English Mastiff Mass: A Comprehensive Guide to the Breed's Characteristics

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Posted Nov 1, 2024

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A Mastiff Dog on a Concrete Floor Near the Body of Water
Credit: pexels.com, A Mastiff Dog on a Concrete Floor Near the Body of Water

The English Mastiff is a massive breed, with males weighing up to 230 pounds.

They can reach a height of 30 inches or more at the shoulder, making them one of the tallest dog breeds.

English Mastiffs are known for their broad, flat heads and short, curved muzzles.

Their short coats are easy to maintain, requiring only occasional brushing.

Their calm and gentle nature makes them a great companion for families with children.

Size and Growth

English Mastiff puppies can grow at a rapid rate, with some weighing as much as 80 to 110 pounds by six months old.

Males tend to be larger than females, with a significant difference in weight. At six months, males can weigh up to 80-110 pounds, while females typically weigh 60-90 pounds.

A good indicator of how big your puppy will get is their current age. If they're already two years old, they're likely close to their final size, but if they're six months old, they have a lot of growing left to do.

See what others are reading: English Mastiff 4 Months Old

Credit: youtube.com, How fast English Mastiff grows? Tellus growth from 2months old to 6months old.

Paw size can also give you a hint about how much bigger your puppy will get. If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, it's a good sign they're still growing.

Your puppy's parents are a good indicator of how big they'll get. Pups rarely outgrow their mom or dad, whichever is largest.

Here's a rough estimate of how much your English Mastiff may weigh by month:

Keep in mind that every puppy grows at their own pace, and some may weigh more or less than others.

Most English Mastiffs will be close to their adult height around one year old, but it can take two to three years for them to fill out and finish maturing.

English Mastiffs are indeed the biggest dog breed in terms of mass, regularly weighing between 175 and 200 pounds.

History and Origin

The English Mastiff is an ancient breed, with a history that dates back over 2,000 years to the time of the Roman Empire.

Credit: youtube.com, THE ENGLISH MASTIFF - A QUICK LOOK AT THE HISTORY AND BREED STANDARD

They were originally bred as guard dogs and fighting dogs, and were known for their massive size and strength. Their ancestors were likely the Alaunt and the Old English Mastiff.

The Alaunt was a large, powerful dog that was used for guarding and fighting, while the Old English Mastiff was a massive dog that was known for its size and strength.

Broaden your view: Old English Mastiff Dog

Unique Characteristics

The English Mastiff's unique characteristics are a result of their history and breeding.

Their massive size is one of their most distinctive features, with adults weighing up to 230 pounds.

The breed's appearance was influenced by the outlawing of dog fighting in 1835, which led breeders to focus on creating a more iconic mastiff.

English Mastiffs have a specific look that is the result of this shift in breeding priorities.

Their unique appearance is a direct result of the breeders' focus on aesthetics after the ban on dog fighting.

Expand your knowledge: English Mastiff Largest Dog

Health

English Mastiffs are prone to joint and musculoskeletal conditions like elbow and hip dysplasia due to their massive size.

Credit: youtube.com, Biggest Dog In The World! The English Mastiff

Their large frame also makes them susceptible to heart disease, hypothyroidism, eye problems, certain cancers, and neurological issues including epilepsy.

Gastric dilatation-volvulus, or bloat, is a life-threatening stomach condition that can occur when air accumulates in the stomach and causes it to twist.

This condition is a major concern for English Mastiffs, and a procedure called gastropexy can be performed to prevent it.

Mastiffs have a shorter lifespan than smaller dogs, averaging 6-10 years, and their size and medical challenges play a significant role in this.

Obesity can further shorten their life by exacerbating other health conditions, so it's crucial to keep them at a healthy weight.

You can discuss ways to reduce the risk of bloat with your veterinarian, and consider having your puppy undergo gastropexy when they're spayed or neutered.

Weight and Litters

English Mastiffs are truly massive dogs, and their size is matched by their impressive weight. On average, a full-grown English Mastiff male weighs between 160 and 230 pounds.

Credit: youtube.com, ❤️Grooming a Giant English Mastiff + Expected litter announcement! ❤️ 2021

Their females, while smaller, still pack a punch, weighing between 120 and 170 pounds. This makes them one of the heaviest dog breeds out there.

But that's not all - English Mastiffs also have the biggest litters among dog breeds, with a typical litter ranging from 10 to 12 puppies.

For another approach, see: English Mastiff Brown

How Much Do They Weigh?

English Mastiffs are massive dogs, and their weight is no exception. A full-grown male can weigh anywhere from 160 to 230 pounds.

As you can imagine, that's a pretty significant size difference between males and females. Female English Mastiffs typically weigh between 120 and 170 pounds.

Fact #6: Largest Litters

The English mastiff is known for its massive size, but did you know that its litters are just as impressive? A typical English mastiff litter has between 10 and 12 puppies.

English mastiffs have the biggest litters among dog breeds, with some litters reaching as many as 24 puppies. The mother of the largest recorded litter had 24 puppies, with 20 of them surviving past the first week.

Check this out: Pyrenean Mastiff Puppies

Sources

  1. Neabore Veterinary Clinic (neaborevet.com)
  2. The Mastiff Breed (mastiffclubofflorida.com)
  3. Mastiff History (mastiff.org)
  4. AKC Mastiff Standard (mastiff.org)
  5. 8 Unusual Facts About The English Mastiff (wagwalking.com)
  6. Mastiff - Canine Cancer (mastiff.org)
  7. Mastiff Dog Breed (vcahospitals.com)
  8. Meet the English Mastiff (Mastiff)! (selectadogbreed.com)
  9. Mastiff-like dogs (mastiff.org)

Eduardo Toy

Senior Writer

Eduardo Toy is a passionate writer with a knack for storytelling. With a focus on animal-related topics, Eduardo brings a unique voice to the table, drawing from personal experiences and in-depth research. His articles have been featured in various online publications, showcasing his expertise in areas such as dog breeds and pet care.

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