Dog Show Saturday - English Mastiff

This is Tater.  Mom says she sees him at alot of shows with his owner, Emily.  He's wearing one of the bibs Mom makes because he drools a bit (understatement). We wondered what he's like, so Mom looked it up.

This is what an English Mastiff looks like all grown up.  They are an ancient breed that has been around for millenia!  One place said they had evidence of this breed from 3,000 B.C.! They fought along soldiers in wars and were used for bear or bull baiting or other sports in the Roman colosseum. They became popular for guarding their people.

English Mastiffs are the largest breed of dog, with many of them around 200 pounds or so.  They aren't as tall as the Great Dane or the Irish Wolfhound but they are a whole lot broader and more muscular! They are varying shades of tan with black on their faces and big blocky heads.

Mastiffs are usually known as gentle giants.  They are natural guard dogs also, usually holding the intruder at bay rather than attacking.  These dogs are described as calm, even-tempered and excellent with children.  

They don't tend to need as much exercise as many large breeds, but still need daily activity to keep them happy and healthy.  They do eat alot, so they cost a bit more to keep, but they sure are sweethearts!