I. History

The legendary Belgian Chien de Trait of the Middle Ages is believed to be extinct today. A large and muscular breed, this was a popular rural mastiff in the past, used to pull carts and protect farms. Descended from mastiffs, herders and hounds of Europe, this was primarily a working dog. Fairly aggressive towards strange people and dogs, the Belgian Mastiff was a formidable guardian and watchdog. This breed is said to had been affectionate with children and devoted to its owner, making it suited for family life. A trademark feature of the original Chien de Trait was the lack of tail, the puppies being born bobtailed. Due to some influence of other working breeds, there was a variety of types to be found by the 19th century, but the Matin Belge was finally standardized in 1895 and the breed Club was formed in 1911.

It was used as an Army dog during the 1st World War, employed to pull carts with arms and ammo, as well as for transporting wounded soldiers. The Belgian government supported the military kennel "Caserne Prince Baudoin" which collected dogs from Belgian farms and bred them for service work. Not many specimens survived the war and by the time fanciers started revival efforts, the WW2 began, ensuring the breed's disappearance. It has been considered extinct ever since.

In the late 1980's a reconstruction programme was started by Alfons Bertels and his granddaughter using some rural dogs believed to be descended from the original Matin Belge and crossing them with English Mastiffs, Bullmastiffs, Briards and Belgian Sheepdogs. After a decade of establishing type and following the original Standard, these efforts were reportedly succesful in re-creating the mighty Belgian Mastiff breed. The future might hold hopes of recognition and widespread popularity in Belgium, but for now the Matin Belge remains fairly unknown, even in its homeland. The modern incarnation is not bobtailed and is said to be less aggressive than its ancestors, making it more likely to gain acceptance. The short smooth coat comes in fawn, red and brindle shades, with or without white markings. Average height is around 29 inches.