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United Kingdom•working
Mastiff
moderateGood with KidsGood with Pets
Massive, dignified, and good-natured. One of the oldest and largest breeds. Despite imposing size, they are patient, loving family guardians.
Weight54-104 kg119-229.5 lbs
Height70-76 cm27.5-30"
Lifespan6-10 yrs
Overview
Personality and care at a glance
DignifiedGood-naturedDocileProtectiveCourageous
Height
70-76 cm27.5-30"
Weight
54-104 kg119-229.5 lbs
Lifespan
6-10 yrs
Breed Traits
Size
Giant - Size category based on typical adult weight
Energy Level
Couch potato - content with short walks and lounging
Trainability
Moderately trainable - learns with consistent effort
Grooming
Minimal grooming - occasional brushing
Barking
Rarely barks
Attachment Style
How much this breed typically wants to be near their people versus enjoying time on their own.
IndependentHighly Dependent
Balanced companionship
Size Comparison
🧍
Human~6ft / 183cm🐕
Mastiff70-76 cm27.5-30"Compatibility
How well Mastiff matches your lifestyle
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Things to Consider
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Exercise
Activity requirements for Mastiff
low energy20-40 min/day
Mastiffs have modest exercise needs. Short walks and light play sessions are typically sufficient to keep them happy and healthy.
30-60 minutes daily of moderate exercise, avoid overexertion
Recommended Activities
Low intensity
Short Walks
Gentle strolls around the neighborhood at a relaxed pace.
15-20 min
Low intensity
Indoor Play
Light play sessions with toys indoors.
10-15 min
Low intensity
Sniff Walks
Leisurely walks focused on mental stimulation through sniffing.
15-20 min
Keep in Mind
- Avoid overexertion, especially in hot weather
- Watch for signs of fatigue during exercise
Grooming
Coat care and maintenance for Mastiff
Low Maintenancefur coat
Mastiffs require minimal grooming maintenance. Occasional brushing and basic hygiene care will keep them looking their best.
Weekly Brushing
A quick brush once a week removes loose hair and distributes natural oils for a healthy coat.
Weekly
Occasional Bathing
Bathe only when dirty or smelly - typically every 2-3 months. Over-bathing can strip natural oils.
Every 2-3 months
Nail Trimming
Keep nails trimmed to prevent discomfort and clicking on floors. If you hear clicking, they're too long.
Every 2-4 weeks
Dental Care
Brush teeth regularly or provide dental chews to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease.
2-3 times per week
Training
Training approach for Mastiff
Moderately Trainable
The Mastiff is reasonably trainable with consistent effort. They learn well but may need more repetition than eager learners.
Best Approach
Be patient and consistent. Use high-value rewards and keep training sessions short but frequent. Consistency in commands and expectations is key.
Training Tips
Essential
Stay Consistent
Use the same commands and expectations every time. Consistency helps them understand what you want.
Essential
Short Training Sessions
Keep sessions to 10-15 minutes to maintain focus and prevent frustration for both of you.
Recommended
High-Value Rewards
Use especially enticing treats for training to maintain motivation and attention.
Recommended
Practice Patience
Some commands may take longer to learn. Stay patient and celebrate small victories.
Common Challenges
- May lose focus during longer sessions
- Can be distracted by environment
- May test boundaries occasionally
Nutrition
Feeding guidelines for Mastiff
Giant Breed2-3 smaller meals$95-237/month
Giant breeds have unique nutritional needs. Careful diet management from puppyhood through adulthood is essential for their health and longevity.
Feeding Tips
Giant Breed Formula
Essential for puppies - giant breed formulas have carefully balanced calcium and phosphorus for proper bone development.
Bloat Prevention
Feed smaller meals 2-3 times daily rather than one large meal. Avoid exercise 1 hour before and after eating.
Slow Feeder Bowl
Use a slow feeder bowl to prevent gulping food, which can contribute to bloat risk.
Joint-Focused Nutrition
Joint supplements or foods with added joint support are especially important for giant breeds.
Maintain Healthy Weight
Extra weight is extremely hard on giant breed joints. Keep them lean throughout life.
Important Considerations
- High risk of bloat (GDV) - a life-threatening emergency
- Shorter lifespans make nutrition quality crucial
- Overfeeding puppies leads to serious joint problems
- Higher food costs - budget accordingly
Health
Common health conditions to watch for in Mastiff
3
High Risk
1
Common Issues
Understanding breed-specific health risks helps you provide better preventive care. Regular vet checkups and health screenings can catch many issues early.
High Risk Conditions
Common Issues
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian about your pet's specific health needs.
Ownership costs
Estimated expenses for Mastiff
Monthly costs
Food
$95-237
Insurance
$59-137
Supplies
$20-39
Monthly total
$174-413
Annual costs
Veterinary care
$564-936/yr
Parasite prevention
$504/yr
Annual total
$1,068-1,440/yr
Estimates based on 2024-2025 research, adjusted for Mastiff's size. Actual costs vary by location and provider.
Regional insights
Local factors affecting pet ownership costs in United States
- •Pet industry expenditure reached $152B in 2024, projected $157B for 2025
- •66% of households own pets (86.9 million homes)
- •Pet CPI continues to outpace general inflation
What's not included
- •Initial adoption/purchase fees
- •One-time equipment purchases (beds, bowls, leashes)
- •Emergency veterinary surgeries
- •Boarding/daycare services
Sources
6 references for Mastiff
American Kennel Club Breed Information
Registry·American Kennel Club
Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
Veterinary·Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
Elbow Dysplasia in Dogs
Veterinary·Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
Progressive Retinal Atrophy in Dogs
Veterinary·American Kennel Club
Canine Health Information Center - Mastiff
Health·OFA-CHIC
Bloat in Dogs
Veterinary·American Kennel Club
Information sourced from breed registries, veterinary organizations, and peer-reviewed research