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
how to spot oneEnglish Mastiff coat and colours
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
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
what to watchEnglish Mastiff health problems
The conditions the breed clubs and health schemes name for the English Mastiff. Most animals of the breed never get them; this is what to ask a breeder or an insurer about.
Hip dysplasia The hip joint forms loosely and wears badly in this very heavy breed, causing stiffness and arthritis.UK Kennel Club Good Practice hip screening (a significant concern in the breed); no published rate ↗
Elbow dysplasia The elbow joint forms badly, causing front-leg lameness in young dogs.UK Kennel Club Good Practice elbow screening; no published rate ↗
Inherited eye disease (dominant PRA, CMR) The retina dies or blisters, dimming sight; DNA tests show if the parents carry the genes.DNA tests and yearly eye exam recommended by the Mastiff Club of America; no published rate ↗
Cystinuria A gene fault makes cystine stones that can block the urine flow, mainly in males; DNA and urine tests exist.DNA and urine tests recommended by the Mastiff Club of America; no published rate ↗
Heart disease Some Mastiffs have heart defects or weak heart muscle; a cardiologist exam picks up murmurs early.Cardiac exam recommended by the Mastiff Club of America (CHIC); no published rate ↗
Autoimmune thyroiditis (hypothyroidism) The thyroid is damaged, so the dog gains weight and loses coat; managed with daily tablets.Thyroid panel recommended by the Mastiff Club of America; no published rate ↗
Tests a good breeder can show you
Hip evaluation (OFA or BVA/KC) Mastiff Club of America (CHIC); UK Kennel Club Good Practice ↗
Elbow evaluation (OFA or BVA/KC) Mastiff Club of America (CHIC); UK Kennel Club Good Practice ↗
Eye examination (CAER or BVA/KC/ISDS) Mastiff Club of America (CHIC); UK Kennel Club Best Practice ↗
Cardiac examination Mastiff Club of America (CHIC) ↗
Thyroid panel and patella evaluation Mastiff Club of America ↗
DNA tests for cystinuria, CMR1, degenerative myelopathy and dominant PRA Mastiff Club of America ↗
From the breed club or a health scheme. Not veterinary advice: for your own animal, ask your vet.
per year, in your countryWhat a English Mastiff costs
Running costs for a English Mastiff, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the English Mastiff legal where you live?
7 of the 61 countries we check have a rule that names the English Mastiff. Check the law before you travel or move, the details change.
Rules by country
Country
Rule
Source
Germany, Baden-Württemberg
RestrictedPolVOgH list 2: dangerousness assumed only if indications exist; authorities may impose conditions.
RestrictedKategorie 2: presumed fighting dogs unless a Negativzeugnis (negative certificate after temperament test) is obtained for the individual dog.
RestrictedLHundG NRW §10 Hunde bestimmter Rassen: permit, Sachkunde, insurance, leash and muzzle; large dogs (40 cm / 20 kg) of any breed must be notified and leashed in built-up areas.
Permit requiredLoi du 9 mai 2008 relative aux chiens art. 10: 'chiens susceptibles d'etre dangereux' must be declared, the owner must complete a 12-hour course and the dog a 24-hour training course with exam, leash everywhere unless exempted by diploma, muzzle on case-by-case order; all dogs in Luxembourg need liability insurance.
BannedRChiens art. 17 (15 'chiens listes'): banned in the canton for dogs arriving after 24 Feb 2008; grandfathered dogs with a 'carte bleue' must pass a behaviour test, be neutered and be muzzled and leashed everywhere.
BannedConseil d'Etat decision 2005 under art. 37 LALPA: keeping these 12 breeds and their crosses is banned (new ownership since 1 Jan 2006); visits up to 30 days per year allowed with leash and muzzle.
Permit requiredRegolamento sui cani (RCani, in force 1 Jan 2026) art. 14-20: 30 breeds and crosses born after 1 April 2009 need an authorisation from the cantonal veterinary office before acquisition, a training course, aptitude tests at 9-13 months and in year 3; applies to dogs staying over 30 days a year.
Permit requiredWiener Tierhaltegesetz and Hundefuehrscheinverordnung: 'Listenhunde' need a Hundefuehrschein (exam within 3 months, repeat after 21-24 months), muzzle and leash in public, handler at least 16 and under 0.5 permille alcohol; Sachkunde course before registering since 1 July 2019.
Permit requiredVorarlberg: keeping a listed breed requires an authorisation; muzzle, leash or custody conditions are set case by case by decision (older secondary overview, not re-verified against the current law).
Muzzle and leash requiredOUG 55/2002 categoria II: muzzle and leash in public places (except dog areas), owner at least 18 with clean record, police declaration, ACR registration, warning sign; transfers must be reported within 48 hours.
Insurance requiredCabinet of Ministers resolution 'Deiaki pytannia shchodo nebezpechnykh porid sobak' (10 Nov 2021) lists 51 breeds and their mixes as dangerous: owners must hold compulsory liability insurance when registering, and use a leash and muzzle where the dog may endanger people.
Permit requiredThese breeds are treated as potentially dangerous. A keeping permit, expertise test and clean record are needed before acquiring one, and they must be leashed and muzzled outside fenced property after nine months unless exempted by a test. Breed list from the Hundeverordnung (LR 455.11) in the 2011 version; later changes were not checked.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
how busy a day looksEnglish Mastiff exercise needs
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
the hands-on bitsEnglish Mastiff grooming and care
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
where they are happiestEnglish Mastiff at home
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
who they like aroundEnglish Mastiff with people and other pets
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
where it all beganEnglish Mastiff history
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
for the dinner tableFun facts
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.4
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
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
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
stars of the breedFamous ones
Zorba Zorba, an English Mastiff, holds the Guinness World Record for the heaviest and longest dog ever recorded.2
Hercules Hercules, an English Mastiff, was officially named the world's heaviest living dog by Guinness World Records in 2001.2
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.
the official bitsRecognised by
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
homemade and simpleTreats they will love
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.
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
the things everyone asksOwner questions
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.17Pet 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.9Pet 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.14Pet 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.19Pet 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.14Pet 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.9Pet 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.14Pet 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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