15 Fascinating Facts About The Mastiff By: Jay Adrianna - at June 21, 2013 15 Fascinating Facts About The Mastiff The Mastiff is a breed of dog that originated in Tibet. There are over 14 different breeds of mastiff, which are all unique in their own ways. The Mastiff was recognized as an official breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1885, and is currently ranked at number 26 out of 175. Their history, size, and temperament make them desirable as pets for those who live in a home large enough to house these large dogs. 15) They Have a Unique History Mollossus: The Mastiff is considered to be one of the most ancient breeds of dogs. The earliest ancestor of the Mastiff was the Molossus, which lived over 5,000 years ago. The Mollossus, who lived in the Asian mountains, was a ferocious dog that was typically used as a guard dog. Pictures of these dogs have been found throughout Egyptian, Greek, and Babylonian history.

The modern Mastiff was developed in England, where it was necessary to have a huge dog to guard grand estates. Lyme Hall, in particular, was well known for having saved the breed from extinction in 1835. During this time, the breed was used in brutal sports, which led to dog-fights being outlawed. With the help of Lyme Hall and a surge in dog shows, the breed was able to survive. The breed faced extinction again throughout World War I and II, when there were food shortages. These shortages made it almost impossible to keep them fed, and were often found dead from starvation. After World War II, a pair of Mastiff puppies was used to help bring the breed back from extinction. The Mastiff Club of America, formed in 1929, was established to ensure the health and well-being of the breed since its inception. 14) Largest Breed of Dog Though there are many breeds that are considered to be huge, none of them can truly compare to the Mastiff in terms of mass. The average height of a male Mastiff is 30 inches, and their average weight is 175-190 pounds.

Female Mastiffs usually have a height of 27.5 inches, and weigh between 175 and 195 pounds. In terms of height, the Mastiff is considered to be the third tallest dog, behind the Irish Wolfhound and the Great Dane. The mass and height of these dogs often make them appear formidable to strangers, which is why they are often used as guard dogs. English Mastiffs: The reward for the biggest dog goes to an English Mastiff by the name of Cloe. Cloe was a Mastiff that lived in Tibet during the 1980s. Cloe was said to have weighed about 365 pounds, and was 38 inches tall. Other notable Matisffs include Zorba and Hercules. Residing in the U.K., Zorba weighed in at 343, was 37 inches tall, and had a length of 8 feet and 3 inches. Hercules, from Massachusetts, weighs in at 282 pounds and has a neck that measures in at 38 inches.

13) The Oldest Mastiff Lived to be 15 Years Kush - Longest living Mastiff: On average, a Mastiff will live for about 10 years. However, there have been some exceptions to this norm. The longest living Mastiff was a female that went by the name of Kush. Kush, who resided in Australia, lived to be over 15 years old. In Mastiff years, that amounted to about 105 years. The secret in Kushï¿½s long life is believed to be a result of the way that her humans fed and cared for her. Her owners gave her a strict diet of bones, raw meat, herbs, and vegetables. Kush was not fed on a daily basis like most dogs. Her owners believed that they should stick to the feeding habits of wild dogs. With wild dogs, they make a kill every few days and gorge themselves, so they stuck to a feeding schedule similar to that. Additionally, her owners never took her to the vet, so she was never exposed to any antibiotics or chemicals. Throughout her life, Kush gave birth to 60 pups, and would go to the local hospice to visit patients.

There have been other reports where a Mastiff would live to be 12 or 13 years old, but it is not common. In most of these cases, the owners fed their dogs organically and did not follow medical trends with their pets. Whether these organic diets and lifestyles were the cause of a long life or just a coincidence has remained to be unproven. 12) Each Breed of Mastiff has a Specific Purpose Some think of the Mastiff in terms of being a singular breed. However, there are over 14 different breeds in the Mastiff family. Each breed was created for a different purpose and comes with different physical and personality traits. The different breeds in the Mastiff family include: Argentinian Mastiff The Argentinean Mastiff is playful, powerful, and loyal. They require a lot of leadership, but have been known to make great guard dogs. They do very well with other pets that they are raised with, but can show aggression to animals that are unknown to them. Brazilian Mastiff The Brazilian Mastiff, a mix of Mastiff and Bloodhound, are dedicated protectors to those that they live with. The breed can be hard to handle at times, but are a great breed for owners with smaller children.

Bullmastiff The Bull mastiff is a mix of bulldog and mastiff, and is known to be quite stubborn. These dogs are typically considered to be lazy, but can be fierce when they feel threatened. English Mastiff The English Mastiff is extremely gentle, and makes a great house dog. The English Mastiff is the largest in the Mastiff family, but is also the least aggressive. One of the English Mastiffï¿½s most notable traits is the amount of drool that they can produce. French Mastiff The French Mastiff is smaller in size than some of the others, but can be just as fierce. Though they are known to do well with their human family, they are not very tolerant of strangers. German Mastiff This dog is also known as the great dane and are generally the tallest breed of dogs. The famous cartoon dog Scooby Doo is considered a german mastiff. However these dogs are not as scary as they look, they have slow metabolisms and are considered to be less aggressive than other breeds of mastiffs. Italian Mastiff Also known as the Cane Corso Italiano, these dogs are built tough with great endurance.

This dog makes a great family pet and will do a really good job at keeping your family safe, as they make great watch dogs. Neapolitan Mastiff Another Italian breed, the Neapolitan Mastiff were originally bred as war dogs and make for decent family guard dogs. These dogs have think hanging wrinkles and folds of skin around their face. They are one of the most expensive of the Mastiffs to maintain but make great peaceful yet powerful family pets. Pyrenean Mastiff These dogs were originally bred as big and powerful livestock protectors. These dogs make great family pets nowadays. Spanish Mastiff Another dog that was originally used as livestock guardian dogs. These powerful stocky looking dogs are very loyal and will do anything to protect their owners. Tibetan Mastiff The Tibetan Mastiff is incredibly territorial, strong willed, and independent. They can easily become destructive if they are bored or confined. 11) The Breed Has Had Many Famous Owners Over the past decade the Mastiff has become a popular breed to have. Their temperament, history, and appearance make them a desirable dog to own. The Mastiff has even been able to charm those who are famous.

Famous people in the film industry that own a Mastiff have included Marlon Brando, Kirstie Alley, Gayle King, George C. Scott, and Michael Bay. Famous musicians who have owned Mastiffs include Flea, Bob Dylan, Jon Bon Jovi, and Christina Aguilera. Notable historical figures who have owned Mastiffs include Hannibal, Kublai Khan, and Alexander the Great. For the most part, these former owners have helped to raise awareness about the Mastiff breed. For example, Michael Bay has placed his Mastiff in several of his films. He has also been known to make donations to local Mastiff rescue groups in an effort to find misplaced Mastiffs good homes. 10) The Breed Faces Many Different Health Risks Like with any breed, there are common health risks that the Mastiff faces. These health risks can cause some dog lovers to re-think their choice in breed. Common health risks include joint and structural problems, heart conditions, eye diseases, bloating, cystinuria, and cancer. These joint and structural problems usually mean that owners cannot over-feed or over-exercise their Mastiffs. Doing so can result in injuries that can lead to crippling later in life.

