Mastiff Dog Breed Information

Group

Working

Weight

58-100+ kg

Height

70 - 76.2+ cm

Lifespan

6-12 years

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About the Mastiff

Reviewed by:

Dr. Dilber Hussain

Veterinarian

Loyal, loving and sometimes stubborn, the Mastiff is a true gentle giant. Despite its massive size, the Mastiff will do its best to be a lap dog.

And you’ll always have a personal bodyguard by your side that won’t hesitate to protect you in threatening situations.

Mastiffs are friendly dogs that really fit the saying, “man’s best friend” (even though they can be rather stubborn on occasions).

This guide will tell you everything you need to know about Mastiffs and more – keep reading!

What is the history & origin of the Mastiff?

The Mastiff dog breed, or Old English Mastiff, has an ancient history.

Their ancestors (known as molossers) are thought to have originated in the central Asian mountains thousands of years ago. They were initially used for dog-fighting, hunting, and guarding.

Throughout the 16th century, Mastiffs were used as guard dogs to patrol the estates during the night and scare away intruders.

Today’s modern Mastiff started to develop in 1835 in England, making it through World War I and World War II as loyal, protective war dogs.

It is believed that the Mastiff dog breed was brought over to Britain by Phoenician traders, and they were spread to America on the Mayflower.

A book on dog breeds from the 1800s, called Cynographica Britannica, quotes: “What the Lion is to the Cat, the Mastiff is to the Dog. The noblest of the family, he stands alone, and all others sink before him.”

What is a Mastiff breed?

Mastiffs are BIG dogs that originate from an ancient canine clan, arguably as old as civilisation itself.

Massive in size, heavy-boned and extremely strong, the Mastiff is a force not to be reckoned with. An adult Mastiff stands more than 76cm tall at its shoulders and easily outweighs most humans.

Appearance-wise these giants don’t lack muscle! Their short double coat is typically fawn (light yellow-brown), apricot, or brindle (dark stripes).

They have a black-masked, broad head with a distinctive wrinkled forehead. Mastiffs always seem to have an alert yet calm expression.

Who is a Mastiff best for?

Mastiffs make for awesome family pets if they are properly trained from a young age. It’s essential that they are exposed to other dogs, people and places as a pup.

If not, they can be difficult to handle – due to their huge size and tendency to be stubborn.

For couch potatoes, a Mastiff might just be the perfect companion since they enjoy lazing on the sofa too! Although it’s always better to get regular exercise if you want a healthier dog.

It’s common for Mastiffs to drool a lot and snore loudly – so you might need to stock up on doggie bibs and earplugs!

Besides being extremely loving companions, these noble dogs work in the police and military for guarding, searching and rescuing.

They are also a great pick for anyone interested in dog sports, as they have succeeded in many different disciplines over the years.

Mastiff Grooming & Shedding

Having a Mastiff doesn’t require much grooming effort, as their short, dense coat only needs a quick brush every couple of days and a wipe with a towel.

They shed once or twice a year – which will require more regular strong brushes for a few weeks to remove all the dead dog hair.

You will need to clean their ears and face wrinkles and their eyes and muzzle too, as well as trim their nails to keep them short.

As mentioned, Mastiffs drool (a LOT). A great tip is to keep a handkerchief on hand to wipe their muzzle before things get messy.

Do Mastiffs bark a lot?

Although Mastiffs make for excellent guard dogs, they are generally calm and don’t tend to bark much.

These well-mannered dogs won’t usually bark unless they have a reason to.

What is the average weight & height of a Mastiff dog?

When compared to other pets, the Mastiff is a real giant.

Male Mastiffs are a minimum of 76.2cm tall, and females are at least 70cm tall – at the shoulder.

Size and weight can vary between dogs, and weight ranges between 58 and a huge 100kgs (or more!).

Are Mastiffs easy to train?

Like with most dog breeds, obedience training and early socialisation are crucial.

Mastiffs are intelligent, fast learners, and they tend to get bored quickly with too much repetition in training. (You’ll know when you see them snoring in the dog park). They do better with several varied training sessions throughout the day.

These dogs communicate greatly with their eyes, and they’re excellent at reading facial expressions and body language – so be sure to make eye contact with your Mastiff.

Mastiffs thrive off love, respect, inclusion and being praised. Raising your voice is likely to hurt their feelings, as these loyal dogs just want to please.

How do Mastiffs behave? A look at their temperament and personality

Mastiffs are lovely, good-natured dogs. They are calm, loving and affectionate – making them the perfect family companion. Though, their massive size might not be suitable for toddlers or babies.

They are eternally loyal and protective, thanks to their guard dog roots. These traits also tend to come out when visitors come around.

The Mastiff is a magnificent pet and a best friend for life.

Does the Mastiff have any common health issues?

In general, Mastiffs are a healthy dog breed, but it’s good to be aware of possible lifestyle or genetic health problems that may occur.

Here are a few common health conditions to look out for:

Hip and elbow dysplasia -A hereditary condition in which the thighbone doesn’t fit into the hip joint properly, which can cause pain or lameness of the rear legs.
Progressive retinal atrophy – An eye problem that eventually leads to blindness due to a lack of photoreceptors in the eyes.
Cystinuria – A hereditary kidney disorder that is more common in male dogs and can be detected early through DNA testing.
Seizures – Caused by epilepsy or trauma and managed through consistent medication.
Gastric torsion (bloat) – A possibly fatal condition that commonly affects big, deep-chested dogs. It’s usually caused by eating one huge meal a day, eating too rapidly, drinking too much water too fast, or exercising vigorously after a big meal.
Cancer- Bone cancer (osteosarcoma) is common in this dog breed, and the first symptom is lameness which can only be confirmed through x-rays. Following proper treatment, Mastiffs can live for 9 months and up to 2 years or more.

What is the lifespan of a Mastiff?

Mastiffs typically live for 6 to 12 years. Due to their size, they age faster than small dogs. Plus, their tendency to develop cancer sadly contributes to their short life expectancy.

How much does a Mastiff need to be fed?

In order for the breed to grow from a tiny puppy into a huge adult dog, this giant breed needs proper nutrition.

Dog experts recommend that the puppy should begin on an adult food formulation with less than 26% protein and a 1.2:1 calcium/phosphorous ratio to prevent common skeletal disorders.

It’s also advised to stick to a meal schedule instead of free-feeding so that your Mastiff doesn’t become overweight.

How much can you expect to pay for a Mastiff in Australia?

The cost of a Mastiff puppy depends entirely on where and who you buy it from.

Prices can range from as low as $350 through local classified ads to $2800 or more through registered breeders.

With that being said, always try to adopt a dog from a Mastiff rescue or shelter.

Mastiff FAQs

Is a Mastiff ideal for a first-time dog owner?

Although English Mastiffs are gentle giants and easily trainable, they might not be the ideal dog for an inexperienced dog owner.

This is because they are rather large in size and can be stubborn. Without early and consistent training by their owner, they may become very difficult to handle.

Do Mastiffs suffer from separation anxiety?

Mastiffs tend to have a low chance of having separation anxiety.

Being anxious is not part of their typical characteristics, so you don’t have to worry too much about leaving your companion at home for a few hours while you run errands.