Welcome to SherriDane Kennels. We are located in Tucson, Arizona and are proud
to own, breed and show this magnificent breed.
Owned, bred and handled by Patricia Perry, our Mastiffs are a treasured part of our
family and even share the family couch! SherriDane Kennels began in 1966,
originally raising and showing Great Danes, giving birth to the kennel name we use today. In
1990 we were adopted by our first Mastiff, Iron Eyes Cody, who lived to the age of
almost thirteen, and we have been in love with the breed ever since. Please read more
about the English Mastiff, and feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.
The Old English Mastiff is one of the heaviest
breeds; a male Mastiff can exceed 200 pounds. This dog is very massive, powerful
and muscular. The head is heavy and square with a short muzzle. There is a black
mask around the eyes and nose; no matter what the general coat color.
The eyes are small, dark, and hazel. The small ears should also be dark-colored.
The teeth should meet in a scissors or slightly undershot bite. The tail is set
quite high, tapers to the tip, and reaches to the hocks. The short coat comes in
fawn, brindle, and apricot and is easy to
groom. In the eighteenth century it was described as follows:
"As a lion is to a cat, so is a mastiff compared to a dog" Originally valued for their abilities as a fierce
guard and fighting dog, today's Mastiff is a gentle giant. It is a
self-confident, watchful, and patient dog who is gentle-natured towards his
family. Intelligent and dignified. It rarely barks, but it is in its nature to
defend its territory and family. Calm, steady and docile, this dog is normally
excellent with children, (not recommend for toddlers though, because of their
great size). Good natured, but very large and heavy. Responds well to gentle,
patient training. This breed loves to please and needs lots of companionship.
The Mastiff's dominance varies widely depending on the lineage. They can be
aloof with strangers or fairly friendly. Do not hit a Mastiff or you are asking
for it! A born guard dog, brave and loyal. When strangers visit, it is likely to
refuse to let them in unless they are accepted by its handler. The Mastiff
generally holds intruders at bay rather than attacking. Protection training is
unnecessary for this naturally protective breed. It is very possessive of home,
family and car. It may be combative with other dogs if not very well socialized
as a puppy, so extra effort should be given to socialize a Mastiff puppy. If
properly socialized it will get along well with other dogs. The Mastiff tends to
drool and snore loudly.
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