A common structural problem that is seen in Mastiffs is dysplasia. Dysplasia is a genetic hip deformity that may require surgery. In dysplasia, the top of the dogï¿½s thigh bone will not fit into the hip socket properly. Over time, the underlying bone and cartilage will become damaged, and will result in arthritis. Common heart conditions include pulmonic stenosis, cardiomyopathy, and mitral dysplasia. Eye diseases include corneal dystrophy, retinal dysplasia, and retinal atrophy. Each of these heart or eye conditional will require surgery to fix, which can get quite expensive. Though bloating can be common with any breed, it is almost for sure with the Mastiff. Bloating is so dangerous in large breeds because it can cause their stomach to twist, which will cut off blood flow. In most cases, surgery will be required and the condition could even lead to death if it goes untreated. Cystinuria is a kidney defect that causes the formation of kidney stones. Surgery will be required to remove the stones and to repair any damage that occurs. Cancer is also common in Mastiffs, and will require immediate treatment.

The treatments can be extremely expensive, so it is important that you take these common health issues into account when choosing a Mastiff as a pet. - The Tao Of Badass - 9) The Breed Has Made Many Hollywood Appearances Because Mastiffs have become such a popular breed to own, it's not surprising that they have been featured in movies and television. While in some cases a Mastiff has a smaller role in the movie or TV show, there have been cases where the Mastiff is the star of the show. Movies that have featured a Mastiff include "Sandlot," "Transformers 2," "Hotel for Dogs," "RV," "Harry Potter," "Turner and Hooch," and "Marmaduke,". These movies have not only increased exposure for the breed, but have created respect for the breed. Though some will argue that a movie or television set is no place for a dog, the breed does well with the activities that these projects require. The breedï¿½s quiet demeanor, intelligence level, and over all personality help them to be easy to work with and to train.

Like with any breed, the type of training, ownership responsibility, and living conditions will be a large factor when deciding whether or not a dog can perform properly on a set. 8) Caring for a Mastiff is Expensive Caring for any dog will require you to have to plan financially. Vet bills, training, cost of food, play toys, and in some cases pet rent, are all costs that you will have to consider. For a Mastiff, however, these costs can be much more expensive for Mastiff owners. Vet bills can be quite costly because the Mastiff has numerous medical conditions that are common. Because some breeds of Mastiff can be stubborn, behavioral training could end up being expensive. Washing your Mastiff: The cost of food alone could be a cause for you to re-think getting a Mastiff. You should feed your Mastiff six to eight cups of dry dog food every day. Since they are prone to bloating, you will want to make sure that you give your dog high quality dog food. The high quality dog food, though better for your dog, can be extremely expensive. Any surgeries that your Mastiff will require throughout its life will not come cheap.

While some surgeries or treatments can cost around $1,000, others can cost up to $5,000. With how expensive dog food and veterinary costs are, you could end up spending over $15,000 in care throughout its life span. 7) They Produce the Largest Litters Because Mastiffï¿½s are so large, it is no surprise that they tend to have large litters. The typical littler will have 10 to 12 puppies. However, the Mastiff breed holds the record for most puppies born in a single litter. In 2004, a Mastiff in England gave birth to 24 puppies. Out of these 24 puppies, 20 survived past the first week. It was the largest group of puppies to survive past the first week. Even though a littler of 24 is not typical, caring for a pregnant Mastiff, and the puppies once they are born can be costly and stressful. With a gestational period of 64 days, the pregnancy period is strenuous on both dog and owner. Your mastiff will require extra food, and you will have to prepare a space to handle all of the puppies that are born.

You will have to keep in mind that the puppies will require vaccines, a lot of food, and even more patience. For these reasons, many make the decision to not breed their Mastiffs. 6) They Can Have Wildly Different Coat Colors Mastiffs come in a variety of colors. Typical colors include blue, fawn, apricot, brindle, red, and gold. Extremes of color are also present. The Argentinian mastiff, or Dogo Argentino, is an all-white mastiff. On the opposite end lies the nearly jet-black Rottweiler, classified as a mastiff-type dog. Still, the different possible colors that a Mastiff does have are beautiful and often appear to be unique. For example, the blue coloring that some Mastiffs are born with gives the Mastiff a majestic and somewhat formidable look. The standard fawn coloring appears less formidable, but more aloof. The brindle coloring that some dogs have is inverted to provide a cool affect on the dog's coat. The color of Mastiff that you end up choosing will largely depend on your personal preferences. Just keep in mind that the dog's coloring has no affect on its personality or health.

You should make sure that you are choosing a dog based on personality and health, as opposed to coloring. 5) They Have Distinct Personality Traits In addition to distinct coloring traits, the Mastiff has very distinct personality traits and behaviors. Typically the Mastiff will display temperaments such as courage, docility, and good nature. Normal strangers are treated with a wary indifference, but will be quick to act on threatening situations. Usually this behavior can be ended with a few re-assurances from their owner. Should the behavior continue or escalate, it is important to remove your dog from the situation to prevent any injury. Tibetan Mastiff Puppies: Though they are very close with their human families, arguing in front of them is not a good idea. Mastiffs have been known to try to intervene in family arguments. This can lead to injury for yourself, or the other human. The overall temperament of your Mastiff will depend on how you treat it and the behaviors that you expose it to while it is a puppy. If you allow your Mastiff to be aggressive as a puppy, even in play, you will have to work hard to break those traits later in its life.

When you are first picking out a Mastiff puppy, it is important that you follow a few rules. First off, you should spend some time with the litter so that you can get a better idea for the puppyï¿½s temperament. After you get a good feel for each puppyï¿½s temperament, you should select the puppy that has a middle of the road temperament. You should always make sure that you are able to assess one of the parents. This will allow you to get a better feel for that litters possible personality. 4) Only Adults Need Daily Exercise Like most dogs, your Mastiff will require exercise. However, you should not start an exercise schedule for your Mastiff until after 18 months, when it is considered to be full grown. While your Mastiff puppy is growing, their bones and joints need to be able to develop properly. An excess amount of exercise may cause your dogs sensitive joints and bones to become damaged or to not grow properly. During your Mastiffï¿½s puppy period, it is important to let them exercise at their own pace, and to rest when they feel like they need to.

Dogue De Bordeaux (French Mastiff) running in a lake: Once your Mastiff has reached adulthood, you should begin to take your dog for daily walks. These daily walks should not be strenuous, as this breed is just sensitive to exercise. Because your Mastiffï¿½s joints and bones will always be sensitive, and because they are so heavy, the slightest weight gain can do a lot of harm to them. You will also want to re-affirm that you are providing your dog with an appropriate diet. This means no fatty table scraps, and a regular feeding schedule. 3) They Used to be Bred for Animal Fights and War A more gruesome part of the Mastiff history, is that they used to be bred for animal fights and war. Once it became apparent that Mastiffs could make vicious guard dogs, some society leaders decided to include them in war and vicious sports. As far back as 2,500 years ago, Mastiff style dogs were depicted fighting bears and lions. As a sport the owner of a Mastiff would train their dogs to be vicious fighters. This would often involve the dog being beaten, starved, and secluded.

