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Old
English Mastiff
Characteristics
The Breed Characteristics
CH.
Cedwalla Sweet Charity
"Pam and Doug Chidwick's, Top Winning
Mastiff 1996 and 1997 also Best of
Breed Crufts l996 and l997."
The name Mastiff derives from the
Anglo-Saxon word "masty" meaning stout
or powerful. It was first recorded in
a Court role in l251. Although the
dogs of today are not perhaps exactly
in the same form as they were then,
the breed still retains the courage
and guarding instincts so prized in
his ancestors.
APPEARANCE
The Mastiff is a large powerful dog,
both in height and girth. His body
long and deep throughout. Heavily
boned, he should be balanced and free
from exaggeration. His head is broad
and square, his foreface short broad
and blunt. The mask and small ears
must be black.
CHARACTERISTICS
Whilst possessed of size and
substance, it is the unique presence
and "Grandeur" that is the hallmark of
the breed. A Mastiff is a proud dog;
his home is his castle. Yet he is
steadfast in his loyalty and his
courage.
TEMPERAMENT
His courage never exceeds his temper
and in his loyalty he equals the
kindness of any. He is not given to
roaming or excitability. His docility
is perfect. However, if a stranger
approaches he is wary. He will make
his presence felt and determine
acceptability.
COLOUR
Historically the Mastiff came in
varying body colour including black
and was frequently depicted with white
markings. Today the accepted colours
are silver fawn, fawn, apricot fawn
and dark fawn brindle with muzzle,
nose and ears black with black around
the orbits.
SIZE
No minimum or maximum height or weight
restriction is standardised in the UK.
Size must be viewed as important to
maintain the appearance of a massive
dog. Of equal merit is that size must
be relative to soundness, quality and
balance.
Produced
by the Old English Mastiff Club -
January, l998.
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