What is an American Mastiff, and could you tell me a little about the history of the Mastiff breed?
Some people now use the term mastiff loosely, applying it to any super-sized canine. However the American Kennel Club gives Mastiff to one breed. Other names given to the Mastiff include English Mastiff and Old English Masitff. Mastiffss can range anywhere from 100 pounds to well over 300 pounds. The largest dog in recorded history was Zorba, a Mastiff that weighed 343 pounds and was eight foot three from the tip of his nose to the end of his tail! The Mastiff breed gained prominence and popularity primarily in England during the Middle Ages, where it was utilized by royalty to protect palace property and the upper-class inhabitants. During World War II however, Mastiffs almost vanished completely in England. Because of the Allied war effort, resources were extremely limited and British citizens were discouraged from feeding a dog quantities of food that could also feed a healthy, active British soldier. Owning a Mastiff was viewed as unpatriotic.
