English Mastiff

Dog (domestic dog)

The English Mastiff, or simply the Mastiff, is a British breed of very large dog of mastiff type. It is likely descended from the ancient Alaunt and Pugnax Britanniae, with a significant input from the Alpine Mastiff in the 19th century. Distinguished by its enormous size, massive head, short coat in a limited range of colours, and always displaying a black mask, the Mastiff is noted for its gentle and loving nature. The lineage of modern dogs can be traced back to the early 19th century, but the modern type was stabilised in the 1880s and refined since. Following a period of sharp decline, the Mastiff has increased its worldwide popularity, although it continues to be classed as a vulnerable breed in its country of origin, with only 104 registered births recorded in the UK in 2020. Throughout its history the Mastiff has contributed to the development of a number of dog breeds, some generally known as mastiff-type dogs or, confusingly, just as "mastiffs". It is the largest living canine, outweighing the wolf by up to 50 kg (110 lbs) on average.