The Mastiff is descended from the large, mastiff-type dogs brought to Britain as early as the 6th century BC, by Phoenician traders. The English Mastiffs were crossed with local fighting dogs and were used for hunting, and as fighters against bears, lions, bulls, and eventually dogs. However they were most prized as a family guardian, courageous, yet devoted to their family; they maintained this popularity for over 2000 years in Britain, only to be reduced in numbers close to extinction after World War II; a breed census confirmed that there were only 8 English Mastiffs of breeding age left. With the help of a Canadian breeder who sent over puppies, the Mastiff was restored, and has again attained a high level of popularity.

Appearance
The Mastiff is powerfully built, with a massive body, broad skull and head of generally square appearance.
The size of the English Mastiff should be very large and sound and give an impression of power and strength when viewed from any angle. The body of the English Mastiff is massive with great depth and breadth, especially between the forelegs, causing these to be set wide apart. While no height or weight is specified for this breed, the approximate height is 27 inches to 32 inches (70 to 80 cm) and weight is 80 kg to 90 kg (175 to 200 lb). According to the AKC they are one of the heaviest dog breed in the world (following St Bernards).

Character
The Mastiff breed is a combination of grandeur, dignity, and courage; calm and affectionate to its master, but capable of guarding. The English Mastiff is innately good natured, calm, easygoing, and surprisingly gentle. It is a well-mannered house pet but needs sufficient room to stretch out. The Mastiff is an extremely loyal breed and though not excessively demonstrative, it is devoted to its family and good with children. However, it can be very protective of its owners and must be handled sensibly, since it is exceptionally powerful and can be difficult to control. When an "unrecognizable" visitor enters the home, the English Mastiff will usually place itself between its master and the visitor until their master has recognized the visitor in a way that appears to be compassionate or friendly. The English Mastiff does not enjoy hot weather. It can live outdoors in temperate or cool weather, but it does not do well in warm weather; in fact, even though it may be physically able to live outside, the Mastiff is a breed that should live inside with its family so that it will be inclined to fulfill its role of devoted guardian. The English Mastiff tends to drool.
 

Temperament
The Mastiff is a courageous and intelligent dog, yet gentle and biddable. The English Mastiff makes a wonderful companion in a setting with a good deal of space. As with all dogs that are giants at maturity, training should begin early during puppyhood.

Exercise/Training
The adult English Mastiff needs daily moderate exercise, consisting of either a good walk or game. Playing and obedience are very good types of mental exercise. 20 minutes obedience and playing with your Mastiff will be more useful for the dogs exercise then an hour walk on the leash can provide.

Color
The short coat of the Mastiff is close-lying and the color is apricot-fawn, silver-fawn, fawn, or dark fawn-brindle, always with black on the muzzle, ears, and nose and around the eyes.

Grooming
The coat of the English Mastiff needs only a very little grooming and coat maintenance. A good nutrition and regular brushing keeps the proper coat shine and the skin healthy. Bathing doesn’t harm the coat of the Mastiff as long as you use a good quality shampoo that doesn't dry the skin and coat and is formulated for a canine coat. The ears of the English Mastiff should be kept clean and regularly inspected as well.

Any breed described as "good with children", the dog must be accustomed to children. Any dog that is not well socialized with children will not behave predictably around them. As with all dogs, they should never be left alone with young children.