Feist vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Feist vs English Mastiff - Breed ComparisonFeist is originated from United States but English Mastiff is originated from United Kingdom. Feist may grow 20 cm / 7 inches shorter than English Mastiff. Feist may weigh 98 kg / 216 pounds lesser than English Mastiff. Feist may live 6 years more than English Mastiff. Feist may have less litter size than English Mastiff. Both Feist and English Mastiff requires Low maintenance.

History

feist - historyThe Feist is a small dog from the United States, coming from Terrier dogs which were brought over to the States. It is believed that these Terriers included crosses between several terriers – the Manchester Terriers, Smooth Fox Terrier and English White Terrier – dogs used as ratters and known for their skills in killing rats.

The Feist isn’t a new type of dog and in fact there are records of the dog which go back centuries. George Washington even referred to them in 1770 already, and the breed was popularized by President Teddy Roosevelt, who hunted with his Feist.

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.

Description

feist puppy - descriptionStanding at about 46cm to 56cm in height and weighing in the region of 10 to 15kg, the Feist is a short haired dog that doesn’t shed much and he is not hypoallergenic.

The coat of the dog is available in a variety of colors but they are essentially a bi-colored dog such as red and white, tan and white, black and white, while solid colors are fawn, white, light brown, black and brindle too.

Perhaps because of so many genes being involved with this dog, it is more easily identified because of its hunting abilities. He is a sturdy dog with a medium length tail which he holds up. Some Feist owners prefer the look of a docked tail and then docking is between the second and third joint of the tail. The Feist has erect or semi-erect ears.

Temperament:

Intelligent and alert, the Feist is a dog that will respond well to training. As with any other dog, training and socialization will be important for him so that he is obedient. He is energetic, curious and alert and above all he wants the attention of his human family.

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

feist dog - characteristicsLoving to be around his human family and being a devoted and loyal canine friend, the Feist is also an intelligent, energetic dog who is fairly easy to train.

Bright and alert he makes a good watchdog too, but is amicable enough to get on well with other pets in the home as well as with children.

He can be stubborn so training and socialization will be important for him. As it is, he likes a firm, strong owner and in exchange for good care, he will become your devoted, loyal 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

feist puppies - health problemsA Feist is a robust dog who doesn’t have any particular health issues, and with good care he can reach 18 years of age if looked after well. Hip Dysplasia is such a common dog illness that it always bears mentioning.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is a ball and socket joint problem where the joint doesn’t function smoothly and the grinding of the bone leads to pain and arthritis for your pet. You'll notice he battles to play games anymore and he also battles to get up after lying down. You need to know that this disease isn’t reserved for old dogs but can start while your dog is still a puppy and that it can lead to lameness.

Allergies:

Look out for allergies in your dog as they can cause a host of problems which can include his skin, his breathing and problems with digestion. Typical symptoms of a dog with allergies include sneezing,scratching and very distressing for a dog, itchy and red skin which can eventually ooze.

As a responsible dog owner it is imperative when you detect problems with your dog, to get him to the vet immediately.

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:

feist dogs - caringGrooming your Feist dog isn’t going to be costly or difficult at all, as with his short, smooth coat he will essentially only require a brush twice a week.

It’s good to get into the habit of brushing him as not only does it keep his coat sleek and shiny, he loves you paying him attention.

All dog owners need to know that grooming goes beyond just brushing the coat. You want to also check his nails that they are short, check in and around his ears and brush his teeth with special dog toothpaste and toothbrush.

Diet:

Give your Feist the very best dog food there is. Home-made is always good but if you feed him commercially manufactured food, make sure its a quality one. Some raw meat added in every now and again is important for his health. Ensure fresh, cool water is available to him around the clock.

Exercise:

Your Feist is an energetic dog that has been accustomed to hunting and running down small prey. He is an outdoor dog, thriving on fun and games. Take him on your walks, your hikes or when you go cycling or swimming. He wants to be right there with you involved in everything. While he can slot into life in the city or the countryside, he isn’t an indoor dog and it certainly won’t be good for him if you keep him cooped up in a tiny garden and pretty much forget about him.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Molosser dogs
Origin:
United States
United Kingdom
Height Male:
46 - 56 cm
18 - 23 inches
74 - 76 cm
29 - 30 inches
Height Female:
46 - 56 cm
18 - 23 inches
70 - 73 cm
27 - 29 inches
Weight Male:
10 - 15 kg
22 - 34 pounds
68 - 113 kg
149 - 250 pounds
Weight Female:
10 - 15 kg
22 - 34 pounds
54 - 84 kg
119 - 186 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 18 Years
7 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 4
5 - 10
Size:
Small dog
Giant dog
Other Names:
Rat Terrier, Ratting Terrier, Treeing Feist
Mastiff Old English Mastiff
Colors Available:
Bi-colored, fawn, brindle , white, black, black and white, tan and white, red and 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, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, 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:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Jack Russell Terrier vs Feist - Breed Comparison
  2. Miniature Schnauzer vs Feist - Breed Comparison
  3. Rat Terrier vs Feist - Breed Comparison
  4. Scottish Terrier vs Feist - Breed Comparison
  5. Patterdale Terrier vs Feist - Breed Comparison
  6. Norwich Terrier vs Feist - Breed Comparison
  7. Norfolk Terrier vs Feist - Breed Comparison
  8. Parson Russell Terrier vs Feist - Breed Comparison
  9. Russell Terrier vs Feist - Breed Comparison
  10. Feist vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Feist vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  12. Feist vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  13. Feist vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  14. Feist vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Feist vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  16. Feist vs Bull Terrier Miniature - Breed Comparison
  17. Feist vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Feist vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed Comparison
  19. Feist vs Cesky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  20. Feist vs Chilean Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Feist vs Black and Tan Terrier - Breed Comparison
  22. Feist vs Cairland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  23. Manchester Terrier vs Feist - Breed Comparison
  24. Miniature Fox Terrier vs Feist - Breed Comparison
  25. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Feist - Breed Comparison
  26. English Mastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  27. English Mastiff vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  28. English Mastiff vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  29. English Mastiff vs Broholmer - Breed Comparison
  30. Neapolitan Mastiff vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  31. Gaddi Kutta vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  32. Nebolish Mastiff vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  33. Great Dane vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  34. English Mastiff vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  35. English Mastiff vs Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  36. English Mastiff vs Alaunt - Breed Comparison
  37. English Mastiff vs Bully Kutta - Breed Comparison
  38. English Mastiff vs Alangu Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  39. English Mastiff vs Billy - Breed Comparison
  40. English Mastiff vs Bisben - Breed Comparison
  41. English Mastiff vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  42. English Mastiff vs Ciobanesc de Bucovina - Breed Comparison
  43. Newfoundland Dog vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  44. Leonberger vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  45. Irish Wolfhound vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds