Overview: The Mastiff is a very large and affectionate dog that enjoys taking it nice and easy. It likes other dogs and pets and somewhat likes people it doesn't know. It is relatively easy to train and makes both an excellent watchdog and protector for its owner. The Mastiff needs only a little bit of grooming and is resistant to both the cold and the heat.

Temperament: The Mastiff is a calm, considerate, and loving breed that is good living in the house but it does need room to stretch and rest. While it is very loyal to its owner it doesn't really show its loyalty very much however it is good around both adults and children.

History: This breed is considered the prototype for the other mastiff breeds. With the tough to recognize differences between the Mastiff breed and the mastiff family it is hard to determine the actual history of the breed. Regardless of this dog being the most influential, it is still considered of more recent origin. However it is still unknown as to when this breed started. In ancient times this breed was used for guarding and hunting and became common among both the rich and the poor. Mastiffs later became arena dogs for fighting and bull-baiting. While today's Mastiff does originate from these fighting dogs the breed has also some important ancestors like the Mastiff of Peers Legh. When Legh was wounded in battle his Mastiff protected him for hours without leaving his side regardless of how the battle went. Legh did die but his dog was made the foundation of what the Mastiffs should be like. Five hundred years later the Lyme Hall Mastiffs were bred into what is used in modern times. There is evidence that shows that the Mastiff was brought to America on the Mayflower, however this breed wasn't documented until the late 19th century. During World War II the breed was severely depleted in numbers in England but because there were a fair number of the breed in the United States the it was able to survive and has risen in popularity since then.

Names: The Mastiff is also known by the name the English Mastiff.

Groups: The Mastiff was formally recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 and assigned to the Working Group.

Physical Characteristics: The average adult Mastiff can be 27.5 to 30 inches in height and can weigh between 175 to 190 lb. This dog is considered to be a massive breed with a symmetrical and well-knit frame. The outer coat is short and rough with the undercoat short and thick. The color of the coat can be fawn, apricot, or brindle, with or without white markings.

Care: While it does need exercise, the Mastiff doesn't need more than perhaps a good walk or just being played with every day. While it does enjoy being outside, it doesn't like hot weather and shouldn't live outside either. It likes to live inside where it can be close with its owner and protect him. It does tend to drool and caring for its coat is simple requiring only some brushing from time to time.

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