Mastiff History and Development

“Mastiffs” are of the Molosser group and all are guarding breeds, though their specific functions may differ.  Aristotle, the great Greek writer, recommended that a suitable cross for the famous “hounds of Sparta” would be the “Molussus”.  Such a cross was considered to produce an animal with unsurpassed courage, fidelity and endurance.  Some Mastiffs were developed as guards of humans and property while others as guards of sheep or goats.  Probably every dog breed of today has been produced by cross breeding.  The fact that the word “Mastiff” has been used over the centuries should not be taken as proof that any dog within the group today is similar to the dogs alleged to have fought in the Roman arena or in pre-Christian times.  In the Middle Ages the word “Mastiff” was used as a generic term for any large dog with distinct guarding abilities.  There were Mastiffs used to draw carts, “butcher” Mastiffs whose function was to pin down the animals in the slaughter houses and fighting and bating Mastiffs but the term was usually applied to large dogs used as guards of houses and other property.  The “Bandog” was another name for the Mastiff.  It derived from the Saxon word “banda”, meaning a chain, as the dog was chained by day and allowed to roam on the property at night.  There were certainly various types of Mastiffs, lighter built, hound-like dogs used for hunting and the heavier, low-slung, used a guard and watchdog.  Today, Old English Mastiffs and Bull Mastiffs are the most renown Mastiffs, however, there are several other Mastiff breeds, for example, the Fila Brasileiro, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog, the Spanish Mastiff, the Pyrenean Mastiff, the Dogue de Bordeaux, the Neapolitan Mastiff.  

Generally as a group, there may be a tough exterior shown to the outside world, but this is balanced by an amazing and unique loyalty and affection to their owner, provided that such an owner cultivates this side of the dog’s nature and does not attempt to stimulate aggression.  Indifference to anyone outside the immediate family is a common trait of the Mastiff group but, to those who are within the family, the dogs have an inherent desire to please, and they show genuine contrition of they realize that they have caused offence.  They have a strong guarding instinct and are dogs of spirit. 

Medically, they may be prone to orthopaedic problems for examples, hip dysplasia, luxated patella, spondylosis of the spine, and cranial cruciate ligament disease, the latter requiring surgery that is very costly.  They can have chronic ear problems that require weekly maintenance and “cherry eye”, more associated with Neapolitan Mastiffs.  Their dietary needs include excellent quality food that is typically purchased at high end specialty pet shops.  Examples of foods are Wellness, Timberwolf,  Innova, Pinnacle,  Solid Gold, etc.  Some Mastiffs enjoy and benefit from a raw food diet; others enjoy fresh cooked meats added to their special kibble.  Nutraceuticals are a must including approved Glucosamine and Chondroitin, Vitamin C, MSM addressing inflammatory issues.  If they are older and develop degenerative joint disease and also for acute problems, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication may be prescribed by the DVM.  These latter medications can be quite costly and Owners of Mastiffs must have the financial resources to care for their gentle giant in the proper manner.  We strongly recommend purchasing pet insurance to help defray the costs associated with many of the above mentioned conditions and associated surgeries. 

Mastiffs drool, require grooming to maintain their beautiful coats, toenails trimmed periodically yet they are inside dogs and prefer being with their human companion curled up by the fireplace in the winter and in air condition during the hot summer months. 

Their devotion to their human companion is unparalleled.  Before you consider a Mastiff, we strongly encourage reading about this magnificent breed, their potential health problems and care that they require. Sugarland Ranch screens applicant ensuring that the applicant has the resources to properly address these issues.   

Dogue de Bordeaux and Mastino Napoletano

 Sugarland Ranch has had the privilege of caring for Dogues de Bordeaux and Neapolitan Mastiffs.  The following provides brief information regarding these magnificant Mastiff breeds.

 The Dogue de Bordeaux is probably one of the most ancient French breeds, though it only became known by this name in the 2^nd part of the 19^th century.  The Dogue is sometimes called a “French Mastiff”, deriving from the old name, “Matin”, which comes from the same root as the word “Mastiff”.  In the old days, Dogues were kept for all sorts of jobs:  hunting, fighting, guarding, and pulling loads.  Butchers used them to prevent steers getting away and to keep them in their place and also for pulling loads of meat from the slaughterhouse to their shops.   During the First World War, some Dogues helped to drag injured people to safety.  Another task given to them was hunting animals such as boars.   In Britain, the Dogue was only officially recognized by the Kennel Club in November, 1997.  More recently efforts are underway to have this magnificent Mastiff recognized by the AKC here in the USA.          

 Faithfulness to its master is one of the Dogue’s main features.  It is a very affectionate and gentle dog with its owner.  It would be an error to leave it alone to guard property or keep it in a kennel all day long.  It is gifted at guarding without aggression.  It has an instinct for protecting “its” family and especially the children.  IT is calm and not easily upset.  Its reaction threshold is high, which means it does not easily become aggressive.  Dogues have a STRONG sense of devotion to their master and ALWAYS like to be nearby.

 Mastini Napoletanos or Neapolitan Mastiffs (“Neos”) are totally devoted to their human companion and wary of strangers.  They have a guard dog history and to this day are considered a formidable guard dog par excellence.  Did such dogs exist over two thousand years ago?  Is it possible that the sculptor just imagined that such a dog existed?  What was this ancient giant dog of the Middle East, and what were its origins?  It is known that the Greeks and, later, the Romans, admired the ferocious Mastiff-type dogs which were not uncommon in the Middle East. 

 The prime mover in introducing the breed to the USA was the late Michael Sotile of New Jersey who in 1973 founded The Neapolitan Mastiff Club of America.    This breed is unique, both physically and mentally.  There is an aura of ancient mysticism in their inscrutable expression and few can overlook their compelling presence.  LOYALTY and COMPANIONSHIP to those that it loves are its passwords.  Not only is it deeply affectionate but, when the very necessary degree of rapport has been established between dog and owner, the breed is so perceptive that if frequently seems to be able to read the thoughts of the person to whom it has become attached.  This attachment to one person is a breed characteristic.  It needs close contact and the ability to share its deep affection with its owner.  It is when starved of affection that the temperament can become unreliable.  To strangers there is usually a degree of controlled intolerance.  It may not be the ideal large breed for the complete novice, but you can make of Neapolitans what you will.  If you own it, train it, and offer companionship and love but, at the same time, insist on the necessary degree of control, you will be rewarded by owning a breed which has few peers.  If you neglect it, fail to understand and control it, or encourage it to be vicious, you will create a liability both to yourself and anyone with whom the dog comes in contact.

Visiting friends are accepted with a calm indifference.  Its role as a guard and battle dog has not been lost in the mists of time, but today, in a more civilized environment, such urges are cunningly controlled.

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