| Height | 30 inches & up (male), 27.5 inches & up (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 160-230 pounds (male), 120-170 pounds (female) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 6β10+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Dignified / Good-Natured / Courageous [1] |
| AKC group | Working Group [1] |
| Origin | England [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 40 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1β5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
Bred to be guardians of 'hearth and home,'Β Mastiffs have comparatively low exercise requirements and can live happily in an apartment. They benefit physically and psychologically from free play and daily walks'ΒΏa mile or two for adult Mastiffs. However, owners must be careful not to overtax growing puppies and young adults: Don't allow them to run up and down stairs, jump from heights, or engage in long walks. [1]
Grooming
The Mastiff's short, dense coat is easy to groom, usually requiring only a quick brushing every few days. During periods of heavy shedding once or twice a year, more frequent sessions with a strong, toothed comb are recommended to remove dead hair. The ears and the deep wrinkles around the Mastiff's head, eyes, and muzzle should be regularly inspected and cleaned, and the nails trimmed short. [1]
Health issues to budget for
The Mastiff Club of America (MCOA) provides in-depth information on breed health. Responsible breeders screen their stock for health conditions such as seasonal allergies, eye anomalies, heart disease, cancer, eye and hip dysplasia, von Willebrand's disease, degenerative myelopathy, and epilepsy. Hygromas'ΒΏharmless natural 'cushions'Β that protect the elbow joints when the Mastiff is lying on hard surfaces'ΒΏare common. Do not allow the vet to drain them. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Patella Evaluation, Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Cardiac Exam, Ophthalmologist Exam, Cystinuria DNA Test, Autoimmune Thyroiditis, Dominant Progressive Retinal Atrophy (dPRA) (Bullmastiff/Mastiff Type) DNA Test, Degenerative Myelopathy (Common Variant) (DM) - DNA Test, Canine Multifocal Retinopathy Type 1 (CMR) DNA Test. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a giant dog (median $607) | $350 β $1,373 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Mastiff in 1885. [1]
- It ranked No. 40 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 25 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the βGentle Giant.β [1]
- The AKC lists England as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 10 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Patella Evaluation, Hip Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- β Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 5/5)
- β οΈ Think twice: Neat freaks: AKC rates drooling 4/5
Common questions
How long do Mastiffs live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 6-10 years.
How big does a Mastiff get?
AKC breed information lists height 30 inches & up (male), 27.5 inches & up (female) and weight 160-230 pounds (male), 120-170 pounds (female).
How much are vet bills for a Mastiff?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For giant dogs like the Mastiff, a typical vet bill runs $350 β $1,373 (median $607). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.