Mastiff: The Gentle Giant with a Heart of Gold

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The Mastiff — often called the English Mastiff — is one of the world’s oldest dog breeds and certainly one of the heaviest. Once bred as war dogs and guardians, today’s Mastiffs have swapped the battlefield for the family sofa (and yes, they take up most of it).

They may look intimidating thanks to their sheer size, but behind those droopy eyes and wrinkled brows is a calm, loyal, and affectionate companion. If you’ve got the space (and a towel ready for the drool), the Mastiff could be the gentle giant you’ve been searching for.

Still not sure if this giant is the right match for your family? Take the Which Dog Breed is Best for Me? Quiz and find out.

Great Names for a Mastiff

A dog this huge needs a name that does it justice. Whether you want to play up their size, their sweetness, or their slobber, there’s a perfect pick out there. For even more inspiration, try our Dog Name Generator — it’s packed with ideas tailored to personality and breed.

Powerful & bold: Titan, Goliath, Hera, Brutus, Valkyrie
Gentle giant: Bear, Moose, Nana, Teddy, Willow
Classic & timeless: Max, Duke, Bella, George, Molly
Funny & quirky: Sir Drools-a-Lot, Sofa Hog, Slobberchops, Bigfoot, Marshmallow

Pickles’ Aside: “Call them Titan if you want, but they’ll still try to climb on your lap.”

Exercise

Despite their size, Mastiffs aren’t high-energy athletes. They don’t need hours of running, but they do need daily exercise to stay healthy and prevent boredom. Think steady walks rather than sprints, and a good romp in the garden if you’ve got one.

  • One or two steady walks a day are enough.

  • They enjoy a bit of play, but stamina isn’t their thing.

  • Not suited to flats or small houses — they need room to stretch out.

Owner insight: “Our Mastiff loves a slow stroll and then snores like a freight train all afternoon.”

Temperament

Mastiffs are famously known as gentle giants. They’re calm, loving, and protective, with a strong bond to their families. Great with kids, they’re patient and tolerant — though due to sheer size, supervision with toddlers is sensible.

  • Loyal and devoted family dogs.

  • Playful with older children.

  • Sensitive to family moods, often acting as quiet comforters.

Owner insight: “Ours thinks he’s a lapdog. All 90 kilos of him.”

Training

Big dogs need good manners, and Mastiffs are no exception. Thankfully, they’re intelligent and food-motivated, though sometimes stubborn. Consistency is key, and positive reinforcement works best.

For extra help, use the World’s First AI Dog Trainer — it’ll give you step-by-step guidance to keep your giant pup on track.

Owner insight: “Training ours was straightforward once we found the right reward — sausages. He’ll sit, stay, and even wait patiently… until the sausage disappears.”

Pickles’ Aside: “Just remember: if they decide to ignore you, good luck moving them.”

Strangers & Watchdog Potential

The Mastiff’s size alone is usually enough to deter any intruder, but they’ve got the instincts to match. They’re naturally protective and make excellent guardians, though careful socialisation is essential so they don’t become over-suspicious.

  • Superb natural watchdogs.

  • Reserved with strangers, but rarely aggressive when well-trained.

  • Calm confidence rather than yappy alarms.

Owner insight: “People cross the road when they see him — little do they know he’s scared of the neighbour’s cat.”

Other Animals

Because of their sheer size and dominance, Mastiffs aren’t always easy housemates for other pets. They may tolerate dogs they grow up with, but can be bossy with unfamiliar ones. Cats? Often seen as something to chase.

Pickles’ Aside: “Sharing? Not really my thing. Unless it’s snacks.”

Grooming

Good news: their short coat is low-maintenance. The less-good news? They’re big shedders and even bigger droolers.

  • Weekly brushing keeps shedding manageable.

  • Expect heavier shedding in spring and autumn.

  • Keep towels handy — drool and head-shakes are part of the package.

Owner insight: “We keep towels in every room. Drool is just part of Mastiff life.”

Health

Sadly, like many giant breeds, Mastiffs can face health challenges. Their size puts strain on joints and hearts, and they have a shorter lifespan than smaller breeds. Common issues include:

  • Hip and elbow dysplasia

  • Bloat (GDV) — a life-threatening emergency, common in deep-chested breeds

  • Heart disease

  • Eye conditions (entropion, PRA)

  • Obesity (they love food and are prone to weight gain)

Owner insight: “Our Mastiff developed hip problems at seven, but with hydrotherapy and careful weight management, he’s still happy and enjoying life.”

Average lifespan is 8–10 years. A responsible breeder who screens for hips, elbows, and heart problems is essential. For guidance, check our Best in Breeder Guide.

Cost of Ownership (UK)

Owning a Mastiff is not for the faint of wallet. Their food bill alone can be significantly higher than that of smaller breeds, and vet care for giant dogs is also more expensive.

  • Puppy price: £1,500–£2,500

  • Food: £80–£120/month

  • Insurance: £50–£100/month

  • Routine vet care: ~£300–£500/year

  • Unexpected vet bills: Giant breeds = giant vet costs

  • Grooming: Minimal, mostly DIY (but budget for towels!)

Yearly Costs:

  • Budget Year: ~£2,000

  • Realistic Year: £3,000–£4,000

  • Chaotic Year: £6,000+ (surgeries, emergencies, sofa replacements)

Famous Owners & Moments

Mastiffs have appeared throughout history — from Roman war dogs to family companions. Even today, they’re celebrated as one of the most loyal and protective breeds around.

Fun fact: In 1989, a Mastiff named Zorba held the record as the world’s heaviest dog, weighing in at a staggering 155kg.

Myth-Busting

With a breed this big, it’s no surprise a few myths have cropped up:

Myth Reality
Mastiffs are aggressive False. They’re calm and gentle by nature, though protective if threatened.
They need hours of exercise No. They prefer steady walks and lounging — not marathons.
They’re impossible to train Not true. They’re intelligent and food-motivated, but consistency is key.
They can live in a flat Definitely not. These giants need space and a garden.
Drool is optional Afraid not. Drool is part of the Mastiff package — embrace the towels!

Mastiff FAQs

Do Mastiffs make good family dogs?
Yes — they’re gentle giants and loving companions, great with kids.

Do they bark a lot?
Not usually. They’re more likely to rumble than yap.

How long do they live?
Around 8–10 years.

Are they easy to train?
Yes, with patience and positive reinforcement.

Do they drool?
Absolutely. Get the towels ready.

Thinking of Bringing Home a Mastiff?

If you’re looking for a calm, loving, and protective companion who’ll happily guard the sofa (and your family), the Mastiff could be your perfect match. They need space, gentle training, and plenty of love — in return, you’ll gain a devoted giant who’ll be your family’s loyal protector.

Before you welcome one home, get organised with our New Puppy Paw-rent Planner — it’s packed with everything you need to start off on the right paw. And once your Mastiff is settled, why not celebrate them with a Custom Cartoon Pet Portrait?

Pickles’ Aside: “I may drool on your shoes, but that’s just my way of saying I love you.”

Breed Stats

  • Origin: Ancient breed, developed in England

  • Weight: 60–100 kg (some even heavier)

  • Height: 70–76 cm

  • Lifespan: 8–10 years

  • Best Trait: Gentle, loyal, protective

  • Challenging Trait: Heavy shedding and drooling