GENERAL APPEARANCE
Shoulder height: Approx. 70-76cm (27½”-30”).
Colour: Fawn or brindle/fawn with dark muzzle and ears.
Coat: Short and close lying, thicker on neck and shoulders.
Gait: Powerfully co-ordinated with a strong drive.
These massive dogs display a combination of grandeur and courage. The broad well developed skull is two-thirds longer than the short square muzzle. The small eyes are set wide apart and the pendant ears are high set.
The muscular neck runs into the broad body, a deep wide chest and deep flanks. The powerful but not over angulated fore and hindquarters finish with large round feet. The long tail may rest in repose, but in movement it may be carried out with an upward curve.
CHARACTERISTICS AND CARE
A brave and good natured dog who can be terrifying if provoked to attack. In spite of its size, the Mastiff is a gentle and loyal family companion. They do need space and regular exercise - preferably exercise that has a purpose.Coat care is minimal and grooming is usually only needed to keep the skin in good tone.
HISTORY
Coming down from the Molossus, a giant breed indigenous to Asia, these dogs were known as early as 400 BC in Greece where they were prized as guard dogs against predators and wolves. From Greece, they made their way to Italy where they were used as fighting dogs and bull and bear baiting in the Roman circuses. No doubt travelling with the Phoenician traders, they arrived and were well established in Britain prior to the Roman invasion in the lst century AD. Their value as guard dogs, hunters and fighters remained in force in Europe for centuries. In England they were sometimes known as ‘tiedogs’ meaning they were tied up during the day and let loose in the evening. In certain areas, it became mandatory that they were kept by the peasants to ward off wolves and robbers.