Mastiff Basics
Learn about about Mastiff basics like where Mastiff come from, how many different types of Mastiff you can find, and what other breeds mix with Mastiff.
A Mastiff is a large and powerful dog breed known for its massive size, muscular build, and gentle temperament. Mastiffs have historically been prized for their loyalty and protective instincts.
Mastiff dogs originated in England. They are one of the oldest and largest dog breeds, with a history dating back thousands of years.
Mastiffs were originally bred for guarding estates, castles, and livestock, as well as for use in battle and hunting big game such as boar and bear. Their imposing size, strength, and protective instincts made them well-suited for these roles.
There are four main Mastiff breeds, including the English Mastiff, Tibetan Mastiff, Bullmastiff, and Neapolitan Mastiff. These breeds vary in size, temperament, and historical roles but are all considered part of the Mastiff family.
Mastiffs stop growing between 18 and 24 months. They may continue to fill out and develop muscle until they are around three years old.
No, a Great Dane is not a Mastiff. While both Great Danes and Mastiffs are large, powerful dogs, they belong to different breed groups. Great Danes belong to the “Working Group,” while Mastiffs belong to the “Mastiff Group.”
No, a Rottweiler is not a Mastiff. Rottweilers belong to the “Working Group” of dog breeds, while Mastiffs belong to the “Mastiff Group.” While both breeds are large and powerful with protective instincts, they have distinct differences in terms of appearance, temperament, and historical roles.
Breeds that mix with Mastiffs include Boxers and Great Danes. Other breeds that mix well with Mastiffs include:
Boxmas (Mastiff + Boxer)
Daniff (Mastiff + Great Dane)
English Mastweiler (Mastiff + Rottweiler)
Maspyr (Mastiff + Great Pyrenees)
Mastiff Appearance
Learn about about the Mastiff general appearance like their size, colors, and grooming needs.
Mastiff dogs have a large, muscular build with a broad head, powerful jaws, and a deep chest. They have a short coat that can come in various colors, often with a darker mask around the face.
Mastiffs weigh between 120 and 230 pounds and stand around 27 to 30 inches tall, with males being bigger than females. Mastiffs are one of the largest dog breeds in terms of both weight and height.
The biggest Mastiffs are English Mastiffs. Some male English Mastiffs weigh over 200 pounds and stand over 30 inches tall. Other large Mastiff breeds include the Tibetan Mastiff and the Neapolitan Mastiff, though they typically don’t reach the same extreme sizes as the English Mastiff.
Mastiffs can be colors including fawn, apricot, brindle, and sometimes a combination of these colors. These colors may appear with or without a black mask or darker markings on the face or body.
Yes, black Mastiffs are rare compared to other coat colors such as fawn or apricot. While black may appear in Mastiff coats, it’s not as common as other colors within the breed. Black Mastiffs may have a solid black coat or black markings or patches on a lighter base color.
Yes, Mastiffs shed, but the extent of shedding varies depending on factors such as coat type and the season. Mastiffs have a short, dense coat that sheds moderately throughout the year, with increased shedding typically occurring during seasonal changes. Regular grooming and brushing can help minimize loose hair and reduce shedding in Mastiffs.
Yes, Mastiffs drool, which is a common trait among many large and giant dog breeds. The amount of drool can vary, but many Mastiffs produce significant amounts of saliva, especially after eating or drinking or when they are excited or hot. Regularly wiping their mouths and providing access to fresh water can help manage drool in Mastiffs.
Mastiff Temperament
Learn about about the Mastiff temperament and how well they fit into your lifestyle, home environment, and family.
Yes, Mastiffs can be good dogs for the right pet parents. They are loyal, gentle, and affectionate companions known for their calm and steady temperament. However, due to their large size and protective instincts, they require proper training and socialization to ensure they behave well in various situations.
No, Mastiffs don’t bark a lot. They tend to be calm and reserved, only barking when necessary, such as to alert their pet parents to potential threats or unfamiliar situations. However, like any breed, individual temperament and behavior can vary, so some Mastiffs may be more vocal than others.
Yes, Mastiffs are good family dogs for the right households. They are friendly and protective, making them devoted companions and natural guardians. However, due to their large size and protective instincts, early socialization and proper training are important to make sure they interact well with all family members, including children and other pets.
