Dogs - Mastiff

The Mastiff is one of the most ancient breeds of dog. They are thought to have been brought to England by Phoenician traders six centuries before Christ was born. These massive dogs were used to hunt wolves, which were common in Britain in those days.  They mated with local dogs and started a line known as "English Mastiffs" which has set the appearance of the Mastiff we know today. They were used as fighting dogs for sports like bear-fighting. The dogs were put in a pit with bears and allowed to fight to the death. Other times lions were used for dog-fighting sport. The sheer size of the dog makes him a good deterrent to burglars. 

Early development of breeds of dogs

This English mastiff puppy belongs to Laura Walker of Luling, Texas

South African mastiff puppy (boerboel)

Height: males 76 cms or more at the shoulders, females 70 cms. 

The head is large, wrinkled, with black muzzle, ears and nose. The rest of the body can be brindle or light brown, with short hair. 

Notice the similarity to our South African boerboels