Renee
Well-Known Member
What is a Mastiff?
Most of the normal reference sources define "mastiff" narrowly, in terms like this:
But those definitions don't begin to encompass the variety and number of the breeds that belong to the Mastiff family.
So, how do WE define Mastiff? Now it's our turn to see if we can't do a better job of it.
Most of the normal reference sources define "mastiff" narrowly, in terms like this:
an old breed of powerful deep-chested smooth-coated dog used chiefly as a watchdog and guard dog
wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn
An ancient breed of large strong dogs, probably originating in Asia and having a short, often fawn-colored coat.
www.geocities.com/angelofyourdreams01/dbattle.html
One of several large breeds of dog (such as bulldogs and Saint Bernards), often used as guard dogs
en.wiktionary.org/wiki/mastiff
mas·tiff (mas′tif)
noun
any of a breed of large, powerful dog with hanging lips and drooping ears and having a short, thick, often fawn-colored coat, dark on the muzzle, nose, and ears: formerly used for hunting, now often a watchdog and guard dog also called Old English mastiff
But those definitions don't begin to encompass the variety and number of the breeds that belong to the Mastiff family.
So, how do WE define Mastiff? Now it's our turn to see if we can't do a better job of it.