Mastiff: temperament, size, care and health

About the Mastiff

The Mastiff, sometimes called the English Mastiff, is a colossal dog with a massive square head, a broad muzzle with a dark mask and a deep, heavy body. Adults stand at least 27.5 inches tall and often more, and males can weigh well above 200 pounds, which puts the breed among the heaviest anywhere. The coat is short and fawn, apricot or brindle.

Mastiff-type dogs were kept in England for guarding property and, historically, for fighting and baiting. The modern dog is mostly a calm house companion, kept for its dignity, its watchful presence and its devotion to its family.

Temperament and family life

The Mastiff is usually gentle and quiet in the house, more likely to sprawl in the middle of a room than to patrol. It is deeply attached to its family and tends to be reserved, rather than hostile, with strangers. Its bark is rare but impressive, and it needs no training to be an intimidating deterrent.

Because of its weight, even a friendly lean can knock a person over, so supervision with young children and elderly visitors is needed. Most Mastiffs tolerate other pets well if raised together, though same-sex aggression can occur. Many drool, snore and slobber, and they do poorly in homes where they cannot be near the family.

Exercise and training

An adult Mastiff needs a modest amount of exercise: a couple of moderate daily walks and some time in a secure yard. Puppies grow remarkably quickly, and overdoing stairs, jumping and long runs can harm developing joints. Avoid exercising in the heat, since the breed overheats easily, and remember that a Mastiff fed too much will become dangerously heavy.

Training should start immediately, because teaching a 150-pound adolescent is much harder than teaching an 18-week-old puppy. The breed is intelligent but can be slow and sometimes stubborn, and it reacts poorly to harsh corrections. Socialization with new people and places is necessary to keep natural reserve from turning into wariness.

Grooming and shedding

The short coat is straightforward: brush once or twice a week with a rubber curry or bristle brush. Shedding is moderate year round, with heavier periods in spring and autumn, and the hairs are short but plentiful on a dog this big. Baths are required only now and then, though a bath for a Mastiff is a major event.

The facial wrinkles and drooping lips need regular wiping to avoid skin irritation, and the ears should be checked for dirt. Nails are thick and should be kept short. Drool towels are a practical item for any Mastiff household.

Health

Giant size shapes the Mastiff's health. Hip and elbow dysplasia are common, and breeders have joints evaluated through recognized registries. Bloat is an emergency risk in deep-chested dogs, and heart disease, eyelid problems such as entropion, and cancers are seen. Lifespan is notably short, often 6 to 10 years. Because of the cost of veterinary care for a giant dog, many owners consider insurance. Nothing here replaces advice from a veterinarian, who should be consulted about any specific dog.

History

Mastiff-type dogs are described in English records going back many centuries, and the breed is generally traced to ancient large guard dogs of Britain and the Mediterranean. Breeding in Britain almost stopped during the Second World War, when meat was rationed, and the modern breed was rebuilt from a handful of surviving dogs, with dogs later imported from North America. The American Kennel Club recognized the Mastiff in 1885.

Is the Mastiff right for you?

The Mastiff suits a calm household with ample space and a high tolerance for drool, snoring and a big grocery bill. It is a poor fit for active outdoor families, for hot climates without cooling or for anyone who cannot physically manage a dog of this weight. A somewhat smaller, more driven relative is the Bullmastiff, while the Neapolitan Mastiff is even more wrinkled. The Saint Bernard is another giant with a thicker coat.