The mastiff is one of the largest dog breeds in the world, sometimes weighing over 200 pounds. This immense dog is big-boned and muscular with a noble, kind, and loyal disposition. Mastiffs are very gentle companions and family protectors that lack aggression, making them lovely family pets. These courageous yet well-mannered dogs can do well in most households.
You don't need a huge home to have this giant dog, but you do need a little extra space (especially because of the long tail). Sadly, like other giant dog breeds, the life span of the mastiff tends to be shorter than the average dog. However, with proper care, you can help your mastiff live a full, healthy life.
Learn more about the mastiff, including their temperament and care needs.
GROUP: Working
HEIGHT: 27.5 inches and up
WEIGHT: 120 to 220 pounds
COAT: Short and sleek
COAT COLOR: Fawn, apricot, or brindle, all with a dark mask on the muzzle, ears, and nose
LIFE SPAN: 10 to 12 years
TEMPERAMENT: Calm, affectionate, protective, loyal, peaceful, sweet-tempered
HYPOALLERGENIC: No
ORIGIN: England
In spite of their overwhelmingly large appearance, mastiffs are big softies at heart. Affectionately known as gentle giants, these dogs have gained a reputation for their kind souls, calm demeanor, and family-friendly nature. They need a decent amount of care due to their size, but will reward their humans with a lifetime of affection and companionship.
| Affection Level | High |
| Friendliness | High |
| Kid-Friendly | HIgh |
| Pet-Friendly | Low |
| Exercise Needs | High |
| Playfulness | High |
| Energy Level | Medium |
| Trainability | Low |
| Intelligence | Low |
| Tendency to Bark | Low |
| Amount of Shedding | Medium |
The mastiff hails from England, where they have been bred for over 2,000 years. However, the mastiff breed (or its ancestors) can be traced back to ancient times, with depictions on Egyptian monuments and mentions by Caesar when he invaded Britain.
Though historically seen as a worker and watchdog, at one point in time this magnificent breed was used for fighting, including in gladiatorial fights between humans and other animals. Later, they were featured in dogfights watched in Westminster in London.
Today's mastiff is a lover, not a fighter, and the U.K. prohibited dogfights in 1835. The current lineages of mastiffs stem from the 19th century when they were no longer bred for aggressiveness.
Mastiffs might have been brought to the United States over 200 years ago, but they were not officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) until the late 1800s. The breed is referred to as the Old English mastiff, the English mastiff, or simply the mastiff.
The last-recorded heaviest dog in the world was an English mastiff named Aicama Zorba of La Susa, weighing 343 pounds and standing 37 inches at the shoulder, as recorded in the 1989 "Guinness Book of Records." This record will remain standing, as the organization discontinued recognizing record sizes for pets in 2000.
Other types of mastiffs include the Tibetan mastiff, Neapolitan mastiff, cane corso, Dogue de Bordeaux, Fila Brasileiro, bullmastiff, Spanish mastiff, Pyrenean mastiff, and Boerboel.
Mastiffs will need regular care and grooming to remain looking and feeling their best. Though they're not considered particularly intelligent or trainable, some light obedience training is always a good idea in order to ensure they remain safe and good companions.
In general, mastiffs are quite docile (but not listless). Younger dogs are more playful, but an endearing quality of aloof laziness often develops as they mature. Routine exercise will help keep your mastiff fit and motivated. Aim to let your dog play and exercise for at least 30-60 minutes or more each day, even if that total amount of time is split into multiple sessions throughout the day.
As a large breed, mastiffs do better in cool weather than in hot weather. Exercise your mastiff during the cool part of the day in summer. They do very well indoors, even in an apartment, or a house with a fenced yard. However, you might want to think ahead if your living space requires climbing stairs, as this may be difficult for an aging dog.
The mastiff has a short coat that typically needs little more than routine grooming (regular brushing, bathing, and nail trimming). This breed is a moderately high shedder.
Check their ears and eyes often to look for signs of irritation or infection, and clean them gently whenever necessary. Additionally, the mastiff's ears and facial skin folds (if present) should be kept clean and dry.
Mastiffs are known to salivate quite a bit, and they might share their drool when they shake their heads, so keep drool rags handy.
Like all dogs, proper training and socialization are both important for the mastiff. This is especially crucial because of the giant size of this breed. Careful attention should be given to the prevention of jumping and leash-pulling.
You should socialize a mastiff well so their natural protectiveness is appropriate and they won't become overprotective around visitors.
