Old English Mastiff is also known as English Mastiff or simply Mastiff. It is a large dog breed that is believed to have been descended from the ancient Alaunt through Pugnaces Britanniae. A combination of grandeur and good nature as well as courage and docility, the dog was bred in England and used as a watchdog for more than two thousand years. This ancient breed has been mentioned by Caesar in his account of invading England in 55 B.C.,when this breed came into his notice, fighting valiantly beside their masters against his troops.
This large and massive dog is powerfully built breed that emanates impression of power and strength. It stands a minimum of 30 inches and can stand up to 38 inches. This solid dog can weigh any where between 185-230 lbs. (though this breed has set the world record with 315 lb weight in 1989). The dog comes with a massive head, broad and slightly moderate skull and strong muzzle that is half the size of the skull and leads to dark nose with spread flat nostrils. Medium size and wide set apart brown eyes hold expression of alertness and kindness. V-shaped, rounded tipped ears are small in proportion to the skull. They are moderately thin and set wide apart and high on skull, hanging down close to the cheeks. Ears match colour of the muzzle; the darker the better. Powerful, muscular and slightly arched, medium length neck widens gradually into powerful shoulders. The Old English Mastiff has a powerful and robust body that comes with a straight, firm and level topline, deep chest with rounded ribs and muscular, powerful and straight back. Moderately long, high set tail hangs down straight in repose and forms a slight curve when the dog is in motion. The dog has a short, straight and coarse topcoat and short, dense and close-fitting undercoat. It comes in fawn, apricot and brindle colouring.
This breed is recognized by AKC as well as all the other major kennel clubs including FCI, CKC, KC(UK), ANKC, NZKC and UKC.
