Mastiff

Overall description of the breed

The Mastiff, also known as the English Mastiff, is a breed of molosser with a remarkable antiquity, whose origins date back long before the era of the Roman Empire, around 2500 B.C. These loyal companions were already by the side of Julius Caesar's legions during their conquest of England.

Within the ranks of the Roman armies, two types of dogs accompanied the soldiers. One of them was small, stocky, with a short yet incredibly powerful muzzle, similar to today's Bulldog. The other was much more imposing, likely foreshadowing the English Mastiff as we know it today. Thanks to its exceptional physical abilities, the Mastiff was initially used in combat against much larger wild animals before facing its own kind.

However, through rigorous selection and the prohibition of dog fights in the early 19th century, the English Mastiff gradually evolved into a companion dog, bringing joy and happiness to many families. The breed even came close to extinction during World War II, but thanks to the determination of a few passionate breeders, it was saved. On November 5, 1964, the International Canine Federation officially recognized the breed, and its current standard was established on October 13, 2010.

The English Mastiff stands out for its extraordinary morphology, being one of the largest dogs on the planet. Its imposing silhouette is easily recognizable, with a voluminous, massive yet harmonious body overall. Despite its imposing stature, its length is slightly greater than its height at the withers, giving it a rectangular appearance.

Its musculature is impressive, as is the size of its head. The breed standard dictates that the width of its skull should represent two-thirds of the total dimension of its head. Its muzzle is relatively short, with a well-defined stop. Its ears are proportionally smaller compared to its head. Its bone structure is solid, with a broad chest that extends to the elbows.

The backline is sturdy and robust, with a slight roundness at the loin, revealing a fleshy, drooping tail discreetly curved at the tip. Its coat is short and dense, covering its entire body, with increased density at the shoulders and along the dorsal line. Accepted coat colors according to the standard include fawn in all its shades, gray, brindle, and apricot.

The English Mastiff can be described as a gentle giant. Despite its impressive build, it is gentle and affectionate with its loved ones, demonstrating its love on every occasion. It is a pleasant daily companion, independent but not excessively so. Its British stoicism can sometimes make it appear lazy, but it remains attentive and responsive, despite often weighing over a hundred kilograms.

It excels as a guard dog, zealously protecting its territory. Its mere presence deters most intruders, although it is never aggressive. Once introductions are made, it is friendly and welcoming to everyone. It is particularly protective of family members, especially children, with whom it naturally forms a close bond. It could even play the role of a nanny effortlessly, enjoying their company.

Helpful, loyal, and devoted, the Mastiff is an extraordinary life partner. It is a lively teddy bear, deeply attached to its family and their safety.

As adults, Mastiffs typically weigh between 70 kg (155 lbs) and over 100 kg (220 lbs), with a height at the withers of 76 to 85 cm (30" to 33.5") for males and 66 to 75 cm (26" to 29.5") for females.

Breeders of Mastiff

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• de la Villa Giulisario
• of Mastiffbreeder

Adeline S.

France

5/4/24, 3:31 PM

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