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Mastiff Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Mastiff so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Working Dogs
Popularity Rank28
Reviews3
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Mastiff dog profile picture
OriginEngland flagEngland
Common Names & Aliases
What other names is a Mastiff known by? Discover all traditional, regional and informal names used for this breed.
Old English MastiffEnglish Mastiff
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is a Mastiff? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Purebred

Mastiff Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is a Mastiff? Learn how big the Mastiff breed typically grows.
Giant
Weight Statistics
How much does a Mastiff weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Mastiff breed.
Male: 150-250 pounds (68-113 kg), Female: 120-180 pounds (54-82 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Mastiff?
Male: 200 pounds (90.5 kg), Female: 150 pounds (68 kg)
Height
How tall is the Mastiff? Mastiff height:
Male: 30 inches (76 cm), Female: 27.5 inches (70 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Mastiff?
Male: 30 inches (76 cm), Female: 27.5 inches (70 cm)

Mastiff Price and Availability

Price Range
How much does a Mastiff puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Mastiff costs.
$1200-$1500
If you choose to purchase the Mastiff, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Mastiff for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Mastiff gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Mastiff? How many Mastiff are there in the world?
Very frequent: The Mastiff is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

Inbreeding is common because of its popularity. A new study suggests that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful, buy from a trustworthy place or kennel and seek the help of an experienced person, a professional, to make the right decision.

Mastiff Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is a Mastiff? Discover the Mastiff's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The Mastiff ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train a Mastiff? Learn about the Mastiff's trainability and response to training methods.
Mastiff dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Rating
How good is a Mastiff as a watchdog? Learn about the Mastiff's alertness and guarding instincts.
Mastiff dogs are one of the best watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're very consistent in their effort. The best vocal cords and sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're very territorial and protective about their property, so the Mastiff dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Territorial Protection
Is a Mastiff protective of its territory? Learn about the Mastiff's guarding instincts and behavior.
Mastiff dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. This breed doesn't hesitate to protect its territory so the Mastiff can be a good choice if you want an excellent guard dog. Keep calm and the Mastiff will take care of unwanted people or animals.

Mastiff Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits
What personality does a Mastiff have? Learn about characteristic Mastiff temperament and behavior traits.
ProtectiveAlertCourageousIntelligentAffectionateLoyalCheerful
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Mastiff sensitivity:
Mastiff dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. Sometimes it's okay to change the daily routine, have guests and listen to loud music.

Some dogs handle moderate punishment very well, while others crumble apart at a dirty look. This breed is not affected emotionally by moderate punishment.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Mastiff a good family dog?
High: Mastiff dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Old English Mastiff need? Mastiff social needs:
Mastiff dogs need for social interaction is average. This breed likes being around people or other animals, but they don't mind being left alone for a few hours either.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Mastiff to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Mastiff roam?
Mastiff dogs are not the biggest explorers. They have low wanderlust potential. Low chance of escaping from home with this breed.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Mastiff have high prey drive?
Their prey drive is low. Mastiff dogs don't have an impulse to catch or chase small animals.

Mastiff Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency
Does a Mastiff bark a lot? Learn about typical Mastiff vocalization patterns and triggers.
Low: The Mastiff barks none to minimal. Perfect choice if you prefer a quiet breed.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Playful Nature
How playful is a Mastiff? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Mastiff breed.
Mastiffs are not the most playful dog breed. Sometimes they do like playing, but that's not their favorite activity.
Apartment Adaptability
Can a Mastiff live in an apartment? Learn about the Mastiff's suitability for apartment living.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Mastiff indoors.

Mastiff Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is a Mastiff to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Mastiff's flexibility to new situations.
Mastiff dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can a Mastiff be left alone? Learn about the Mastiff's tolerance to solitude.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. With proper socialization and quality time with the dog can solve this problem.

Mastiff Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment
What is a Mastiff biting potential? Learn about the Mastiff's bite risk factors.

Moderate

The Mastiff has an average chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is a Mastiff mouthy? Learn about the Mastiff's tendency to use mouth during play.
Mastiff dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Mastiff dogs need to be taught a good attitude.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is a Mastiff bite? Learn about the Mastiff's bite force measured in PSI.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Mastiff bite force: The Strongest. The Mastiff bite force is among the strongest in the canine world. The bite force Mastiff measurements are typically quite high, which is a testament to their powerful and large stature. The bite force of Mastiff dogs is impressive, and their Mastiff bite PSI is reflective of their powerful nature.

The Mastiff PSI bite should be respected, and appropriate precautions should be taken when interacting with these dogs. The PSI of a Mastiff bite is high, making them one of the strongest breeds in terms of bite force.

They are very protective of themselves and their families, therefore a dog bite from them could be exceptionally dangerous with their PSI being above 400.

To ensure a well-behaved and controlled dog, it's important to learn how to train a Mastiff puppy not to bite from an early age. It is important that they’re trained to be around others safely.

Mastiff Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does a Mastiff live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Mastiff breed.
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Mastiff: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does a Mastiff handle different weather? Learn about the Mastiff's climate adaptability.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Mastiff can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in a Mastiff? Discover typical conditions affecting the Mastiff breed.
Mastiffs are commonly healthy dogs. Vet costs aren't expensive with this breed.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does a Mastiff need vet visits? Learn about the Mastiff's veterinary care requirements.
Rare
The Mastiff should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Mastiff breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Mastiff breed? Most common health risks of Mastiff:
Hip Dysplasia CancerProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)BloatSeizuresCystinuria

Mastiff Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is a Mastiff? Understand daily activity needs of the Mastiff breed.
Mastiff dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs. If you live a chilled life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Mastiff need? How much exercise do Mastiff dogs require per day?