Once the owner felt that the dog was vicious enough, the dog would be placed in an arena-type setting with another animal. Oftentimes, the other animal was a bear or lion, but would sometimes include other dogs. The owner would take and place bets on the outcome of the fight, which always went until the death of one of the animals. . Kublai Khan was said to have a kennel of over 5,000 Mastiffs that were used in war and for sport. He would often train Mastiffs to deliver letters, or to stand guard over precious items or important guests. Also, when Hannibal went through the Alps, he did so with his war Mastiffs. The animal fights and war responsibilities that the Mastiff was subjected to almost caused their extinction in the early 19th century. This dark history of theirs is also why so many people have an opinion that they are naturally aggressive animals. 2) The Red Tibetan Mastiff is the Most Expensive Dog in History The title of the most expensive dog in history belongs to a red Tibetan Mastiff by the name of Big Splash. Big Splash belongs to a man in Northern China, and costs around $1.5 million.

The dog is kept on a diet that consists of beef, sea cucumber, chicken, and abalone. Though the price seems quite remarkable, the breeder had many ways to justify it. One reason for the hefty price tag was that the breeder spent a lot of money on staff to raise the dog. Also, every time that the owner decides to breed Big Splash, he can depend on making around $15,500 every time. Big Splash: In China, an expensive dog is a price of status. According to the breeder, there was no higher display of status than the purchase of Big Splash. In China, the color of red represents good fortune. Purchasing big Splash was the perfect way of ensuring good fortune for the owner. Even by Mastiff standards, Big Splash is expected to be huge when fully matured. The dog is expected to grow to be around 290 pounds when full maturity is reached. Though many people would never think of paying $1.5 million for a dog, these reasons were justifiable to the breeder, and ultimately accepted by the new owner.

1) Believed to be Reincarnated Nuns and Monks One of the most interesting views of a Mastiff is that the Tibetan Mastiff are the reincarnated souls of monks and nuns. According to Tibetanï¿½s, the souls of the monk and nuns were not good enough to be reincarnated in to people or to get into Shambhala. Because these souls were not good enough, they were placed into the body of the Tibetan Mastiff. This was one of the ways that locals explained why the Tibetan Mastiff were so protective and ready to guard the locals monasteries, villages, and flocks. Tibetan Mastiff and his Puppies: This legend has made the Tibetan Mastiff the most sought after and admired breed in the Tibet area. Locals seem to respect the breed more than other breeds. Monks can often been seen nodding to Tibetan Mastiffs whose soul they believe they recognize. Final Words The Mastiff is one of the most interesting and ancient breed of dog alive today. The breed has survived a gruesome history that was filled with two possible extinctions.

While there has been many who have abused the Mastiffï¿½s size and strength, there have been humans who have fiercely protected and respected the breed. The Mastiff Club of America, the American Kennel Club, passionate owners, and the monks of Tibet, are just a few examples of those who love the Mastiff breed. One of the main reasons that this breed is so well-loved is the aloofness that tends to appear in all Mastiff breeds. The Mastiff is a creature that is close and lovable towards its human family, but will not think twice about attacking an intruder. The Mastiff is also known to live well with kids and other animals that they are familiar with. This attribute makes them an appealing option for a pet. Though the Mastiff may seem like an appealing pet, it is important to make sure that you can properly care for one. Because these dogs are so large, they would be better off living on a property with lots of space. You should also make sure that you will be able to afford the Mastiff, because they are very expensive to own.

If you cannot provide a suitable living space, or if you would have trouble affording their lifestyle, you should choose a breed that is better suited for the lifestyle that you can offer. 9 of the world's largest dog breeds | MNN - Mother Nature Network 9 of the world's largest dog breeds From tallest to heaviest, these are the biggest breeds of dog found around the globe. 2.4K Out of the hundreds of breeds found around the world, some qualify as a 'giant breed.' (Photo: Mikkel Bigandt/Shutterstock) The range of size, shape, color, personality and purpose for which dogs are bred is jaw-dropping. Over centuries, different dogs in different geographic locations have been honed by humans to play certain roles, from hunter to guardian, from herder to companion. For some of these breeds, size has been a significant player in the search for perfection, whether that was to hunt bigger or faster game or guard a home with more intimidation, or even just to have the mass to survive in freezing locations. Of the hundreds of dog breeds around the world, here are nine of the largest. 1. Great Dane On average, Great Danes stand around 28-30 inches tall.

(Photo: Elsa Hoffmann/Shutterstock) We'll start with the breed that is widely recognized as the largest, at least in terms of height . The Great Dane is a breed of German origin and its German name of Deutsche Dogge, means German mastiff. However, before setting down official roots in Germany, the dogs that eventually became the Great Dane breed came from a crossbreed between English mastiffs and Irish wolfhounds. Though they aren't the heaviest dogs, reaching around 100-120 pounds, they are among the tallest. The average Great Dane stands around 28-30 inches tall but often they can be taller. The world record holder for tallest dog was a Great Dane named Zeus who stood an astounding 44 inches tall. However, these big dogs trade longevity for their size, and live only to be between 6 to 8 years old. Zeus died of old age at just 5 years old. Though the Great Dane is typically considered the largest of all dog breeds, we're going to look at a few other breeds that give this one a run for its money, including one breed that is actually even taller.

For a better understanding of its height, this Great Dane poses with a small dog standing under her. (Photo: Dmussma/Shutterstock) 2. Neapolitan mastiff This breed comes in several colors including black, blue, mahogany and tawny. (Photo: Stanimir G.Stoev/Shutterstock) Mastiff breeds are certainly among the largest dogs in terms of sheer mass. The Neapolitan mastiff originated in southern Italy . Used as a guard dog, the average male mastiff stands between 26-31 inches tall and weighs a hefty 130-155 pounds. Females are usually a little smaller, standing a few inches shorter and weighing 110-130 pounds. This breed is known for being fearless and protective of home and family, making it an ideal guard dog — but not an ideal warning system. Mastiffs tend to be quiet, and are known for sneaking up on intruders rather than barking to warn them off.

Because of the breed's protective nature, you certainly don't want to stand between these dogs and their family, which makes this dog a breed only for owners well versed in dog training and able to put in the extensive time needed for socialization. 3. Scottish Deerhound Built similar to a greyhound but heavier, the deerhound breed is meant for speed. (Photo: Adam Singer /flickr) Going back to the leggy breeds, the Scottish deerhound gives away its purpose and origin in its name. Originating in Scotland well before recorded history, the breed is a courser, once used to hunt red deer and easily chasing down its prey. They are larger and heavier than greyhounds but are built similarly, with a lanky body meant for speed. Deerhounds can stand as tall as 32 inches and weigh as much as 110 pounds. Though they aren't used for deer hunting today, the breed is kept alive by enthusiasts who use them for show and in some places, lure coursing. The deerhound requires a great deal of exercise, especially when young. (Photo: Adam Singer /flickr) 4. Dogue de Bordeaux You may recognize this mug.

