French Mastiffs - Prized Guard Dogs Then, Devoted Family Dogs Now

French mastiffs are among the oldest and most ancient French breeds. Their massive and muscular bodies give an impression of strength and power, and they look very imposing to others. Their temperaments betray this first impression, however, as they can be very gentle and calm pets who are great even with children.
                                      
Prized Guard Dogs
 
Formerly, they were valued because of their traits which were related to their strength. In the past, they were used as hunters, herding dogs, and guard dogs. They were trained to be able to handle bulls, bears, jaguars, boars, and protect homes from just about anything.
 
And because of their size, coupled with their extreme loyalty, it was rare that there was something that could prevent them from properly fulfilling their duty to guard.
 
The Dogue de Bordeaux was also known to have been bred to serve

as war dogs, and as combatants in dog gladiator sports.
 
Devoted Family Dog
 
French Mastiffs of today have calmer temperaments than those in the past. Currently, they have a good and calm temperament. They have retained their sense of loyalty to their masters however, and this still makes them very good as guard dogs.

What they have lost over the years, is the unnecessary edge in their temper - a misplace ferocity. An abundance of ferocity would have made these dogs unsuitable to get along with children, but that is not the case now. These mastiffs are known to be gentle enough that they are safe around children.
 
Still, these dogs need to be properly trained and socialized early so that they do not become too aggressive with strangers. A mastiff that has not been properly socialized is known to become confrontational, even at the slightest provocation of a passing stranger.