Mastiffs - Breeders

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Mastiffs - Breeders - Where Do They Come From?

Picture source:
Battle Creek Bullmastiffs

Mastiffs are ancient dogs whose history is closely connected with fighting and guarding. The Tibetan Mastiff is thought to be the ancestor of all the present day Mastiffs. This dog in its turn originated from the Molossus, a war dog known in the times of the Roman Empire. All the Mastiffs and some other breeds of dog are regarded as Molossers. They have some common features. Yet, certain differences make each of them specific.

Mastiffs - Breeders - Dogue de Bordeaux History

The Dogue de Bordeaux, otherwise called "the French Mastiff," was probably developed in France. It might have originated from a dog that was distributed on the territory of France. In addition, it could have taken its roots from the Alano, an ancient dog that had been brought to Europe by a people called Alano. If this theory is true, the Dogue de Bordeaux can be considered a close relative of the Neapolitan Mastiff.

It is a well-known fact that the Dogue de Bordeaux of medieval times was different in size, color, and had some other appearance differences within the breed. French breeders did not aim at developing the dog that would confirm to the sole standard. Actually, there was not any at that time. The first Dogue de Bordeaux standard appeared in 1896. The standard described some typical features of Dogue de Bordeaux of that period. In other words, it looked more like a collective image of all the Dogue de Bordeaux found in France.

Later the breed standard was updated and changed some. This dog's blood is now present in the Dogo Argentino and the Tosa Inu.

Mastiffs - Breeders - English Mastiff History

English Mastiffs are definitely one of the oldest breeds of dog. The Romans used them in hunting and battle. In the middle centuries, the English Mastiff was widely spread in England. Its population grew as the bloody sport of bull baiting appeared in the UK. With the ban of those horrid shows, the English Mastiff moved to large estates and continued to be used in wars.

One of the most famous English Mastiffs is a dam that saved its master's life in the Agincourt battle in 1415. Sir Peers Legh, the owner of the Lyme Hall, was wounded in the battle, which would have surely ended his life but for his devoted English Mastiff. The dog stayed near its owner and did not let the enemy come closer until French soldiers came to rescue.

The English Mastiff did not avoid war difficulties. The number of dogs decreased greatly by the middle of the 20th century. This phenomenon can be explained not only by the fact that large dogs were a burden for the society exhausted by great asperity. English Mastiffs suffered during their war missions by supplying the front with ammunition.

To preserve the English Mastiff, breeders crossed it with the St. Bernard. Even today, years later, long-coated puppies are born. Some of them have white spots on the face as a reminder of that relationship. English Mastiffs have also formed kinship ties with such breeds as the Bullmastiff, Great Dane, New Foundland, and some others. The AKC recognized the English Mastiff in 1885. The United Kennel Club registered the breed in 1946.

Mastiffs - Breeders - Neapolitan Mastiff History

Picture source:
Comstock Mastiffs Of Southern California

Neapolitan Mastiffs have changed much over time. The dog that was known in the region of Naples was smaller in size. Like all the other Mastiffs, the Neapolitan Mastiff was used as a war dog and a guardian. It was especially popular in the south of Italy and is associated sometimes with the Mafia.

The breed did not perish thanks to the efforts of Piero Scanziani. He fell in love with the Neapolitan Mastiff and put much work into preservation of the dog. It is he who held selective breeding in Italy and helped to popularize the breed outside the country. His energies were crowned with success. The FCI (Federation Cynologie International) recognized the breed in 1949.

Mastiffs - Breeders - The Future

Famous Molossers have passed the test of time. They have gone down in history as courageous dogs capable of many feats and true devotion. Mastiff owners met hard times with firmness and helped their favorite dogs overcome the difficulties. Nowadays Mastiffs are back as loyal companions and wonderful guardians whose future seems to be rather promising.

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