The Dogue de Bordeaux was the breed of dog that starred across from Tom Hanks in the film 'Turner and Hooch.' (Photo: otsphoto/Shutterstock) The Dogue de Bordeaux goes by several other names, including the Bordeaux mastiff, French mastiff and Bordeauxdog. But this breed, by any other name, still stands as massive. Though other breeds, from the poodle and French bulldog to the Great Pyrenees and Basset hound may be more famous breeds of French origin, the Dogue de Bordeaux is one of the most ancient breeds of France. The Dogue de Bordeaux stands between 23-27 inches tall and weighs between 125-150 pounds. But though it is fairly average as far as mastiff breeds go, it does have one thing that sets it apart: It is reported to have the largest head of any canine in relation to body size. Unlike the Neapolitan mastiff, the Bordeauxdog has been used for more than simply guarding house and home, though that was also in its job description. These dogs also were used for everything from watching over flocks to pulling carts .

It has historically been a true working dog and a jack of all trades — at least, as far as dogs go. The breed is active and energetic outdoors, but once inside is, well, mellow to say the least. If you're a Bordeauxdog owner and wondering if you should let your pet sleep on the bed, the answer is: Only if you don't mind sleeping somewhere else. (Photo: Vitaly Titov & Maria Sidelnikova/Shutterstock) 5. Newfoundland With heavy bones and big muscles, the Newfoundland is a powerful swimmer and a great water rescue dog. (Photo: Yan Wen/Shutterstock) The Newfoundland is a working dog from, you guessed it, Newfoundland. Unlike many larger breeds, the Newfie wasn't bred to be a guard dog. Instead, its purpose was originally to help fishermen . The big, muscular dogs are able to haul nets and lines from boats, pull carts and, most importantly, fetch anything that falls overboard, including people. The breed is an exceptional water dog and strong swimmer, and there have been many rescues of people out at sea credited to these big, gentle-natured dogs.

Newfoundland dogs stand between 27-30 inches tall and weigh as much as 150 pounds. They look even bigger because of their thick double coat, which keeps them warm even in icy water. 6. English mastiff English mastiffs have set the record for heaviest dog ever recorded. (Photo: Kachalkina Veronika/Shutterstock) The English mastiff is enormous. Growing to a height of 30 inches, these dogs can weigh as much as 250 pounds. As a Great Dane holds the record for tallest dog, an English mastiff holds the record for heaviest. The biggest weight for a dog ever recorded was an English mastiff named Aicama Zorba , who weighed in at 343 pounds. Their size is a significant part of the breed's past purpose, which included blood sports such as baiting bears, bulls and lions . Today, however, they are simply gentle giants, letting those courageous and fearless aspects of the breed's temperament sit on the back burner while the mellow, even-tempered and loyal sides come forward. They can make excellent family dogs as they are so easy-going. So if your kids are asking for either a dog or a pony, well...

it's not like size should factor into your decision: As size goes, these dogs need about as much room as a miniature horse! (Photo: Kachalkina Veronika/Shutterstock) 7. Saint Bernard Saint Bernards are big, fluffy and easy-going companions. (Photo: Rita Kochmarjova/Shutterstock) The Saint Bernard of brandy-toting fame is a breed originally created in the Swiss Alps and northern Italy as a rescue dog. The monks of the Saint Bernard Hospice are credited with training dogs for rescue and for playing a role in developing the breed we know today. Dogs can stand between 25-30 inches tall and weigh anywhere from 140 to 180 pounds . Though they were originally used as rescue dogs to find and save travelers, today's Saint Bernards are mostly family dogs. They are famous for being gentle, loving, friendly and great with children. They are also apparently great with kittens, too: Saint Bernards are known for their gentle giant nature. (Photo: Rita Kochmarjova/Shutterstock) 8. Leonberger A cross of three breeds created the beautiful Leonberger.

(Photo: Mikkel Bigandt/Shutterstock) If the Leonberger reminds you of a Newfoundland mixed with a Saint Bernard, it should. That's exactly how the breed originated. In the mid-1840s, Heinrich Essig of Leonberg, Germany, crossed a Newfoundland with a Saint Bernard for four generations, then added in a Pyrenean Mountain Dog to the mix . The result of these several generations of breeding is the Leonberger. This breed stands between 27-31 inches tall and can weigh as much as 170 pounds. But despite their size, they are simply giant family dogs. Though their main purpose is as a companion animal, the breed does very well in everything from water rescue to tracking to herding. If it is an activity that requires both strength and smarts, the Leonberger is probably going to be good at it. 9. Irish Wolfhound The Irish wolfhound is an ancient breed dating back many thousands of years. (Photo: Marcel Jancovic/Shutterstock) Like the Scottish deerhound, the Irish wolfhound was bred to be a courser, and was indeed originally used to chase down wolves.

Developed from war hounds into a dog used for hunting and guarding, the Irish wolfhound is ancient and may have been brought to Ireland as far back as 7000 B.C. Though their primary use was hunting, today's dogs are fairly quiet and reserved, intelligent and easygoing. This breed is the tallest of all dogs, even the Great Dane . According to breed standards, the minimum height should be 32 inches for males and 30 inches for females. That's just the minimum. Males often stand as tall as 34-35 inches and weigh upwards of 140 pounds. And though the English mastiff is as tall as a miniature horse, the Irish wolfhound is equal to a donkey. The wolfhound wins by inches as the tallest dog breed. (Photo: DragoNika/Shutterstock) The Different Kinds of Mastiffs The Different Kinds of Mastiffs The Different Kinds of Mastiffs July 22, 2011 By: Helen Fitzgerald The mastiff is a large dog ideally suited for use as a guard dog.

Mastiffs are one of the larger dog breeds in existence and are distinguished by a large powerful body, a wide head, a limited range of coloring and a black mask. They are gentle dogs, but alert and fiercely protective of their group, making them highly prized and valuable companions for humans. Descended from the Alaunt group of dogs, the original mastiffs were from Britain and known as the English Mastiff. Mastiff breeds are popular in many parts of the world. European The greatest range of mastiff breeds occurs in Europe where many countries have developed their own unique mastiff dogs. In Germany, the German Mastiff is more popularly known as the massive Great Dane. The French have their own mastiff breed known as the Dog de Bordeaux. There is the Alpine Mastiff or St Bernard, the Pyrenean Mastiff, the Spanish Mastiff and the Neapolitan Mastiff from Italy known for its wrinkly appearance. American In America, the American Mastiff can be traced back to one breeder who in the 1990s crossed an English Mastiff with an Anatolian Mastiff.

