Breeds
Mastiff: Temperament, Size, Lifespan & Care
A Mastiff is a gentle, patient, devoted giant that is usually calm indoors and protective of its family. Mastiffs bark little, love children and need surprisingly little exercise, but everything about them is large: the food bill, the bed, the vet costs and the drool. Their lifespan is short, and puppies need careful handling while they grow. Here is what to expect on size, lifespan, health and daily care.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 14, 20264 min read3 sources
Mastiff temperament and personality
The AKC rates the Mastiff five out of five for affection with family, with young children and as a watchdog, and one out of five for barking. Bred as guardians of hearth and home, Mastiffs are typically calm, dignified and loyal, and they protect by presence rather than noise.
Openness to strangers is three out of five, so many are reserved with visitors until introduced. The AKC notes they communicate a lot with their eyes and are good at reading your expressions and body language, which makes them sensitive to tone.
How big do Mastiffs get?
According to the AKC, males stand 30 inches and up at the shoulder and weigh 160 to 230 pounds, and females stand 27.5 inches and up and weigh 120 to 170 pounds. The short double coat is fawn, apricot or brindle with a black mask.
A Mastiff can outweigh many adult people, so plan for the size of the adult when you choose a car, crate and home. Growth continues for well over a year; your vet can help you track a healthy growth rate.
Mastiff lifespan and common health issues
The AKC gives a Mastiff lifespan of 6 to 10 years, short even for a giant breed, which makes good preventive care all the more valuable. Responsible breeders screen for allergies, eye anomalies, heart disease, cancer, hip and elbow dysplasia, von Willebrand's disease, degenerative myelopathy and epilepsy, according to the AKC.
Recommended tests include patella, hip, elbow, cardiac, eye and thyroid evaluations and several DNA tests. As a deep-chested giant, a Mastiff can also suffer bloat; VCA lists restlessness, drooling, retching without producing anything and a swollen belly as signs, and that is an emergency. Ask breeders for parent results and ask your vet about bloat prevention.
Exercise needs
The AKC says Mastiffs have comparatively low exercise needs and can live happily in an apartment. Adults benefit from free play and daily walks, which the AKC suggests can be a mile or two.
Puppies and young adults need protecting. The AKC warns not to let them run up and down stairs, jump from heights or go on long walks while growing. Short, gentle outings and free play on soft ground are best, and hot weather calls for shade, water and rest.
Grooming and shedding
The short, dense coat is easy, usually needing only a quick brushing every few days, according to the AKC. During heavy sheds once or twice a year, a strong toothed comb removes dead hair. The AKC rates shedding three out of five.
The face needs more attention: inspect and clean the ears and the deep wrinkles around the head, eyes and muzzle regularly, and keep nails trimmed short. And as the AKC puts it plainly, Mastiffs drool, so keep towels handy.
Training a Mastiff
The AKC calls obedience training and early socialization musts for Mastiffs. They learn quickly and want to please, but repetitive drills bore them, and a bored Mastiff may simply lie down. Use praise and positive rewards, never harsh corrections.
Start leash manners and polite greetings while the puppy is small, because a full-grown Mastiff that pulls or jumps is hard to manage. Short, varied sessions and plenty of praise keep a Mastiff engaged.
Are Mastiffs good with kids and other pets?
The AKC rates the Mastiff five out of five with young children, and many are famously gentle with their families. Size is the risk: a happy Mastiff can knock over a toddler without meaning to, so supervise and teach calm behavior around small children.
With other dogs the AKC rating is three out of five. Early socialization helps, and introductions to new dogs should be slow and calm. Many Mastiffs live peacefully with cats they grow up with.
What a Mastiff needs at home
Plan for giant sizes: an extra-large crate or a safe resting area, a thick orthopedic bed, raised or heavy non-tip bowls, a strong harness and leash, drool towels and a rubber curry brush or toothed comb. A ramp helps an older Mastiff into the car.
Check that your vehicle, furniture and budget fit a 150-pound-plus dog. Book a vet visit soon after bringing your Mastiff home and ask about growth, diet for a giant-breed puppy and bloat signs.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
How long do Mastiffs live?
The AKC lists a Mastiff lifespan of 6 to 10 years. Careful growth as a puppy, a lean adult weight, regular vet checks and knowing the signs of bloat all help a Mastiff live as long as possible.
How big does a Mastiff get?
Males stand 30 inches and up and weigh 160 to 230 pounds; females stand 27.5 inches and up and weigh 120 to 170 pounds, according to the AKC standard.
Are Mastiffs good family dogs?
Often, yes. The AKC rates them top marks with children and for affection. They are calm and protective, but their size means supervision with toddlers and early training.
Do Mastiffs drool and shed?
Yes to both. The AKC rates drooling four out of five and shedding three out of five. Brushing every few days and towels for the face keep it under control.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
