English Mastiff Breed description: Character & Co

Introduction and etymology of the english Mastiff

Are you a dog lover with a preference for larger dogs and playing with the idea of buying an English Mastiff? Then you should first inform yourself about this dog breed and find out everything important about English Mastiff breeding.

The English Mastiff has the FCI standard number 264 and is therefore a recognised British dog breed. It belongs to group 2 "Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid - Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs" and section 2.1 "Great Dane dogs". In addition, there are many other breeds which also include the name Mastiff, especially the Molosser. A synonym for the English Mastiff is also 'Old English Mastiff'. In science, the technical term Canis lupus familiaris is also used for the Mastiff.

In Germany, the Mastiff is listed as a dangerous dog breed in the federal states of Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Berlin, Brandenburg, Hamburg, Hesse and North Rhine-Westphalia. In Austria, this is also the case in Vienna and Vorarlberg. While in England it often takes the role of a guard dog, in Germany it is rarely represented.

The Mastiff or Old English Mastiff is an "original" in the dog world. Their ancestors fought at the side of proud commanders. Until today the Mastiff has remained in Great Britain as a watchdog and protection dog.

The name first appears as "Maystif" in the 14th century in the royal treatise "The Master of the Game and of Hawks" by Edmund of Langley, which he wrote for Henry IV. Etymologically, the meaning "Mast-teve" might come from the Low German description for "weighty, plump" or the Latin word "mixtivus" for "mixture". In 1991, Prof. Reul derived the English "mastiff" from the Latin "matinus" and translated it as "domestic, tame".

What is the origin of the English Mastiff?

The English Mastiff is considered the ancestor of various dog breeds that exist today, such as, to name just a few, the Great Dane or the Boxer. In the history of the Mastiff, which goes back to Roman times, the Mastiff has been described with the following four attributes in particular:

1. from Britannia,
2. a forehead covered with wrinkles,
3. a broad mouth,
4. a muscular physique.

The history of the Mastiff is as rich and varied as it is inaccurate and controversial. Originally, the Mastiff originates in Great Britain. However, the exact origin has not been agreed on, since there are several theories. Older theories refer to the Dogue de Tibet or Tibet Mastiff as the original ancestor, while others call it an original race that was formed indigenously and without human influence. The theory that the Mastiff is a mix of Tibetan and British dogs is not considered likely. Another theory says that the historical Mastiff is a descendant of the Molosser from Macedonia and Epirus, which arrived in England by boat.

As far as the historical function of this dog breed is concerned, they were particularly used as hunting and guard dogs and in war times. As Shaw put it: "A mastiff of true English blood loved battle more than its food. You could see its fame in its limping walk, scars from fighting for honour were on its face; a scratch on every limb, the frequent fights shortened its ears! (Shaw, 1891). The Mastiff was first documented as a dog in wartime use in 1415, when the battle of Azincourt raged. It is said that a massive dog protected its wounded master from attack.

Because of their special strength and robustness, Mastiffs have even been successful in the hunting of overpowering opponents such as bulls, bears or wild boars. A proof of a fight between one bear and six dogs dates back to the year 1050. Even in the Elizabethan Age, it was quite possible that Great Dane dogs competed against predators in arenas. Breeding in the modern understanding began around 1820.

If you like bigger dogs and do not shy away from dogs that are among the biggest and heaviest in the world, you can buy an English Mastiff if you meet all important criteria and in return will experience a deep bond of a very special kind. Or as William Shakespeare already expressed it in Henry V: "That island of England breeds very valiant creatures; their mastiffs are of unmatchable courage" (Act 3, Scene 7).

The FCI leads this dog breed under the standard no. 264, group 2, section 2: Molossoids and 2.1 Great Dane dogs. The Mastiff must not be confused with the Bullmastiff (cross between Mastiff and Old English Bulldog), which forms a separate breed.

The breed characteristics of the Mastiff

A muscular body and and a faithful look in their drooping eyes are their trademarks. To this day, these dogs have characteristic wrinkles on their face, head and chest. Fortunately, the efforts of the changing breeding standards are already taking effect and today you can see more "awake" and physically fit Mastiffs again.

The Mastiff is still considered a status symbol of the British upper class. Besides their new task as family dogs they serve as reliable guard dogs on many a noble estate.

• English "original"
• today more sportive breeding again
• typical drooping eyes, muscular body and big head