Non-Sporting Dogs

The Mastiff. "What the lion is to the cat, the Mastiff is to the dog, the noblest of the family" - so reads a 10th century opinion of this giant and fearless breed. As a fighting dog it was used in most wars of Asia and Europe, by the Romans, they were also used by the Romans to fight with wild beasts in the amphitheatre. In the 16th century in Britain they were used for baiting lions, bears, and bulls - four of them being loosed against a lion, and three against a bear. Tied during the day and loosed at night, the Mastiff for centuries was a terror to thieves and prowlers.

The modern dog is massive, powerful, and symmetrical, and moves with unexpected freedom. The head is broad and looks almost square, the lips are deep and somewhat pendulous, and the ears are small and thin. The chest is broad, causing the forelegs to be set apart, and the body is extremely powerful. Size the larger the better, (commonly 27-30 inches) provided the dog is massive, powerful, symmetrical and sound. Their high intelligence and fidelity, in alliance with their great strength, make them ideal guards. They take their duties In this respect with a good deal of seriousness, and some have been known to make a tour of the house at regular intervals during the night just to assure themselves that all is well.

The Newfoundland. A goodnatured, gentle dog of massive size, the Newfoundland gained fame in its native land as a superb waterdog. With its tremendous strength, slightly oily, water-resistant coat, and large webbed feet, the Newfoundland, is well equipped for rescue work at sea. Many lives of humans and animals have been saved by Newfoundlands, and some have been awarded the medal of the Royal Humane Society. In addition to its duties as a water dog, the Newfoundland can be trained to pull carts and carry loads on its back. In the home the Newfoundland is an obedient and intelligent companion and a dependable guardian of both home and children. Lord Byron's famous epitaph to his dog Boatswain well sums up the character of the breed:

"... beauty without vanity,
Strength without insolence,
Courage without ferocity,
And all the virtues of man
without his vices ..."

Back is strong and muscular, chest is deep and fairly broad. Legs should have plenty of bone. Even his tail has a good deal of power in it, and serves as a rudder when he is swimming. The head is impressive, being broad and massive, with the occiput well developed. The muzzle is short, clean-cut, and rather square in shape. The small, pendant ears serve to protect the orifice from water. Coat is flat, dense and of coarse texture and oily nature. At one time white-and-blacks were much in favour, now nearly all are a pure black.