English Mastiff: Your Complete Guide
The English mastiff, more commonly known as simply the Mastiff, is a large dog that has origins in England. These dogs demand attention and lots of space because of their huge build. They get along well with everyone and everything, including children, other pets, and even strangers, due to their friendly nature.
When left alone, though, these dogs can resort to destructive behaviors because of boredom and separation anxiety. They also tend to drool a lot, so if you’re planning to get an English mastiff, be prepared to deal with their slobber.
In this article, we are going to explain everything you need to know about the English mastiff. We will cover their history, size, coat type, intelligence, care requirements, and much more.
Quick Look at the English Mastiff
Below, we have added a table that provides a quick glance at this breed in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.
| Weight/Height | 27.5-30 inches and 120-150 pounds |
| Coat Type | Short, straight coat |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding |  |
| Temperament | Friendly, loyal, playful, and laid-back |
| Good With Kids | |
| Good With Other Animals | |
| Intelligence | |
| Easy to Train | |
| Energy Level |  |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 6-12 years |
What Is the History of English Mastiffs?
The English mastiff is one of the oldest dog breeds that exists today, with proof of its existence dating back to the mid-second millennium B.C. A clay sculpture of a mastiff-like dog is available in the Met Museum collection, dating back to central Babylonia, where dogs were often thought to be associated with the goddess Gula.
During the time of the Romans, these dogs were pitted against formidable opponents such as lions, tigers, bears, and even gladiators in the arenas of ancient Rome. They’re related to the Pugnaces Britanniae, dogs that existed in Britain during the Roman era. In fact, there’s a poem about them that was written by the ancient Roman poet Grattius.
According to the Greek historian Strabo, dogs from Britain were sought after for hunting games and were also used by the Celts as war dogs. The Roman general Julius Caesar also mentioned the Pugnaces Britanniae in his accounts of the Gallic Wars in 55 BC when they were often sent to Italy and turned into fighting dogs.
In 15th century Britain, the English mastiff was mainly used as a guard dog, which made these dogs very aggressive. It reached a point where the Parliament of the United Kingdom had to implement an act called the Cruelty to Animals Act of 1835, which aimed to stop the baiting of animals, including mastiffs.
This act made it illegal to use dogs, such as mastiffs, for cruel sports like bear-baiting and bull-baiting, which were, unfortunately, popular forms of entertainment in 15th-century Britain.
When World War 2 began, all breeding of the mastiff had to be stopped because of the rationing of meat, which led to a huge decline in their population. There was only one dog that reached maturity. Her name was Nydia of Frithend. It was because of this dog that the breed was brought back from the brink of extinction.
Today, English mastiffs are one of the most popular dog breeds all around the world.
What Do English Mastiffs Look Like?
The English mastiff is a heavy dog that has a large, square-shaped head. Most mastiffs tend to have a short, dense coat which keeps them well-insulated and protected from various weather conditions. Some mastiffs have a long coat, but this is very rare, and it is the result of a recessive gene. In fact, the AKC has said that the long coat in a mastiff is a fault.
Their coats can be found in many different shades and patterns, but the most popular ones are fawn or apricot. All mastiffs have a melanistic mask, a pattern on their face that makes it look as if they’re wearing a black mask. The fawn coat is usually slightly yellow in color, and the apricot coat tends to have a reddish hue.
Mastiffs can also come in other colors, such as black, blue, brindle, and brown.
What Size Is an English Mastiff?
As mentioned above, English mastiffs are huge dogs. Males typically stand around 30 inches at the shoulder, while females have a minimum height of 27.5 inches at the shoulder.
Male mastiffs tend to weigh between 150 and 250 pounds, and females weigh between 120-200 pounds. Some may even weigh up to 300 pounds
What Is an English Mastiff’s Coat Type and Length?
English mastiffs have short-haired straight coats that don’t have any curls or waves. They’re soft and smooth to the touch. A long or wavy coat is considered a fault according to breed standards.
What Is an English Mastiff’s Temperament?
The English mastiff may seem like an intimidating dog, but it has a very affectionate disposition and is generally friendly towards people and other pets. Despite their calm and friendly nature, they always remain alert, thanks to their history as guard dogs.
Are English Mastiffs Good With Kids?
While the English mastiff is generally good with people and other animals, we don’t recommend bringing them into a house with very young children because of their huge size. They could easily knock them over by accident, which can lead to serious injuries.
If you do have kids and you want to adopt an English mastiff, then make sure you teach them to behave well from an early age. You would have to keep an eye on them when they’re around kids to make sure they interact with each other without any roughness or aggression.
Socialize them from an early age and monitor their behavior when introducing them to your kids, and after some time, they’ll start to take care of them like they’re their own children.
Apart from the dog, you would also have to train your kids and teach them how to behave in its presence. This can be a lot of work, so you might want to consider hiring a professional to train the dog.
Are English Mastiffs Good With Other Animals?
English mastiffs love being around other animals, especially dogs and cats. Keep in mind, though, that this partly depends on how you raise them. By socializing them from an early age, you can help make sure that they always get along well with other animals.
It’s also important to keep an eye on their behavior when they’re around smaller animals. They generally have a very relaxed demeanor, but accidents can and do happen because of their size. These dogs usually have no clue as to how big they are and can unintentionally cause harm to smaller animals, so if you have a cat or a puppy, make sure you don’t let them out of your sight when they’re playing with your English mastiff.
Are English Mastiffs Aggressive?
English mastiffs are rarely ever aggressive. They’re very gentle and aren’t prone to snapping or growling. However, if you don’t train them right, they may growl at anyone who comes near them while they’re eating.
Growling is a perfectly normal response, though. It’s your dog’s way of telling you they don’t like something, but if you want to avoid it, then make sure you train your mastiff to be well-behaved and to respond positively to different situations.