One of the most well-known breeds of mastiff is the fearsome Brazilian Mastiff, more popularly known as the Fila Brasiliero, which was crossed with a Bloodhound and has a very aggressive nature. There is also the Argentinean Mastiff -- known as the Dogo Argentino and developed for large game-hunting -- the Cuban Mastiff and the Gran Mastin de Borinquen or Puerto Rican Mastiff. East Asian Asia has many breeds of mastiff dogs such as the Korean Mastiff – also known as the dosa gae. They were introduced to Korea in the 19th century and mainly used as house guards. There is the furry Tibetan Mastiff known for its long, thick coat, and the Japanese Mastiff, also known as the Tosa, which is a fierce breed bred for fighting. Other Regions Other notable breeds of mastiff include the South African Mastiff or boerbul, the Anatolian Mastiff from Turkey -- an agile and speedy breed known for guarding sheep and other livestock herds -- and the Bully Kutta from Pakistan. The Bullmastiff is a common breed widespread throughout the world and said to be a cross between the English Mastiff and the Bulldog. Like cute animals?

Follow Cuteness.com on Facebook for more AWWs and LOLs. Related Articles Breaking Down the Mastiff Breeds | PetHelpful Breaking Down the Mastiff Breeds Breaking Down the Mastiff Breeds Updated on August 06, 2016 Joined: 6 years agoFollowers: 15Articles: 4 Advertisement Some people view the mastiffs as one breed, but in reality there are over 14 different individual breeds within the mastiff family. When most people think of a mastiff they think of a very large, overpowering dog or a guard dog. While this is true as a rule, there are many individual differences between each breed. You're missing out on some amazing qualities if you limit yourself to that generalization. We will break down the group into the individual breeds within it and share the details on which are more suitable for families, which may be the most affectionate, and even if any are recommended to have around children. Let's take a look at the individual breeds and help you familiarize yourself with which one(s) may be best for you.

The Different Mastiff Breeds Loyal, playful, easy to train Brazilian Mastiff Mastiff and doberman; Large and wrinkly Aggressive, extremely loyal, impetuous Mastiff and bulldog; Solid build and short muzzle Very stubborn, males can be aggressive with other dogs English Mastiff Dogue de Bordeaux, Bordeaux Mastiff, Bordeauxdog Friendly, dependable, usually good with children Italian Mastiff Intelligent, easy to train, gentle but protective Neapolitan Mastiff Loyal and devoted to family Pyrenean Mastiff Large dog with a heavy coat Calm and gentle but can be stubborn and independent Spanish Mastiff Large dog with wrinkly coat Less friendly mastiff, but a great guard dog Tibetan Mastiff Very full, heavy, dark-colored coat Strong-willed, protective, and aloof Perro de Presa Canario, Presa Canario Thick and muscular body Strong-willed but gentle and calm, can be suspicious and dominant Japanese Mastiff Tosa Inu, Japanese Fighting Dog Massive and stately Gentle but can be aggressive Alangu Mastiff Obedient and confident, very intelligent, but can be dominant and territorial Kangal Light golden with a darker face Protective but sensitive, independent Powerful, white, muscular dog bred for big-game hunting (bo

ar) Up to 99 lbs and 27 in.

Up to 88 lbs and 26 in. Loyal guardian, very intelligent, easy to train Yes Can get aggressive with strange dogs Advertisement Commonly known as the Argentine Dogo, this mastiff breed is a loyal guardian of both its family and its property. The Argentine Dogo is playful and gets along well with children. The breed is very intelligent and easy to train with consistency. Dogos are powerful dogs and not for the weak or inexperienced and definitely need leadership from a confident and consistent owner. If raised with other pets, the they can be fine with other animals, however, they can get aggressive with strange dogs, especially if an inexperienced or timid owner can't provide the necessary leadership. Advertisement Wrinkly, short-coated breed of dog known for its tracking ability and aggressiveness Up to 110 lbs and 29.5 in. Up to 90 lbs and 27.5 in. Once bonded, completely devoted to family Yes, if socialized from birth Experienced owners Can be wary of strangers Advertisement Known as the Fila Brasileiro, the Brazilian mastiff combines mastiff and bloodhound and the resulting dog is big with lots of wrinkles.

The Brazilian mastiff will be completely devoted to its owner and, once bonded, will not hesitate to protect its family. Once bonded, this breed will take a lot of poking and prodding from small children and are incredibly gentle when with them. This breed also tends to get along well with other pets within the family. Filas should be socialized thoroughly and throughout its life so that it won't become wary of strangers. They also need to be shown that most things are not a threat and need the confidence building that comes with socialization. This breed is definitely not for the inexperienced dog owner. Source Up to 130 lbs and 27 in. Up to 120 lbs and 26 in. Laid back, slow to anger; very stubborn Yes, if raised together Experienced owners Coat maintenance is minimal The Bullmastiff is a mix of mastiff and bulldog. This breed is a quiet, gentle companion devoted to and guardian of its family. Though laid back and slow to anger, once this dog feels threatened, it becomes a fearless protector. The Bullmastiff, as it name would imply, is a very stubborn dog and you may have great difficulty in getting this dog to perform against its will.

Male Bullmastiffs can be very intolerant of other male dogs and, in general, can be aggressive towards dogs with which they are unfamiliar. With stubbornness aside, this breed can be good with children if they are raised together. This breed is another in the mastiff family that is not for the inexperienced or first time dog owner. Though they should get daily exercise, their needs are moderate compared to others. A mild walk or short bursts of play are all that are necessary. Coat maintenance for the Bullmastiff is minimal as its coat is short and dense. Its power, alertness and endurance make it a great guard dog. Source Extremely large dog with a loving nature Up to 230 lbs and 36 in. Up to 170 lbs and 36 in. Gentle and easygoing Owners of all experience levels Tends to drool An amazingly gentle breed, the English Mastiff is both gentle and easygoing making a great house dog and loyal family member. The breed is very devoted in spite of its minimal expression of emotion. Like all dogs, this one definitely needs daily exercise. While it handles warm to cool weather fine, it does not do well in hot weather.

The English Mastiff has the tendency to drool, but coat maintenance is minimal. This breed of mastiff tends to be longer than they are tall and is a powerful dog with great endurance. Source Ancient French breed with powerful body Up to 150 lbs and 27 in. Up to 125 lbs and 26 in. Calm, patient, and loyal Experienced dog owners Can be confrontational with strangers The French Mastiff is known to many as the Dogue de Bordeaux and is smaller in size than its English counterpart. This breed is calm, patient and loyal to its family. The Bordeaux can be confrontational with strangers and seems to have no fear, making it a good guard dog with proper training and socialization. Socialize them young and they seem to do well with other animals, as long as they're supervised. This breed drools, like many in the mastiff family, and is also known for its snoring. Appearance aside, the Bordeaux is usually gentle with the family's children. Once again, this breed should be in the hands of an experienced dog owner. Source Minimum 120 lbs and 30 in. tall Minimum 100 lbs and 28 in.

tall Friendly, dependable Indoor living Can be unaware of large size The German Mastiff is most commonly known as a Great Dane.This breed of mastiff is friendly and dependable and usually good with children. The Great Dane also usually takes well to other household pets, but may not always be aware of its towering size over others so should be monitored. Moderate daily exercise will help keep the Dane fit and can be met with a brisk walk or chance to play in a fenced area. This breed of mastiff is not suited for outdoor living and should be considered an indoor pet. There are some Danes that drool but coat care is minimal. Source Up to 110 lbs and 28 in. Up to 99 lbs and 26 in. Gentle but protective Experienced owners With plenty of exercise, will do fine in an apartment The Cane Corso is a very powerful, agile breed with a great deal of endurance. This breed is usually quiet and relaxed in the house and eager to please its family. They are very intelligent and their eagerness to please makes them very trainable. Cane Corso make excellent guard and watch dogs. They are great with kids and very affectionate with their owners: gentle yet protective.

