Mastiff Breed Guide
Also known as: Old English Mastiff, English Mastiff
Gentle giants with ancient lineage, Mastiffs are calm, powerful dogs whose impressive size houses surprisingly gentle, people-oriented personalities.
Quick facts about this breed
Size
Giant
Weight
54-104 kg
Lifespan
6-12 years
Energy Level
Low
Family Fit
Only with older kids
Shedding
Moderate
Size
Giant
Weight
54-104 kg
Lifespan
6-12 years
Energy Level
Low
Family Fit
Only with older kids
Shedding
Moderate
About Mastiffs
The Mastiff, also known as the English Mastiff, is an ancient breed that originated in England over 2,000 years ago. Originally bred for war and later used for hunting large game and guarding estates, these massive dogs have been refined over centuries to be gentle family guardians.
Mastiffs are among the largest dog breeds. Their short, dense coats come in fawn, apricot, or brindle colours, often with black masks. They're known for their massive heads, gentle expressions, and calm, dignified temperaments.
These dogs are gentle, patient, and make excellent family pets despite their imposing size. They're naturally protective but not aggressive, making them excellent guardians. They require moderate exercise and are generally content with daily walks. While generally healthy, potential concerns include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and bloat. Early socialisation helps ensure they're well-adjusted, confident adults.
Complete Care Guide for Mastiffs
Expert advice on keeping your Mastiff healthy, happy, and thriving at every stage of life.
Providing proper nutrition for a Mastiff requires careful attention to their unique dietary needs as a giant breed. These magnificent dogs thrive on a well-balanced diet rich in high-quality animal proteins, which support their substantial muscle mass and overall body functions. Maintaining appropriate portions of fats, particularly omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, proves essential for skin, coat, and joint health.
Due to their deep-chested structure, Mastiffs face a heightened risk of gastric dilatation and volvulus (bloat), making feeding schedule and routine crucial considerations. Breaking daily food portions into multiple smaller meals helps reduce this risk, while avoiding exercise around mealtimes further protects against this serious condition. Establishing consistent feeding times morning and evening, with measured portions appropriate to your Mastiff's age, weight, and activity level, helps maintain optimal health.
Monitoring food intake becomes particularly important as these gentle giants can be prone to weight gain. Excess weight places additional stress on their joints and cardiovascular system, potentially leading to health complications. Working closely with a veterinarian to establish appropriate portion sizes and adjust them throughout your Mastiff's life stages ensures proper nutrition while maintaining a healthy weight.
How healthy is your Mastiff?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about Mastiffs from our community of pet parents
Mastiffs are known for their gentle and affectionate nature. Despite their large size, they are good-natured, calm and easygoing. They are very loyal and protective of their family, making them excellent guard dogs. However, due to their protective nature, they may be wary of strangers. Early socialisation and training are important to ensure they grow up to be well-rounded dogs.
Dog Breeds Similar to Mastiff
Explore breeds with comparable temperament, size, and care requirements to the Mastiff
Neapolitan Mastiff
Ancient guardians with wrinkled faces, Neapolitan Mastiffs are powerful, calm dogs whose imposing appearance houses surprisingly gentle, loyal personalities.
Cane Corso
Noble guardians with ancient heritage, Cane Corsos are powerful mastiffs whose loyalty and protection instincts suit experienced, confident owners.
Bullmastiff
Silent guardians with gentle hearts, Bullmastiffs are powerful protectors who combine strength with surprising gentleness around their loved ones.