12 Kinds of Mastiff Dogs Compared: Size, Temperament & Care Guide
Explore 12 kinds of mastiff dogs with detailed comparisons of size, temperament, health risks, exercise needs, and ownership costs to find your ideal giant breed.
Understanding the Mastiff Family: More Than One Giant Breed
When people say "mastiff," most picture the English Mastiff — a sprawling, wrinkled giant lounging on a living room rug. But the mastiff family tree branches far wider than that single breed. The term "mastiff-type" encompasses a group of large and giant breeds sharing a common ancestry rooted in ancient war dogs, livestock guardians, and estate protectors. From the sleek Cane Corso to the shaggy Tibetan Mastiff, the kinds of mastiff dogs available today vary dramatically in size, energy level, coat type, and suitability for different households.
This guide breaks down 12 recognized mastiff-type breeds with the specific data points you need to make an informed decision: exact weight ranges, real exercise requirements, breed-specific health conditions with prevalence data, and honest cost breakdowns. Whether you're researching before adopting or comparing breeds for your lifestyle, this comparison will save you weeks of scattered Googling.
12 Kinds of Mastiff Dogs at a Glance
The table below provides a side-by-side comparison of the most popular mastiff-type breeds. Use this as a starting point, then read the detailed sections below for deeper health and care information.
| Breed | Weight (lb/kg) | Height (in/cm) | Lifespan | Energy | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Mastiff | 120–230 lb / 54–104 kg | 27.5–30+ in / 70–76+ cm | 6–10 years | Low | England |
| Bullmastiff | 100–130 lb / 45–59 kg | 24–27 in / 61–69 cm | 7–9 years | Low–Moderate | England |
| Cane Corso | 88–110 lb / 40–50 kg | 23.5–27.5 in / 60–70 cm | 9–12 years | Moderate–High | Italy |
| Neapolitan Mastiff | 110–150 lb / 50–68 kg | 24–31 in / 61–79 cm | 7–9 years | Low | Italy |
| Dogue de Bordeaux | 99–110 lb / 45–50 kg | 23–27 in / 58–69 cm | 5–8 years | Low–Moderate | France |
| Tibetan Mastiff | 70–150 lb / 32–68 kg | 24–26 in / 61–66 cm | 10–12 years | Low–Moderate | Tibet/China |
| Spanish Mastiff | 110–220 lb / 50–100 kg | 28–35 in / 71–89 cm | 8–10 years | Low | Spain |
| Boerboel | 150–200 lb / 68–91 kg | 22–27 in / 56–69 cm | 9–11 years | Moderate | South Africa |
| Anatolian Shepherd | 80–150 lb / 36–68 kg | 27–29 in / 69–74 cm | 11–13 years | Moderate | Turkey |
| Great Dane | 110–175 lb / 50–79 kg | 28–32 in / 71–81 cm | 7–10 years | Moderate | Germany |
| Saint Bernard | 120–180 lb / 54–82 kg | 26–30 in / 66–76 cm | 8–10 years | Low–Moderate | Switzerland |
| Argentino Dogo | 80–100 lb / 36–45 kg | 23.5–27 in / 60–69 cm | 10–12 years | High | Argentina |
Temperament & Personality: How Mastiff Breeds Actually Behave
Mastiff-type dogs share some broad temperament threads — loyalty, protectiveness, and a certain dignified calm indoors — but the behavioral differences between breeds are substantial. Here's what you'll actually experience living with each type:
The Calm Guardians: English Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, Dogue de Bordeaux
These breeds are the quintessential "couch giants." An English Mastiff will typically follow you from room to room, park their 180-pound body against your leg, and remain there for hours. They are notably gentle with children they're raised with, though their sheer size means a wagging tail can knock over a toddler. Neapolitan Mastiffs are more aloof with strangers — expect them to position themselves between you and visitors, observing silently rather than barking. The Dogue de Bordeaux bonds intensely with one or two people and can develop separation anxiety if left alone for more than 4–5 hours regularly.
