There are around 20 recognised and regional kinds of mastiff and mastiff types known as “molossers,” which just means large, solid guardians and defenders.
Only one type is officially called Mastiff and that is the English mastiff.
While mastiff dogs are known as calm and affectionate, gentle giants, especially around family, they retain guarding instincts.
They have territorial traits with protective responses that require careful training and socialisation from an early age.
Mastiff dogs were first used around 2,500 BC in Asia and Mesopotamia.
There are Babylonian and Assyrian carvings that show these solid, large dogs.
The Romans later took British mastiff dogs back to Rome for arena battles.
Armies from ancient civilisations like the English, Romans and Spanish would use these animals as war dogs to break up enemy lines and inflict physical and psychological terror.
War dogs were trained to bite and maul and were often fitted with padded leather armour and spiked collars.
They also guarded prisoners. The mastiff breed was officially defined and recognised in the late 1800s.
The most common type of mastiff in Australia is the Bullmastiff, he was bred by English gamekeepers, back in the 16th to 18th century and originated from crossing the Old English bulldog (large type) with the English mastiff.
This type of dog could cover distances quickly and they were trained to knock down a poacher and hold him there until the gamekeeper arrived to apprehend the intruder or thief.
These dogs were bred and trained to not bite or maul, just pin down and hold, and they tracked silently.
This ancestry produced a powerful, active and reliable dog that is manageable and loyal, showing attributes that made them a sound working dog.
Gamekeepers managed properties ranging from 3,000 to 80,000 acres.
They were hired to protect native wildlife and stop fishing by poachers, also to remove predatory animals, ensuring a plentiful supply for the landowner’s hunting parties.
All the mastiff dog breeds have short lifespans of eight to ten years.
The temperament of modern bred mastiff dogs is docile and affectionate, but they can weigh up to 60kg and be fearless if provoked.
These dogs need early (if possible) socialisation and training.
They require regular walks and human companionship and can be prone to boredom and separation anxiety.
They are also known to be gentle and good with children.
