“What the Lion is to the Cat the Mastiff is to the Dog, the noblest of the family; he stands alone, and all others sinking before him. His courage does not exceed its temper and generosity and in attachment he equals the kindest of his race.”

– Cynographia Britannica  1800

The Mastiff is typically an extremely loyal breed, exceptionally devoted to its family and good with children and small dogs.  According to some records of the pilgrims, two dogs, a Mastiff and a spaniel, accompanied the Plymouth colonists aboard the Mayflower on their journey to the new world.

“To anyone who wishes to rear a true Mastiff, in all his perfection of utility, let me say, begin by making a friend of your dog, let him accompany you on your walks abroad; let him come into your house and lie before your fire and in every way connect himself with you and your well-being ….  Do not attempt to ‘conquer’ him or ‘break him in’…. First love your dog, next make him love you; you will never regret having gained his love and confidence, and the day may come when you will be repaid an hundredfold.”

– William Wade 1891

It is highly recommended that Mastiff puppies be socialized from the age of eight to sixteen weeks.

A true Mastiff instinctively will protect and guard. It is not necessary to teach a true Mastiff to defend.