Mastiff — breed guide

At a glance

Group

working

Size

Giant

Weight

54–100 kg (119–220 lb)

Life span

6–10 years

Coat

Short coat, loose skin, generous jowls

Living with a Mastiff

• Low energy — happy with gentle daily exercise.
• Almost no grooming.
• Moderate shedding.
• Trainable with consistency.
• Very quiet.
• Can do well with children, with care — easier with older kids than toddlers.
• Gets along with other dogs.
• Typically lives happily with a cat.
• Not well suited to a flat — space, exercise need or voice works against it.
• Better with previous experience behind you.
• Sensitive to heat; keep summer walks short.
• Average cold tolerance.

Temperament

Good-natured · Dignified · Docile · Protective

Health to watch

• Hip dysplasia
• Bloat (GDV)
• Elbow dysplasia
• Heart disease

Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.

Did you know

Zorba the Mastiff, at 155 kg and 2.5 m nose to tail, remains the heaviest dog ever recorded.

Questions people ask

Is a Mastiff good with kids?

With care. Mastiffs generally do well with older children who already know how to behave around a dog; with toddlers, supervise every interaction and give the animal somewhere it can retreat to.

Is a Mastiff good with cats?

Usually yes. Mastiffs typically settle well with a resident cat — introduce them slowly and give the cat a high perch and a way out of the room.

How much exercise does a Mastiff need?

A gentle daily walk.

Can a Mastiff handle hot weather?

It is sensitive; avoid the midday heat.