The Mastiff

    Since we are total dog lovers we knew we had to add the Mastiff to our Family.  They were so influential to the overall look of the Leonberger, giving them their size, black mask and ears.  The Mastiffs mellow personality always surprises visitors to our Ranch.  When folks are greeted by Crush, one of our males, their first reaction is to lock the doors and back out of the drive.  Little do they know that he is just going to lick them to pieces. Unlike the Leonberger they do drool some, but compared to the Newfoundland it is at a minimum.

    The  Mastiff , sometimes referred to as the Old English Mastiff is a True gentle Giant. They are a short coated dog with a heavy head and sort muzzle. They have been bred in England for over 2000 years as watchdogs. The term "Mastiff" refers to a group of Giant varieties of dog rather than a single breed. The Mastiff has a longer history than most breeds and can be references in drawings dating back to 3000 BC. There are several accounts of large British fighting dogs brought into Rome. These dogs were matched with human Gladiators as well as bulls, bears lions and tigers.. One would not think that a dog with this kind of background could have developed into such a Gentle Giant.  The Mastiff of today is a very mellow, gentle dog with a great desire to please their master.  These dogs get along well with other dogs and love children. They make great pillows in front of the fireplace and are definitely "Porch Potatoes".

    The Mastiff is a large massive dog with a symmetrical body. They have a combination of grandeur and good nature, courage and  are very docile.                                                      .

    They have massive bone and can weigh 140-225 lbs dogs should be a minimum of 30" at the shoulder and bitches 27 /12 at the shoulder. They can be Apricot, silver fawn, dark fawn-brindle. Their muzzle and ears must be very dark, the blacker the better.