What’s big, cuddly, and furry all over? You guessed it: Mastiffs! This dog breed is one of the largest in the world (making it instantly recognizable) and one of the oldest.
The Mastiff Club of America reveals that large working dogs resembling Mastiffs date as far back as 2500 BC, originally from mountainous regions of Asia. The English Mastiff is the type recognized as a “Mastiff” these days. However, breeding variations throughout the years have led to Mastiff “cousin” breeds, like the Bullmastiff and Neapolitan Mastiff.
Thanks to their grand stature, these canines are easy to spot from a distance! Their size also saw them originally used as guard dogs and for hunting. Let’s take a closer look at the giants of the canine world.
Key
- Low
- Medium
- High
- Origin: Asia
- Size:
- Weight: Up to 250 lbs
- Activity level:
- Barking/howling level:
- Good with dogs: yes
- Good with kids: yes
- Good with cats:
- Shedding:
- Grooming level:
- Training level:
Breed Appearance
It doesn’t take long for Mastiffs to achieve their famous stature. “[They] grow in height until about 24 months (when growth plates close),” says Debby Falvo, breeder and co-owner of Masterpiece Mastiffs. However, Falvo explains they mature for several years after, getting thicker, deeper, and wider-bodied. She adds that most vets recommend holding off spaying or neutering until after the growth plates close due to hormones.
Alongside their imposing height (some can even rival a wolf in stature, Mastiffs are also very heavy. Falvo reveals that males can reach sizes over 250 pounds. Unsurprisingly, this breed is also incredibly strong.
Falvo says Mastiffs’ coats come in three colors: fawn, apricot, and brindle variations of these two together. No matter what color the coat, she explains, they will always have a distinct black “mask” and ears.
Another thing you might notice? Mastiffs are prone to drooling. Falvo says there’s nothing you can do about this aside from using some “strategically placed towels!”
5 Types of Mastiffs
The English Mastiff is considered the “original” Mastiff. But breeding this dog over many centuries has led to various related descendants. Dr. Anna Foreman, an in-house vet at Everypaw Pet Insurance, reveals some of the most well-known.
- Bullmastiff. Foreman says these dogs are a cross-breed between an English Mastiff and English Bulldog, recognizable by their black muzzle rather than face. She adds that while Bullmastiffs are generally docile, they might be stubborn. Bullmastiffs are also slightly smaller than English Mastiffs.
- Tibetan Mastiff. Foreman says that compared to other Mastiff types, Tibetans have long coats prone to extensive shedding. Additionally, they are very intelligent and stubborn, so training is essential.
- Neapolitan Mastiff. These are a more drool-prone type of Mastiff, Foreman reveals, thanks to their “enormous jowls and skin folds.” Unfortunately, this puts them at greater risk of skin fold disease. She adds: that they are very loyal but can be aloof (and sometimes aggressive) with strangers.
- Italian Mastiff. Also known as Cane Corso, Foreman says this breed is traditionally a guard dog, especially for livestock; they can be very protective and potentially aggressive. Additionally, she says they are very intelligent and have lots of energy.
- French Mastiff. Originating from France, this type is also called Dog de Bordeaux. While typically well-tempered and gentle, Foreman says they are more stubborn and challenging to train. Furthermore, they have a shorter life expectancy, averaging 5-6 years.
Breed Personality
Mastiffs are a good family dog since they’re extremely loyal and loving, says Tracey Coulman-Hole, a breeder and co-founder of Womlu Mastiffs. Some are so loving, she adds, that they can even be a bit needy at times. “It’s important to establish boundaries at a young age and ensure they are happy being left home alone for short periods,” she says.
What about non-family members? Coulman-Hole says they can be standoffish with strangers but easily won over if ignored. Then, their need for attention and curiosity takes over!
Although these canines aren’t the most active, they can have a playful side — particularly in their earlier years.
Mastiff Health
These loveable giants are prone to certain health concerns, explains Dr. Matt Murphy, lead veterinarian and partner at CityVet Uptown. Often genetic, some of the main ones include the following.
- Arthritis. Mastiffs can develop arthritis as they age, Dr. Murphy says. The good news? He says its development can be slowed or prevented with the right medications and supplements. Omega-3 and glucosamine are often recommended, along with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Always consult a vet before giving any supplements or medications to your dog.
- Skin concerns. Dr. Murphy reveals this breed is prone to atopic dermatitis, which can lead to secondary infections. “This means extra care must be taken with diet and proper bathing,” he adds. Symptoms can generally be resolved or controlled through regular bathing and medications.
- Knee injuries. “Mastiffs are predisposed to cruciate knee injuries,” Dr. Murphy says. Surgery is the way forward, as it allows these “injuries to be fixed very effectively with few complications,” he adds. Left untreated, cruciate ruptures can occur, leading to arthritis.
- Orthopedic issues. Mastiffs are prone to bone and joint injuries, with elbow and hip dysplasia being common. These degenerative joint diseases can lead to arthritis and decreased mobility later if left untreated. While surgery can be done in these areas, Dr. Murpy emphasizes that the success rate isn’t 100%.
Ideal Environment for a Mastiff
Studio apartment dwellers might want a smaller pup. However, Falvo says Mastiffs can live in larger apartments as long as there’s a safe space nearby for daily exercise and short walks, like a dog park or greenspace.
Although this breed is called “lazy”, this isn’t true. Falvo says a healthy Mastiff needs regular exercise and does better when activity is consistent and non-strenuous. “Remember they are carrying double-coated fur around,” she adds, so even “long walks in warm weather can be too much.”
