Mastiffs are a group of large, solidly built
breeds , Pet Ants of
dogs , Silken Windhound typically with heavy bones, pendant
ears, , Whippet a relatively short and well-muscled neck, and a short muzzle. The English Mastiff
breed , Scottish Terriers is also sometimes called simply a Mastiff. Although some mastiff
breeds , EINSIEDLER and FREIBERGER Horses are used for search and
rescue, , Indian Half Bred Horse such as the Saint Bernard and the Newfoundland, most are used as guard
dogs, , American Wirehair due to their deep voices and natural guarding instincts, or herding
dogs, , Frogs not for actual herding but for protection against large predators as well as poachers. Some
breeds , Manchester Terrier like the Greater Swiss Mountain
Dog , Snowshoe have also been used as cart
dogs. , Mangalarga
The word 'Mastiff' is derived from Old French mastin or Provençal mastis, which both derive from Vulgar Latin *mansuetinus 'domesticated'. The form of the word is also influenced by another Old French word, namely mestif "mongrel".
Other words for 'mastiff' are 'molosser' (from Molossia, a country , Gordon Setter once located in what is now Western Greece), 'dogge' (Germanic) and 'dogue' or 'dogo' (romance languages).
The origin of the Mastiff is disputed, but Assyrian bas-relief carvings of Mastiffs found in Nineveh date back as far as approximately 640 BC. Many believe that the Tibetan Mastiff is the ancestor of modern Mastiffs, although there is little evidence to support this theory. It is a fact, though, that large watchdogs have existed in Asia and the Middle East for several thousand years.
Some of today's Mastiff breeds , Manchester Terrier come from the British Isles and points farther north, which accounts for their thick coats , Chinook and solid build. The name 'Mastiff' is also used specifically for one breed, , American Wirehair also known as the English Mastiff or Old English Mastiff.