Do English Mastiffs Bark?
English mastiffs tend not to bark a lot, but when they do, it can get very loud. It’s usually to alert their owners to strangers. They usually bark or groan when they feel bored or miss their owner, so try not to leave them alone for very long periods of time. They can get restless, which they often express through their vocalizations.
They also sometimes yawn loudly to get their owner’s attention. All dogs are different, though, and some mastiffs don’t bark at all unless they see a stranger.
Are English Mastiffs Affectionate?
Yes, English mastiffs are very affectionate dogs. They love spending time with their families, regardless of what species they may be – humans, other dogs, or even cats are all fair game. They’re loyal dogs, and they’ll make sure you always feel safe.
It goes without saying that without proper training and socialization, they may not be as affectionate or friendly as you want them to be and may sometimes end up being a bit overprotective.
Are English Mastiffs Intelligent?
English mastiffs are considered to have an average level of intelligence compared to other dog breeds. This could be because they’ve always had a very specific and specialized role.
They also tend to be very stubborn, especially when they feel scared or confused. This means training them can feel like quite a chore sometimes.
Are English Mastiffs Energetic?
Most English mastiffs have low to medium energy levels. They require daily exercise, but they’re not known for being excessively high-energy dogs. They’re usually very laid-back and love to just sit around the house with other people and animals they love.
Many owners of English mastiffs have said that their dogs experience short bursts of energy, during which they may run around for about 15 minutes before settling down, something affectionately referred to as “zoomies.” However, most of the time, they’re quite lazy and can often be found sleeping.
Are English Mastiffs Easy to Train?
English mastiffs are not easy to train. If you’ve worked with a highly intelligent dog like a Border collie, then you’ll find the mastiff’s stubborn nature a bit difficult to handle. You can teach them basic commands such as sit, stay, and down, but it’ll be very difficult to teach them more advanced tricks.
Are English Mastiffs Good Watchdogs?
Yes, English mastiffs make great watchdogs, not just because of their size, but also because they can be overprotective of their owner. If they feel threatened by a stranger, they will stand between them and their owner to protect them.
Thanks to their big size, their mere presence can often be enough to scare away intruders. However, as mentioned above, all dogs are different. Some English mastiffs tend to be more alert than others and will jump at the slightest sound or movement, while others will remain relaxed even when they see a stranger approaching them.
These dogs are incredibly strong, so when they’re in protective mode, they can easily intimidate or even hurt anyone they perceive as a threat to their owner.
Are English Mastiffs Good Service Dogs?
Yes, English mastiffs can be trained for both ESA and service animal work. Their friendly nature and loyal personality make them great emotional service animals. Their huge size can help people with mobility issues. They can easily pull a wheelchair or provide comfort to people who need physical or emotional support.
However, their large size can often be a problem for people who have disabilities and live in small apartments or frequently travel.
How to Care for an English Mastiff?
One of the most important things you’ll have to do when you get an English mastiff is buy lots of drool rags because these dogs are notorious for their heavy drooling. Besides managing the drool, you’ll have to groom them regularly. Keep their ears clean, brush their coat to manage shedding at least once a week, and give them a bath once or twice a month.
Do You Need to Groom an English Mastiff?
Yes, you need to groom an English mastiff, but it’s usually very easy to take care of them, especially if you’re used to being around large dogs. Just make sure you brush them and clean their ears regularly.
Trim their nails when they get too long, give them a bath at least once a month, and, just like with every other dog, brush their teeth regularly to avoid any plaque from building up.
Do English Mastiffs Shed?
English mastiffs shed, but their shedding is considered moderate because they have a short, dense coat. Use a deshedding tool to get rid of all the fur and brush regularly. They may shed more during seasonal changes, and they drool a lot, so you’ll be spending a lot of time cleaning your house.
What Health Problems Do English Mastiffs Have?
The English mastiff is prone to many health problems, some of which include allergies, hip dysplasia, cancer, degenerative myelopathy, gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), epilepsy, and allergies.
According to a study done by the Royal Veterinary College, large dogs such as the English mastiff are very prone to bone cancer (osteosarcoma). Dogs who suffer from bone cancer show symptoms like lameness and swelling in the affected limb, both of which can cause severe pain and discomfort.
Hip dysplasia is another common health issue found in English mastiffs. It happens when the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, making it difficult for the dog to walk. It’s a genetic condition, but factors like obesity and rapid growth can exacerbate the risk of hip dysplasia.
How Long Do English Mastiffs Live?
Due to their large size, English mastiffs typically have shorter lifespans compared to smaller-sized breeds. Their life expectancy is between 6 and 12 years.
What Should an English Mastiff Eat?
We recommend consulting your vet to get the best diet for your English mastiff based on factors like age, weight, activity level, and any health conditions they may have. Generally speaking, grain-free kibble with proteins like venison, bison, and duck meat provides a nutritious option for your English mastiff.
Some owners also like to supplement their mastiff’s diet with crushed glucosamine tablets and salmon oil, which is great for their joint health.
Because of their large size, you’ll have to feed them at least six cups of dry food every day, though this may vary depending on factors like their activity level and the type of food you’re feeding them.
Is an English Mastiff the Right Dog for Me?
The English mastiff is the perfect dog for people who have a lot of space in their homes and don’t have any kids. If you’ve worked with large dogs before, then you’ll have no problem managing their size and strength.
They love being in places where they can stretch and relax. They’re very affectionate animals, so be ready to give them lots of love and attention. If you think you won’t be able to spend a lot of time with them, then an English mastiff may not be the right dog for you.
These dogs love to be with their owners, and they’ll always be there to protect you if they ever feel you’re in danger. Just keep in mind that they drool a lot, so take measures to keep your home clean as you live alongside this breed.