The True Cost of Owning an English Mastiff

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Posted Oct 26, 2024

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A Mastiff Dog on a Concrete Floor Near the Body of Water
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Owning an English Mastiff can be a costly endeavor, with expenses piling up quickly. The average cost of purchasing an English Mastiff puppy is around $1,800.

Their large size means they require a lot of food, which can cost upwards of $100 per month. This is especially true considering their adult weight can reach up to 230 pounds.

Regular grooming is also a must, with English Mastiffs needing to be brushed several times a week to prevent matting and tangling. This can add up to 2-3 hours of grooming time each week.

Their short lifespan of 7-10 years means you'll need to factor in the cost of veterinary care for the entirety of their life.

Expand your knowledge: How Much Is Grooming a Dog

English Mastiff Cost

The cost of caring for an English Mastiff can be substantial, with annual expenses ranging from $1000 to $4000, depending on your location and lifestyle.

These big dogs require regular veterinary care, which can be costly due to their large size and potential health issues.

Credit: youtube.com, How Much Do Mastiffs Cost? Can You Afford One? [ANNUAL DATA & SURVEY RESULTS]

Male English Mastiffs typically weigh between 160 and 230 pounds, while females usually weigh between 120 and 160 pounds.

You might need to budget extra for dog walkers, group obedience classes, and other activities to keep your Mastiff happy and healthy.

Here's a rough breakdown of some potential expenses:

English Mastiffs are more prone to cancer and certain genetic conditions, which can lead to higher veterinary care costs.

Pet insurance can provide a safety net in case your English Mastiff needs emergency treatment in the future.

Are Bills Expensive?

English Mastiff vet bills can be expensive, especially for emergency treatments or ongoing care for chronic conditions. Some cases of canine osteosarcoma, a cancer of the bone, can add up to over $10,000 in treatment costs.

The English Mastiff's size plays a significant factor in the cost of veterinary care, requiring larger amounts of medications, anesthesia, and chemotherapy compared to smaller dog breeds.

Only about 20% of pet parents can cover $5,000 in veterinary bills upfront, out-of-pocket.

Health and Care

Credit: youtube.com, How Much Do Mastiffs Cost? Can You Afford One? [ANNUAL DATA & SURVEY RESULTS]

English Mastiffs are generally hardy dogs, but they do have some health issues due to their large size. They are prone to size-related health problems.

Some common health issues in English Mastiffs include Von Willebrand's disease, eye anomalies, allergies, bloat, elbow/hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and degenerative myelopathy. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian can help identify any issues early on.

You should budget around $100-200 per year for routine vet care, including microchipping and spaying/neutering. Here are some typical expenses to consider:

Overall, the cost of caring for an English Mastiff can range from $1000 to $4000 per year, depending on your lifestyle and location.

Health and Care

English Mastiffs are a unique breed, and their growth and development are no exception. They take their time to mature, and it's essential to monitor their weight and growth to ensure they're healthy.

Most English Mastiff puppies will be close to their adult height by one year old, but it's not until two to three years that they'll finish filling out and maturing.

Impact Dog Crates Impact Dog Bed: Perfect Comfort for Your Large Breed Burmese Mountain Dog
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As a pet owner, it's crucial to keep an eye on your Mastiff's growth and weight. You can use our English Mastiff weight chart to track their progress and make sure they're within a reasonable range.

If you notice your Mastiff is significantly behind or ahead of the expected numbers, consult with your veterinarian to ensure they're growing appropriately.

Here's a rough estimate of what you can expect your English Mastiff's weight to be at different ages:

Caregiving Costs

Routine vet care is a must for your English Mastiff's health and well-being. These visits should occur at least once a year, costing around $100–200 each.

You'll also need to budget for microchipping, which can range from $50, and spaying or neutering, which can cost anywhere from $100–500.

In addition to these expenses, you'll want to consider the cost of preventative medications, such as flea and heartworm prevention, which can range from $100–400 per year.

A large dog with a long tongue sticking out
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A gastropexy procedure, which can help prevent gastric torsion, may also be recommended by your vet, costing between $200–400.

Here's a breakdown of some estimated annual costs:

  • Routine vet care: $200–400
  • Preventative medications: $100–400
  • Gastropexy procedure (optional): $200–400

Grooming costs will also add up, especially if you choose to hire a professional. On average, grooming appointments every month or two will cost around $300 per year.

Do Dogs Have Health Issues?

Dogs, like all living creatures, can have health issues. Some breeds are more prone to certain problems than others.

Regular check-ups with your veterinarian are essential to identify any issues early on. This can help prevent or treat problems before they become serious.

Certain breeds, such as English Mastiffs, face specific health concerns due to their size. These can include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and osteosarcoma.

Gastric torsion, also known as bloat, is a serious condition that can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. It's essential to monitor your dog's eating habits and watch for signs of bloat.

Cardiomyopathy is another condition that can affect dogs, particularly larger breeds. It's a disease of the heart muscle that can lead to heart failure.

Here are some common health issues that can affect dogs:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Osteosarcoma
  • Gastric torsion (bloat)
  • Ligament rupture
  • Cardiomyopathy

Health and Conditions

Woman Hugging Large Black Dog in Forest Pathway
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English Mastiffs are a large breed, and unfortunately, that means they have a shorter lifespan compared to other breeds. They're not inherently unhealthy, but they do have some health issues to be aware of.

