Dogs of large breeds – result of purposeful selection work. A part of these breeds was removed for protection of royal families, a part – for participation in fights, a part – for protection, transportation of goods and a pasture of sheep. The breeds differing in especially large sizes and big weight in the world about 20, but an undoubted champion among them is the English mastiff.
History of breedThe largest dog in the world - the objective criterion which is defined by the average extent and weight of representatives of breed. Such breed recognized the English mastiff. Huge dogs who in ancient Babylon were used during hunting for wild horses were her ancestors. Presumably and the name of breed came from the word "mastinus" which is meant in Latin by "dog horse".
Still there are disputes whether mastiffs got to Britain together with the Roman legionaries who were to win new territories for the empire, or on the contrary – Romans took away these dogs who participated then in deadly fights with gladiators to the capital. Anyway, among ancestors of the English mastiffs fighting dogs of Romans, mastiffs from ancient Assyria and the sentry dogs brought by ancient Celts are registered. In Great Britain these dogs at first were used as security guards, with them hunted and trained them for participation in fights with other dogs.
Saved this breed from dark oblivion and extinction enthusiasm of clubmen of ancient English mastiffs, they since 1872 were engaged in cultivation and selection of this breed. Mastiffs managed to endure epidemic of a distemper and two world wars.
The English mastiff – 90 kilograms of kindnessThe modern standard of breed is a dog of a strong constitution with massive brawny lobbies and hinder legs, the large, well molded head with folds on a forehead. Trailing ears, average length, the crescent tail is put highly and lowered down. Wool at the English mastiffs short and rigid, has different shades of an apricot color, at the same time on ears and a muzzle it has to be dark. Decoration of a muzzle are brown eyes, serious and clever, as at the person.
It is important to bring up correctly a mastiff, since childhood inspiring in it a concept about hierarchy and stopping any feeble efforts on authority of the owner. Puppies have quite stubborn character therefore you have to be able to insist on the.
The English mastiff by nickname Zorbo weighing 154 kg is entered in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest dog. Growth of standard representatives of breed in withers is up to 76 cm, weight – up to 90 kg, but there are, of course, also larger copies which weight exceeds 100 kg. Despite the quite bloody past, menacing look and the impressive sizes, the English mastiff – the kindest soul a being, the real gentleman, at due education quiet and able to behave podobayushche. This is the loyal friend and the vigilant security guard who is selflessly loving all family members, and especially children.