They like to stick nearby their family members and therefore are not very big wanderers. Not considered a fighting dog, the Cane Corso will protect both family and property if the need arises. This breed needs early socialization and an experienced owner. Obedience training is highly recommended for this breed as well as all mastiffs. Believe it or not, these dogs will do just fine in an apartment as long as they have opportunity for plenty of exercise Source Up to 150 lbs and 30 in. Up to 130 lbs and 28 in. Loyal and totally devoted to family Yes, with thorough socialization Experienced dog owners Do not need a lot of exercise The Neapolitan Mastiff is probably one of the most recognizable in the mastiff family with all of its wrinkles. Bred to be a family guardian, the Neapolitan is amazingly loyal and totally devoted to its family – ever so watchful. They are very suspicious of strangers and moderately tolerant of acquaintances. This breed can be loving towards children, but needs to be socialized thoroughly at a very young age and should not be a dog for the inexperienced or first time dog owner.

Though Neapolitans need lots of space to stretch out, they do not particularly need a lot of exercise. Neapolitans like to be outdoors but do not do well in the heat. This breed is a big drooler and can leave a mess in their wake. Their appearance alone is enough, in many cases, to scare off would-be intruders. Despite its size, the Neapolitan can be surprisingly quick to react when provoked. Source Huge dog with heavy coat Up to 220 lbs and 30 in. Up to 200 lbs and 28 in. Devoted to family, uneasy around strangers Yes, with proper socialization Experienced owners Need daily exercise and regular grooming The Pyrenees is devoted to family, but uneasy around strangers, both canine and human. With the family, the Pyrenees can be a calm, gentle, and well-mannered dog – even with children. The breed can be stubborn and very independent, so not the first choice for a timid owner. The Pyrenees is a wanderer and should not be left off leash in insecure locations. This breed is also a barker.

The Pyrenees needs exercise on a daily basis to stay fit and enjoys being out for hikes in the cold weather, but doesn't do well in hot weather. This breed needs weekly brushing of their coats and sometimes daily brushing when shedding. This breed can drool and is almost always a sloppy drinker. Source Giant dog bred to protect livestock from predators Up to 220 lbs and 35 in. Up to 170 lbs and 35 in. Extremely protective and territorial Very experienced owners Can be prone to annoyance barking An extremely protective and territorial breed, the Spanish Mastiff is one of the less friendly mastiffs – a quality that makes it an excellent guard dog. This breed is definitely not one that inexperienced or first time dog owner should even consider. The Spanish Mastiff is very independent and not very affectionate, though the males are a bit more affectionate than the females. Spanish Mastiffs are prone to annoyance barking. This breed can adapt to most climates, but prefer dry climates. Their short, dense coat should be brushed regularly and their need for exercise is moderate. Source Large dog bred to protect livestock from predators Up to 160 lbs and 30 in.

Up to 120 lbs and 28 in. Devoted to family, aloof to outsiders With socialization, yes Experienced owners Can be destructive if bored The Tibetan Mastiff is very independent and territorial. They can be devoted to family while aloof toward outsiders. This breed, like most mastiffs, should be socialized at a young age. The Tibetan is patient with its family's children, but can be protective when strange children visit. This breed is usually good with other dogs and animals. While active outside, the Tibetan tends to be more relaxed and calm indoors. A long daily walk for its exercise should suffice. This breed can become destructive out of boredom when confined. Tibetans should be brushed several times a week as their long coat needs the extra attention. Their thick, water resistant coats makes them happy in cold weather and even comfortable in warmer, dry climates. In Summary Mastiffs, generally speaking, make great companions and protectors and with the proper training and socialization can be great additions to your family. While some are more gentle and laid back than others, most mastiff breeds need assertive owners. Mastiffs make excellent guard dogs.

They investigate, bark, look incredibly formidable, and have the power and strength to back it up. Even so, most have a more gentle, rather than aggressive nature. A well socialized mastiff will protect you and your family, but only when there's a need to. Consider costs, space, time for training and socializing and possible messes (with many droolers in the group) when thinking about adding one of these magnificent creatures to your family. What is your favorite Mastiff? The Argentinian Mastiff Origins of the mastiff Once the mastiff reached the Roman Empire, they had already been bred to suit special purposes, the first step in the development of "breeds" within a species. The Romans had developed one breed that very closely resembles the Sennenhund or Swiss Mountain Dog of today (Hubbard). In fact, there were no prehistoric Swiss mastiffs, or doggen, prior to the last century BC (Raulston). The Romans took their mastiffs into Gaul, now known as France. Their mastiffs guarded the mountain passes where a few hundred years later the St. Bernard would be found.

Phoenicians traveling to Italy and on to Spain and France are thought to have carried these guarding dogs with them, perhaps selling them along with sheep and goats to herdsmen in those areas. By this time there were already reported differences in the ancient mastiffs. A number of sources available today refer to the early difference that developed between the white, longer muzzled, graceful "shepherd's" dog and the darker, heavier, dog used for protection and for war (Raulston). Both Strang and von Stephanitz report that Columella, a Roman writer, in about the year 60 AD in De Re Rustica describes two types of guard dogs: the white, swift sheep guarding dog or shepherd's dog and the dark colored, heavy farm guard dog. These early imports from Asia Minor to the Pyrenees were certainly of the first type and were the basis for the breed we now know as the Great Pyrenees. Bulldoginformation 2003-2006 © All rights reserved. Original idea, design and development by Catherine Marien-de Luca. No part of Bulldoginformation may be copied, distributed or printed without the owner's written permission.

The Fiennes tell us that, while these early mastiffs may have been used initially for guarding, their courage and ferocity against predators also suited them for hunting bear and wolf, which existed in Britain in Saxon times. By the Middle Ages, some mastiffs had become butcher's dogs and then were bred for bull-baiting and dog-fighting . With each change in role, came physical changes to enable the dog to better perform in its new role. In the meantime, throughout the mountainous regions and high plains stretching from Central Asia through Asia Minor and Eastern Europe into the Pyrenees of France, shepherds continued to use the white livestock guardian described before the time of Christ as the protectors of their herds. The descendants of those long-coated white dogs still exist as the Akbash Dog of Turkey, the Tatra of Poland, the Chuvatch of Czechoslovakia, the Kuvasz of Hungary, the Maremma of Italy, and the Great Pyrenees of France. Likewise, the dark colored livestock guardians are also still found in certain areas: the Shar Plainenetz of the former Jugoslavia, the Kangal Dog of eastern Turkey, and the Tibetan Mastiff .