The Active Protectors: Cane Corso, Boerboel, Dogo Argentino
These breeds need a job. A Cane Corso that doesn't receive structured mental and physical work will create its own — usually destructive. Expect to spend 60–90 minutes daily on training, agility, scent work, or structured play. Boerboels are territorial and confident; they assess new people carefully and require early, extensive socialization (minimum 100 positive stranger interactions before 16 weeks is a good benchmark). Dogo Argentinos were bred for big-game hunting and have high prey drive — cats, small dogs, and wildlife will trigger a chase response unless managed through careful training.
The Independent Thinkers: Tibetan Mastiff, Anatolian Shepherd, Spanish Mastiff
Livestock guardian breeds think for themselves by design. A Tibetan Mastiff will ignore a "come" command if it decides something more important needs its attention. Anatolian Shepherds are nocturnal by instinct — expect nighttime barking and patrolling even in a suburban home. These breeds are not obedience-competition candidates; they respond to respectful, patient training but will never be as biddable as a Cane Corso or Bullmastiff.
✓ Pros of Mastiff Breeds
- Naturally protective without excessive aggression when properly socialized
- Generally calm and low-activity indoors (most breeds)
- Deep loyalty and strong family bonding
- Impressive deterrent presence — most intruders won't test a 150-lb dog
- Minimal barking compared to smaller breeds (breed-dependent)
✗ Cons of Mastiff Breeds
- Short lifespans — many breeds average 6–10 years
- Significant drooling (English Mastiff, Dogue de Bordeaux, Neapolitan)
- High food costs — 6–10 cups of premium kibble daily
- Expensive veterinary care due to size-based dosing and giant-breed conditions
- Can be difficult to handle on-leash without training (130+ lb dog pulling = injury risk)
Exercise & Activity Requirements by Breed Type
One of the most common mistakes with mastiff breeds is under-exercising the athletic types or over-exercising the giant calm types. Here's what each category actually needs:
| Breed Category | Daily Exercise | Activity Types | Mental Stimulation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calm Giants (English Mastiff, Neapolitan, Dogue de Bordeaux, Saint Bernard) | 30–45 min/day | Leisurely walks, gentle swimming, short fetch sessions | 15–20 min puzzle toys, scent games |
| Moderate Energy (Bullmastiff, Tibetan Mastiff, Great Dane, Anatolian Shepherd, Spanish Mastiff) | 45–60 min/day | Brisk walks, hiking, structured play, cart pulling | 20–30 min training sessions, food puzzles |
| High Energy (Cane Corso, Boerboel, Dogo Argentino) | 60–90 min/day | Running, agility, protection sports, weighted pulling, swimming | 30–45 min advanced training, job-oriented tasks |
Health Risks Across Mastiff Breeds
Giant breeds carry specific health burdens that directly impact both quality of life and your wallet. Before committing to any mastiff breed, understand these conditions — and ask breeders for OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) or PennHIP certification on both parents.
| Condition | Most Affected Breeds | Prevalence | Treatment Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat) Life-threatening stomach twisting | Great Dane, English Mastiff, Saint Bernard, Dogue de Bordeaux | Up to 42% lifetime risk in Great Danes; 15–20% in other giant breeds | $3,000–$7,000 emergency surgery; $300–$500 prophylactic gastropexy |
| Hip Dysplasia Malformed hip joint causing arthritis | All mastiff breeds; highest in English Mastiff, Neapolitan, Bullmastiff | 20–50% depending on breed and breeder screening | $1,500–$7,000 per hip for total replacement |
| Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) Enlarged, weakened heart | Dogue de Bordeaux, Great Dane, English Mastiff | 3–6% in predisposed breeds | $500–$2,000 diagnosis; $150–$400/month ongoing medication |
| Cherry Eye / Entropion Eyelid and glandular prolapse | English Mastiff, Neapolitan, Bullmastiff, Dogue de Bordeaux | 10–20% in brachycephalic mastiff types | $300–$1,500 per eye surgical correction |
| Cruciate Ligament Tears (CCL) Knee ligament rupture | Cane Corso, Boerboel, Bullmastiff, Dogo Argentino | 5–10% in large/giant breeds | $2,500–$5,500 per knee (TPLO surgery) |
Preventive gastropexy (tacking the stomach to the abdominal wall) is strongly recommended for breeds with high bloat risk. This can be performed during spay/neuter surgery for an additional $300–$500 and reduces GDV recurrence risk by over 95%. Consult your veterinarian about whether this procedure is appropriate for your dog's breed and body type.
