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What the Lion is to
the Cat
the Mastiff is to the Dog,
the noblest of the family; he stands alone,
and all others sink before him.
Cynographia Britannica - 1800
 These large, powerful and majestic dogs have a very rich and colorful
history, dating back many centuries.
The English Mastiff is thought to have descended from
large mastiff-type dogs brought to Britain by the Phoenician traders as far back as the
6th century B.C. These dogs were crossed with local fighting dogs, and their offspring
were used to hunt Wolves, and later as combatants in various blood sports, including
fighting the lion and the bear. When the Romans arrived, they were so impressed with the
Mastiff breed that they often took the dogs back to their arenas in Rome. The first and
second World Wars reduced the breed's numbers in their British homeland, and there are
presently more English Mastiffs in the United States than there are in its country of
origin.
Grand, but very good-natured; courageous yet docile and very dignified, the
Mastiff is a sturdy companion and protection dog measuring 30 or more inches at the
shoulder (females 2-1/2 inches less). It's coat is short and dense and comes in
shades of apricot, silver fawn or dark fawn-brindle, all with darker muzzle, ears and
nose. Regular, thorough brushing is all the grooming necessary.
Photo Courtesy of:
Stergo English Mastiffs
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