Mastiff

The Mastiff (also known as the ‘English Mastiff’) is a British breed which descended from the Alaunt and other Molossers several thousand years ago. ‘Mastiff’ likely derives from the Anglo-Saxon word ‘masty’, meaning ‘powerful’. The Mastiff’s ancient origins are with the Molossians, an early Hellenic tribe known for its powerful guard dogs. In Roman times, the Mastiff was employed as a war dog and fighter, pit in the Arena against gladiators, bears, and even elephants. By the Middle Ages, the Mastiff was a popular guard dog and hunter. Unfortunately, it was still forced to fight, matched up against bears, bulls, and lions in popular gambling dens. Many Mastiffs today descend from the Lyme Hall Mastiffs, a line beginning with Sir Peers Legh’s Mastiff, who protected him after he was wounded at the battle of Agincourt in 1415 (a stained glass window in Lyme Hall depicts Sir Legh and his Mastiff to this day). The Mastiff may have arrived in America on the Mayflower; it had certainly arrived by the 1800’s. Mastiffs decreased in popularity in England after bull-baiting, bear-baiting, and lion-baiting were outlawed, but grew in popularity in the U.S throughout the twentieth century, remaining a popular pet and guardian today. The charming character of the Mastiff has helped it find its way into popular culture. Famous fictional Mastiffs include ‘Hercules’ from ‘The Sandlot’ and ‘Kazak’ from Kurt Vonnegut's ‘The Sirens of Titan’.
.
American Mastiff dog comes in three colors including fawn, apricot and brindle. Puppies are born dark in color and tend to lighten as they get older. American Mastiffs attain their true color by the time they turn one year old. In this breed of Mastiff dog, white markings on their chin, nose, chest and feet are acceptable. All American Mastiffs must exhibit a black mask in order to meet the breed standard.
.
The head should be wide, heavy and rectangular in shape with high-set rounded ears. A medium-sized muzzle should be well-proportioned to the rest of the head. The neck should be powerful with a slight arch, leading to a straight and muscular back. The chest should be deep, broad and well-rounded. Forelegs should be strong, straight and set well apart, while the hind legs should be wide and parallel. The dog should be 32 to 36 inches at the shoulder with females standing at 28 to 34. American Mastiff puppies are usually dark in color; however, as they mature their color tends to lighten. Common American Mastiff colors are fawn, apricot and brindle. The dog should have a temperament that is loving and devoted to its family, especially children. A loyal and calm dog, the American Mastiff should be non-aggressive except when its family is threatened. In those instances, they become fierce and courageous guard dogs.
.
.
Type Of Mastiff Dog Breeds
.
Alpine Mastiff, an extinct breed originating in Switzerland
American Mastiff, a breed of dog originating in the United States
Anatolian Mastiff, an ancient breed of dog originating in Turkey (when it was part of the Persian Empire in 485 AD)
Bordeaux Mastiff or French Mastiff, two alternative names for the Dogue de Bordeaux, one of the most ancient French breeds
Brazilian Mastiff, another name for the Fila Brasileiro a breed of dog originating in Brazil
Bullmastiff, said to be a cross between the English Mastiff and the Bulldog
Cane Corso Mastiff, or Italian Mastiff, breed which originated in Italy and best known as the Cane Corso
Cuban Mastiff, an extinct breed resembling a Bullmastiff, originating in Cuba
English Mastiff, a breed of dog in the Molosser group originating in England
German Mastiff, a breed of dog originating in Germany
Japanese Mastiff, also known as Tosa Inu, bred as Japanese fighting dogs
Korean Mastiff, also known as Dosa Inu, a breed of Korea bred from Tosa Inu and European breeds
Neapolitan Mastiff, an ancient breed of dog originating in Italy
Pyrenean Mastiff, a guardian breed of the Spanish Pyrenees
South African Mastiff, a breed of dog originating in South Africa
Spanish Mastiff, an ancient breed of dog originating in Spain
Tibetan Mastiff, an ancient breed of dog originating in Tibet
.
.

.
.
Mastiff Dog Club Directory
.

Cascade English Mastiff Club

- Code of conduct, breeder referral, links, and general information. Northwest, United States.

Garden State Mastiff Fanciers

- A regional Mastiff club based in New Jersey with news, event schedule, code of ethics and links.

Lone Star Mastiff Fanciers

- A Texas based Mastiff club with newsletters, upcoming events, code of ethics, and membership information.

Mastiff Association

- Health, contacts, show results, officers, and information. United Kingdom

Mastiff Club of America

- Information about the breed, rescue and health committees, frequently asked questions and the National Specialty. This is the American Kennel Club parent club for Mastiffs.

Mastiff Club of Colorado

- Pictures, links, code of ethics, and information. Dedicated to the health, welfare, and betterment of the breed.

Mastiff Club of Victoria

- Information about health and temperament, list of club activities and events, application form, and a photograph gallery. Victoria, Australia.

Ohio Valley Mastiff Club

- Newsletter, code of ethics, list of members, photographs and links to breeders.

Old English Mastiff Club - Germany

- News, shows, breeders, membership, club management. Germany

Old English Mastiff Club - UK

- Breed standard, health information, newsletter, club history, show updates, forum, and their code of ethics. United Kingdom.

Pacific Northwest Mastiff Fanciers

- Members primarily in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Canada. List of club officers and board members, club history, code of ethics, rescue information, and links.