Page 95 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

Mastiff

HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN Apricot
28–30in 175–190lb Under Brindle
(70–77cm) (79–86kg) 10 years May have some white on body, chest, and feet.

Strong and imposing, but calm and affectionate, this MASTIFF IN MOTION
intelligent guard dog thrives on human company
Historically, Mastiffs looked somewhat different,
One of the oldest British breeds, Pure-bred Mastiffs first appeared in being more lightly built and about 3in (10cm)
taller than the dogs seen today. This series of
the Mastiff is another breed that was the 19th century on large country estates,
pioneering photographs taken by Eadweard
developed from Molossus dogs that but by the end of World War II numbers
Muybridge in the late 19th century were part
were probably brought to Britain during had fallen drastically in Britain. The breed of his extensive study on animal locomotion.
Roman occupation. In later centuries, was revived by importing dogs from the US, It allowed people to observe how a breed like
they were the “dogs of war” mentioned and has gradually risen in popularity. the Mastiff, not known to be overly energetic,
moved. It could then be compared with athletic
in William Shakespeare’s Henry V: one Despite its violent history, the Mastiff is
dog breeds, such as the Greyhound (see p.126),
Mastiff defended its wounded owner, Sir even-tempered, amiable, and likes company,
which Muybridge also filmed running.
Piers Legh, against French soldiers during preferably human. Sheer size is probably the
the Battle of Agincourt in 1415. Mastiff- most serious drawback to housing, feeding,
like dogs were also used in medieval Britain and exercising this breed. It is intelligent and
for guarding homes and protecting livestock trainable, but needs an owner with the
from wolves, as well as in dogfighting, experience and physical strength to exert
bullbaiting, and bearbaiting. When these firm control and ensure that its guarding
sports were banned the breed declined. instinct does not get out of hand.

Small, flat, black ears,
set high on head
Long, broad body
Wide-set,
Fawn
small eyes

Black muzzle

Forehead wrinkles
when alert
Pendulous
flews

Short coat,
thickest over neck
and shoulders

Straight,
big-boned legs

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