Do Mastiff dogs need a lot of exercises?

Mastiff dogs exercise need is minimal. If you live a slow life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Mastiff breed need?
Mastiff dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot. They're not the most active dog breed. If you live an active life, this breed can be a bad choice for you.

Mastiff Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency
Is a Mastiff prone to weight gain? Learn about the Mastiff's obesity risks.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Mastiff's weight, he can easily gain weight. More than one daily walk should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Mastiff weight regularly.

Food Consumption
How much food does a Mastiff need daily? Learn about the Mastiff's feeding requirements.
8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals

Mastiff Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is a Mastiff hypoallergenic? Learn about the Mastiff's suitability for allergy sufferers.
No
Mastiff dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Coat Colors
What colors does a Mastiff come in? Discover all possible Mastiff color variations.
Fawn Brindle Apricot
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does a Mastiff need? Learn about Mastiff coat maintenance requirements.
Easy to groom: The Mastiff doesn't require a lot of grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Mastiff is a good choice if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Recommended for beginners.
Drooling Tendency
Does a Mastiff drool a lot? Learn about the Mastiff's drooling habits.
The Mastiff is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool much more than others, just like the Mastiff.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Stinkiness Rating
Does a Mastiff smell bad? Learn about the Mastiff's natural odor levels.

High 🔼

The Mastiff has a high chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does a Mastiff have? Learn about the Mastiff's fur characteristics.
Dense
Bathing Needs
How often does a Mastiff need baths? Learn about the Mastiff's bathing requirements.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. According to a study, 56% of pet parents don’t bathe their dogs as frequently as they should, and 60% use the sniff test when deciding when it’s bath time.

Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

Shedding Level
How much do Mastiff dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Old English Mastiff? Do Mastiff dogs shed a lot?
Mastiff dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.

Mastiff Good With

Child Compatibility
Is a Mastiff good with children? Learn about the Mastiff's behavior around kids of different ages.
Mastiff dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. This breed enjoys being surrounded by children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does a Mastiff get along with other pets? Discover the Mastiff's compatibility with other animals.
Mastiff dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Mastiff temperament with other people:
Mastiff dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
How well do Mastiff dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Mastiff breed live with a cat?
Mastiff dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Mastiff good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Mastiff dogs get along with other dogs?
Mastiff dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Mastiff breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Mastiff breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Mastiff dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Mastiff dogs good office canines? Do Mastiff dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Mastiff is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Mastiff dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Old English Mastiff temperament with senior people? Are Mastiff dogs good for elderly owners?
Mastiffs are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Mastiff As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability
Can a Mastiff be a service dog? Learn about the Mastiff's service work potential.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Mastiff is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Work Suitability
Is a Mastiff good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Mastiff's therapy work aptitude.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Mastiff is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Scent Detection Ability
Is a Mastiff good at detection work? Learn about the Mastiff's scenting abilities.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Mastiff is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search & Rescue Potential
Can a Mastiff do search and rescue? Learn about the Mastiff's SAR capabilities.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Mastiff is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Maritime Work Ability
Is a Mastiff good on boats? Learn about the Mastiff's maritime capabilities.

Not really

Mastiff breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Draft Work Capability
Can a Mastiff pull carts? Learn about the Mastiff's drafting abilities.

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Mastiff breed is a good choice for drafting purposes.

Military Service Background
Was a Mastiff used in military service? Learn about the Mastiff's military history.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Mastiff Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does a Mastiff usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
3-5 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is a Mastiff pregnant? Learn about the Mastiff's gestation period.

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Mastiff: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Breeding Frequency
How often can a Mastiff have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.

Mastiff Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is a Mastiff in? Learn about the Mastiff's AKC classification.
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is a Mastiff in? Learn about the Mastiff's international classification.
Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Which kennel clubs recognize a Mastiff? Learn about the Mastiff's official recognition.
American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryCanadian Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleKennel Club of Great BritainNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.American Canine Association, Inc.Australian National Kennel CouncilContinental Kennel ClubNational Kennel ClubNew Zealand Kennel ClubUnited Kennel Club

Mastiff Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Health Concerns: Mastiffs are commonly healthy dogs.
  • Grooming Requirements: Easy to groom: The Mastiff doesn't require a lot of grooming.
  • Watchdog Rating: Mastiff dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Mastiff dogs are not the biggest explorers.
  • Lifestyle Adaptability: Mastiff dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Compatibility: Mastiff dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
  • Cat Friendly: Mastiff dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Mastiffs are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Mastiff dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Draft Work Capability: A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
Cons
  • Allergy Friendliness: Mastiff dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Mastiff is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed.
  • Stinkiness Rating: The Mastiff has a high chance of bad smell.
  • Obesity Tendency: Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Mastiff's weight, he can easily gain weight.
  • Mouthing Tendency: Mastiff dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Office Friendly: Mastiff is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Rate The Mastiff Breed

Mastiff Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Salvey

    Jun 11, 2023, 7:27:49 PM:

    Best dog I have ever owned. Loyal.affectionate,protective, with me everywhere I go! 32 inches at the shoulders 230 lbs of total devotion!

  • Luka Videos

    Apr 4, 2023, 1:17:55 PM:

    Thicc yet cute

  • Nia

    Feb 25, 2022, 6:52:35 AM: