The massive Mastiff is heavy boned with a powerful musculature, being slightly longer than tall. Great strength is combined with endurance. Power and strength are evident in this dog's gait, which has good reach and drive. The double coat consists of a dense undercoat and a straight, coarse, outer coat of moderately short length. The expression is alert but kindly. The overall impression is one of grandeur and dignity. Ready to see what dogs fit you best? Take our short quiz to find out! Breed Image Breed Weight 175-190 lb Breed Height 27.5-30" Similar Breeds Great Dane Dogs & Puppies Great Pyrenees Dogs & Puppies Greater Swiss Mountain Dog & Puppies Komondor Dogs & Puppies French Bulldog Dogs & Puppies Perro de Presa Canario Dogs & Puppies Kuvasz Dogs & Puppies Tosa Dogs & Puppies Bernese Mountain Dogs & Puppies Boxer Dogs & Puppies Doberman Pinscher Dogs & Puppies Newfoundland Dogs & Puppies Pug Dogs & Puppies Related Content What Are The Best Dog & Puppy Breeds for Apartments? Tips For How to Housetrain a Dog Temperament The Mastiff is innately good natured, calm, easygoing, and surprisingly gentle. It is a well-mannered house pet but needs sufficient room to stretch out. This is an extremely loyal breed, and though not excessively demonstrative, the Mastiff is devoted to his or her family and is good with children. Upkeep The adult Mastiff needs daily moderate exercise, consisting of either a good walk or an enjoyable game. The Mastiff is prone to drooling. Coat care is minimal. This breed does not enjoy hot weather. Health Major concerns: CHD, gastric torsion Minor concerns: elbow dysplasia, osteosarcoma, cystinuria Occasionally seen: cardiomyopathy, allergies, vaginal hyperplasia, cruciate ligament rupture, hypothyroidism, OCD, entropion, PRA, PPM Suggested tests: hip, elbow, eye, cardiac, (cystinuria), thyroid, DNA for PRA Lifespan: 9–11 years Note: obesity can be a problem History The Mastiff is the prototypical breed of the ancient mastiff group of dogs. The confusion between the Mastiff breed and the mastiff family makes it very difficult to trace the history of the breed. Even though the mastiff family is one of the oldest and most influential in dogdom, the breed is undoubtedly of more recent, though still ancient, origin. By the time of Caesar, mastiffs were used as war dogs and gladiators. In medieval times, they were used as guard dogs and hunting dogs and became so widespread as to become commonplace. Kubla Khan is said to have kept 5,000 Mastiffs for hunting in the 1200s. Mastiffs later stepped into the arena of dog fighting, bull baiting, and bear baiting. Even when these cruel sports were banned in England in 1835, they continued to be popular events. The modern Mastiff descends not only from these pit dogs but also from the lines of nobles, being descendants of one of the most famous Mastiffs of all time: the Mastiff of Sir Peers Legh. When Sir Legh was wounded in the battle of Agincourt, his Mastiff stood over him and protected him for many hours through the battle. Although he later died, the Mastiff returned to Legh’s home and was the foundation of the Lyme Hall Mastiffs. Five centuries later the Lyme Hall Mastiffs figured prominently in founding the modern breed. Some evidence exists that the Mastiff came to America on the Mayflower, but the breed’s documented entry to America did not occur until the late 1800s. The breed was nearly decimated in England by World War II, but sufficient numbers had been brought to America by that time to keep the breed going. Since that time, it has gradually risen in popularity. Breed Family Livestock Breed Type Working Energy Level 1 Playfulness 1 Friendliness to Dogs 3 Friendliness to Strangers 2 Heat Sensitivity 4 Exercise Requirements 2 Affection Level 4 Friendliness to Other Pets 4 Watchfulness 4 Grooming Requirements 1 Vocality 5 Ease of Training 3 Alternative Names English Mastiff Disclaimer Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Breed Size Extra Large Plural Name Mastiffs Area of Origin England Date of Origin Ancient times Species Dog or Puppy