Mastiff

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History/Origin
The Mastiff is believed to have been brought to Britain by Phoenician traders when they first settled and founded their civilization before the Roman takeover. Primarily bred as arena gladiators, the Mastiff participated in bloody sports such as bear, bull, and canine combat. It also guarded and protected sheep.

The Mayflower brought the Mastiff as well as other dogs to America, almost wiping them out in England towards the end of the Second World War. Today however, the breed is again highly recognised in England, thanks to imports from Canada and the United States.

Description
The Mastiff or Old English Mastiff is a massive, muscular, powerful, and heavy dog. It is also – one of the heaviest with males exceeding 200 pounds and reaching a height of 30 inches. It is characterised by a heavy, square head with small, dark-colored ears on top. Its nose and small, hazel eyes are surrounded by a black mask regardless of its coat color. The mastiff’s short muzzle has teeth either in a slight undershot or scissors bite. Set high, its tail tapers to its tip. Its short coat come in colors such as tiger, apricot, silver, bridle, light fawn, and golden fawn which makes grooming easy.

Temperament
Though originally priced for its fierce fighting and guarding capabilities, the Mastiff of today is giant mass of gentleness, patience, and self-confidence. Although not a constant barker, it is always ready to defend its family and territory. Because of the Mastiff’s' possessive and combative nature, they must undergo training to lessen their highly-territorial nature and to increase their sociability especially with other dogs. Extra effort in training is definitely required.

Proper and patient training however results to docile, steady, and calm dogs perfect for children despite their large size. The Mastiff participates in police and military work, specifically in search and rescue operations, guarding duties, and even weight pulling. It does not attack but definitely keep intruders and strangers at bay unless acknowledged by its owner. It also has the tendency to drool and snore loudly and is alright with apartment living as long as it receives sufficient exercise.