Mastiff (Old English Mastiff)

Mastiff (Old English Mastiff): BREED BOX Country: Great Britain Size: 175-190lb(79-80kg),27-30in(70-76cm) Temperament: Calm and confident Grooming: Low Recognition: CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, CKC, ANKC

History - One of the larger breeds of dog in the Working Group, the history of the breed is unclear.  Mastiffs were warrior dogs, used in the days of Caesar by gladiators, running alongside the chariots or riding proudly alongside their master. 

They have been used as watch dogs, guard dogs, hunting dogs, and even used in the pitiful sport of bull and bear baiting. This sport required the Mastiff to creep toward a tethered bull. The Mastiff’s training taught him to keep low to the ground, so the bull couldn’t gore him in the belly. The Mastiff would then grab the bull by the nose and clamp down. The bull would try to rid himself of this pain by trying to throw the dog across the arena.  This sport was banned in 1835.

The Mastiff today traces his descendants through the Pit Bull as well as back to one of the most famous Mastiffs of all time; the Mastiff of Sir Peter Legh.  Showing great courage when his master was wounded in battle and the Mastiff stood unwavering by his side, protecting him from the enemy. In gratitude, Sir Peter after he recovered returned to his home and this Mastiff became the foundation for his breeding program.

Appearance - The Mastiff has a massive body, they should look powerful, big and heavy. The head gives a square appearance when viewing from all sides. The Mastiff have short coats, which is neither thin nor fine on the shoulder, neck or back

Description - Although massive in size and known for his history of fierceness, the Mastiff is unusually gentle and kind with small children. Even-tempered, great watchdog ability, friendly with other dogs and small pets, the Mastiff is a popular dog world-wide.

Ideal Owners: The Mastiff needs to be exercised daily. A romp in the park, a walk on the beach is just the thing to help this gentle beast stay calm.  Although it enjoys the time out with the family out-of-doors, the Mastiff prefers to stay within the family nucleus and spend his time with the family.

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