Ideal Human for a Mastiff
A Mastiff will be your new BFF if you enjoy nightly snuggles on the sofa. However, if you’re away from home frequently or work long hours, this likely isn’t the breed for you.
Additionally, potential pet parents should recognize the importance of early life training. If you have children or other pets in the home, Mastiffs can be a great breed to adopt if they were well socialized as a puppy, says Brianna Dick, a behavior consultant and owner of Pack Leader Help.
These giant dogs tend to have a more docile nature than some other breeds. However, if you have kids, Dick says it’s important to do your research to ensure there are no behavioral concerns before purchasing or adopting.
Mastiff Training
Does their larger size make Mastiffs trickier to train? Dick says, not necessarily.
Generally, this breed is relatively easy to train, but Dick says it’s vital to start doing so early and consistently in puppyhood since they have guardian instincts that might appear as an adult. However, she reassures that this breed can be a great family dog with proper training.
Dick recommends getting a dog trainer beforehand so you have assistance as soon as you bring your four-legged friend home. Given their size and strength, you want to ensure a Mastiff knows the rules and boundaries for interacting with other humans/living things. Wondering what’s the best thing to teach them first? Dick says it’s leash walking.
The required training depends on several factors, including the age the pup is brought home, the time dedicated to sessions, and the training goals. However, Dick explains that most Mastiff pet parents work with a trainer for 6-12 months.
Nowadays, these dogs are typically kept as family pets rather than guard dogs. However, they can *technically* be trained to be good home protectors, but Dick says most pet parents opt for a loveable family pet.
Mastiff Grooming
The length of a Mastiff’s coat — and its grooming needs — depends on the type, reveals Molly Bissantz, a professional dog groomer and owner of Grooming By Molly.
Short-haired Mastiffs, such as English Mastiffs and Bullmastiffs, see their fur grow to around 1-2 inches. However, Bissantz says, the hair is much shorter around the head and feet. These breeds experience “regular and seasonal shedding throughout the year,” she says. “They need regular (weekly to monthly) brushing.” Also, Mastiffs with shorter-haired coats are more prone to skin allergies and sensitivity, so washing them with a gentle dog shampoo is best.
Meanwhile, long-haired types, like Tibetan Mastiffs and Pyrenean Mastiffs, have much thicker coats. “These breeds go through massive seasonal shedding,” Bissantz says. “They need more maintenance to keep their coats from becoming compacted and then matted — including daily brushing and regular (monthly) grooming appointments.”
While their fur typically protects them from the sun, keeping them outside in the sun for a long period is not the best idea, given their double (or even triple) coats. “If exposed to higher temperatures for too long, the coat will start to trap warm air, causing the dog to become overheated and dehydrated,” Bissantz explains.
When it comes to skin folds and deep wrinkles, ensure these areas are dried well with a dog towel after bathing or getting wet. Bissantz says a Mastiff’s wrinkles and ears need regular cleaning to prevent bacterial and fungal infections. Plus, their nails should be trimmed bi-weekly to monthly to prevent abnormal walking patterns that can lead to conditions like arthritis.
Famous or Notable Mastiffs
Mastiffs have made a few appearances on the big screen in various roles.
- Fang, Hagrid’s loyal dog in the Harry Potter films, is a Neapolitan Mastiff (Fun fact: In the books, he is a Great Dane!)
- Chupadogra is a clever, old English Mastiff in the film Marmaduke
- Lenny is a brindle English Mastiff and one of the original hotel “guests” in the movie Hotel for Dogs
- Hercules, aka “The Beast”, a baseball-eating Mastiff in The Sandlot movie
Outside of Hollywood, this breed gained notoriety for other reasons. Zorba, an English Mastiff, was recognized in 1989 as the world’s heaviest dog — weighing a massive 357 pounds!
Popular Mastiff Names
Mastiff owners are seemingly guided by the impressive stature of this breed when selecting a name. Some of the most popular include:
- Zeus
- Tank
- Bear
- Thor
- Duke
- Bella
- Luna
- Stella
Why Mastiffs May Not Be Right For You
Love to spend your weekends hiking or running? Then Falvo says this breed might not be right for you.
Additionally, Foreman explains that due to their size and innate guardian-like behavior, Mastiffs aren’t always the best option for first-time dog parents. Due to their large appetites and susceptibility to health concerns, they can cost a lot, and vet and food bills can quickly add up each month. If you’re considering adopting or purchasing this breed, it might be worth investing in pet insurance.
Breeds Like Mastiffs
If a Mastiff isn’t the right choice for you, why not consider these alternative four-legged friends with similar traits?
- Rhodesian Ridgeback. Thanks to their leaner shape and more athletic disposition, this large breed has a slightly longer life expectancy, shares Dr. Emma Scales-Theobald, at Pooch & Mutt. She says these canines are just as intelligent and loyal as Mastiffs but shed and drool less.
- Newfoundland. Dr. Scales-Theobald says Newfoundlands have a similar stature, temperament, and energy level as a Mastiff but are slightly smaller. “The most notable difference is the Newfoundland’s fluffy coat,” she says. “If you love brushing and are looking for a fluffy, cuddly teddy bear, they could be a cute alternative.”
- Great Dane. Look no further than the Great Dane if you’d like a dog that can exceed even a Mastiff’s great height. This breed is loyal, loving, and a dependable home protector. Plus, they’re more active than Mastiffs, so they make great workout partners.