The Top 7 Reasons Mastiffs Are the Perfect Guard Dogs

#1 Mastiffs Are One of the Largest Dog Breeds

According to the breed standard, male mastiffs’ minimum height is 30 inches measured to the top of the shoulder. The breed standard for females is 27.5 inches to the top of the shoulder. However, mastiffs can grow up to 36 inches tall to the shoulder. For males, they can weigh between 160 and 230 pounds, and for females, they can weigh 120 to 170 pounds.

However, in 1989, a male Old English mastiff named Zorba set the Guinness World Record for the heaviest and longest dog. Zorba weighed 330 pounds and was eight feet and three inches long from nose tip to tail. This Mastiff also stood a little over 37 inches tall at the shoulder. No one is breaking into your house with a guard dog like that!

Needless to say, this breed is one of the largest out of all the dog breeds, making for a very intimidating guard dog.

#2 Mastiffs Are Part of the Working Group

The American Kennel Club classifies the mastiff breed as part of the Working Group. Dogs in the Working Group are characterized by intelligence, strength, alertness, and observant natures. Working Group breeds were reared to assist men and help with tasks. That is why dogs in this group excel at guarding, manual labor such as pulling sleds, or rescue training.

The United Kennel Club classifies the mastiff breed as part of the Guardian Dog Group. This group is broken down into two categories: Flock Guards and Mastiffs. There is a theory that the largest Flock Dogs were selected and bred to be guard dogs or used in war.

All in all, mastiffs were bred to assist and protect man, a job that goes down to their basic instincts.

#3 Mastiffs Are Protective of the Family

Mastiffs are good-natured and protective of their human pack. They are excellent family dogs and placid companions for older kids. However, families with little children should wait to welcome a mastiff because of their vast size.

This protective nature appears especially around strangers. Your mastiff may treat visitors or mail carriers with suspicion or aggression. This trait benefits a guard dog, but you must temper it through socialization and responsive training. This is most crucial when your dog is a puppy. Introducing your mastiff puppy to as many new people and environments as possible will help your dog be open to visiting friends.

But the fact that a mastiff’s fundamental nature is protective is one of the reasons mastiffs are the perfect guard dogs.

#4 Mastiffs Are Very Trainable

Smart as a whip and eager to please, you will have an easy time training your mastiff. Through positive reinforcement and consistent training, you will teach your mastiff the correct situations in which to be protective. Training must be a top priority because their strength and desire to protect can get out of control without guidance.

#5 Their Deep Bark Is Intimidating

Thankfully, mastiffs aren’t yippy like other dog breeds. Because they are naturally alert and watchful, they usually only bark to warn their owners. However, sometimes, the threat your mastiff perceives is not a real threat to you.

Generally, a mastiff’s bark is in response to strangers, unfamiliar stimuli, or if they are uncomfortable. But because of their size, mastiffs produce deep and intimidating barks. This warning can be heard throughout the house and will make anyone breaking in think twice.

#6 They Have a Strong Bite Force

Because of their size, it should be no surprise that this breed has a powerful bite force. When measured, mastiffs have a bite force of 556 PSI. In comparison, German shepherds have a bite force of 238 PSI, and Rottweilers have 328 PSI. So, if you are in a dangerous situation and need protection, mastiffs are the perfect guard dog. They can quickly subdue other animals or human threats with their mighty bite force.

#7 Mastiffs Are Very Loyal

Their love for their human pack is incomparable. This unwavering loyalty creates strong bonds between the dog and the owner. But this trait especially shines in the face of danger. A mastiff’s loyalty supersedes its fear or self-preservation. They won’t hesitate to protect the ones they love. This incredible loyalty is the main reason mastiffs are the perfect guard dogs.