The Mastiff is a dog of immense proportions as well as personality. These stately giants have been protecting their masters and property as well as fighting alongside them in war for thousands of years. Depictions of dogs displaying typical Mastiff appearance are found on Egyptian monuments dating back to 3000 BC! Around 55 BC Romans, impressed with their courage and power in battle, brought them back from war to be used in bull-baiting, lion fights, as well as fights with gladiators. Mastiffs eventually became popular with English peasants, who employed them to protect the home and control menacing predators. Today they are admired for their calm, amiable character, and their size of course. Their coats are short and low maintenance and but they do need regular exercise and room to move.
Each AKC approved purebred breed has its own national club. The mission of these “parent breed clubs” is to improve and preserve a particular breed by advancing knowledge about its history, its health and care requirements and by assuring that the breed’s form and function remain true to its historical physical type and character: A Dalmatian, for instance, should be athletic and have a natural affinity for working with horses. A Fox Terrier should have the right body size and shape, and a drive to go after vermin.
Pet owners, breeders, trainers, veterinarians, and others with a special love for a breed, join the parent breed club to meet like-minded enthusiasts and to support the club’s mission.
The national parent breed club is the first place for the public to go to learn about a breed or find a knowledgeable, experienced breeder.
Discover Animals is a web-based educational resource offered by the NAIA
