An In-Depth Look at 10 Different Types of Mastiffs
When most people hear the word "mastiff", they picture a huge, powerful dog with a large head and an intimidating presence. While this description fits many mastiffs, there are actually several distinct breeds that fall under the mastiff umbrella, each with their own unique history, appearance, and personality.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll take an in-depth look at 10 different types of mastiffs. Whether you‘re considering adding one of these majestic dogs to your family or you simply want to learn more about these ancient and fascinating breeds, read on to discover what makes each variety of mastiff special.
1. English Mastiff
We‘ll start with the breed most commonly referred to simply as "Mastiff". The English Mastiff is a giant dog, with males standing at least 30 inches at the shoulder and females at least 27.5 inches. They have massive heads with a black mask, small, deep-set eyes, and V-shaped ears.
The English Mastiff is an ancient breed, with a history that can be traced back to 55 BC. They were originally used as war dogs and for blood sports like bear-baiting, but over time transitioned into estate guardians and family companions. Today, they are known for being calm, sweet-natured dogs who are gentle with children despite their huge size. However, they can be protective when necessary and have an impressively loud bark.
English Mastiffs have relatively low exercise needs but require space to stretch out indoors. They are prone to drooling and can be challenging to train due to their stubborn streak. The breed is also at risk for several health issues including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and bloat. Their average lifespan is 6-10 years.
2. Neapolitan Mastiff
The Neapolitan Mastiff, or Mastino, is another giant breed, but with a very different look than the English Mastiff. They have a highly wrinkled head and body, with loose skin, pendant ears, and substantial jowls. Males stand 26-31 inches tall and females 24-29 inches.
This ancient Italian breed served as a war dog and guard dog dating back to 700 BC. They continue to excel as protectors today and require extensive socialization to accept strangers. With family, they are calm, loving companions with a goofy streak.
Neapolitan Mastiffs are a lower energy breed well-suited to apartment living if they get daily walks. However, they drool profusely and are prone to gassiness. The deep wrinkles require regular cleaning. Potential health concerns include hip dysplasia, cherry eye, cardiomyopathy, and bloat. Life expectancy is around 7-9 years.
3. Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff was developed in England in the 1800s by crossing English Mastiffs with Bulldogs, creating a sturdy, muscular dog standing 24-27 inches tall. The breed has a large, square head with a short muzzle, small ears, and a black mask.
Bullmastiffs served as estate guardians to ward off poachers and are still prized as protection dogs today. While not overly affectionate, they bond closely with their families and are patient with kids. They can be strong-willed and require firm, consistent training.
As a lower energy breed, Bullmastiffs can adapt well to apartment life but need daily moderate exercise. Potential health issues include hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, bloat, and cancer, with an average lifespan of 7-9 years.
4. Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is a muscular, athletic Italian breed standing 23.5-27.5 inches tall. They have a large, imposing head with cropped ears and docked tails (where legal).
Corsi served as war dogs, guardians, and farm dogs for centuries in Italy. They are highly intelligent but can be domineering, requiring extensive training and socialization. With proper handling, they are stable, even-tempered companions and protectors.
As an active working breed, Cane Corsi need a good deal of daily exercise. They can adapt to apartment living if sufficiently exercised. Potential health concerns include hip dysplasia, eye disorders, demodectic mange, and bloat. Average life expectancy is 9-12 years.
5. Dogue de Bordeaux
The Dogue de Bordeaux, or French Mastiff, is a powerful, stocky breed with males standing 23.5-27 inches and females 23-26 inches. They have massive heads with a serious expression, thick necks, and a distinctive wrinkled brow.
One of the oldest French breeds, the Dogue de Bordeaux was used for guarding, hunting, and blood sports. Today they are primarily companions and prefer to be close to their people. While not especially playful, they are affectionate and patient with children. They can be stubborn to train.
Dogues require moderate exercise and adapt well to apartment life. However, they are prone to drooling and snoring. Health issues can include hip dysplasia, heart disease, cancer, and bloat. Average lifespan is 5-8 years.
6. Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is an ancient guardian breed originating in the Himalayas. Males stand at least 26 inches tall and females at least 24 inches. They have a lion-like mane around the neck and shoulders, with a heavy, wooly double coat.
