At a glance the quick version
Breed standards set no weight. Hill's gives 120-230 lb (about 54-104 kg) with males usually heavier; Wikipedia lists a typical 80-85 kg.
Hill's gives 6-10 years; The Royal Kennel Club lists the breed as under 10 years.
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.41
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.143
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.35
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.35
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.31
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.125
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 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
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.5
- 3
Mastiff-type dogs from Britain were described by Roman writers around the time of Caesar's invasions in 55 BC.2
- 4
Mastiffs may have reached America aboard the Mayflower, though the documented arrival of the breed dates to the late 1800s.2
- 5
Film fans know the breed from movies such as The Sandlot and Marmaduke.2
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.1
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Working group; listed as a vulnerable native breed.5
- AKC
- Working Group; recognised in 1885 per Wikipedia. Current standard approved 12 November 1991, effective 31 December 1991.4
Popularity Ranked 40th of AKC-registered breeds in 2025 (as Mastiff).6
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a English Mastiff. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- 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
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard No. 264, Mastiff fci.beused for origin, recognition, history, temperament, coat, colours
- Wikipedia, English Mastiff en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, history, fun facts, popularity
- Hill's Pet, English Mastiff hillspet.comused for weight, height, lifespan, exercise, grooming, temperament
- AKC Official Standard of the Mastiff images.akc.orgused for height minimums, coat, colours, temperament
- The Royal Kennel Club, Mastiff royalkennelclub.comused for exercise, grooming, lifespan band, vulnerable status, post-war history
- AKC Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2025 akc.orgused for popularity
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.