Complete Mastiff Guide and Benefits of Each Breed

Mastiffs are often considered the gentle giants of the dog world. While their large size and difficult past can be intimidating, these pups are filled with nothing but love.

Are you are planning to welcome a lovable mastiff into your family? You may be wondering which breed is right for you. We’re here to break down the different mastiff breeds in detail. We’ll also help you better understand the benefits of each one.

Let’s get started!

Introduction To Mastiffs

The mastiff has a list of incredible qualities, but they are best known for their impressive size. These dogs are considered the biggest dog breed in the world. Many reach up to 200 pounds when fully grown. One mastiff named Zorba even landed a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records. He weighed over 300 pounds!

The mastiff is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, dating as far back as the 1300s. They were originally bred to accompany their owners in battle. There are even stories of these dogs fighting wild animals. They were once used as the ultimate weapon in battle, but they have come a long way since then.

These pups are not the dangerous dogs that stigma portrays them to be. They are loyal, loving, kind-natured, and ready to be the canine companion you’ve always dreamed of. Their size can be daunting, but their personality makes up for it!

Meet 6 Different Mastiff Breeds

Did you know that there are multiple breeds of mastiff? Let’s introduce you to each of them below!

1. English Mastiff

The English mastiff is one of the largest dog breeds in the world. These pups can weigh anywhere from 180 to 230 pounds. They can stand up to 30 inches in height at the shoulder. While their impressive size may be daunting, they are known for being incredibly good-natured.

This breed needs 30-40 minutes of exercise each day. As long as they get this, they are happy to lounge around with their owners. They love nothing more than cuddling up with those they love. They are incredible companions for a single or family home. This is probably why the English mastiff is one of the most commonly owned mastiffs.

2. Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff is the second most commonly owned mastiff. Though they are still massive, they weigh less than their English counterparts. The average bullmastiff weighs anywhere from 100 to 140 pounds. Additionally, they can stand up to 27 inches at the shoulder.

The bullmastiff is known for their sweet disposition, and their love of being around people. They are incredibly friendly to humans and animals of all kinds. However, they choose their owners over anyone or anything else. If you are looking for a trusted companion, then look no further than the bullmastiff.

3. Neapolitan Mastiff

The Neapolitan mastiff is a huge hunk of love, weighing in at anywhere from 130 to 150 pounds on average. Their stunning silver fur and impressive jowls have made quite a name for themselves, as they are often considered one of the most beautiful of all mastiff breeds.

These dogs are known for being couch potatoes, and they love taking multiple naps a day. As long as you take them on one 20-30 minute walk each day, they are more than happy to cuddle up with their owners on the couch. If are okay with dealing with a bit of drool, then this may be the perfect pup for you.

4. Cane Corso

If you are a Game of Thrones fan, then you may recognize the regal cane corso. They are smaller than the rest of their mastiff friends, as they typically weigh up to 110 pounds. Though they are not as big as other mastiffs, they are still just as striking of a sight to see.

The cane corso is much more active than other mastiffs, so if you are looking for a stunning pup that loves adventure, then this may be the right pup for you. The cane corso will proudly accompany you on any adventures, and they are happy to curl up next to you after a long day of activity.

5. Tibetan Mastiff

This stunning mastiff looks like they belong in the middle of the mountains, because this is where they originated! The Tibetan mastiff is from the Himalayan mountains, which is why they sport such an impressive fur coat. Their dense fur helped them survive many frigid winters.

The Tibetan mastiff can weigh anywhere from 130 to 150 pounds, and they stand up to 26 inches at the shoulder. They are the most independent of all mastiffs, so if you are looking for a mastiff that is not as clingy, then the Tibetan may be the best choice for you!

6. South African Mastiff

The South African mastiff, or the boerboel mastiff, is known as the ultimate farmer’s dog. They love nothing more than to be hard at work, and they are impressively agile for their large size. They can weigh up to 200 pounds and stand up to 28 inches at the shoulder.

This breed is highly active and intelligent, so they are not a great option for any new pet parents. However, if you are a skilled dog owner and need a pup that is up for any challenge, then this may be the best mastiff breed for you.

Things To Know About Your Mastiff

Once you determine which mastiff breed is right for your family, you will need to learn about how to best care for them. Let’s discuss everything you need to know about diet, exercise, and vet car for the mastiff.

Diet: Each mastiff varies in size slightly, but they are all considered giant breed dogs. They have massive growth spirts in puppyhood and can struggle with joint health later in life, but a quality diet can help them tackle each of these issues. We suggest offering them a puppy food for giant breed dogs until they are 14 months old, and you can then transition them over to an adult diet for giant breed dogs.

Exercise: Ideally, each dog on our list should have anywhere from 30-45 minutes of exercise each day. However, if you have one of the more energetic mastiffs on the lists, then they may require more exercise to feel happy and fulfilled. Some of the best forms of exercise include going on long walks, going on hikes, going for a swim, and playing games of fetch.

Vet care: Most mastiffs live a healthy and happy life of anywhere from 7 to 10 years. Regular vet care can help to not only extend your dog’s life, but also make sure they have a great quality of life each step of the way. Ideally, your puppy should complete a series of puppy vaccinations during the first year of their life. These vaccines can be started from eight weeks of age and on. Once your pup reaches adulthood, it’s best to have them assessed by a vet once a year, and twice a year once they reach their senior years.

Final Thoughts

The mastiff is a generally loving and kind-natured breed. Their large size may be intimating to many, but they are nothing more than big teddy bears! Be sure to review the information we discussed above, and you can determine which mastiff breed is right for your family.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Pavel Shlykov/Shutterstock.com