[About the breed] [Breed standarts]

Massive, imposing, majestic, noble, the giant of the dog world, a lion among dogs - that is the way English mastiff, the largest representative of mastiff group is usually characterized. Even though not the tallest, it is definitely the heaviest dog in the world. Usual weight of male dogs is more than 100 kg, and some dogs reach up to 140 kg. The average height of those dogs with withers is around 80 - 85 cm. But the stature for this breed is important only when it is harmoniously combined with adequate strength of the body structure.

The length around the head of the dog is typically the same as its height, it has very well developed, strong neck, which is only few centimeters thinner than its head. The dog has very wide and strong breast. Bitches and male dogs differ. Male dogs are taller and heavier, they also have bigger head.

It is worth mentioning, that any big sentry dog was automatically called "mastiff" in old times in Europe. According to one of the versions the word "mastiff" results from a merger of Celtic words "mas" ("dwelling" and "tuin" ("to protect"), i.e. "mastuin" - "a dog for protection of dwelling ").

On different regions of Europe and Asia development of that breed of dogs went on differently, therefore today we have mastiffs of various breeds that differ in their sizes, head forms and hair formation.

So, mastiff is an ancient breed. It is known, that already in antique times demand for large and powerful dogs was great. Men used to spend half of their life in military campaigns and thus needed brave assistants and sensitive guards for military vehicles. One such dog was equated to two soldiers. There is a proven historical record that in 218 B.C. Mollosian dogs participated in Hannibal campaign through the Alps.

Serious work on breeding and cultivation of certain type of mastiffs already began in the middle Ages. Cultivation of mastiffs in England was always a prerogative of certain famous family names, most of which belonged to aristocracy. These dogs were inaccessible to common people. Mastiffs received wide popularity and development in the USA where breeders did their best to support working qualities of these dogs. Few times the breed was on the verge of extinction, but there were always enthusiasts who have managed to keep physical and psychological characteristics of the breed.

All natural qualities of a mastiff are adapted to new life conditions, though it still remains to be a reliable watchman, obedient and tender with the master and members of the family, very patient with children and strict with strangers. At first sight it may seem, that mastiffs are too phlegmatic and inactive. But this impression is more than deceptive. Despite the big weight, mastiffs move quickly and easily, their sense of reaction, especially in case of danger, is fast as a lightning.

Because of a low level of inquisitiveness mastiffs are not interested in what happens outside their territory; while taking a walk adult dogs usually keep themselves near the master and rarely do they take interest in exploring the area around them. The master and his family can easily give commands to the dog, mastiffs do not strive for power and authority in the family, they are obedient even to children, but demand fair attitude and integrity on behalf of family members. Mastiffs get on well with the friends of the master if they have known them for a long time.

On the company of other dogs the majority of mastiffs behave quietly and friendly, probably realizing their force, especially in the circumstances when other dogs recognize them as leaders. By the way, dogs that have greater aspiration to leadership are the best watchmen. Male dogs always act like gentlemen - never do they conflict with their female counterparts.

There are usually no predicaments encountered while training the mastiffs, they easily remember commands and what they understood once, they remember their whole life, provided that demands of the master are clear and fair. There will be no problems in your relationship with this dog, once you show friendly attitude from the very beginning. On the opposite, if you will try to suppress the dog by force, it will simple become obstinate and secluded.

However, it is so easy to communicate with the mastiff, that there is no need for any physical punishment. Mastiffs have a great personality, they know their value.

Dogs of this breed are intelligent and very sanitary. Puppies, hardly having risen on paws, distinguish and use an offered sheet of a newspaper as a toilet. Mastiffs have a very important feature for a city dog - they are silent and will not bother you or your neighbors with loud barking.

If you dare take the puppy of the English mastiff you should know, that you will not be disappointed at your choice: it will be a real member of your family, giving you a lot of love and positive emotions and doing his best to protect you.