The mastiff, also known as the old English mastiff, boasts an ancient heritage. The dogs were found in Britain at the time that the Romans invaded the island they may have been brought there by Phoenician traders as early as the 6th century BC. The Romans employed the dogs as guardians for sheep and bodyguards for people.
A mastiff reportedly came to America on the Mayflower. Today, the dog is well established in England, Canada and America. Although the dog's talents include guarding, police work, and military work as well as search and rescues, many of today's mastiffs consider their mission in life to be a loving companion to their human packs.
According to the Cynographica Britannica, which was published in 1800, What the Lion is to the Cat, the Mastiff is to the Dog. The noblest of the family, he stands alone, and all others sink before him.