Grooming, Training & Daily Care
Grooming demands vary enormously across mastiff breeds. The double-coated Tibetan Mastiff sheds its entire undercoat once or twice yearly in a spectacular "blow" that produces grocery bags full of fur — daily brushing with an undercoat rake during these periods is non-negotiable. Meanwhile, the short-coated Cane Corso or Dogo Argentino needs only a weekly rubber curry brush session (5–10 minutes) and occasional wipe-down with a damp cloth.
Wrinkle care is a specific concern for English Mastiffs, Neapolitan Mastiffs, and Dogue de Bordeaux. Skin folds trap moisture and bacteria, leading to fold dermatitis (intertrigo). Clean facial and body wrinkles 2–3 times per week with a damp cloth or veterinary-recommended wipe, then dry thoroughly. Budget for wrinkle balm ($8–$15 per tube) and expect occasional veterinary treatment for yeast infections in folds ($75–$150 per visit).
Training Approaches That Work for Mastiff Breeds
Mastiff breeds respond best to positive reinforcement methods — food rewards, praise, and play motivation. Force-free training isn't just kinder; it's more effective for breeds that were selected for independent thinking and physical power. A Cane Corso that respects you will work harder than one that fears you.
Key training priorities for any mastiff breed:
- Loose-leash walking — Start by 10 weeks. A 130-lb adult pulling on a leash can cause shoulder injury to the handler. Use a front-clip harness (Ruffwear Front Range or similar) and reward-based loose-leash protocols.
- Impulse control — "Wait" at doors, "leave it" for dropped food, and calm greeting behaviors are essential for a dog that will outweigh most visitors.
- Socialization window — The critical socialization period closes around 14–16 weeks. Plan 3–5 novel positive experiences per week during this window: new surfaces, people of different appearances, other dogs (after vaccination clearance), environmental sounds.
Family Suitability & Living Environment
Mastiff breeds are often marketed as "great family dogs," but the reality depends on specific household circumstances:
With children: English Mastiffs, Bullmastiffs, and Saint Bernards are generally patient and gentle with children they're raised alongside. However, no mastiff breed should be left unsupervised with children under 8 — not because of aggression, but because a 150-lb dog accidentally stepping on a small child can cause serious injury. Breeds like the Cane Corso and Dogo Argentino are better suited to families with older children (10+) who understand canine body language.
With other pets: Same-sex aggression is documented in Cane Corsos, Dogo Argentinos, and Boerboels. Opposite-sex pairings tend to be more stable. Livestock guardian breeds (Anatolian Shepherd, Tibetan Mastiff, Spanish Mastiff) may view small dogs and cats as prey unless raised together from puppyhood. Always supervise multi-pet interactions during the first 6–12 months.
Apartment living: Surprisingly, several mastiff breeds adapt well to apartments — English Mastiffs and Dogue de Bordeaux are famously low-energy indoors and spend most of the day sleeping. The challenge is physical: navigating stairs with a 170-lb dog that refuses to walk is a real problem, and many landlords have breed/weight restrictions. High-energy mastiff types (Cane Corso, Dogo Argentino) are poor apartment candidates.