Yes, Mastiffs can be good with kids when properly socialized and trained. They are gentle, patient, and protective by nature. However, due to their large size and strength, supervision is always recommended when they interact with young children to prevent accidental knocks or injuries, and children should be taught how to respect and interact with the dog appropriately.
Yes, Mastiffs can be good with cats if introduced and socialized from a young age. Their gentle nature and laid-back temperament often make them compatible with other household pets, including cats. However, individual temperament and behavior can vary, so careful supervision and gradual introductions are recommended to make sure Mastiffs and cats get along.
Yes, Mastiffs can be good with other dogs when properly socialized and trained. They have a calm and friendly demeanor, but due to their large size and potential for dominance, early socialization and supervision are essential to prevent conflicts.
Yes, Mastiffs can be easy to train if the right training methods are used. They are intelligent and eager to please, which can make them relatively trainable. However, they also have an independent streak and may be stubborn at times, especially if they sense inconsistency or lack of leadership. Consistent, positive reinforcement-based training methods, early socialization, and firm yet gentle guidance are key to successfully training Mastiffs.
Yes, Mastiffs are smart. They are quick learners and can understand commands and tasks with consistent training and positive reinforcement. While they may not always exhibit high levels of obedience like some other breeds, Mastiffs often demonstrate problem-solving abilities and a good sense of their surroundings.
No, Mastiffs are not aggressive by nature, but they have protective instincts due to their history as guardians and working dogs. Proper socialization, training, and responsible pet parenting are essential to ensure that these instincts are channeled appropriately and the dog remains well-behaved and non-aggressive.
Yes, Mastiffs are good guard dogs. Their large size, protective instincts, and natural tendency to be wary of strangers can serve as a deterrent to potentially threatening situations.
Mastiff Health
Learn about about the Mastiff health outlook and what diseases they may be prone to at various stages of their life.
Mastiffs have some health problems they’re more prone to, including:
Hip dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to instability and degeneration over time. This can result in pain, lameness, and mobility issues, particularly as the dog ages. Management may involve medication, weight management, physical therapy, or surgical intervention.
Cystinuria: Cystinuria is an inherited kidney defect where the kidneys do not properly filter the amino acid cysteine. The body does not properly reabsorb cysteine, which causes kidney and bladder stones. If the stones are left untreated, they can create fatal urinary blockages. Symptoms of cystinuria are similar to a regular urinary tract infection and include frequent attempts to urinate without much coming out and blood in the urine.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV): Also known as bloat, GDV is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself. This can rapidly lead to shock and death if not treated promptly. GDV requires immediate veterinary attention, and preventative measures such as feeding smaller meals, avoiding exercise after meals, and using elevated feeding bowls may help reduce the risk.
Ectropion and entropian: Ectropian is the rolling outward of the eyelid; Entropion is a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea, leading to irritation, pain, and potential damage to the eye. Surgical correction may be necessary to alleviate discomfort and prevent long-term complications.
Osteosarcoma: Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer that commonly affects large and giant breeds like Mastiffs. It typically manifests as lameness, swelling, and pain in the affected limb. Treatment may involve amputation of the affected limb followed by chemotherapy.
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM): DCM is a heart condition where the heart muscle becomes weak and unable to pump blood effectively. It can lead to symptoms such as coughing, lethargy, and difficulty breathing. Management may involve medications to support heart function and improve quality of life. Early detection and treatment are crucial for managing DCM and prolonging the dog’s lifespan.
No, Mastiffs are not hypoallergenic. They have a short coat that sheds moderately year-round, which can release dander into the environment. Dander, saliva, and urine are common allergens associated with dogs, so individuals with allergies to dogs may still experience symptoms around Mastiffs.
Adopting a Mastiff
Learn about about acquiring a Mastiff –the pros and cons of adopting versus going through a breeder, and associated costs.
A Mastiff costs around $300 when adopted from a shelter or rescue. If you buy one from a breeder, it can cost between $1,500 and $3,000 or more.
The easiest way to adopt a Mastiff would be through a rescue that specializes in Mastiffs. A great place to start would be by starting a breed search on Adopt a Pet. The search will show you all the available Mastiffs in your area.
