Mastiff.
Publié le 14/05/2013
Extrait du document
Mastiff. Mastiff, breed of giant dog, of the working dog variety, which supposedly originated in Asia in remote antiquity, and was known in Egypt about 3000 BC. The English type, called the Old English mastiff, has been known for about 2000 years. It was employed for fighting in warfare, for hunting, and for protecting homes and farms from wolves and other wild beasts. The dog today is used as a watchdog and a household pet. The mastiff has a large, powerful frame; it weighs about 70 to 79 kg (about 155 to 175 lb), the male being about 76 cm (about 30 in) high at the shoulders and the female about 69 cm (about 27 in). The animal has a massive head, with a broad skull; small, V-shaped ears; medium-sized, dark-brown eyes that are set wide apart; a short, blunt muzzle; a powerful, muscular neck; a deep chest; and a tail that is wide at the root and tapers to the end. The mastiff has a rather coarse outercoat and a thick, smooth undercoat; its color is tan or fawn, both sometimes brindled. The breed is noted both for courage and gentleness. Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.