For centuries, Tibetan Mastiffs guarded homes, monasteries, and livestock from predators and intruders in the harsh environment of the Tibetan plateau. They are highly independent and territorial, needing extensive socialization to be accepting of strangers. With family, they are calm, gentle, and affectionate.
As a more primitive breed, Tibetan Mastiffs retain a strong instinct to wander and patrol. They need securely fenced yards and a good deal of daily exercise. Potential health issues include hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and eye disorders. Life expectancy is 10-12 years.
7. Spanish Mastiff
The Spanish Mastiff is a giant livestock guardian breed standing 28-35 inches tall and weighing up to 200 pounds. They have large, heavy bones and a thick double coat.
For centuries, Spanish Mastiffs served as defenders of flocks against wolves and other predators on the Iberian peninsula. Calm and even-tempered, they are devoted and affectionate with family but aloof with strangers and not especially playful.
Spanish Mastiffs need daily moderate exercise and thrive with space to roam. They are not well-suited to apartment living or novice owners. Health concerns include hip and elbow dysplasia and bloat. Average lifespan is around 10 years.
8. Pyrenean Mastiff
The Pyrenean Mastiff is another giant livestock guardian, originating in the Pyrenees Mountains of Spain. Males stand 30-31 inches tall and weigh 120-240 pounds. The breed has a thick, predominantly white double coat.
Pyrenean Mastiffs guarded flocks from wolves and bears in their native mountains. They tend to be calm, laidback dogs with a sweet nature, bonding closely with their families while remaining aloof with strangers. Early training and socialization is important to prevent over-protectiveness.
Exercise needs are moderate but Pyreneans prefer cooler climates and need space to stretch out. Health issues can include hip dysplasia, bloat, and eye disorders. Average life expectancy is 8-10 years.
9. Abruzzese Mastiff
Also known as the Cane da Pastore Maremmano-Abruzzese, this Italian livestock guardian stands 25.5-29 inches tall and has a solid white, medium-length coat.
The Abruzzese Mastiff served as a protector of flocks in the mountains of central Italy for over 2000 years. While not overly affectionate, they bond deeply with their families and can be territorial. Extensive socialization is required, as they tend to be suspicious of strangers.
A moderate energy breed, the Abruzzese Mastiff needs daily exercise but does not have a high prey drive. They are not well-suited to hot weather or apartment living. Health concerns include hip dysplasia and bloat, with a lifespan around 11-13 years.
10. Argentinian Mastiff (Dogo Argentino)
The Dogo Argentino is a large, muscular breed developed in Argentina in the 1920s for big game hunting. Males stand 24-26.5 inches tall and females 23.5-26 inches. They are always white in color, with a short, smooth coat.
While still used for hunting in some areas, Dogos also excel at protection sports,search and rescue, and as service dogs. They are extremely intelligent and athletic, requiring extensive exercise and mental stimulation. Without proper training and socialization, they can become aggressive or destructive.
Dogos bond very deeply with their families and can suffer from separation anxiety. They need an experienced owner to provide firm, consistent leadership. Health issues include deafness and hip dysplasia, with an average lifespan of 10-12 years.
Choosing the Right Mastiff
As you can see, while mastiffs share certain traits like large size, a protective nature, and an imposing presence, each breed has its own unique characteristics and care requirements. If you‘re considering adding a mastiff to your home, it‘s vital to thoroughly research the different breeds to find the right fit for your lifestyle and experience level.
Mastiffs in general are not ideal dogs for novice owners, as they require patient, consistent training and extensive socialization to fulfill their potential as calm, confident companions. Due to their size and strength, it‘s essential to start this training from a young age.
Mastiffs also have substantial space requirements, as they need room to stretch out even if their exercise needs are relatively low. Potential owners should budget not only for the initial cost of a mastiff puppy, but for the larger supplies and substantial food bills that come with a giant breed.
Finally, it‘s important to find a responsible breeder who performs health testing on their dogs to minimize the risks of genetic disorders. Mastiffs are prone to a number of health issues, some of which can be quite costly to treat. Investing in a well-bred dog from the beginning can save money and heartache down the road.
While mastiffs may not be the right choice for everyone, for the experienced owner willing to put in the time and effort, these dogs make loyal, loving companions with a truly commanding presence. If you‘re ready to open your heart and your home to a gentle giant, one of these mastiff breeds may be the perfect fit.
