The Mastiff: history, character and care of an impressive dog breed
The Mastiff, also known as the Old English Mastiff, is an impressive dog breed that originally comes from England. With a weight of up to 100 kg and a shoulder height of up to 91 cm in males, the Mastiff not only impresses with its size, but also with its unique character and temperament.
Origin and history of the Mastiff
The history of the Mastiff goes back a long way and is shrouded in mystery. The name is derived from the Latin word “mastinus”, which means domestic dog. The breed belongs to FCI Group 2 of the Molosser and is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. Depictions of similar dogs can be found on Babylonian wall reliefs from as early as 2200 BC. The origin of the Mastiff is most likely the ancient Tibetan Mastiff, but how it came to England is unclear. Possibly through Phoenician traders or in the wake of the Angles and Saxons.
The Romans were impressed by the strength and courage of the Mastiff when they came to England in 55 BC. They were later taken to Rome, where they fought in the arena. In the 17th century, they were used as war dogs, hunting companions and to chase bulls. Even English kings such as Henry VIII valued them so much that they gave them as gifts to other rulers.
Character and temperament
Despite its imposing appearance, the Mastiff is a gentle giant. He is good-natured, friendly and loyal to his family. Its innate protective instinct requires consistent training, but this is based on love and care. The intelligent and calm Mastiff is never unnecessarily aggressive, but balanced and gentle.
Because of its tendency to be a habit and its attachment to the family, you should only get a Mastiff if you are prepared to give it a permanent home. Although he doesn’t particularly like to run, he needs plenty of space due to his size. Food costs can be high, making it a dog for committed and financially strong owners.
Challenges and preservation of the breed
The world wars of the 20th century almost brought the Mastiff population in England to a standstill. Due to food shortages, there were only eight breedable Mastiffs left. The breed was rebuilt with puppies from Canada and with the help of other breeds such as the Bullmastiff. Unfortunately, inbreeding led to health problems that are still noticeable today.
However, responsible breeders are actively committed to the health and well-being of Mastiffs. Despite the breeding challenges, they are well on the way to correcting the mistakes of the past. Mastiffs that occasionally show fearfulness today are the result of these difficulties.
Ultimately, the Mastiff is a fascinating breed, captivating not only for its size, but also for its gentle nature and fascinating history. Anyone who chooses a Mastiff should be aware of the responsibility that comes with caring for and training this majestic dog.
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