English Mastiff Prices in 2024: Purchase Cost, Vet Bills, and More!

Bringing an English mastiff into your home gives you a guard dog and a bounding best friend in one go. The mastiff was originally a working dog in England and is known for its thick muscles, gorgeous tan coat, and loyal nature. 

These gentle giants can outweigh an adult human, so it’s natural to wonder how much it costs to care for them. What are the expenses associated with getting a puppy? How much should you budget for food and medical care?

We have the answers. Read this guide for a breakdown of the typical costs an English mastiff owner can expect. 

How Much Does a Puppy Cost?

An English mastic puppy usually costs between $850 and $3,500. Adoption is cheaper, but there are far fewer dogs available. Below, we’ll explain the price ranges for adoption and working with a breeder. 

English Mastiff Adoption: $50 – $350 

Adopting a mastiff from a rescue group or shelter is your most viable option if you want to lower your expenses. You can trim thousands of dollars off your bill. That’s because you don’t have to pay breeder fees, which can be extremely expensive. 

However, there’s a chance that you won’t know your dog’s history, or they may not be purebred. Additionally, this is a tough route for people set on getting a puppy. The mastiffs that are put up for adoption tend to be a bit older, although you can still find a young dog.

English Mastiff Breeders: $850 – $3,500

Breeder costs vary widely, but you should plan to spend at least $850 on your English mastiff. It’s not cheap, but you’re guaranteed to get a purebred puppy if that’s important to you.

There is a little work that you’ll have to do. For the health of your particular pup and the breed in general, it’s crucial to go to a reputable breeder. This means going to someone who cares about the dogs’ quality of life and isn’t solely interested in quantity. Breeders and pet stores that push for larger litters at all costs are called “puppy mills.” 

When you find a mastiff through a good breeder, you can get a dog with a clean bill of health and verifiable history. You still can’t predict the future, but there are usually fewer surprises with breeder-raised dogs than ones who spent time in shelters.

Free English mastiff: $0 

Getting a purebred mastiff for free is rare, as the dogs are expensive and highly desired. However, you might find a friend or acquaintance who can no longer care for their mastiff and is willing to let them go to a good home for free.

Other Factors That Influence the Purchase Price of an English Mastiff

Factors beyond your control affect English mastiff prices. For instance, the mastiff’s lineage plays a big role. A purebred dog with a prestigious heritage will cost you more than one with unknown parents.

The actual breeder matters, too. Breeders who have gained renown in the industry and are members of famous kennel clubs can justify higher prices. These breeders may also register the dog for you. 

The difficulty of your search for a mastiff is a clue to how expensive it will be. If demand is high in your area and there aren’t enough puppies, expect prices to soar to the upper limit. You might be able to get around this if you’re willing to buy your puppy from a distant place and travel home with them.

Cost of Vaccination and Other Medical Expenses for an English Mastiff

On average, medical care for your mastiff will cost around $50 a month. If your pet falls ill, this number can get much higher. 

The $50 monthly average covers basics like yearly checkups and flea-and-tick medication. The mastiff’s behemoth size affects the price of most drugs — smaller dogs can get them cheaper.

When your puppy first arrives, initial medical expenses include a microchip and vaccines.  

As your English mastiff ages, health problems will likely emerge. It’s a good idea to start saving money before you reach this spot to avoid extra stress. Mastiffs often develop:

• Elbow dysplasia
• Hip dysplasia 
• Degenerative myelopathy
• Dilated cardiomyopathy
• Cancer
• Wobbler syndrome 

Cost of Food and Supplies for an English Mastiff

A mastiff isn’t a small creature, so don’t expect a small appetite. You will probably spend $50 to $220 on food every month. Feeding your dog low-quality food won’t save money because a poor diet can lead to illness and visits to the vet. 

Commercial dog food is okay, but look for a brand with limited fillers. Real meat should be the first ingredient listed, followed by vegetables and fruits. 

You can also make your mastiff’s food yourself. Homemade dog food can be pricey, especially for a giant mastiff, but it doesn’t have to be. Try making the food in bulk and freezing it to save money. 

How Much Does It Cost to Insure an English Mastiff?

Pet insurance for your mastiff will cost around $50 to $200 a month. $50 will get you a $5,000 coverage limit, on average, while moving toward the higher end of the range increases the limit and adds benefits like free dental exams. 

Your costs might be higher than average if your mastiff is a puppy or a senior. 

How Much Does It Cost to Train an English Mastiff?

English mastiffs have sweet, lovable dispositions and are generally easy to train. You might be able to spend as little as $100 to $200 on a few group training classes. Private training shouldn’t be necessary unless your dog is too rambunctious or distractable.

If your pup is very docile and well-managed, you can opt for virtual training classes.

Recap: How Much Does a Puppy Cost?