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Mastiff Questions & Answers

 Visit the MCOA Mastiff FAQ page for even more Mastiff Q&A  www.mastiff.org/faq

What is a Mastiff?

An English Mastiff is a giant breed of working dogs which originated in England some 2,000 years ago. English Mastiffs are massive dogs with a short to medium coat and fawn, apricot or brindle in color; all with a black mask and ears. Other breeds fall into the category of 'Molosser' but are not Mastiffs but distinct breeds. A few examples are the Bullmastiff, Tibetan Mastiff, Dogue de Bordeaux, Neapolitan Mastiff. These and many others fall into the category of 'Molosser', but they are not 'Mastiffs'. Each is a separate and distinct breed.

How Big Do they Get?

Generally speaking, the Mastiff is the largest of all dogs. Not in height, but in overall body mass. Females usually are around 30 inches tall and weigh from 125 to 200 pounds; although variations on both sides of the spectrum are also common. Some males will weigh more than 200 pounds, while some will be much smaller. Heights range from 30 inches to 35 inches.

How much do they eat?

Most folks assume that a Mastiff would 'eat them out of house and home'! Most Mastiffs will eat between five and eight cups per day of a high quality kibble, however their nutritional needs vary according to age, activity level and size. A fat Mastiff is an unhealthy Mastiff so it is important not to over-feed.

Are Mastiffs Expensive to Care For?

Compared to a smaller dog, YES.

While your rescue Mastiff will be up to date on his annual vaccinations, and will have been spayed or neutered, all dogs do require ongoing veterinary care. Yearly vaccination boosters, monthly heartworm preventative and tick/flea preventative are just a few of the examples of routine costs involved in keeping a Mastiff healthy.

Of course even well cared-for dogs can become ill, and when a Mastiff is sick, veterinary bills can become high. Medication dosage is determined by body weight as is anesthesia if your Mastiff should need surgery. In many ways a Mastiff is an expensive breed to maintain, and these factors should be a consideration in your decision whether to adopt a Mastiff.

Are Mastiffs Active Dogs Or Are they Lazy?

Both! Some Mastiffs are athletic and playful and others are too dignified to lower themselves to chasing a ball or stick. Many Mastiffs will 'fetch' and enjoy playing with other dogs or their owners, for long stretches of time. Others would prefer to lie on the couch and watch agility trials on Animal Planet

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What Health Problems Are Mastiffs Prone To?

All breeds have some inherent health issues and some dogs will be affected. Mastiffs, like many large breeds can be prone to hip or elbow dysplasia, can develop arthritis in later years which can make it difficult for them to get around, and can experience other joint problems as well. Some Mastiffs have skin allergies or immune disorders which can lead to chronic staph infections requiring ongoing antibiotic therapy. Mastiffs, along with many large breeds, can also face a life threatening emergency known as 'bloat', where the stomach rapidly fills with air, and then  becomes twisted or flipped over, 'torsion', cutting off blood supply and leading to death. For more breed-specific health concerns please see visit the Mastiff Club of America's website.

Do Mastiffs Shed?

Most breeds will shed in Spring and Fall, and Mastiffs are no exception. A Mastiff with a very short coat will shed less generally speaking, than one with longer thicker fur. If you brush their coat out three or more times a week you will have much less hair in the house to clean up.

What About Drool?

Yes, Mastiffs do drool, mostly after eating, drinking, or exercise. Many Mastiff owners water their dogs outdoors, replacing their water several times a day to keep it fresh. However, drool still does happen. If you are not willing to wipe up some 'slingers' from your walls now and then, or carry a 'drool towel' with you, maybe a Mastiff isn't the right breed for you.

Are Mastiffs Good with Kids?

Mastiffs are often called 'Gentle Giants' because their normal demeanor is dependable, loyal, caring and docile. However, like any breed, if a Mastiff has been teased or frightened by children they may grow up to distrust and avoid them. Most Mastiffs who have been raised with children are patient, gentle and loving with them.

Are Mastiffs Aggressive?

The typical Mastiff has a gentle and sensitive temperament. They generally adore their families and are aloof but kind to strangers. However like any other dog, if a Mastiff has not been properly socialized as a puppy, or has been mistreated, it can develop fearful or aggressive tendencies that can make them unstable. If any breed of dog has a basically unstable nature, they need to receive training from a qualified animal behaviorist in order to correct their behavior.

Do Mastiffs Make Good House Dogs?

Mastiffs are wonderful house dogs whose only desire is to lie at their master's feet and to be loved. They are sometimes called 'velcro dogs' because of their tendency to follow their owner from room to room to be with them at all times. On the 'down side', a Mastiff takes up a lot of space on the floor, and their tail can clear a table of knick-knacks in the blink of an eye.

Do Mastiffs Travel Well?

Most Mastiffs love to 'go' for rides with their owner. However, if you have a very small car you may want to consider whether or not a Mastiff would fit in your vehicle along with your family.

How Long Do They Live?

As you may already suspect, giant breeds as a rule do not live as long as smaller dogs. Some Mastiffs will live to be twelve or thirteen years of age- but by far the majority of Mastiffs do not live past ten years of age. Many will only live to be seven to ten years old.