Mastiff

Mastiffs are intelligent, alert, and calm. In addition to their large size and power these traits made the Mastiff extremely well suited for their original use as guard and fighting dogs. Their participation in dog sports such as agility, carting, rally and standard obedience, weight pull, and tracking can help provide necessary physical and mental challenges while helping them bond with their families. Mastiffs also bond with people by being service dogs in law enforcement, search and rescue, and animal-assisted therapy. Mastiffs are usually food motivated, making training them easier.

Mastiff History:

The Mastiff, an ancestor to many modern purebred dogs, is a very important breed. It is believed they date back as far back as ancient Egyptian and Chinese civilizations. Mastiffs are very large dogs, with the average weight being between 175 and 200 pounds. Caesar praised the Mastiff for its fighting ability.

They were introduced to England by Phoenician sailors in the sixth century. The breed was often used in the blood sports of bear-baiting, bull-baiting, and dog fighting. Mastiffs are known for protecting their masters and property, especially from wolves. Legend has it that at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, a Mastiff defended his wounded master for many hours until he could be rescued.

After Britain passed laws that banned baiting sports the breed became less popular, and after World War II it was facing extinction. Proponents of the breed were able to preserve it thanks to its presence in the United States.