There does not appear to be a time in the written history of the human race that Mastiffs were not known. Their history is a continuous one extending through to the present day.

A bas relief dated about 2200 B.C., serves as a good starting point in the history of these dogs as we know them. Later, one notes the Babylonian bas reliefs belonging to the Palace of Assurbanipa (about 700 B.C.) which display scenes of hunting wild horses and lions with Mastiffs. Ancient illustrations show that even in early times the Mastiff was prized not only as a most efficient watchdog, but also as a valued friend and ally.

Although the Mastiff has in modern times been identified with the British Isles, distribution was formerly much wider than is generally imagined and he was to be found throughout the greater part of both Asia and Europe. In fact, Marco Polo informs us that when he visited the Court of the great Mogul Emperor Kublai Khan, he found that 5,000 Mastiffs were kept for the purpose of hunting lions and other big game.

The Mastiff was found in England when the Romans first landed and it will probably never be definitely ascertained whether the breed was introduced by the Phoenicians or as a result of dog trading with the Continent. English Mastiffs were greatly prized by the Romans who exported large numbers to Rome and other cities, for the purpose of fighting in the arenas.

The breed has been prominent throughout English history. In Norman times the Mastiffs were kept as watchdogs and were the only dogs permitted within the precincts of forests. In the time of Henry V they were greatly esteemed by the knight and warrior classes and accompanied their masters in battle. Henry VIII is said to have presented four hundred Mastiffs to Charles V on the occasion of an alliance with him against Frances I of France, to be used as fighting dogs in his wars.

After the cessation of bear baiting, Mastiffs appear to have declined in popularity and in many instances the breed was hurt by cross breeding. There does, however, appear to be evidence that many fine specimens could still be found in the possession of wealthy noblemen and gentlemen in England and that the true Mastiff continued to be bred at Lyme Hall, by the Legh Family; at Chatsworth, by the Duke of Devonshire; at Elvaston, by the Earl of Harrington, and at Trenthan by the Duke of Sutherland.

World War II dealt a serious blow to these great dogs. England was forced to deplete its fine livestock after the German attach on Poland and the resultant major struggle. Mastiff fanciers did their best as Britain entered total war with Hitler. Many Mastiffs were sent to America and there has been a steady increase in their popularity in North America ever since.

The dignity that is the emblem of an ancient and noble heritage is etched in every line of the Mastiff's visage and hopefully, keen and intelligent breeders will once again restore this splendid animal to his rightful place at the head of the canine race.