What Were English Mastiffs Bred For?

The Old English mastiff is a very large and muscular dog, dubbed by many as "The Gentle Giant." This breed has traveled to many parts of the world in the several thousand years since its beginning, and was depicted in Egyptian art as early as 3,000 BCE. Like most other domesticated dogs, English mastiffs were bred for a purpose, a way to help human their masters.

  1. Soldiers

    • The sheer size and muscle mass of the mastiff made it a perfect companion for soldiers in the British military. In 55 BCE, these powerful dogs fought alongside the soldiers against the Romans who were invading Britain. Caesar was so impressed with the dogs he brought several of them back to Rome with him.

    Blood Sports

    • When English mastiffs were brought to Rome, the Romans took advantage of the dog's great strength in another manner. They placed them in the arena and pitted them against humans, lions and other dogs for the entertainment of the citizens and aristocracy of Rome. This spectacle was also popular in the United Kingdom until 1835, when the Cruelty to Animals Act was passed.

    Guardians

    • Mastiffs made wonderful guards for soldiers in the battlefield and, eventually, commoners realized they could make great guards for them, as well. They began using them to guard their homes and businesses from intruders. Those who were outdoors for long periods of time used them as guards from predators like wolves while they were sleeping. They also began keeping the dog as companions.

    Loyalty

    • Mastiffs are now bred for gentle temperaments and loving nature. They still serve as guardians of their families, but they are tolerant of friends and other pets, just as long as the owner establishes himself as the dominant member of the family. The assertiveness and stubbornness are still present in the dog, going back to their use as companions to soldiers and arena sports, but good training makes them great, fiercely loyal family dogs.