The 10 Largest Mastiffs Breeds From Around The World

Mastiffs(Canis lupus familiaris) are among the largest dog breeds. There are a variety of breeds considered mastiffs, like the popular bullmastiff and English mastiff. Each mastiff is different, but these breeds are all large and make great guard dogs. The American Kennel Club officially recognizes three dog mastiff breeds: the Bullmastiff, English Mastiff, and Neapolitan Mastiff. However, several other large breeds are referred to as mastiffs. Continue reading to learn about the 10 largest mastiff breeds, officially recognized or not.

10. Brazilian Mastiff

Brazilian mastiffs are a working breed from Brazil, locally called Fila Brasileiro. This breed is large, measuring 26 to 30 inches at the shoulder and weighing 88 to 110 pounds. Thought to descend from Europe, this breed was developed in Brazil to be used as farm dogs. Brazilian mastiffs were trained to chase down animals and people. They are aggressive and will hold down prey until their owner comes. 

9. Tibetan Mastiff 

Tibetan mastiffs weigh 90 to 150 pounds and measure 24 to 26 inches tall. They have dense coats that give them a teddy bear look and help them stand out from other mastiffs. Even though they can get quite large, their muscular build allows them to run at speeds of up to 20 miles per hour (mph). They are friendly dogs that are good with children and even cats.

8. Japanese Mastiff 

Japanese mastiffs are also called Tosa Inus and are one of the friendliest mastiff breeds. They weigh 100 to 150 pounds and measure 21.5 to 23.5 inches tall at the shoulder. Tosa Inus come from Japan and are a rare breed. The breed was banned in the U.K. and other countries because they were bred for dog fighting. They are also hunting dogs used to hunt animals like boars or pigs. Despite their reputation, they are docile and can do well in a family home.  

7. Neapolitan Mastiff 

Neapolitan mastiffs weigh approximately 150 pounds and measure 26 to 31 inches tall. They are loyal and friendly dogs. In Ancient Rome, they were bred to work as guard dogs. They have thick, loose skin that forms folds all over their body. Their saggy skin made them preferred defense dogs and gave them their iconic look.

6. German Mastiff

German Mastiffs are more commonly known as Great Danes. They are not technically mastiffs, but their ancestry includes both mastiff-type and sighthound-type dogs. Great Danes are one of the tallest dog breeds in the world. They measure 30 to 32 inches at the shoulder and weigh 140 to 175 pounds. Great Danes were bred as hunting dogs, but have become great companions and are highly affectionate. They require regular exercise but are generally calm and should not be over-exercised because of their size.

5. South African Mastiff 

South African mastiffs are an intelligent and muscular breed, also known as the Boerboel. They weigh 110 to 200 pounds and measure 22 to 27 inches tall. The Boerboel was first bred in South Africa in the 1800s. They are a mix of several breeds and were bred to be guard dogs. Mastiffs, greyhounds, terriers, foxhounds, pointers, and bulldogs are the breeds from which they are thought to come. They are known for being excellent guard and farm dogs.

4. Pyrenean Mastiff 

Pyrenean mastiffs are an old breed from the mountains of Spain. They weigh 120 to 200 pounds and stand 30 to 31 inches at the shoulder. These gentle giants make excellent family dogs. They have long coats and thick fur. This breed is known to suffer from several health issues, such as elbow and hip dysplasia, and heart conditions such as cardiomyopathy. Pyrenean mastiffs were initially bred to shepherd flocks of animals. 

3. Spanish Mastiff  

Spanish mastiffs weigh 140 to 200 pounds and measure 28 to 35 inches tall at the shoulder. They have an independent nature, and like most mastiffs, they make excellent watchdogs. They were originally found in the mountain regions of Spain, and years of domestication have turned them into the ideal pet. Their broadheads, large bodies, and narrow eyes are traits similar to other mastiff breeds.

2. Alangu Mastiff

The Alangu mastiff is more commonly known as the Bully Kutta. Other names for this dog include the South Asian mastiff, Indian mastiff, and Pakistani bully dog. Bully Kutta is a large and fearsome breed that typically weighs between 150 and 200 pounds and stands about 30 to 44 inches tall at the shoulder, though individuals at the upper end are rare. They were originally bred to help hunt bears and other large animals. This breed originated from India and was used by kings as protection and hunting dogs. 

1. English Mastiff 

The English Mastiff is the largest breed of mastiff dog. They measure up to 32 inches at the shoulder and can weigh over 230 pounds. The largest English Mastiff ever recorded was Zorba, who weighed 345 pounds at his heaviest and was 37 inches tall at the shoulder. English mastiffs were bred for fighting and were war dogs in Ancient Rome. Today, they make great companions.