English Mastiff (Mastiff)

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Get to Know English Mastiff (Mastiff)s

  • One of the Heaviest Dog Breeds in the World: The English Mastiff holds records for sheer mass, with some individuals weighing over 230 pounds. While not the tallest breed, their bone density and muscle make them unmatched in overall substance.
  • Ancient War Dogs: English Mastiffs were used in ancient warfare, including by the Romans, who brought them from Britain to fight in arenas and battles. Their courage and imposing presence made them highly valued as war and guard dogs.
  • Gentle Giants by Nature: Despite their formidable size, well-bred English Mastiffs are famously calm and affectionate. They are far more likely to lean on you for comfort than display aggression.
  • Slow to Mature: English Mastiffs mature very slowly, often not reaching full physical and mental maturity until 3–4 years of age. This prolonged puppyhood requires patient training and careful management during growth.
  • Minimal Barkers, Maximum Presence: They are naturally quiet dogs that rarely bark without reason. Their sheer size and watchful demeanor alone are usually enough to deter intruders.

Breed History

The English Mastiff is one of the oldest known dog breeds, with ancestors dating back over 2,000 years in Britain. Descended from ancient mastiff-type dogs used for guarding, warfare, and big-game hunting, the breed gained prominence during Roman occupation and later throughout medieval England. Over time, selective breeding shifted the English Mastiff away from aggression and toward steadiness, loyalty, and calm guardianship. Today’s English Mastiff retains the breed’s impressive size and courage but is best known as a devoted family companion and gentle protector.

Personality and Behaviour

  • Calm & Even-Tempered: English Mastiffs are composed and emotionally steady, preferring quiet environments and predictable routines. They are not hyperactive and tend to conserve energy.
  • Deeply Loyal & Family-Oriented: They form strong bonds with their families and are especially gentle with children when properly supervised. Their loyalty often expresses itself through quiet companionship rather than constant attention-seeking.
  • Naturally Protective but Discerning: They are instinctive guardians who observe before reacting. When properly socialized, they are trustworthy and non-reactive, reserving action only for genuine threats.

Care

  • Exercise: Daily walks and light activity keep them healthy; excessive or high-impact exercise should be avoided, especially during growth.
  • Training: Early, calm, and consistent training is essential; manners matter greatly in a dog of this size!
  • Exercise: Daily walks and light activity keep them healthy; excessive or high-impact exercise should be avoided, especially during growth.

English Mastiff (Mastiff) Summary

weight iconWeight
120-230 lbs
lifespan iconLifespan
6-10 years
exercise iconExercise
Low
trainability iconTrainability
Moderate
temperament iconTemperament
Dignified
Loyal
Gentle
grooming iconGrooming
Low

What to ask your breeder?

It’s important to ensure your breeder conducts thorough health screenings on the two dogs that were bred for the litter. Reputable breeders should perform genetic laboratory testing and also orthopedic evaluations. There’s no way to guarantee every puppy in every litter is 100% free from health problems, but responsible breeding practices greatly reduce the risk.

Here’s a short summary of what you should be asking your breeder:

English Mastiff (Mastiff) Health Testing

ScreeningConsiderations
Hip DysplasiaOFA Radiographic Hip Evaluation
Elbow DysplasiaOFA Radiographic Elbow Evaluation
ACVO Eye ExamEye Examination once 24 months old. Results registered with OFA
Cardiac EvaluationOne of the following: Advanced Cardiac Exam Basic Cardiac Exam (recommend exam by Cardiologist)
Autoimmune Thyroiditis(Optional) Autoimmune Thyroditis Evaluation from an approved Lab. Results registered with OFA.
Cystinuria(Optional) - Urine Nitroprusside Test (Intact males only) available from UPenn. Recommend to start testing at the age of 18 months and test annually. (Results can not be posted to OFA) - Cystinuria-Associated Marker (Type 3) DNA from an approved laboratory (UPenn recommended); Results registered with OFA.
Patellar Luxation(Optional) Veterinary Evaluation of Patellar Luxation. Results registered with OFA.
Canine Multifocal Retinopathy(Optional) DNA-based CMR test from an approved lab; Results submitted to OFA
Degenerative Myelopathy(Optional) DNA-based DM test from an approved laboratory; Results registered with OFA.
D-PRA (Dominant Progressive Retinal Atrophy)(Optional) DNA-based D-PRA test from an approved laboratory; Results registered with OFA

How Much Does It Cost to Own an English Mastiff (Mastiff) Per Year?

Determining the cost of owning an English Mastiff (Mastiff) is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.

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