Mastiff
獒犬
Updated 2026-09-09
At a glance
The Mastiff (English Mastiff) is one of the heaviest dog breeds — a massive, black-masked guardian of 'grandeur and good nature'. Mastiffs are dignified, patient and courageous rather than lively, have comparatively low exercise needs and can live in an apartment given daily walks, but their size means real costs, drool, a short lifespan and careful joint management while growing.
Facts
| Size | Giant |
|---|---|
| Height | 70–76cm |
| Weight | 54–104kg |
| Life expectancy | 6–10years |
| Breed group | AKC: working FCI: 2 |
| Role | Guardian |
| Coat | Double coat |
| Shedding | 3/ 5 |
| Exercise | 30–90min/day |
| Can be left alone | up to 4 hours |
| Companionship need | 4/ 5 |
| Trainability | 3/ 5 |
| Barking | 1/ 5 |
| Good with children | 5/ 5 |
| Good with other dogs | 3/ 5 |
| Heat tolerance | 1/ 5 |
| Cold tolerance | 3/ 5 |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
Hip dysplasia
Commonly reported in the breed; breeders screen hips by X-ray. Ask your vet about hip screening and about keeping your dog lean and fit.
Elbow dysplasia
Commonly reported in the breed; breeders screen elbows by X-ray. Ask your vet if you notice front-leg lameness, especially in a growing dog.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
An inherited eye condition reported in the breed; DNA tests and eye examinations are available. Ask your vet or breeder about eye screening.
Inherited eye conditions
Various inherited eye conditions are reported in the breed; annual eye examinations by a veterinary ophthalmologist are recommended for breeding stock. Ask your vet about eye screening.
Heart conditions
Certain heart conditions are reported in the breed; breeders may have breeding stock examined by a veterinary cardiologist. Ask your vet about heart checks at routine visits.
Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus)
Deep-chested dogs of this breed are at risk of bloat, a life-threatening emergency. Ask your vet about the warning signs and prevention options.
Epilepsy
Idiopathic epilepsy is reported in the breed. Ask your vet promptly if your dog has a seizure.
Von Willebrand disease
An inherited bleeding disorder reported in the breed; a DNA test is available. Ask your breeder about testing and tell your vet before any surgery.
Brachycephalic airway syndrome
As a flat-faced breed, breathing difficulties and heat intolerance are commonly reported. Ask your vet to assess breathing, keep exercise gentle in hot, humid weather and use a harness rather than a collar.
Skin and allergy problems
Skin problems and allergies are commonly reported in the breed. Ask your vet if you notice itching, redness or recurring ear/skin infections.
Cancer
Certain cancers are reported at higher rates in the breed. Ask your vet about regular check-ups and about any new lumps.
Degenerative myelopathy
Degenerative myelopathy, a progressive spinal cord condition of older dogs, is reported in the breed; a DNA test identifies risk. Ask your vet if an older dog shows hind-leg weakness.
Urinary stones
Urinary stones are reported in the breed; DNA tests exist for some forms. Ask your vet about diet and about any straining to urinate.
Kidney disease
Kidney conditions are reported in the breed. Ask your vet about routine blood and urine checks.
Cystinuria
Cystinuria (a cause of urinary stones) is reported in the breed; a DNA test exists. Ask your breeder about testing.
Neuroaxonal dystrophy / neurological DNA-tested conditions
Inherited neurological conditions are reported in the breed and DNA tests exist for some. Ask your breeder which tests were done.
Behaviour
Dignity rather than gaiety
The CKC says the Mastiff combines grandeur and good nature, courage and docility, and that dignity rather than gaiety is its correct demeanour — it takes life as it comes; the AKC calls Mastiffs patient, lovable companions and guardians.
Low exercise, but plenty of space
The AKC says Mastiffs have comparatively low exercise requirements — free play and a daily walk of a mile or two for adults — and can live happily in an apartment, but puppies must not be over-exercised while growing; the CKC notes the breed needs ample space and leisurely exercise.
Temperament
The AKC summarises the breed's temperament as "dignified / good-natured / courageous".
Energy and exercise
Energy level is rated 3/5 (moderate) on the AKC breed-trait chart. The Royal Kennel Club puts its exercise need at "up to 1 hour per day".
Training and barking
AKC trait chart: trainability 3/5, barking level 1/5. Individual dogs vary; early socialisation and reward-based training are recommended for every breed.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
American Kennel Club — Mastiff
Breed overview, breed-trait chart, history, official standard summary and health notes from the AKC and the national parent club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Canadian Kennel Club — Mastiff (Working Dogs)
Origin, temperament, activity level, height/weight, coat and grooming as described by the Canadian Kennel Club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
The Royal Kennel Club — Mastiff
Breed characteristics (size large, exercise up to 1 hour per day, lifespan under 10 years), plus the recommended pre-breeding health schemes and DNA tests.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
FCI nomenclature — Mastiff (standard no. 264, group 2)
FCI breed nomenclature entry with the official breed standard PDF in English, French, German and Spanish.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]Mastiff — Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]Mastiff — Choosing a Breed — Canadian Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [3]Mastiff — Breeds A to Z — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [4]Mastiff — FCI standard no. 264 — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [5]How do I help my dog adjust to spending time alone? — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [6]Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016 (Hall, Carter & O'Neill, Scientific Reports 10:9128) — Nature / Scientific Reports (Accessed 2026-09-09)
Still have questions?
Ask owners on the PawMunity forum — every breed has its own board.
Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.