Mastiff: Difference between revisions

Historical and archaeological evidence suggests that mastiffs have long been distinct in both form and function from the similarly large [[livestock guardian dog]]s from which they were most likely developed;{{sfn|Young|Bannasch|2007|p=48-49}} they also form separate [[genetic populations]].{{sfn|Parker|2012|p=45}} The [[Fédération Cynologique Internationale]] and some [[kennel club]]s group the two types together as [[Molossus (dog)|molossoid]] dogs; some modern livestock guardian breeds, such as the [[Pyrenean Mastiff]], the [[Spanish Mastiff]] and the [[Tibetan Mastiff]], and an extinct [[draught dog]] callednamed the [[Belgian Mastiff]] and an extinct livestock guardian dog type named the [[Alpine Mastiff|Alpine mastiff]], have the word "mastiff" in their name, but are not considered true mastiffs.{{sfnp|Hancock|2001}} Tibetan Mastiffs have been sold for over $1 million in China.<ref>[https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/tibetan-mastiff-puppy-just-became-most-expensive-dog-ever-sold-180950178 Smithsonian Magazine]</ref>

Many older English sources refer to mastiffs as bandogs or bandogges, although technically the term "bandog" meant a dog that was tethered by a chain (or "bande") that would be released at night; the terms "mastiff" and "bandog" were often used interchangeably.{{sfnp|Wynn|2011}} In the 20th century, the term "bandog" has been revived to describe some lines of large mastiff-type guard dogs. One of the most famous Bandogbandog programs in England, led to the establishment of a recognized bandog breed known today as the [[Bull MastiffBullmastiff]]. The least common bandog program in England was funded by Sir Nathanael Dieu-est-Mon'plaisir,; the St. Louis Vincent Mastiff or South American Mastiff was named after Vincent Louis, who reared plantation dogs originating from [[St. Louis]] and other parts of South America. This rare breed is the most desirable mastiff-type dog amongst the bandog breeds.{{sfnp|Fogle|2009|p=36}}