BREED HISTORY
As early as 3000 B.C., drawings on Egyptian monuments depict typical Mastiffs. Later, even Caesar noticed the fearless, strong Mastiff as it fought alongside the British soldiers in 55 B.C. Impressed by the breed's courage, he brought a group of them back to Rome and forced them to take part in bull baiting, lion fighting and fights with human gladiators.
Mastiff stock are believed to have reached Europe from Asia along the Old Silk Road, which was a major trade route. The Mastiff is a descendant of this early period in history, with its ancestry extending back to the days of ancient Rome. These early Mastiffs soon spread widely through Europe, often being used in battle. Later, the Mastiff became popular with the peasants in England, where dogs would be used to keep wolves and other dangerous predators under control, as well as in protecting the home.
Most English Mastiffs today are from lines bred at the Duke of Devonshire's kennels at Chatsworth and from Lyme Hall kennels outside Stockport in Cheshire. The Lyme Hall strain goes back to a bitch that defended its fallen master at the Battle of Agincoourt in France in 1415.
TEMPERAMENT and QUALITIES
Originally valued for their abilities as a fierce guard and fighting dog, today's Mastiff is a gentle giant. It is a self-confident, watchful, and patient dog who is gentle-natured. Intelligent and dignified, it rarely barks, but it is in its nature to defend its territory and family. Calm, steady, and docile this dog is normally excellent with children (may need to be watched with small toddlers simply because of their size.) This breed loves to please and needs lots of human leadership. The Mastiff dominance varies widely depending on the lineage. They can be aloof with strangers or fairly friendly. Socialize them well to lean them toward the friendly side. They are born guard dogs, both brave and loyal. If out with their master and a threat is perceived they will often turn sideways in front of their "person" and a warning growl is extended to the one threatening. They have even been known to use their bodies to push their master back from danger as they stand between them and the threat. They are very affectionate and seem to be completely unaware of their size. They are wonderfully loving dogs and excellent companions.
The Mastiff generally holds intruders at bay rather than attacking. Protection training is unnecessary for this naturally protective breed. Owners need to be firm, calm, and consistent with an air of natural authority to communicate to the Mastiff that dominance is unwanted.
If socialized with proper leadership, it will get along well with other dogs as well as cats.
IDEAL OWNERS
The Mastiff is adaptable to most living situations. He is gentle, good natured, and loves to play and romp. Our mastiffs are part of our family and survey their domain with a majestic confidence. They are sensitive, they love attention and are easy going. They should not be chained or tied. They need an area to play and exercise. They need lots of love and families who understand them. Just like you or I they have individual needs and should be with a family that has researched them and takes the responsibilty and priviledge of sharing their home seriously. We try to spend time with potential adoptive parents and care very much about the homes our puppies go to. We want a good match for all parties concerned. We reserve the right to refund a deposit at any point before the completion of the sale of the pup in the event we feel it would be in the best interest of our pups to do so.
Mastiff stock are believed to have reached Europe from Asia along the Old Silk Road, which was a major trade route. The Mastiff is a descendant of this early period in history, with its ancestry extending back to the days of ancient Rome. These early Mastiffs soon spread widely through Europe, often being used in battle. Later, the Mastiff became popular with the peasants in England, where dogs would be used to keep wolves and other dangerous predators under control, as well as in protecting the home.
Most English Mastiffs today are from lines bred at the Duke of Devonshire's kennels at Chatsworth and from Lyme Hall kennels outside Stockport in Cheshire. The Lyme Hall strain goes back to a bitch that defended its fallen master at the Battle of Agincoourt in France in 1415.
TEMPERAMENT and QUALITIES
Originally valued for their abilities as a fierce guard and fighting dog, today's Mastiff is a gentle giant. It is a self-confident, watchful, and patient dog who is gentle-natured. Intelligent and dignified, it rarely barks, but it is in its nature to defend its territory and family. Calm, steady, and docile this dog is normally excellent with children (may need to be watched with small toddlers simply because of their size.) This breed loves to please and needs lots of human leadership. The Mastiff dominance varies widely depending on the lineage. They can be aloof with strangers or fairly friendly. Socialize them well to lean them toward the friendly side. They are born guard dogs, both brave and loyal. If out with their master and a threat is perceived they will often turn sideways in front of their "person" and a warning growl is extended to the one threatening. They have even been known to use their bodies to push their master back from danger as they stand between them and the threat. They are very affectionate and seem to be completely unaware of their size. They are wonderfully loving dogs and excellent companions.
The Mastiff generally holds intruders at bay rather than attacking. Protection training is unnecessary for this naturally protective breed. Owners need to be firm, calm, and consistent with an air of natural authority to communicate to the Mastiff that dominance is unwanted.
If socialized with proper leadership, it will get along well with other dogs as well as cats.
IDEAL OWNERS
The Mastiff is adaptable to most living situations. He is gentle, good natured, and loves to play and romp. Our mastiffs are part of our family and survey their domain with a majestic confidence. They are sensitive, they love attention and are easy going. They should not be chained or tied. They need an area to play and exercise. They need lots of love and families who understand them. Just like you or I they have individual needs and should be with a family that has researched them and takes the responsibilty and priviledge of sharing their home seriously. We try to spend time with potential adoptive parents and care very much about the homes our puppies go to. We want a good match for all parties concerned. We reserve the right to refund a deposit at any point before the completion of the sale of the pup in the event we feel it would be in the best interest of our pups to do so.