Consider dog-proofing your home for a mastiff. Their strong tail can sweep items off of tables, and the dog may be tall enough to sample your dinner from the dining room table. Also, because mastiffs like to chew on things, you should provide plenty of durable chew toys in an attempt to save your furniture.
Responsible breeders strive to maintain the highest breed standards as established by kennel clubs like the AKC. Dogs bred by these standards are less likely to inherit health conditions. However, some hereditary health problems can occur in mastiffs. Be aware of the following conditions:
The Spruce / Emilie Dunphy
To ensure your mastiff gets the nutrition they need, choose a high-quality food for large breeds. Work with a veterinarian if you need guidance.
Feed a mastiff puppy food that is specific to large breeds to help them grow steadily and not too fast. This can help reduce the risk of adult-onset hip dysplasia. Puppies will still attain their full size even if they are trim during the puppy years.
Adult mastiff dogs need 6-8 cups of dry food each day, which you should split into two meals to help prevent bloating and stomach torsion. You might explore feeders that enforce slower eating.
Be sure to monitor your mastiff for weight gain and discuss this with your veterinarian to get recommendations on how to address it with diet and exercise.
Mastiffs are sloppy drinkers, and they get a lot of backwash into their water bowls, so it's best to provide clean, fresh water at different points of the day. They are also prone to passing gas.
Pet parents looking for a mastiff can seek out a specialized breeder or look into local adoption agencies. If you’re looking for a Mastiff breeder, it’s normal to be put on a waiting list, but there are generally puppies available throughout the year.
Be sure to seek out a reputable breeder with a history of healthy litters and detailed care—they should be able to answer any questions you have regarding the pedigree, health, and history of the litter and parents. Ideally, you should meet one or both parents to have a better idea of your future pet’s personality, size, and temperament.
Consider rescuing a mastiff through one of the below organizations:
Mastiffs are big dogs that are full of love and have a playful and friendly personality. They also don’t have a high tendency to bark. However, it’s important to make sure this dog gets the exercise and high-quality food they need.
If you think the mastiff is the right dog breed for you, be sure to do plenty of research before adopting one. Consult the Mastiff Club of America for more helpful background on the breed. Talk to other mastiff pet parents, reputable breeders, and rescue groups to learn more.
If you are interested in similar breeds, look into these to compare the pros and cons:
There’s a whole world of dog breeds out there. With a little research, you can find the right one to bring home.
Mastiffs have a loving and affectionate nature that makes them a great choice for families with children. They are generally very tolerant of the chaos that young kids can bring, but are not recommended around babies or toddlers due to their size.
Mastiffs are not considered an aggressive breed. On the contrary, they've gained a reputation as very docile. And while they are protective of their family, they are not known for causing trouble.
Despite their large size, mastiffs are considered good dogs for small spaces like apartments or condos. The reason: they are not overly active dogs and mostly like to laze about, which means they'll be spending the majority of their time on your couch or in a dog bed.
Losing your dog can be a terrifying experience. It’s even scarier to realize that your dog ran away on purpose. If your dog runs away repeatedly, it’s
Desensitization and counterconditioning are two training methods that may help your dog overcome reactivity and negative feelings toward certain peopl
If you were to raid the pantry of your average American kitchen, you would in all likelihood find a loaf or two of bread. Between breakfast toast, san
Pimobendan is a commonly prescribed heart medication. Although it has its uses in cats with heart disease, there are reasons your vet may or may not w
Spring offers plenty of benefits—from fresh air and sunshine, to green grass and good sniffs—but it can also introduce some potential hazards into you
There are a number of different conditions that can affect a dog's eye, leading to redness, swelling discharge, and even vision loss. Eye problems
The Plott hound is a medium-large hound dog breed from the United States with a short, shiny coat that’s typically brindle. The dog’s ears are medium-
The affenpinscher is a small toy dog breed native to Germany with short- to medium-length, wiry fur and a face that many describe as “monkey-like.” In
We are a comprehensive and trusted information platform dedicated to delivering high-quality content across a wide range of topics, including society, technology, business, health, culture, and entertainment.
From breaking news to in-depth reports, we adhere to the principles of accuracy and diverse perspectives, helping readers find clarity and reliability in today’s fast-paced information landscape.
Our goal is to be a dependable source of knowledge for every reader—making information not only accessible but truly trustworthy. Looking ahead, we will continue to enhance our content and services, connecting the world and delivering value.
