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Mastiff Facts
- Group
- Working
- Affiliations
- AKC, CKC, UKC
- Height
- 27.5" - 30"+
- Weight
- weight proportionate to height.
- Lifespan
- 10 years | 1 responses - Add yours
- Exercise Requirement
- Training Requirement
- Grooming Requirement
- Colors
- Breed Characteristics
True Cost Of Ownership
Alternate Names
Old English mastiff. English Mastiff
Origin
This Mastiff is descended from the Tibetan mastiff, which was introduced to Europe by the Phoenicians.
Date Of Origin
The Mastiff developed as early as 3000 B.C.
History
The mastiff is an ancient dog that is believed to descend from the Tibetan mastiff. It was developed as a guarding, fighting, and companion dog. Although its history is cloudy, the breed may have existed in Great Britain for more than two thousand years.
As early as 3000 B.C., drawings on Egyptian monuments depict typical Mastiffs. Later, even Caesar noticed the fearless, strong Mastiff as it fought alongside the British soldiers in 55 B.C. Impressed by the breed?s courage, he brought a group of them back to Rome and forced them to take part in bull baiting, lion fighting and fights with human gladiators. Later, the Mastiff became popular with the peasants in England, where the dogs were used to keep wolves and other dangerous predators under control as well to as protect the home.
Description
The mastiff is a large, powerful, heavily boned dog with a broad, rectangular-shaped head; a short muzzle; and small, V-shaped drop ears. It has a broad, dark nose and brown eyes. The chest is deep and wide and the long tail tapers. The short, smooth coat is fawn, apricot, or brindle with fawn or apricot, or apricot as the background color, with a dark mask.
Temperament
This is a patient, stoic, calm, and loyal breed. It makes an affectionate family dog.
Uses
In the past this breed was a particularly bloodthirsty fighting dog used in spectacles. Thereafter, it was used to guard flocks and isolated factories. Today it is still used as a watchdog, bodyguard, and a companion.
Health Concerns
Hip dysplasia.
Additional Information
The mastiff is adaptable to most living situations, equally suited to city, suburban, or country life. It may be too large for a small apartment.
Contributors
Sources
The Howell Book Of Dogs
Publisher: Wiley Publishing Inc, 2007
Website: http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/
Author: Liz Palika
Dog Bible
Publisher: BowTie Press, 2005
Website: http://www.bowtiepress.com/bowtie/
Authors: Kristin Meuh-Roe, Jarelle S. Stein
Simon & Schusters Guide to Dogs
Publisher: Simon & Schuster inc, 1980
Website: http://www.simonandschuster.com
Author: Elizabeth Meriwether Schuler
The New Encyclopedia of the Dog
Publisher: Dorling Kindersley Publishing, 2000
Website: http://www.dk.com
Author: Bruce Fogle
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