can fall ill at some time or another with any one of the many dog illnesses there are -

Ear Infections:

Ear infections in dogs are quite common, but more so with dogs that have floppy ears.

You’ll see your pet scratching and pawing at his ears and shaking his head. There will in all likelihood be redness in your pets ears and you may even detect an abnormal odor.

There are quite a few things that can cause these ear infections in dogs such as ear mites, an excess of dirt and wax and bacteria.

Don’t allow your pet to suffer – get him to the vet. Your veterinarian will also show you how you can clean the ear for future times with a gentle cleanser. You have to be so careful not to rupture the ear drum, and some people prefer to get their vet to do this or professional groomers.

Ectropion - eyelid abnormalities:

The Talbot could have suffered with ectropion – when the lower lids are turned out. Ectropion disrupts the function of the lower lid so that it can't protect the eye, and there is abrasion of the surface of the eye.

This condition can also bring on conjunctivitis. Get your pet to the vet for treatment and relief.

The lifespan of the Talbot was anything from 9 to 12 years of age, and one or two other health problems that could have shortened his life were dermatitis, cancer, hip dysplasia and eye infections.

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

Grooming:

The Talbot with his short hair would have been looked upon as a low maintenance breed and would have required a brush now and again.

Because of the floppy ears, they would have needed to be checked inside for infection.

Diet:

The Talbot was a strong, hard-working kind of dog so if commercially manufactured dog food was available in that time, you would have ensured a good quality one for strong, energetic dogs.

At that time, Talbot dog owners tossed their dogs bits of raw meat. Home-made food like boiled chicken, brown rice, spinach, carrots and sweet potatoes without any exotic flavorings would have been an excellent diet.

Any dog will need a constant supply of fresh, cool water to drink.

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. Talbot vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  2. Talbot vs German Shorthaired Pointer - Breed Comparison
  3. Talbot vs Irish Setter - Breed Comparison
  4. Talbot vs Bracco Italiano - Breed Comparison
  5. Talbot vs Portuguese Pointer - Breed Comparison
  6. Talbot vs Perdiguero de Burgos - Breed Comparison
  7. Talbot vs Irish Red and White Setter - Breed Comparison
  8. Talbot vs Pachon Navarro - Breed Comparison
  9. Talbot vs Grand Gascon Saintongeois - Breed Comparison
  10. Talbot vs Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer - Breed Comparison
  11. Talbot vs Slovensky Hrubosrsty Stavac - Breed Comparison
  12. Talbot vs Smooth Haired Weimaraner - Breed Comparison
  13. Talbot vs Spanish Pointer - Breed Comparison
  14. Talbot vs Spinone Italiano - Breed Comparison
  15. Talbot vs Longhaired Weimaraner - Breed Comparison
  16. Talbot vs Braque Francais (Gascogne Type) - Breed Comparison
  17. Vikhan Sheepdog vs Talbot - Breed Comparison
  18. Weimaraner vs Talbot - Breed Comparison
  19. Talbot vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  20. Talbot vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  21. Talbot vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  22. Talbot vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  23. Talbot vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  24. Talbot vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  25. English Mastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  26. English Mastiff vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  27. English Mastiff vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  28. English Mastiff vs Broholmer - Breed Comparison
  29. Neapolitan Mastiff vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  30. Gaddi Kutta vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  31. Nebolish Mastiff vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  32. Great Dane vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  33. English Mastiff vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  34. English Mastiff vs Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  35. English Mastiff vs Alaunt - Breed Comparison
  36. English Mastiff vs Bully Kutta - Breed Comparison
  37. English Mastiff vs Alangu Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  38. English Mastiff vs Billy - Breed Comparison
  39. English Mastiff vs Bisben - Breed Comparison
  40. English Mastiff vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  41. English Mastiff vs Ciobanesc de Bucovina - Breed Comparison
  42. Newfoundland Dog vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  43. Leonberger vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  44. Irish Wolfhound vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds