Mountain Mastiff

The hybrid called the Mountain Mastiff is a new breed of dog without a detailed history. The two breeds that are bred to create the hybrid have long histories. The Bernese Mountain Dog is thought to have descended from the Molosser, which is a Mastiff type dog. Dogs of the breed were used for work on farms in Switzerland for more than 2000 years in the Alps. The Bernese Mountain Dog was bred for jobs like pulling carts and did well guarding property and offering protection for livestock. In addition to his work, he functioned as a companion. As industrialization began, the need for a dog to work on a farm decreased. Fortunately the Swiss took actions to preserve the breed. As with the Bernese Mountain Dog, the Mastiff descended from the Molosser. Appreciated for being strong and brave, Mastiff type dogs took on many jobs, from war dogs and hunters to guard dogs. It is thought that these dogs were first brought to the British Isles by Phoenician trading vessels between 2000 and 1500 BC. By the Roman invasion in 55 BC, Mastiffs were put to work as war dogs in the resistance against Rome. Julius Caesar was impressed by the size and bravery of the Mastiff and brought a pack to Rome to battle lions and gladiators. The breed was later used for bull and bear baiting along with pit fighting. Today’s Mastiffs are descendants of these fighting dogs, though due to a selective breeding program, the breed are now found to be docile giants. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1885.