MASTIFF Breed Standards
Descended from the Molosser and Alaunt, the Mastiff is among the oldest breeds in the canine world. The name Mastiff is derived from the Anglo-Saxon word masty, meaning powerful, and it is likely the dog was first brought to Britain some time between the 7th and 5th century BC. Mastiffs, or dogs very much like them, were certainly known to the Romans, who used the dogs in battle as well as in gladiatorial spectacles. From Roman times through the 19th century, the Mastiff was mostly employed as a guard dog and draft animal, though it was occasionally used in blood sports such as bull baiting, bear baiting and dog fighting. Some say the Mastiff came to America with the Pilgrims during the 17th century, but documented proof of the Mastiff in the New World only goes back to the 18th century. Though nearly decimated in England during World War II, the Mastiff line was preserved thanks in large part to its presence outside of Europe, most notably in the United States. The Mastiff was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885.
Perhaps the most influential of the dog breeds, the Mastiff is ancestor to countless modern breeds and its feats have been recorded in the annals of human history going back thousands of years. The most well known of these accounts tells of the courage of the Mastiff of Sir Peers Leigh. Sir Peers Leigh was wounded at the Battle of Agincourt during the Hundred Years’ War, and according to legend, his faithful mastiff stood guard over him for several hours before it was finally killed itself. The progeny of this dog would go on to become the most celebrated of the breed, and are largely credited with preserving the dog’s noble traits for hundreds of years.
A Mastiff from England named Zorba currently holds the world record for heaviest dog in the world, at 343 pounds.
SKILLS: A Mastiff is a giant breed of dog. The Mastiff is a large, massive, symmetrical dog with a well-knit frame. 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.
SIZE: Dogs, minimum, 30 inches at the shoulder. Bitches, minimum, 27-1/2 inches at the shoulder. Fault-Dogs or bitches below the minimum standard. The farther below standard, the greater the fault.
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: The smooth, short-haired coat is easy to groom. Brush with a firm bristle brush and wipe over with a piece of toweling or chamois for a gleaming finish. Bathe or dry shampoo when necessary. This breed is an average shedder.
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. Conversely, judges should also beware of putting a premium on showiness
EXERCISE: Mastiffs are inclined to be lazy but they will keep fitter and happier if given regular exercise. They should always be leashed in public.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: Clean, quiet, and undemanding. Heaven to a Mastiff is a rug beside his owner's chair. Mastiffs are naturally clean (except for slobber), and quick to housebreak. Most adult Mastiffs don't chew what they shouldn't, and they don't get on the furniture
TRAINING: The Mastiff breed should begin it's training as a young puppy, as many breeders and rescue orgizations will recomend
