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Mastiff
A giant breed of dog, of
the working dog variety, which supposedly originated in Asia
in remote antiquity, and was known in Egypt about 3000 B.C. The
English type, called the Old English Mastiff, has been known
for about 2000 years. It was employed for fighting in warfare,
for hunting, and for protecting homes and farms from wolves and
other wild beasts. The dog today is used as a watchdog and household
pet. The Mastiff has a large, well-knit frame; it weighs from
about 155 to 175 pounds, the dog being about 30 inches high at
the shoulder and the bitch about 27. The dog has a massive head,
with a broad skull; small, v-shaped ears; medium-sized dark-brown
eyes that are set wide apart; a short, blunt muzzle; a powerful,
muscular neck; a deep chest; and a tail that is wide at the root
and tapers to the end. The Mastiff has a rather coarse outer
coat and a thick, smooth undercoat; in color the dog is tan or
fawn, both sometimes brindled. The breed is noted for its courage
and gentleness.
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