The mastiffs war escapades, though unimaginable for the present day mastiff owner, includes the mastiff fighting along side the British against the Romans, laying down their lives for the sacrifice of their men. In favor, the men the mastiffs protected organized public fightings with mastiffs against lions, bears, tigers, bulls, boars, and even dropping a grown elephant to its knees!  Their reputation as ferocious fighters was soon overridden by their loyalty and companionship. In later years, the Mastiff was bred less to attack and more as a guardian and pet. When visitors came to the castles, the Mastiff was trained to walk close to the guest and lean heavily against them and growl. This was a show of, “I’m watching you!” rather than, “I’ll eat you,” and if you’ve ever had a 250 lb. dog lean all its weight against you and lowly growl, you can see that it’s enough to know that you’re on notice and best behave yourself.

          When times became rough in Europe, and people were not able to afford such large dogs, the mastiff numbers dwindled severly, and were crossbred with smaller, more efficient dogs. It was not even until 1873 that pedigrees were begining to be kept and the breed pieced back together.