The exact chronology of the historical development of the mastiffs is unknown. It is believed to be one of the oldest breeds. The history of development goes back several millennia.
#1 English mastiffs cannot boast of a reliable version of their origin.
![](https://pettime.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/English-Mastiff-63.jpg)
#2 The history of their existence goes back more than one millennium, and it is difficult for modern dog handlers to establish which of the two theories is correct.
![](https://pettime.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/English-Mastiff-64.jpg)
The first says: "English" descended from dogs of the molluscoid type - massive and hardy animals, which were bred for hunting big game or organizing gladiatorial battles. The second version confirms the original English origin of animals.
#3 It is known that mastiff-like dogs existed even in the era of prosperity of the ancient states – Persia, Greece, Egypt, and Babylon – and were quite popular among the nobility and common people.
![](https://pettime.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/English-Mastiff-65.jpg)