Dogs have been used as guardians of the home for many centuries, and special crosses between early breeds were made to produce exceptionally fierce and dangerous dogs for guarding large estates. From those breeds have come some of today's famous working guard dogs, such as the Mastiff, which is easily trained and quite fearless.
The World of Dogs, by Angela Rixon.
Smith Mark Publishing 1994
Size: Large to Giant
Dog: 63.5-69 cm (25-27 in); 50-59 kg (110-130 lb.)
Bitch: 66-61 cm (24-26 in); 41-50 kg (90-110 lb.)
Grooming: Easy
Exercise: Medium
Feeding: Demanding
Temperament: Reserved, & Faithful
The New Guide To Dog Breeds, by Mike Stockman
Published by Hermes House, 1998
The Mastiff is loyal and suspicious of strangers, and is used as a guard dog.
The Mastiff, as a former guard dog and war dog, was undoubtedly bred for violence.
Character: Brave, Intelligent and Loyal
Exercise: Needs Plenty. Best kept on a farm or estate.
Grooming: Daily Brushing
Feeding: 2 1/2 -4 cans (14 oz/400g size) of branded meaty
product, with Biscuit added in equal part by volume.
Longevity: Average
The Mastiff stands 30 inches at the shoulder (76 cm), bitches 27 1/2 inches (70 cm)
The Mastiff is an ancient and powerful guard dog, already found in Britain when Julius Caesar landed in 55 B.C. It is said that, at the time, the Mastiff was fighting along side his British Masters. There after the Romans took a number of these power dogs back with them to fight in the arenas of Rome.
Dog Facts, by Joan Palmer
Published by Barnes & Noble, 1991
The Mastiff is among the most ancient breeds of dog. Mastiff-like dogs were treasured by the Babylonians over 4000 years ago, and the Mastiff has been resident in Britain since the time of Julius Caesar. The breed has proved its worth as a formidable guard and as a hunter. The Mastiff was depicted on the 12th century Bayeux Tapestry and in the painting by Van Dyck (1599-1641) of the children of King Charles I. Shakespeare's play, "Henry V", mentions "... mastiff of unmatchable courage."
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds, by Joan
Palmer
Published by Wellfleet Press, 1994
The most vicious, violent, and loyal dog known in these parts of the realms. The great mastiff stands alone often after his master has fallen in battle. That's why when I trains'em I always shows'em the way home. (he he he) Just in case their master bites off more than he can chew. Which more often than not is the cast with these young wipper-snappers now-a-days! Why once I had one of my dawgs drag his masters dead carcass back to the kennel with him! Not much left of the poor fellow, but I tell you this. Money can't buy you a better friend!
Great Deeds by Great Dawgs by Touborg Tavern
Trasher
Published by Lumpfish Limited Publishing, Year of the Dwarf 209