Male vs Female Mastiff: 6 Key Differences

Are you thinking of adopting a mastiff? It’s great to do your research before adopting any new pet, and there are a few key differences between male and female mastiffs!

Male mastiffs are larger than females and tend to physically mature more slowly. Females tend to live slightly longer and are less prone to health issues such as joint problems and bloat. There are few temperament differences between male and female mastiffs.

In this article, we’ll discuss six key differences between male and female mastiffs to help you decide which is right for you.

Male vs Female Mastiff Comparison

6 Key Differences Between Male and Female Mastiffs

The six key differences between male and female mastiffs are their size, growth rates, expenses, temperament, health, and lifespan.

Males tend to grow up more slowly and are larger when fully grown. They may experience more health problems than females. Female mastiffs can be more expensive to adopt and spay and tend to live longer than males.

Most supposed differences in male and female temperament are myths but you may see some differences due to hormones, especially in intact dogs.

Male vs Female Mastiff: Size and Growth

Female mastiffs tend to weigh less than males and also mature more quickly. Males weigh 160-230 pounds and stand 30 inches or taller at the shoulder. Females weigh 120-170 pounds and stand 27.5+ inches. Neither dog has an upper height according to the American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standard.

Male vs Female Mastiff: Expenses

Reputable breeders will sell male and female puppies at the same cost, and you shouldn’t shop with a breeder who sells female puppies for a greater amount. Good breeders aren’t focused on money but on pairing puppies up with the best homes based on temperament and lifestyle.

That said, you may see female puppies from irresponsible breeders who do cost more than their male counterparts.

Females are also more expensive to spay than males are to neuter. This is because the surgery is more complex and invasive.

Male vs Female Mastiff: Temperament

There are many myths surrounding male vs female dog temperaments, but truthfully there is little to no difference, especially if you have your mastiff spayed or neutered.

Intact males are more prone to roam if you allow them off-leash in an unenclosed space. They’re also more likely to mark their territory with urine and have slightly increased rates of aggression. However, most intact male mastiffs are just as friendly as any other!

Intact females will go into heat once to twice yearly and will seek a mate at this time, which can make them restless and increase their desire to roam.

Both are relatively easy to train, though they may get bored with repetitive training sessions. Force-free training methods should always be used and aversive methods and tools avoided.

Male and female mastiffs are both affectionate, protective, and smart. They both require moderate daily exercise.

Male vs Female Mastiff: Health

The biggest health differences you’ll see between male and female mastiffs are reproductive issues such as prostate cancer and cryptorchidism in male dogs and pyometra and ovarian cysts in females. Males are also more likely to develop urinary tract issues.

Male mastiffs also experience an increased risk of size-related health issues such as hip dysplasia, since they can be much larger than females.

Males are at an increased risk of gastric dilatation and volvulus, also known as GDV or bloat. This is an emergent and often deadly condition in dogs, and it’s vital that you learn its symptoms and preventative measures before adopting a mastiff. Their large size and deep chests make both males and females more prone than other dogs to develop this condition.

Remember that females can also develop urinary issues and joint problems. While they’re more common in males, females aren’t immune.

Male vs Female Mastiff: Lifespan

Female dogs tend to live slightly longer than males, likely due to their smaller size. Mastiffs are no exception!

The average lifespan for mastiffs is around eight years.

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