This what is usually ment when someone refers to a mastiff. Old English mastiffs are descended from the Tibetan mastiff, which were introduced to Europe by the Phoenicians. In Great Britain they were breed to be a bloodthirsty fighting dogs, to be used as guard dogs.

They have since been rehabilitated, and now are gentle dogs that make affectionate pets. Mastiffs are big, heavy dogs; minimum height is 30 inches for males, 27 1/2 for females. Weight 79-86 kg. (175-190 pounds). They have wide heavy heads, with slightly pendent lips.

Mastiffs look somewhat like a heavy Rottweilers, and Rottweiler are probably descended from the related Italian mastiffs.

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