ENGLISH MASTIFF Breed Standards
The Mastiff name probably evolved from the Anglo-Saxon word "masty", meaning "powerful". The Mastiff is descended from the ancient Alaunt and Molosse, and is recognized as the oldest British breed. The Mastiff might have been brought to Britain in the 6th century BC. It was used in the blood sports of bear-baiting, bull-baiting, dog fighting and lion-baiting. Throughout its long history, the Mastiff has contributed to the development of a number of dog breeds.
When Sir Peers Legh was wounded in the Battle of Agincourt, his Mastiff stood over and protected him for many hours through the battle. Although Legh later died, the Mastiff returned to Legh's home and was the foundation of the Lyme Hall Mastiffs. Five centuries later this pedigree figured prominently in founding the modern breed.
Some evidence exists that the Mastiff came to America on the Mayflower, but the breed's documented entry to America did not occur until the late 1800s.
In 1835, the Parliament of the United Kingdom implemented an Act called the Cruelty to Animals Act 1835, which prohibited the baiting of animals. Subsequently, the Mastiff lost popularity and was extremely rare in England by the Second World War, only a small number of Mastiffs existed. The breed was rebuilt by mixing the Mastiff with the shorthaired St Bernard dog. However, sufficient numbers had been brought to America by that time to keep the breed going. Post WWII the Mastiff was nearly extinct again. To prohibit this, the Mastiff was bred with other familiar breeds: Great Dane, Bullmastiff and St Bernard, as these were considered close relatives to the Mastiff. Since that time, it has gradually been restored in Britain.
SKILLS: A mastiff is a large,stately,noble breed.They are known as the gentle giants of the dog world. The English Mastiff is a large, massive, powerful, symmetrical and well knit frame. A combination of grandeur and, courage. The impression is one of grandeur and dignity. Dogs are more massive throughout. Bitches should not be faulted for being somewhat smaller in all dimensions while maintaining a proportionally powerful structure. A good evaluation considers positive qualities of type and soundness with equal weight.
SIZE: The mastiff is a dog of massive body, large head, broad chest and powerful hind end. They range in size from small (130 lbs) to large (over 220 lbs),standing at a height of 27 to 34 inches at the shoulder. Males tend to be larger and heavier than females.
COAT: Outer coat straight, coarse, and of moderately short length. Undercoat dense, short, and close lying. Coat should not be so long as to produce "fringe" on the belly, tail, or hind legs. Fault-Long or wavy coat. Color - Fawn, apricot, or brindle. Brindle should have fawn or apricot as a background color which should be completely covered with very dark stripes. Muzzle, ears, and nose must be dark in color, the blacker the better, with similar color tone around the eye orbits and extending upward between them. A small patch of white on the chest is permitted. Faults-Excessive white on the chest or white on any other part of the body. Mask, ears, or nose lacking dark pigment.
CARE REQUIRED: He was not known as a really friendly dog but he was very loving, loyal and protective towards his family.
CHARACTER: A combination of grandeur and good nature, courage and docility. Dignity, rather than gaiety, is the Mastiff's correct demeanor. Judges should not condone shyness or viciousness.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: The mastiff is generally a rather large, lazy, couch potato. The mastiff is very intelligent, easily obedience trained and we have found them to be usually housebroken within a matter of days.
EXERCISE: English Mastiff learn commands fairly quickly. Ensure consistency in the training but make sure there is ample variety in the drills so your dog will not become bored