Cost of Ownership: What Mastiff Breeds Actually Cost
The purchase price is just the beginning. Here's a realistic first-year and ongoing cost breakdown for mastiff breed ownership in 2026:
| Expense Category | Low Estimate | Medium Estimate | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy Purchase (responsible breeder, health-tested parents) | $1,800 | $3,000 | $6,500+ |
| Food (annual — large/giant breed formula, 50–80 lb bags) | $1,200 | $2,000 | $3,600 |
| Veterinary (annual wellness + preventives; no emergencies) | $800 | $1,500 | $2,500 |
| Pet Insurance (annual premium, giant breed) | $900 | $1,500 | $2,400 |
| Supplies (XL crate, orthopedic bed, harness, bowls) | $400 | $800 | $1,500 |
| Training (puppy classes + private sessions) | $300 | $800 | $2,000 |
| First-Year Total | $5,400 | $9,600 | $18,500+ |
Emergency veterinary costs are the wildcard. A single bloat surgery ($5,000–$7,000), bilateral hip replacement ($10,000–$14,000), or cardiac workup ($2,000–$4,000) can hit without warning. Pet insurance with giant-breed-appropriate coverage (minimum $15,000 annual limit, ideally unlimited) is strongly recommended. Companies like Trupanion, Healthy Paws, and Nationwide offer giant-breed plans, though premiums reflect the higher risk.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mastiff Breeds
Is a mastiff breed right for first-time dog owners?
Some mastiff breeds can work for first-time owners; others should not be attempted. The English Mastiff and Bullmastiff are the most forgiving of novice handler mistakes — they're generally eager to please and not prone to testing boundaries. The Cane Corso, Dogo Argentino, Boerboel, and Neapolitan Mastiff require experienced handlers who understand canine body language, protection-drive management, and firm-but-positive training. If it's your first dog, start with a Bullmastiff or English Mastiff and invest in professional training support from day one.
How much exercise does a mastiff need daily?
It depends on the specific breed. Calm mastiff types (English Mastiff, Dogue de Bordeaux) need 30–45 minutes of gentle walking daily. Moderate breeds (Bullmastiff, Great Dane) need 45–60 minutes of brisk activity. Athletic mastiff breeds (Cane Corso, Dogo Argentino) require 60–90 minutes of vigorous exercise plus structured mental work. All mastiff puppies should avoid forced exercise until growth plates close at 18–24 months.
What health problems are mastiff breeds most prone to?
The top concerns across mastiff breeds are gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat), hip and elbow dysplasia, dilated cardiomyopathy, cruciate ligament tears, and various eye conditions (entropion, cherry eye, progressive retinal atrophy). Brachycephalic mastiff types (Dogue de Bordeaux, English Mastiff) also face brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), which causes breathing difficulty, heat intolerance, and sleep apnea. Reputable breeders screen for these conditions through OFA, PennHIP, and cardiac evaluations — always request documentation before purchasing.
How big do mastiff breeds get?
Adult size varies enormously across the mastiff family. The smallest mastiff-type breeds (some Cane Corso females) reach 88 lb / 40 kg. The largest English Mastiffs exceed 230 lb / 104 kg. Height ranges from 23 inches (smaller females) to 32+ inches at the shoulder (Great Danes, which are mastiff-type despite the different breed name). Always ask breeders for the weights of the specific puppy's parents rather than relying on breed averages.
Are mastiff breeds good with children and other pets?
English Mastiffs, Bullmastiffs, and Saint Bernards are among the most child-tolerant giant breeds. However, supervision is always required due to the dog's size — an accidental bump from a 160-lb dog can injure a small child. With other pets, early socialization is critical. Livestock guardian mastiff breeds may view small animals as prey. Same-sex dog aggression occurs in several mastiff breeds (Cane Corso, Dogo Argentino, Boerboel), making opposite-sex pairings more stable.
How much does it cost to buy and maintain a mastiff?
Expect to pay $1,800–$6,500 for a puppy from a responsible breeder who health-tests parents. Annual ongoing costs (food, veterinary, insurance, supplies) range from $3,600–$8,500 depending on your region, the dog's health, and your insurance choices. First-year costs typically total $5,400–$18,500+ when including puppy purchase, initial veterinary setup, and supplies sized for a giant breed. Emergency veterinary events (bloat, orthopedic surgery) can add $3,000–$14,000 in a single incident.
Jonas Cole
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
