The English Mastiff referred to by virtually all Kennel Clubs simply as the Mastiff is a breed of large dog perhaps descended from the ancient Alaunt through the Pugnaces Britanniae. Distinguishable by enormous size massive head and a limited range of colors but always displaying a black mask the Mastiff is noted for its gentle temperament. The lineage of modern dogs can be traced back to the early 19th century and the modern type was stabilised in the 1880s.