Mastiff blood with an introduction of the northern "spitz" type dog is thought to be the probable source of the rough-coated ovcharkas of Russia and the Komondor of Hungary, as well as the "bearded" herding dogs of Britain (Fiennes). The Bergamsco of Italy, rarely seen in this country, and the Bearded Collie of Britain are also probable members of this group. That northern native "spitz" type dog is also considered to be the ancestor of many of the Oriental breeds, some of which were crossed with mastiff breeds to produce dogs such as the Tosa Inu , the famed fighting dog of Japan, and the Dosa of Korea. The descendants of the mastiff are alive and well in the New World, with many of the Old World breeds represented in our homes and show rings. A surprising number of dogs from the lesser known breeds, like the Akbash Dog, the Tatra, the Kangal Dog, the Maremma, serve in their ancient role as livestock guardians on North American farms and rangeland. There they are well-known as protectors of sheep and cattle from mountain lion, bobcat, coyote, wolf, and even the Grizzly bear.

South America, likewise, has developed its own mastiffs, the Argentine Dogo and the Fila Brasileiro , breeds specifically designed for the South American ranches and plantations. Today the descendants of the ancient mastiff are spread throughout the world and come in an amazing variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. However, most still share some of the physical characteristics which set them off from the other breed types thousands of years ago. Even more importantly, they are still known for their courage, their determination, and their watchful demeanor. The modern mastiffs still function as potentially ferocious protectors of man and his possessions. In Spain, very near the homeland of the Great Pyrenees, the Spanish Mastiff developed. To the north, in Belgium, the feared tracker, St. Hubert's Hound, the ancestor of today's Bloodhound, was developed from the descendants of those fierce hunting dogs of prehistoric times. The retrievers, like the Labrador and the Chesapeake, are thought also to trace to the ancient mastiffs. From the Alps, the mastiff is thought to have been adopted by the Germanic peoples and then to have traveled to Great Britain with Angles and Saxons.

The Great Dane is known as the Deutsche Dogge (or German Mastiff) in most countries today. In Chaucer's day the Middle English words alaunt or alan and alano were also used to indicate early mastiffs. These words may have derived from the word Alani, the name of an Eastern race that lived before the time of Christ in what is now Albania (AKC) or they may have , in fact, been corruptions of the word Allemannni, the Germanic people who invaded France prior to the reign of Charlemagne. Origins of the mastiff Turkmen Kangal Dogs Whether this story is true is doubtful. However, it does tell us the respect with which the ancient mastiff was regarded. These ancient mastiffs, whatever their origins and prey, are believed to have been the ancestors of the later war-dogs and sheepdogs for which ancient Epirus and Sparta were to become so famous.

Molossia, a country in Epirus (located on what is now the Western coast of the Greek mainland), gave rise to the term " Molosser ," which was the name given to the famous mastiffs of that region and which is still used to refer to members of the mastiff family. . Bullenbeisser Breed Information: History, Health, Pictures, and more History: Not much is known for sure about the early history of the Bullenbeisser, but the breed had a very long history in the lands of the Holy Roman Empire, a conglomeration of thousands of different political bodies, which once covered all or part of modern day Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, France, Italy, Slovenia, Poland, Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic. The breed was primarily kept by the Germans, Dutch, Flemish, and Frisians, speakers of very closely related languages that until recent centuries were all considered to be one people. The Bullenbeisser was originally a type of Mastiff, introduced into German-Speaking lands from France, Italy, England, or possibly the Roman Empire that preceded them.

Although every member of the family is different, most Mastiffs are typified by large or massive size, a brachycephalic (pushed in) head, and strong protective instinct. It is unclear exactly when Mastiffs were first introduced to Germany, but it was almost certainly during either the Late Roman Period or the Dark Ages. Initially, the German Mastiffs were identical to other dogs of their type. Over the centuries, they became different as a result of differing local breeding preferences. In most of Western Europe (with the notable exceptions of Gascony and Naples) Mastiffs were primarily used as beasts of war and/or property guardians. Such dogs were commonly tied to a chain for their entire lives, or at least during the days. These beasts became monstrous in size and immensely powerful, but also became lazy and unathletic. By contrast, the Germans greatly preferred to use their Mastiffs for hunting. These were the only dogs that possessed the power, ferocity, and intelligence to hunt the largest and most dangerous prey found in Europe; the Boar, Bear, and Wolf.

German farmers also discovered that these dogs were both fast enough to catch a recalcitrant bull or hog and powerful enough to hold it in place until they could capture or kill it. As a result of being used for more physically demanding purposes, the German Mastiffs became less bulky than similar breeds, but more athletic, energetic, physically capable, and driven. At some point, German hunters crossed their Mastiffs with sighthounds, possibly Irish Wolfhound s imported from the British Isles. The resulting dog was ideally suited to boar hunting, earning it the name Boar Hound. Better known as the Doggen, Deutsch Dogge, or Great Dane , the Boar Hound gradually became Germany’s premiere big game hunting breed. While the older, more traditional-looking Mastiff continued to be used for hunting, it became more specialized as a working farm dog. The dog was also commonly pitted against either bulls or bears for sport, competitions known as bull-baiting and bear-baiting respectively. Eventually, the original form of the Mastiff became even smaller and more athletic than it had been previously.

This breed became known as either the Barenbeiszer or the Bullenbeisser (Bullenbijter in Dutch), which means, “Bear Biter,” and “Bull Biter.” For much of the Bullenbeisser’s existence, the Holy Roman Empire was composed of hundreds of independent states, ranging in size from a small town to the nation of Austria. Each of these states was governed in a different manner, some were democratic, others were duchies, and some were even controlled directly by the Roman Catholic Church. No matter the type, the ruling classes of many of these political bodies kept kennels of Bullenbeissers for hunting and combat, and farmers and butchers across the Empire did as well although usually for livestock catching. As a result of this political and geographic division, many different localized versions of Bullenbeisser were developed. One such variety was the Brabanter, named for its homeland of the Duchy of Brabant, divided between modern day Belgium and the Netherlands. The Brabanter was very similar to other Bullenbeissers, but was considerably smaller than most others. Beginning in the late 1500’s, the Dutch provinces became a major seafaring power.

Bullenbeissers accompanied Dutch sailors and settlers across the world. In 1652, Jan Van Riebeeck brought a Bullenbijter with him when he founded Kaapstad (Cape Town), the first permanent European settlement in what is now South Africa. After which, a number of other Bullenbeissers were imported to the Cape Colony, where the breed had a major impact on the development of the Rhodesian Ridgeback and the Boerboel . It is commonly theorized that the Bullenbeisser and the English Bulldog were occasionally crossed throughout history and influenced the development of one another. However, there does not appear to be any evidence to support this. Beginning in the early 15th Century, major technological and cultural changes began coming to Europe. The number of states in the Holy Roman Empire shrank dramatically as larger polities began to consume smaller ones. The size of the German nobility shrank, meaning that fewer and fewer people could afford to keep a kennel of Bullenbeissers. At the same time, the German population increased by a factor of several times. This resulted in more urbanization and considerably less land capable of supporting big game.

