Mastiffs are classic family-oriented dogs that have a gentle and loving nature but can also be stubborn when they need to be. The size of this breed can be overwhelming and hence sufficient to put unwanted outsiders and strangers at bay.
It is a peaceful large dog at heart, but can be very protective about his family and pet owner, and will not hesitate to face danger or threat if need be.
They are also called Old English Mastiff or English Mastiff. In addition to their imposing size, they also possess a well-groomed coat, and a distinctive black-masked face, and for these and various other reasons, are unlike any other breed that you will find.
These gentle giants use their size as a weapon and threat, and their stature is also reflective of their reputation.
They frequently use their size to instinctively comprehend and react to what they may perceive as a threat. If well-bred and well-socialized, they will be an asset and solid protection for their human family as well as a well-behaved mammal.
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How big is an English Mastiff?
They are undoubtedly the heaviest and largest dog breed you would find, but not the tallest, and generally weigh in the region of 200-230 pounds when grown into an adult.
So how big is a full-grown English Mastiff?
Male:
Weight: 73-100kg
Female:
Weight: 54-77kg
How tall is an English Mastiff?
Male:
Height: 70-95cm
Female:
Height: 70-90cm
According to the Guinness Book of Records, the biggest dog ever recorded in March 1989 was a 7-year-old English Mastiff from England by the name of Aicama Zorba that weighed a whopping 343 pounds (155.6kg), 94 cm tall, and 251 cm in length – about the size of a small donkey.
There have been claims of bigger dogs than Zorba such as Saint Bernards, Tibetan Mastiffs, and Caucasian, but Guinness Records have ceased to accept large or heavy pet records after 2000.
Mastiff Breeds Size Comparison
There are over 14 individual mastiff dog breeds that can be found across the globe; most of them being over-sized and over-powering, and frequently featured as guard dogs, they all have varying characteristics and differences between themselves.
With its size being one of the most distinct and common features amongst other attributes, let us have a closer look at different dog breeds and their corresponding sizes. The idea is to assist you in choosing the one that may be best for you, given your requirements, space constraints, family status and manageability in general.
The English Mastiff
The English Mastiff is officially the heaviest dog breed in the world. The males can weigh up to 220 lbs. and the females can reach a whopping weight of up to 170 lbs.
These mastiff puppies can grow as tall as 26 inches right at the shoulder height to their toes.
Argentinian Mastiff
The Argentina Mastiff is also routinely called the Argentine Dog, and this mastiff dog breed can be a loyal guardian to its family and their property.
The male mastiff puppy grows up to 99 lbs in weight and 27 inches in height, whereas the females can grow as big as 88 lbs in weight and 26 inches in height.
Brazilian Mastiff
The Brazilian Mastiff is also called the Fila Brasileiro and has a particularly large size with loads of wrinkles. On average, they can attain a height of up to 29.5 inches and can weigh around 110 lbs. in the case of males, and 90 lbs. in weight and 27.5 inches in height for the females.
French Mastiff
The French Mastiff that is also commonly referred to as the Dogue de Bordeaux in France is characterized as one of the most powerful mastiffs that can be found and can make a great guardian dog. The males can grow as tall as 27 inches and can weigh around 110 pounds.
Bullmastiff
Bullmastiffs are comparatively quieter than their counterparts but tend to rely on their physical strength, size and reputation to counter any intruders or trouble makers.
These huge canines can gain weight quite quickly and usually range in between 100 and 130 pounds, with males averaging around 120 pounds and growing close to 26 inches tall. The females tend to be a bit smaller in size – growing around 24-26 inches in height and 100-120 lbs in weight.
Italian Mastiff (Cane Corso)
The Italian Mastiff is often referred to as the Cane Corso and is an impressive canine that is muscular and hence a very powerful dog. The Cane Corso males can reach a height of up to 28 inches and can weigh up to 110 lbs. The females, on the other hand, tend to be slightly smaller and are generally 26 inches at the shoulder and can have a weight of up to 99 lbs.
Neapolitan Mastiff
One of the mastiff breeds that you cannot get wrong is the unmistakable Neapolitan Mastiffs. They are very distinct due to their wrinkly skin and super impressive jowls. This Italian mastiff breed has an established pedigree and its roots can be traced back to Roman dogs during wars.
In Italy, they have been commonly deployed as guards to estates, given their huge size, as the males can easily weigh over 150 pounds and can attain a height of 30 inches, whereas the females are generally shorter and can weigh up to 130 lbs and grow up to 28 inches tall.
Pyrenean Mastiff
The Pyrenean Mastiffs are large-sized mastiff dogs, and as the name suggests, they originate from the Pyrenees in Spain. They can have impressive figures when it comes to size and can go up to 220 lbs. in weight and reach a height of 30 inches.
Spanish Mastiff
The Spanish Mastiff is also commonly called the Mastín Español. They make for excellent watchdogs, but are sadly not very friendly or affable with humans or other dogs and animals, as is the case with most mastiff breeds.
These dogs can reach a height of close to 35 inches and can put on a weight of up to 220 lbs.
Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiffs are truly majestic in looks and can be massive canines. They have a heavy coat and are frequently used as mountain dogs. They are well known for their independence, intelligence, protective abilities and their reserved temperament.
The males can reach a height of up to 26 inches whereas females can grow up to 24 inches. The males would weigh around 90-150 lbs and females could grow as heavy as 70-120 lbs.
Which dog breed is bigger than an English Mastiff?
English Mastiffs are the biggest dog breeds on the planet. There are no other pure breed dogs that can beat the size of an English Mastiff.
If you are looking for a tall dog breed then you should look at the Great Dane. You can expect them to be taller than the English Mastiffs.
Also read:
Are English Mastiffs good guard dogs?
Closing Thoughts on Mastiff Size
As you noticed, most Mastiff breed dogs can easily be well-suited pets and companions and are most suitable for owners who are responsible, confident and experienced in handling these canines.
Talking about responsibility in specific, there is a big one on the shoulders of a mastiff owner, given the fact that they can weigh more than an average person, and can be much stronger than your usual dogs and average humans.
They are all majestic, powerful, and impressive pets who can owe allegiance to you and your family.