Thursday, February 12, 2009

All About Mastiffs

One of my boys was reading an encyclopedia Tuesday, looking for information on Mars for his research report, when he found me in that wonderful book! I was so excited! I knew all of you would want to know more about me for Dogs on Thursday.

According to the 2000 Encyclopedia Americana, which my humans own,
because the mom is a book lunatic, I am very historic:

"Mastiff - a very old breed whose forebears were used by the Romans to bait and fight wild animals." Well, I've always been told that my kind were the marching dogs for Julius Caesar's army!

"The heaviest of dogs, a male mastiff will sometimes exceed 180 pounds and should stand at least 30 inches at the shoulder." Yep, 250 pounds exceeds 180, right?

"Today's mastiff originated in England. He learns somewhat slowly...."
Mom says I was potty trained within 2 weeks of coming home, and I was only 7 weeks old then. Plus, you've seen the pictures of me in school! I have to disagree with this statement!

"They are seldom long lived. It needs a great deal of exercise, drools, wheezes and snores...."
Well, who's perfect?

"However, it is not only extremely gentle, patient and good-natured - even around inconsiderate children - but also protective of both person and property. It guards by holding the intruder at bay..." There you go! We're great guys! And, besides, who has inconsiderate children?
Happy Dogs on Thursday, Everyone!

20 comments:

vegasangelbrat said...

He really is a gorgeous dog! Love the big dogs!
Thanks for the info on the breed...very interesting!
Want to wish a Happy DoT to you all and a Happy Vlentines Day!

Unknown said...

Love the Thor history and told from Thor's persective. Do you talk for Thor around the house?

g

Paula said...

Dearest Thor,
My youngest daughter and I watched a dog show this weekend, and she became very excited when this gorgeous Mastiff came on the screen. She exclaimed, "Hey, that dog looks like Thor!" While that dog was indeed gorgeous, we both agreed that he really couldn't hold a candle to you! Happy Thorsday!

GoldenTracks said...

Love, love, love hose big oafs! Thanks for the history lesson

SissySees said...

I thought of Thor as we watched Westminster this week!

Pam said...

I really want a mastiff like Thor. He just makes me smile.

soulbrush said...

love the way this is written. love the pics.

Katherine Roberts Aucoin said...

That was such a sweet post. I enjoyed learning about Thor's history. I want Thor to come visit Scout. She would love it!

dogquilter said...

Wow how interesting! What a great pics too!

Lapdog Creations said...

I ADORE mastiffs.. .and Thor is no exception to that!

Anonymous said...

Aww....Thor you are the best! Happy DOT!

Anonymous said...

Yh who is pefect. But you are cute in a giant sort of way.

Tatersmama said...

Thank you Thor ! Now we know the REST of the story... as Paul Harvey would say. (look that up in your encyclopedia when your humans aren't looking!)

When I first saw the snippet for this post, I thought it said MASTITIS, (I'm such a boob!) so I'm really really glad we got the run down on "Mastiffs" instead.

Anonymous said...

Good to know! I can't say as I've ever met a Thor dog before.

monica said...

good to have the facts lined up like that! Thanks Thor!

dogyarnfun said...

That article didn't mention how absolutely adorable they are.

The Blonde Duck said...

Did you ever read the Vicki Austin books by Madeline L'Engle? They had a mastiff called Mr. Rochester. Thor reminds me of him!

Ann Made Studio said...

What a great post :)
You're really making me want one:)))

buffalodick said...

Don't see many of them around here- my 80lb. Airedale is big enough for me, but I love big dogs..

Mindy said...

It's easy to see he's a gentle dog, not out to fight wild animals! Interesting history.