The combination of these factors would have driven many hunting breeds extinct. However, the Bullenbeisser was valuable for so many purposes that it continued to be bred. Primarily kept by working farmers and butchers who could ill-afford to feed a massive dog, the breed continued to shrink in physical size. The one saving grace for the Bullenbeisser in regards to greater urbanization was that it also led to increased crime rates, which in turn led to an increased demand for guard dogs. The end result was that an ever increasing number of German urban-dwellers began to keep the Bullenbeisser for personal and property protection. The demand for smaller more affordable protection dogs meant that the Brabanter became increasingly popular, and gradually began to replace other varieties of Bullenbeisser. Greatly reduced shipping costs meant that Germany was able to import dogs from across the world. Perhaps the most popular of these imports was the English Bulldog, at the time a very different animal, more similar to the American Bulldog of today than the modern English breed.

Lithe, energetic, and indomitable in combat, the English Bulldog served very similar functions to the Bullenbeisser, but was smaller, bulkier, and came in a wider variety of colors. In order to improve their dogs, many Bullenbeisser breeders began to cross their dogs with English Bulldogs. Previously an exclusively fawn or brindle breed with or without black markings, the English Bulldog introduced a white coat to the Bullenbeisser. Other breeds were also likely crossed with the Bullenbeisser as well, such as the Bull Terrier, English White Terrier , and Staffordshire Bull Terrier . At the same time, technology had begun to take the Bullenbeissers traditional functions, and new breeds such as the German Shepherd Dog were taking its roles as a protection and police dog. By the end of the 19th Century, the traditional Bullenbeisser was becoming increasingly rare and was likely slowly dying out. During the late 1800’s, dog shows were becoming an increasingly popular pastime with the European upper-classes.

This boom in popularity coincided with a tidal wave of German Nationalism inspired by the Unification of Germany led by the Prussian strongmen Otto Von Bismarck and Kaiser Wilhelm I. There was a desire throughout Germany to standardize the indigenous breeds. A number of fanciers decided to standardize the Bullenbeisser, and ideally return it to its ancestral form prior to the introduction of English Bulldog blood. These efforts were centered in Munich, and resulted in the creation of a standardized breed known as the Boxer. The first Boxers were probably about 50% Bullenbeisser and 50% English Bulldog. For a number of reasons, breeders favored the introduction of increasing amounts of Bullenbeisser blood. Many of the last Bullenbeissers were added to the bloodlines of the Boxer, which eventually became about 70% Bullenbeisser and 30% English Bulldog. However, the use of Bullenbeissers in the creation of the Boxer meant that fewer were available for breeding Bullenbeissers. The Boxer itself quickly became so popular across Germany that it completely replaced the old Bullenbeisser.

By the end of World War II, the Bullenbeisser was entirely extinct as an independent breed, but may have been virtually extinct prior to the end of World War I. In modern day, some have posited that the only true descendant of the now extinct Bullenbeisser is the American Pitbull Terrier (APT); a theory that is at the very least uneducated and at the most disproven by the known history of the APT. While there may be a connection between the APT and the ancient Barenbeiszer or Bullenbeisser (which mean, “Bear Biter,” and “Bull Biter” respectively), this connection rests solely on the theory the Bullenbeisser and the English Bulldog were occasionally crossed throughout history influencing the development of one another.

There is, however, no evidence to support this, and even if this were in fact the case, the connection between the modern APT and Bullenbeisser would have been diluted to the point of non existence by crosses between the English Bulldog and fighting Terriers during the 1840’s by English dog fighters in their quest to create the ultimate fighting dog; a crossing that would result in the birth of the also now extinct Bull and Terrier (the primary ancestor of the modern APT). A popular pit fighting dog of the 19th century, the Bull and Terrier breed would by 1860 (just two decades after its creation) begin to split into two branches, the pure white Bull Terrier and the colored forms that would eventually become recognized as a legitimate dog breed called the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. The modern Staffordshire Bull Terrier being one of three breeds, along with the American Staffordshire Terrier and American Pit Bull Terrier to be classified as a Bully Breed; a group that is often collectively referred to as Pit Bulls.

There is a great deal of debate as to the relationship of the three breeds, with some saying that they are completely separate breeds, and others saying that they are merely varieties of the same breed. Whatever their relation, and whether or not they bear a close resemblance to the ancient Bullenbeisser, they are a distinct genetic group all their own and not the modern reincarnation of the Bullenbeisser. Other modern breeds believed to have either a close connection to or be a good representation of the Bullenbeisser include the aforementioned Boxer, a 70% Bullenbeisser and 30% English Bulldog mix; the Great Dane which can trace roughly half of its ancestry to that breed, and the Boerboel and Rhodesian Ridgeback that were partially descended from Bullenbeisers brought to South Africa with Dutch colonists. The Banter Bulldoggeis created in the 1990’s by Todd Tripp, of Southeast Ohio is also commonly cited to be a good modern recreation of the Bullenbeisser.

Additionally many authorities on the subject feel that the present Spanish Bulldog ( Alano Espanol ) and very similar Dogo Argentino provide a nearly identical modern representation of the Bullenbeisser, not only in appearance but also in usage. History of the Great Dane There was some debate as to whether the Irish Wolfhound or Irish Greyhound played a secondary role in the Dane's development. The French naturalist Comte de Buffon, who lived during the 1700s, thought the Irish Wolfhound was the primary ancestor of the Dane because the Celts had taken some of the huge dogs from the Romans and English to Ireland where they were bred to the native Irish Wolfhounds. But Baron Georges Cuview, an anatomist who lived from the late 1700s thought it was the early result of an English Mastiff and Irish Wolfhound cross. The earliest Danelike dogs were called Boar Hounds, for the prey that hunted, but by the 16th century they were known as English Dogges. Around 1680, when German noblemen were breeding great numbers of the dogs, the biggest and most handsome dogs were kept inside their homes.

These dogs were called Kammerhunde, meaning Chamber Dogs. These pampered pets wore gilded collars trimmed with fringe and padded with velvet. Buffon gave the breed the name it's known by today. While traveling in Denmark, he saw the slimmer variety of the Boar Hound, which shared more similarities with the Greyhound. Buffon remarked that the Danish climate had caused the Greyhound to become a Grand Danois. Thereafter, the dogs became known as the Great Danish Dog, with the heavier dogs sometimes called Danish Mastiffs. The Danish name stuck-despite the fact that Denmark had nothing whatsoever to do with the development of the breed. German Influence Most fanciers today credit Germany with the well-balanced, elegant Great Dane as we know it. It is known that German nobility imported these English Boar Hounds until the 17th and 18th centuries, by which time they had developed their own breeding stock and no longer needed the imports. In 1880, a Dr.

Bodinus held a meeting in Berlin where judges and breeders agreed that the breed as developed by the Germans was distinctly different from the stockier English Mastiffs and would henceforth be known solely as the Deutsche Dogge, or German Dog. The Deutsche Doggen Club of German was founded, and the name Deutsche Dogge took hold in parts of Europe. The Germans had a hard time convincing other countries to accept the breed name, however. The Italians to this day call the breed Alano, which means mastiff. In England, the United States and other English-speaking countries, the dogs are called Great Danes.

Question: By what other name is the German Mastiff known?
Answer: GREAT DANE