Assyrian Mastiff
From ancient Assyria comes the Assyrian Mastiff. The Assyrian Mastiff comes from Assyria. Individual Assyrian Mastiffs vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- Assyria
About the Assyrian Mastiff
From ancient Assyria comes the Assyrian Mastiff. The Assyrian Mastiff is an extinct breed. Known for its massive size and guarding abilities.
Overview
The Assyrian Mastiff , was a landrace of dog found in Assyria . This dog was often used as a livestock guardian against predators, as well as for lion and wild horse-hunting. The modern Assyrian Shepherd (in more recent years also known as the Kurdish Mastiff ) is likely to be a descendant of the Assyrian mastiff. The name is most likely derived from the images of this type of dog that appear in Assyrian , Babylonian and other Mesopotamian reliefs dating from the 10th to 6th century BCE Neo-Assyrian Empire .
History
It is assumed the Assyrian mastiff had their ancestors in the region between India and Persia where they were domesticated and used as hunting dogs. Several mastiff type figures of the Assyrian era around 2000 BC were discovered with carved-in names such as "Consume his life", "Don''t stop to think, bite", and "Catcher of the hostile one". More Assyrian relics depicting dogs can be found from between 1000 and 650 BC.
Description
In 1886, M.B. Wynn described the ancient Assyrian''s clay tablet''s depictions of the Assyrian Mastiff: It is also worthy of remark that the Assyrians were always careful to define long hair when it existed, but in this specimen the stern appears free from any roughness, although so minute are the details that the very fraying at the end of the rope is depicted, the loose skin hangs down the face in enormous wrinkles or folds, and the lips were extremely pendulous evidently, although the mouth is marked by a slit or line in the usual conventional form of Assyrian sculpture. The ears are of medium size, chest very deep, and limbs massive, the head short and of great volumn, and muzzle short and truncated. There is a great similarity between this dog and some of our noted English specimens.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Assyrian Mastiff?
The Assyrian Mastiff is a large, powerful dog breed. It has a muscular build, a broad chest, and a short, dense coat that can be various colors. Its head is broad and flat, with a short, black nose. Its ears are usually cropped, and its tail is often docked. The breed is known for its loyalty and protective nature.
Is the Assyrian Mastiff a good family dog?
Due to the lack of breed-specific information, it's difficult to determine the Assyrian Mastiff's suitability as a family dog. However, large, powerful breeds like the Assyrian Mastiff often require experienced owners who can provide proper training and socialization. They may not be the best fit for families with small children or for inexperienced dog owners.
What health problems do Assyrian Mastiffs have?
Unfortunately, there is limited information available on the health of the Assyrian Mastiff. However, large breeds are generally prone to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and certain types of cancer. Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can help identify potential health issues early on.
How much does a Assyrian Mastiff puppy cost?
As the Assyrian Mastiff is an ancient breed with limited modern breeding programs, it's challenging to determine a specific price range. However, rare and ancient breeds often come with a higher price tag. Expect to pay upwards of $1,000 to $5,000 or more for an Assyrian Mastiff puppy, depending on factors like bloodline, breeder reputation, and location.
Where do Assyrian Mastiffs come from?
The Assyrian Mastiff comes from Assyria. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Assyrian Mastiff, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.