The Boxer originated in Germany in the late 19th century, and is believed to have been developed from a cross between the Old English Bulldog and the now extinct Bullenbeisser breed. The breed was initially used as a hunting dog, with its strength and tenacity making it well-suited for hunting game such as boar and bear. The breed quickly gained popularity in Germany and became a popular breed for police and military work.

In the early 20th century, the Boxer was introduced to other countries, including the United States, where it quickly gained popularity as a companion animal and as a show dog. The breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1904. Today, the Boxer is one of the most popular breeds in the United States and is widely used as a companion animal, as well as for obedience and protection work. The breed is known for its playfulness, loyalty, and protectiveness, making it a beloved pet for families and individuals alike. The Boxer is also known for its muscular build, distinctive wrinkled face, and energetic personality, making it a unique and recognizable breed.

These large dogs are originally from Southern Italy where they were used as guard dogs. They share similar breeding and origins as the Neapolitan Mastiff and generally are colored black or fawn. The breed name is also a bit tricky for English speakers to pronounce (kah-neh kor-so) with the first word being two syllables.

Originally introduced into Great Britain by the Romans for dog fight competitions, the English Bulldog (or sometimes the British Bulldog) was used to herd cattle into markets. They are commonly recognized by their short, muscular bod, wrinkled skin and a squished face with stub nose. Although bred for fighting, today Bulldogs make excellent family companions due to their mild nature. They enjoy mild exercise and relaxing - a long nap on the couch after a walk around the neighborhood is just the ticket!

Mastiffs, also known as English Mastiffs, are very large in size. Males can be over 4 feet tall and weigh more than 200 pounds. They generally have massive heads that contain a black mask. The color of Mastiffs can vary, but you'll often find them in fawn, beige, apricot or brindle coats.

The Rottweiler is one of the oldest herding breeds with historical records dating back to ancient Rome. At the turn of the 20th century they were known for being police dogs and handling various heavy-duty tasks due to their muscular build. Rottweilers have a medium-large frame between 22-27 inches (55 - 70 cm) and usually weigh around 75 to 110 pounds (35 to 50 kg). Their muscular build combined with their short black coat and brown/rust markings gives the Rottweiler their distinct look. Although they might look intimidating, Rotties make wonderful companions with their calm, confident, and courageous temperament.

Shar-Pei's come in many recognized colors (black, tan, cream, apricot, chocolate) but have to have solid coats without any spots or patches. They are also known for their wrinkles and loose skin, especially around the face. The breed comes from China and the name Shar-Pei translates to "sandy skin".

The Tosa, also known as the 'Japanese Mastiff', is one of the more rare breeds in the Mastiff group and was originally was bred in Japan during the mid-1800s. While they make fantastic guard dogs and in spite of their intimidating in stature, their 'bark is louder than their bite' and for the most part are quiet and obedient dogs.