One of the health concerns for English Mastiffs is Von Willebrand's disease, a genetic disorder that affects blood clotting. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian can help identify this issue early on.

Eye anomalies are another health concern for this breed. It's essential to keep an eye out for any changes in your dog's vision or eye health.

Allergies can also affect English Mastiffs, so be prepared to deal with skin issues and other allergy-related problems. If you notice any unusual skin conditions or itching, consult with your veterinarian.

Bloat is a serious health issue that can affect English Mastiffs, so it's crucial to monitor your dog's eating habits and watch for signs of bloat.

Here are some common health issues that can affect English Mastiffs:

  • Von Willebrand’s disease
  • Eye anomalies
  • Allergies
  • Bloat
  • Elbow/hip dysplasia
  • Epilepsy
  • Degenerative myelopathy

Regular veterinary check-ups are vital for identifying any health issues early on, and with proper care, your English Mastiff can live a happy and healthy life.

What Is the History of?

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The English Mastiff has a rich history that spans almost 4500 years, originating from a similar breed in present-day Asia around 2500 BC.

As a large breed, they've been used for various purposes, including hunting, fighting, and even as guard dogs for European royalty.

Their well-traveled history has led to the creation of other large breeds, such as the Saint Bernard and Spanish, French, Turkish, and Balkan mountain dogs, all of which boast mastiff blood in their ancestry.

The English Mastiff's popularity declined during the world wars due to the high cost of feeding them, but breeding picked back up again in the second half of the century.

Today, this breed retains its protective spirit and watchful eye, but also boasts a gentle and sensitive demeanor that makes it a perfect fit for families.

Owning an English Mastiff

Owning an English Mastiff requires some careful consideration. Caring for a large breed dog can be quite different than caring for a smaller one.

Credit: youtube.com, English Mastiff Review

You'll need to budget for some essential expenses, including a dog bed, crate, and brush. These items can range in price from $30 to $165 for the crate alone. A good quality brush can cost anywhere from $10 to $40.

To give you a better idea of the costs involved, here's a breakdown of some of the expenses you may incur:

  • Leash and harness: $40–60
  • Dog bed: $30–110
  • Crate: $50–165
  • Brush: $10–40

Regular check-ups with your veterinarian are also crucial to ensure your English Mastiff stays healthy. These visits can cost around $100–200 each, and you should also budget for microchipping (~$50) and spaying/neutering your dog ($100–500).

How Much Will My Get?

Estimating your English Mastiff's size at maturity can be a fun and exciting process. A critical factor is their current age - if they're already two years old, they're likely close to their final size.

If your puppy is still growing, you can use their paw size as an indicator. Oversized paws next to their legs and body are a good sign that they still have growing to do.

Credit: youtube.com, How Much Do Mastiffs Cost? Can You Afford One? [ANNUAL DATA & SURVEY RESULTS]

Gender also plays a significant role in determining how big your English Mastiff will get. Male and female dogs have prominent differences in weight and height, with males generally being larger.

Looking at your puppy's parents can also give you a good idea of their potential size. Pups rarely outgrow their mom or dad, whichever is largest. If you can reach out to the breeder, ask them about the size of their parents and past litters.

Here are some key factors to consider when estimating your English Mastiff's size at maturity:

  1. Age: 2 years old or more is a good indicator of final size.
  2. Paw size: Oversized paws suggest growing to do.
  3. Gender: Males tend to be larger than females.
  4. Parents: Look at the size of your puppy's parents and past litters for a more accurate estimate.

Owning a Large Breed Dog

Owning a large breed dog like an English Mastiff requires some special consideration.

English Mastiffs are a large to huge breed, with adults reaching heights of 27-36 inches and weighing between 120-230 pounds.

Their lifespan is relatively short, ranging from 6-10 years, so you'll want to make the most of the time you have with your furry friend.

Credit: youtube.com, Is the ENGLISH MASTIFF Right for You?

These gentle giants have short coats, making grooming at home a breeze, although you'll still need to spring for dog shampoo, nail clippers, and a toothbrush, which can total around $150 on average.

To help you prepare for the costs of owning an English Mastiff, here's a breakdown of some essential expenses:

Regular grooming appointments every month or two can add up to around $300 per year if you prefer to leave your pooch in the hands of a professional.

With their large size, English Mastiffs can accidentally knock over smaller children, so it's essential to supervise interactions between kids and your dog.

However, with proper training and socialization, English Mastiffs make fabulous family pets, as they're kind and patient with children.

These gentle giants will also guard their little ones well, making them a great addition to many families.

On a similar theme: Pictures of a English Mastiff

Patricia Kreiger

Writer

Patricia Kreiger is a passionate writer with a focus on canine-related topics. She has established herself as a knowledgeable and engaging voice in the pet care community, with a portfolio that showcases her expertise in covering various breeds and their characteristics. Patricia's writing often delves into the intricacies of specific breeds, such as the Ridgeback and German Shepherd, as well as the complexities of breed comparisons and the FCI breed standard.

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