Mastiff Picture

Ancient Mastiff picture galleries date back to the 6th century B.C. About 2600 years ago, Mastiffs were brought to Britain by the Phoenicians. Large and powerful dogs gained popularity as war dogs, guards, and gladiators. They fought against bulls, bears, and other dogs. Other tasks for these intelligent and protective dogs were herding sheep, guarding the property, and protecting the master. Nowadays, Mastiffs can serve as military and police dogs. They are also good at watchdogging, search and rescue work, weight pulling and playing with children. Dogs of this breed are good at many dog sports. They are easy to train and ready to work.

Even in the Mastiff picture, you can see that these dogs are very large. It’s one of the heaviest breeds with average weight of males around 170 pounds and the average weight of females about 150 pounds. The largest males reach the weight of 200 pounds. The height of the dogs is over 30 inches at the withers; females stand over 27 inches. More substantial dogs are preferred.

Mastiff picture galleries placed on the websites of their owners and breeders feature muscular and dignified dogs with a broad and deep chest, straight well-boned legs, level top line, broad neck, massive head, and long tapering tail. The head of the Mastiff is square, with a short muzzle and well developed stop. The face and neck are heavily wrinkled. The eyes of the Mastiff are rather small; the nose is large, with open nostrils; the ears are small and hanging. The teeth of the Mastiff meet in a scissors or slightly undershot bite. The coat in these dogs is short and dense. It comes in many shades of fawn; the preferred pattern is brindle. Apricot and tiger dogs are rare. Most dogs have a darker muzzle.

Though intelligent and calm, these dogs are not for anyone. They tend to be dominant and manipulating, if not given proper socialization, obedience training and care. Mastiffs are naturally very protective and aloof with strangers. It’s not wise to obtain a dog of this breed after seeing a Mastiff picture.