Country of origin: | Great Britain |
Registries: | AKC, UKC, CKC |
Occupation: | Watchdog |
Size: | 27.5 to 30+ in tall; weight proportionate to height |
Longevity: | 8 to 10 years |
Exercise: | Low activity level |
Training: | Essential because of breed’s size |
Grooming: | Easy |
Colors: | Brindle, fawn, silver, brindle or fawn and white |
Mastiffs were being bred in Britain over 2,000 years ago and were prized exports to the Roman Empire, where they were used in both war and blood sport. The word “mastiff ” probably derives from the old Anglo- Saxon word “masty”, meaning powerful. English court documents from 500 years ago record the purchase of a “masty dogge”. This giant canine needs exceptionally experienced handling, if only because of its size.