The Mastiff is one of the oldest breeds known to man.
They have existed since humans learned to write and began recording history.
It is probable Phoenicians brought them to Cornwall (UK) during trading
expeditions. Mastiffs fought side by side with Roman Legions before Christ
was born. They were not only dogs of war in the forefront of battles, they
were used to bait bears, bulls, lions, tigers, leopards and human gladiators.
They turned the wheels to draw water from deep wells and were called water
drawers; they were butchers' dogs, used to bring in and reprimand cattle;
they were tinkers' dogs used to carry heavy-weighted tools on their backs;
and bakers' dogs and they suffered mutilation (two toes cut off both front
feet) to qualify being kept in the Kings' forests to guard their owners.
They were and still are natural protectors of home and guardians of families.
To learn more about their ancient history, please order my book
MASTIFF, ARISTOCRATIC GUARDIAN.
The first Mastiff Club was formed in the UK in 1873 and after its demise
another club formed, the Old English Mastiff Club, in 1883. The OEMC is still
active, as well as the newer Mastiff Association in the UK. The Mastiff Club
of America, Inc. was chartered in New York in 1929 and remains a healthy club
today. Even though the club remained in existence, little is known about early
US Mastiff breeders although pedigrees survived which enable us to trace
present day Mastiffs to Mastiffs in America in 1907 and 1909. All Mastiffs
in the world trace back to the same 9 Mastiffs used to resusitate the breed
approximately 45 years ago.
The earliest standards date to the mid-to-late 1800s and today's standard
varies from those early versions in only minor ways; pied bald colors were
once allowed but are no longer considered pure-bred (if a current day litter
produces a pied puppy it should be placed in a pet home with neuter/spay
restrictions). Rear dewclaws were permitted once upon a time, but are frowned
upon today. Correct movement was not addressed and is now an integrel part
of the standard. Head type was always a most important desirable in the
standard combined with substance and this is still true today. If a Mastiff
does not have the correct head and body it simply is not a good Mastiff.
Period.
The standard calls for a minimum height at the shoulder of 30" for
dogs and 27-1/2" for bitches. There is no maximum height. What this means
is if a dog is 30" at the shoulder and has the requisite head type, bone and
substance, he is every bit as good, if not better, than a 34" dog that lacks
the corresponding qualities. Many new breeders equate quality with how tall
the Mastiff is and this is absolute bunk. Height is deliberately not "played
up" in the standard. It is only mentioned to give minimums and to state that
height should come from depth of body rather than length of leg. The Mastiff
is hereditarily a long-backed animal, yet if the depth of body is such that
it meets the standard a quick look at a dog will give nearly an impression of
squareness, a visual illusion caused BY THE DEPTH OF BODY.
Click here to read
the AKC/MCOA Mastiff Standard.
On the off chance that someone will say the above is strictly "this breeder's
opinion," (which it is, of course) the following is taken directly from the Old
English Mastiff Club (of England) Standard of 1883:
"General Description of Body - Massive, broad, deep, long, powerfully built,
on legs wide apart and squarely set. Muscles sharply defined. Size a great
desideratum if combined with quality. Height of less importance than substance,
but desirable, if both points are proportionately combined."
Mastiffs are definitely not for everyone. They are a GIANT breed and at
maturity will weigh anywhere from 130 lbs to 230 lbs and up. They can be
head strong, stubborn and relentless when they want attention, or something
specific. They can be vindictive, they never forget an insult and do not
forgive easily. Mastiffs require a lot of attention, they are definitely not
a backyard dog. They need to be with the family they love. They shed
profusely, slobber and, if bored, can be destructive, especially by chewing.
They require pricey quality food and a lot of it. They need meaty bones,
vitamins, and regular veterinarian care. Mastiffs are prone to hip and elbow
dysplasia, they may have genetic urinary or heart problems, bleeding
disorders, thyroid problems and allergies. Some also have serious hereditary
eye problems which may lead to absolute blindness in both eyes. The growing
Mastiff is injured easily, especially the long bones and knees and Mastiffs
are affected by growth diseases. For more detailed
information of developmental, hereditary and/or
environment problems that have been diagnosed in
the breed, click below on the link to the "Disclosures" page.
Mastiffs are expensive to purchase, raise and maintain. You can expect to pay
upwards of $1,200 for a spayed or neutered pet and $1,500 to $3,000 for a
quality show puppy. Do not anticipate making this an investment to be
recovered by producing litters. It's not that simple. Mastiffs are difficult
to breed and have inherent reproduction problems.
If you have read this far and you are still interested in a Mastiff, let me
tell you that being owned by a Mastiff is joy like none other you have ever
experienced. What love you give your Mastiff will be returned ten-fold. The
Mastiff is one of the most loyal creatures into which God ever blew breath.
They will, at maturity, devote themselves to your well being. They will sleep
at your bedside and watch over you, they will walk by your side and protect
you, they will hold your heart in their paw and never betray you, even it it
means giving up their life. Once bonded with you and your family, they will
not hesitate to put themselves in front of you the very instant they perceive
danger and nothing will move them before the threat is done. It is to love and
watch over you that they live.
It is the owner's responsibility to understand the Mastiff nature and earn his
respect. You must do gentle obedience to build rapport and respect. You must
socialize the Mastiff in all environments so that he is able to distinguish a
real threat from a nonthreat. You must give your Mastiff at least an equal
amount of love and care as he gives to you. The Mastiff is not an animal that
can be placed easily if he "doesn't work out" in your home. Because they love
so completely and devotedly, they do not transfer well. If you acquire a
Mastiff puppy you don't like, please return him to the breeder immediately so
he can be placed somewhere where he will be loved for the very qualities you
don't like. It is so much better for the puppy to move while young and
flexible.
The Mastiff Club of America, Inc. has a superb Rescue Organization.
Members involve themselves with rehoming wonderful Mastiffs that are displaced
for a number of reasons: abusive homes, death in family, divorce, etc. These
Mastiffs are evaluated by knowledgeable people who understand their
temperaments and try to find appropriate homes. Please consider one of these
noble rescues if you are not inclined to get a puppy.Click
here to contact MCOA Rescue Directors.