The Mastiff is a grand and noble breed. His courage never exceeds his temper and in his loyalty he equals the kindness of any. He is not given to roaming or excitability. His docility is perfect. However, if a stranger approaches he is wary. He makes a excellent guard dog with just his size it is enough to frighten away a stranger. You only have to hope they don't see the tail wagging. He seems to love just being lazy. I can't seem to get Rocky or Suzy to want to play fetch, unless maybe you throw some food. The look they give is one of confusion at why should I run after a ball? I'm sure they can be trained to fetch, they are smart, sensitive and eager to please. Raising you voice in anger is enough to hurt their feelings. They will give you a look of shame and sadness. They can really make you feel guily. Mastiff are very social, growing up as a member of the family he will learn his place, always giving joy.
Mastiff come in varying body color. The accepted colors are silver fawn, fawn, apricot fawn and dark fawn brindle with muzzle, nose and ears black with black around the eyes. Their size big Rocky is 31 inches and weighs 182 lbs. Very many Mastiffs are even bigger weighing over 200 lbs.
There is Mastiff blood in many of the current breeds you see today. Breeds such as the Bullmastiff, Rottweiler, Great Dane, Newfoundland, Saint Bernard, Great Pyrenees, etc., were created using Mastiffs.
Some hundred years ago the Mastiff was a great warrior. He fought the battles man put him in, and he fought them well. Those days are long gone, and no one seems to be happier about that than the Mastiff himself.