English Mastiff Dog Breed Information

The Mastiff: An Owner's Guideto a Happy Healthy Pet by: John M. Becknell Click to purchase online from the Dog Lover's Bookstore

Height: 27.5-33 inches Weight: 175-190 lbs. Life Span: 8-10 yrs. Breed Group: Guardian Dogs

What the Lion is to the Cat
the Mastiff is to the Dog,
the noblest of the family; he stands alone,
aand all others sink before him.
Cynographia Britannica - 1800

The English Mastiff is a large, powerful and majestic dog that has 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 English Mastiff 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 English Mastiff is a sturdy companion and protection dog measuring 30 or more inches at the shoulder (females 2-1/2 inches less). The English Mastiff'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.