Pet Wiki

English Mastiff

Also called Mastiff, Old English Mastiff

A massive dog that pairs great presence with a gentle, good-natured heart.

SizeGiant
Weight54 to 104 kg (119 to 229 lb)123
Height70 to 76 cm (28 to 30 in)males from 76 cm, females from 70 cm31
Lifespan6 to 10 years14
CoatShort, dense double coat
OriginGreat Britain (England), from ancient British guard and war dogs of mastiff type.52
GroupFCI group 2
Recognised breedShort profile
calm and dignified
deeply devoted to family
natural watchful guardian
531

Personality what they are like

A massive dog that pairs great presence with a gentle, good-natured heart. Mastiffs are steady, affectionate with their own people and tend to size up strangers quietly before relaxing. They prefer a calm, predictable routine and carry themselves with dignity rather than playfulness.531

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, dense double coat

A straight, fairly coarse outer coat of moderately short length lies over a dense, close undercoat, a little rougher over the neck and shoulders. The head always carries a dark mask over the muzzle, ears and nose, with dark shading around the eyes.35

Coloursfawnapricotbrindle354

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for an English Mastiff. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 6every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderate: around 45-60 minutes a day of walking, sniffing and gentle training suits adults. Growing puppies do best with short, low-impact sessions and no long runs or repeated jumping until they mature at about 18-24 months.14

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Low effort: brush weekly with a rubber curry or soft brush, trim nails every few weeks, keep facial folds clean and brush teeth regularly.14

Home where they are happiest

Needs plenty of indoor room for a very large body; Wikipedia notes it is best suited to country or suburban homes rather than small spaces.2

Company who they like around

Forms a close bond with the whole household, often with a favourite person, and does best living as part of the family. Early socialisation helps its natural reserve with strangers stay relaxed.15

The story where it all began

Large mastiff-type dogs were already known in Britain when the Romans arrived, and some were taken back to fight in Roman arenas. Through the Middle Ages they guarded estates, and systematic breeding in the 19th century fixed the modern type. After the Second World War the breed nearly vanished in Britain and was rebuilt with dogs imported from North America.524

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    A Mastiff named Aicama Zorba of La Susa is recorded as the heaviest dog ever, weighing about 155.6 kg (343 lb).2

  2. 2

    By the end of the Second World War only a single breeding female, Nydia of Frithend, was left in Britain, and imports from North America helped revive the breed.4

  3. 3

    Mastiff-type dogs from Britain were described by Roman writers around the time of Caesar's invasions in 55 BC.2

  4. 4

    Mastiffs may have reached America aboard the Mayflower, though the documented arrival of the breed dates to the late 1800s.2

  5. 5

    Film fans know the breed from movies such as The Sandlot and Marmaduke.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name 'Mastiff' likely derives from the Latin word 'mansuetus', meaning 'tame' or 'domesticated', though a popular theory suggests it comes from the Old French 'mastin', meaning 'guard dog'.2

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

ArthurBellaCharlieDukeGwendolynHenryMaisieOliverPipQueenieWinstonZara

A day in the life told by an English Mastiff

I wake slowly, shifting my massive frame on the sofa. My human brings the morning scent of toast. I stretch, yawn, and lumber to the kitchen for a chin scratch. After a short garden patrol, sniffing the fence line, I settle on my bed and watch the birds. At noon, my human takes me for a gentle walk. I greet the postman with a dignified tail wag. The rest of the day is naps, a few belly rubs, and guarding the front door from the mail slot. Evening means cuddles on the rug, my head in a lap. A perfect, quiet day.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 264 under the name Mastiff, Group 2, Section 2.1 Molossoid breeds, Mastiff type; standard dated 02.03.2011, country of origin Great Britain.5
The Royal Kennel Club
Working group; listed as a vulnerable native breed.4
AKC
Working Group; recognised in 1885 per Wikipedia. Current standard approved 12 November 1991, effective 31 December 1991.3

Popularity Ranked 40th of AKC-registered breeds in 2025 (as Mastiff).6

Treats they will love homemade and simple

English Mastiff tip

Mastiffs are prone to bloat, so split meals into two or three a day and use a slow-feeder bowl. For rewards, yeast tablets are a kind alternative to sugary treats, but always check with your vet first.

Source: petmd.com

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my English Mastiff, and at what times?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests feeding adult Mastiffs at least two meals a day, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. A consistent routine helps their digestion, so aim for set times each day. For exact amounts, always check the food label and ask your vet.17 Pet Wiki plan

What should an English Mastiff eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality, large-breed dog food appropriate for their age. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, as noted by ASPCA guidance. Never give raw meat, bones, or human treats without vet approval.18

How often should I bathe an English Mastiff?

Pet Wiki's plan suggests a bath about every eight weeks, but ASPCA guidance says at least once every three months. Bathe more often if they get very dirty or have skin issues. Use a gentle dog shampoo and dry their facial folds well.9 Pet Wiki plan

How often does an English Mastiff need brushing?

Brush your Mastiff weekly with a rubber curry or soft brush to keep their short, dense coat healthy. Pet Wiki's plan recommends this every seven days. It helps reduce shedding and keeps their skin in good condition.14 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim an English Mastiff's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every few weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain. Pet Wiki's plan suggests every 28 days as a starting point.19 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does an English Mastiff need?

Adult Mastiffs need about 45 to 60 minutes of walking, sniffing, and gentle training daily. Growing puppies should have short, low-impact sessions and avoid long runs until they are 18 to 24 months old. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily walks and play.14 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after an English Mastiff's teeth and ears?

Brush their teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste, never human toothpaste. Check their floppy ears weekly for moisture and dirt, and dry them gently. Pet Wiki's plan suggests daily brushing and weekly ear checks.9 Pet Wiki plan

How long does an English Mastiff live?

English Mastiffs typically live between 6 and 10 years. Their senior years often start around age 6, so regular vet check-ups become especially important then.14 Pet Wiki plan

Is an English Mastiff good with children and other pets?

Yes, Mastiffs are gentle and affectionate with their family, including children, and form close bonds with the whole household. Early socialisation helps them stay relaxed with other pets and strangers. They carry themselves with dignity and prefer a calm routine.531

Can an English Mastiff be left alone?

Mastiffs prefer to be part of the family and can struggle with long periods alone. They do best in a home where someone is around most of the time. If left alone, ensure they have a calm, predictable routine and plenty of space.15

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Hill's Pet, English Mastiff hillspet.comused for weight, height, lifespan, exercise, grooming, temperament
  2. Wikipedia, English Mastiff en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, history, fun facts, popularity
  3. AKC Official Standard of the Mastiff images.akc.orgused for height minimums, coat, colours, temperament
  4. The Royal Kennel Club, Mastiff royalkennelclub.comused for exercise, grooming, lifespan band, vulnerable status, post-war history
  5. FCI Standard No. 264, Mastiff fci.beused for origin, recognition, history, temperament, coat, colours
  6. AKC Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2025 akc.orgused for popularity
  7. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  9. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.