After a little bit of study, Susan's site designer found some interesting information about the wonderful dog known as the Mastiff.

Some folks would like to debate the origin of the breed but according to the Mastiff Club of America the Mastiff is a descendant of the ancient Alaunt and Molosser. The general term mastiff is used in reference to many breeds which probably all descended from the same original stock. The proper noun "Mastiff", however, refers to a specific breed that originated in England over 2,000 years ago.

This majestic breed was used as a war dog by the ancient Celts and accompanied their masters into battle. The Romans invaded Britain and took the dogs back to Italy where they were used to guard their property and prisoners. This is probably the time when many of the sub-breeds started being created.

During the Elizabethan Era the true English Mastiff was used for entertainment to fight wild animals such as bears and tigers. During the horrible years of the world wars Mastiffs were used to pull munitions carts on the front line of battle.

In America the Mastiff was usually owned by plantation owners who used them to guard their property. This is where the English Mastiff earned a reputation for being the companion of choice for the well-to-do.

If this historical essay leaves you with the impression that the Mastiff is a big, unruly, vicious dog please don't be misled. Modern breeders have bred the Mastiff for gentleness and have created an excellent companion that is large enough and fearless enough to intimidate and displace intruders yet is gentle enough to be around children. The modern day English Mastiff is a true joy to own. This site designer's personal experience with Susan's dogs only enforces the proof of the modern day breeder's success in creating a wonderful and playful pet.

There are many other breeds that are called Mastiffs which were previously referred to as sub-breeds in this essay. These include the Bull mastiff, Dogue de Bordeaux, Fila Brasileiro, Mastin Del Pirineo, Mastin Espanol, Neapolitan Mastiff, Tibetan Mastiff, and many others that fall into the Molosser category. These breeds ARE NOT "Mastiffs" and should not be confused with the true original breed, the "English Mastiff".

Further study has found documentation and depictions of Mastiff type dogs that were found on Egyptian monuments dating back to approximately 3000 BC. Classical Greek art has also depicted Mastiffs, as well as Babylonian wall reliefs from the seventh century BC. The first written mention of Mastiffs came from China in a document dating to 1121 BC. By 600 BC dogs known as Shejos - Large, fierce, short-faced "hounds" - were found in China. The term hound was used often in reference to Mastiffs in ancient times. Even Aristotle mentions the progenitor of the Mastiff, the molosser in a list of most useful breeds in 350 BC.

Finally, here is a quote from the Cynographia Brittanica by Sydenham Edwards.

What the lion is to the cat, the Mastiff is to the dog, the noblest of the family; he stands alone and all others sink before him. His courage does not exceed his temper and generosity, and in attachment he equals the kindest of his race. His docility is perfect: The teasing of the smaller kinds will hardly provoke him to resent, and I have seen him down with his paw the terrier or the cur that has bit him without offering further injury. In a family he will permit the children to play with him, and suffer all their pranks without offense.

One would be remiss in their responsibilities not to make mention that any dog raised in a violent environment or trained to be violent may not make a good family pet. It is the opinion of this author that a family pet should be introduced  to it's family at an early age and should come from an attention filled loving environment. The showing of love always breeds respect and kindness and the showing of love in return.