There is evidence of Mastiff-like giant dogs dating back as far as 2500 BC in the mountains of Asia. Bas-reliefs from the Babylonian palace of Ashurbanipal (now on display in the British Museum) depict Mastiff-type dogs hunting lions in the desert near the Tigris River. 

 Phoenician traders are believed to have introduced the Mastiff to ancient Britain, where the Romans found them and brought them back to fight in their arenas

Other sources indicate that Mastiffs were used as war dogs by the ancient Celts, and accompanied their masters into battle, the Romans found Mastiffs to be formidable opponents in battle.

Since that time Mastiffs have played an inherent part in English history which is well documented.  The 2 world wars almost finished the breed but wisely a number of dogs were exported to America and Canada and some of these lines were imported to re-establish them in this country.  Rightly or wrongly the Mastiff is sometimes referred to as the 'English Mastiff' although its correct name is the 'Mastiff'.

Mastiff's are no longer bred for fighting and many people are surprised to find them gentle giants, although they have still maintained their guarding tendencies.

Amber and Keeta: Click on image for bigger picture