146 WATCH DOGS, HOUSE DOGS, AND TOT DOGS. 



Fig. 29. ENGLISH MASTIFF, GOVERNOR. 



THE MASTIFF. 



There is every reason to suppose that this is an indigenous 

 breed, like the bulldog, for though the Cuban mastiff closely re- 

 sembles it, yet the latter is to all appearances crossed with the 

 bloodhound. 



The English Mastiff is a fine noble-looking animal, and in tem- 

 per is the most to be depended on of all the large and powerful 

 dogs, being extremely docile and companionable, though possessed 

 of the highest courage. When crossed with the Newfoundland 

 or bloodhound, they answer well as yard-dogs, but the produce 

 is generally of a savage nature, while the pure breed is of so noble 

 and mild a nature that they will not on any provocation hart a 



