MASTIFF VARIETIES. 159 



THE MASTIFF. 



THE MASTIFF, BAN-DOG, or Keeper, appears indubitably, and in opposition to 

 the authority of Buffbn, to be a primitive species of the Dog 1 , which is merely to 

 say that, an established breed under such denomination, has been known as long- as 

 tradition or record extend. . We speak however of the British Mastiff only, as at 

 least the most ancient, since they were sought in this Country, whilst under the 

 dominion of the ancient Romans; their Emperors, according to the account 

 delivered down by Historians, sending officers hither, whose business it was to select 

 Mastiffs of the largest size and most distinguished courage and ferocity, for the 

 purpose of exhibition in the combats of the Amphitheatre, both against wild beasts 

 and men ! From hence it is obvious that, if this peculiar race were not confined to 

 Britain, they were yet to be found here in superior perfection. The scientific des- 

 cription of the Mastiff, cants familiar is Anglicus, seems to indicate him as of an 

 English breed, peculiar to this Country. 



Dogs are at all periods especially liable to an intermixture of breeds, and we 

 read in very early times of Mastiff Varieties ; for example, of the smaller and 

 mongrel Mastiffs. The old Ban Dog, a race long since extinct, is supposed to have 

 been of the latter. The original and true bred Mastiff is described as follows, and 

 no doubt with sufficient accuracy, from the few specimens which have been seen by 

 persons in years of considerable height, of the largest size in frame, bone, and 

 substance, colour generally dark brinded, head thick, ears moderately pendulous, 

 lips large and loose, resembling those of the Blood Hound, eyes bright and expres- 

 sive of courage with a degree of fierceness, tail large, rather short and slightly 

 erected. The bold and stately figure of this superior of the Canine species, was 

 well calculated to inspire awe in both man and beast, whilst the generosity, faith- 

 fulness, and sagacity of his nature, ensured him respect and love in the human race. 

 His bark was the loudest, most solemn, and full toned, at the same time had in it much 

 of the music of thorough bass, and when heard in a still night, at the distance of a 

 mile or two from a lone Country House, emitted repetitions of sound, at once 

 terrific and pleasing. The baying of the Mastiff at the Moon, and the howling of 

 the Spaniel at the same object, we have often heard with an indescribable thrill of 

 pleasing sensation. 



The character of this dog, as handed down from days of yore, and when he was 

 possessed in this Country, in his original purity of blood, stands on a great eminence 

 for intelligence, the most sagacious vigilance, and incorruptible fidelity. His 

 courage, if we may credit these traditions, partook even of the refinement of 



