Working Dog Group - Mastiff

The Mastiff is among the most ancient breeds of dog, treasured by the Babylonians over 4000 years ago, and resident in Britain since the time of Julius Caesar. The breed has proved its worth as a formidable guard and as a hunter. After the Second World War numbers declined in America, but the situation is gradually improving.

Coal: Outer coat short and straight; undercoat dense and close-lying.

Color: Apricot, lawn, or brindlc; in all, the muzzle, cars, and nose should be black, with black around the eves and extending up between them.

Features: Broad skull; small eyes set wide apart; small ears; long, broad body; legs squarely set; tail set on high.

Size: Minimum height: dogs 30 in, bitches 27½ in. Weight: 175- 190 1b.

Care: Needs regular walking to build up its muscles. Many do not complete growth unti their second year.

Character: Of great strength and dignity the Mastiff is normally gentle, but can be a formidable guard.