Mastiff

Mastiffs as war dogs

Phoenician traders introduced the Mastiff to ancient Britain in the 6th century BC. The ancient Celts began using them as war dogs who accompanied their masters into battle. This was the beginning of a long history of Mastiffs as fighters, soldiers, protectors, and watchdogs. A popular story tells that when Sir Peers Legh was wounded in the Battle of Agincourt, his Mastiff stood over him and protected him for many hours throughout the battle.

When the Romans invaded Britain, they took Mastiffs back to Italy and used them to guard property and prisoners, as well as to fight in the arena. The Mastiff is reported to have been Julius Caesar's favorite dog. Kubla Khan kept a kennel of 5,000 Mastiffs for hunting and war. When Hannibal crossed the Alps, he took several battalions of war Mastiffs.

From the 12th through 19th centuries, Mastiffs were used for bear-baiting. This "sport," in which dogs attacked chained-up bears, bulls, and even tigers, was especially popular during Queen Elizabeth's time. Such fights were often staged for the queen's entertainment.

During the World Wars, Mastiffs were used to pull munitions carts at the front lines. However, their popularity was declining at the same time, partly because of their size: It was considered unpatriotic to keep a dog that ate as much in one day as a soldier. By the 1920s, Mastiffs were almost extinct in Britain, and by the end of World War II, Canada and the United States were sending Mastiffs to Britain to save the breed. Now, the breed is well-established in both continents.

Mastiffs in Britain & America

In Britain, the Mastiff was one of the few breeds mentioned by name in The Forest Laws of King Canute, the first written laws of England. Mastiffs were mentioned as being kept for protection, and the middle toes of their front feet had to be removed so the dogs could not run fast enough to catch deer (which traditionally belonged to royalty). British royals kept Mastiffs to guard their castles and estates, releasing them at night to ward off intruders. Henry VIII is said to have presented Charles V of Spain with 400 Mastiffs to be used in battle.

The first Mastiff in the "new world" was brought from Britain on the Mayflower by the Pilgrims. The breed didn't become popular in America until the 1800s, when Mastiffs were frequently found on plantations in the South as property guards.

From war dogs to gentle pets

How did Mastiffs change from hunting and war dogs to the gentle pets we know today? Part of the reason is that breeders have bred the Mastiff for gentleness and have thus created an excellent companion. In addition, Mastiffs are simply treated differently today. No longer are they sent into battle or baited against bears. Instead, Mastiffs are either kept as pets or put to use as watchdogs, guards, police or military dogs, search and rescue dogs, or as weight pullers.

The Mastiff Owners Bible is written by Diane Mckenzie and it includes 96 no-fluff pages about how to select, breed, train and care for your mastiff.

It includes the following information ...

* The origin and illustrious history of Mastiffs - including how they've evolved over time from "warrior dogs" to "gentle giants"!

* The Mastiff's appearance and breed standards - plus, what physical characteristics to look for when you go to buy a Mastiff!

* How Mastiffs relate to children, family members, strangers, other dogs, and other animals - plus, what's really behind Mastiffs somewhat contradictory nature and how that should impact the way you treat your Mastiff in the future!

* A full chapter on how to buy your Mastiff, including a Mastif Puppy Contract

* Why you should always check the traits of a Mastiff puppy's parents' before you adopt the puppy

* How to make the transition into the adult world as easy as possible for your new Mastiff puppy!

* 12 things you need to create the perfect living environment for your Mastiff

* How to puppy-proof your house quickly and easily!

* What to feed your Mastiff to make sure he receives the proper nutrition

* What you need to know about feeding and grooming your Mastiff to ensure it stays healthy and happy over the long-term - both feeding and grooming needs will change as your Mastiff grows, find out exactly what you need to do at each stage of development here!

* How to recognize and treat common Mastiff health issues before they become major problems!

* How to socialize and train your Mastiff - want the perfect pet %u2026 you'll be amazed at how easy it is to accomplish when you follow these simple socialization and training tips!

* How to quickly and easily teach your Mastiff to sit, stay, lay down, come and more

* A complete chapter on Mastiff breeding. Do you think you want to breed Mastiffs? Read this chapter before attempting anything!

* Detailed answers to the most common questions about Mastiffs - I've gathered these questions from various Mastiff owners over the last 5+ years

... And much, much more, including ... A directory of resources for Mastiff owners - this handy reference guide lists books and websites where you can get additional Mastiff care, feeding and grooming information!

Click Here To Learn More about The Mastiff Owners Bible