English Mastiff
Male: 73-104 kg; Female: 54-77 kg
Male: Minimum 76 cm; Female: Minimum 70 cm at the shoulder.
6-10 years
England
About the English Mastiff
The Mastiff, often referred to as the English Mastiff, is one of the most ancient and imposing of all dog breeds. Characterised by its massive frame, broad head, and soulful expression, the breed possesses a combination of grandeur and good nature. Despite their history as fierce protectors and war dogs, modern Mastiffs are renowned for being 'gentle giants' who are deeply devoted to their human companions and tend to be remarkably quiet and steady within the home environment. Physically, they are dogs of immense substance, possessing a heavy bone structure and a powerful, muscular build. Their distinctive black mask and drooping ears give them a look of permanent wisdom. Because of their giant stature, they require owners who understand the logistics of a large dog—from providing adequate space to managing their significant nutritional and healthcare needs. When raised with consistent, positive reinforcement, they become exceptionally well-behaved members of the family.
Breed Standard
Key characteristics from the breed standard
In the show ring, the Mastiff must project an image of power and symmetry, moving with a powerful, easy drive that covers ground effortlessly despite its weight. Judges look for a massive, square head with a well-marked black mask and a short muzzle. The body should be deep and wide, with a straight topline and a tail set high.
In Australia
Reliable Australian historical records for this breed’s introduction were not located.
Bred For
Guardianship, protection of estates, and historically for big game hunting and war.
Temperament
Dignified, calm, affectionate, and loyal. They are naturally protective of their family but generally exhibit a gentle and docile nature unless provoked.
Health Conditions Reported in the Breed
(), Hip and , , (), and (eyelid issues), and Heart Conditions like .
Exercise Needs
Moderate. Adult Mastiffs require daily walks of 30-40 minutes to maintain muscle tone and cardiovascular health, but over-exercise should be avoided in puppies to protect developing joints.
Grooming Needs
Minimal. Their short coat requires weekly brushing to remove dead hair and regular cleaning of facial wrinkles to prevent dermatitis.
Living Suitability
Not suited for apartments. They require a home with enough indoor space to move comfortably without knocking over furniture. A medium to large yard is ideal, though they are primarily indoor dogs who value companionship.
Good with Kids
Generally excellent and patient with children; however, their sheer size can be a hazard for toddlers, so supervision is always required.
Good with Other Pets
Usually good with other pets if socialised early, though some can be dominant with dogs of the same sex.
Trainability
Highly intelligent but can be independent or stubborn. They respond best to gentle, reward-based training and do not handle harsh corrections well.
Coat & Colours
Short, close-lying, and smooth.. Apricot, fawn, or brindle. All must have a black mask on the muzzle, ears, and nose, with black around the eye orbits.
Breed Health Concern Ratings
How commonly these health areas need attention in this breed (1 = rarely, 5 = a defining consideration)
As a giant breed with significant weight, they are highly predisposed to hip and elbow dysplasia, which requires vigilant monitoring and weight management.
Their low activity level combined with their massive size makes them extremely prone to obesity, which exacerbates joint stress and metabolic health risks.
Subaortic stenosis and other cardiac issues are known genetic concerns in the breed, requiring regular veterinary cardiac screenings.
This breed is prone to both hereditary conditions like Progressive Retinal Atrophy and anatomical issues such as ectropion and entropion due to their eyelid structure.
While not inherently allergic to food, their high susceptibility to Gastric Dilation-Volvulus (bloat) necessitates very careful dietary management and portion control.
While they have skin folds that require cleaning to prevent irritation, generalized skin allergies or dermatitis are not primary health hallmarks of the English Mastiff.
Although they have a broad skull, they are generally not as severely brachycephalic as smaller flat-faced breeds, making significant respiratory distress less common.
Ratings reflect typical breed prevalence and do not mean your individual dog will develop these issues. Always discuss your dog's health with your veterinarian.
Exercise needs vary by age, fitness, health, weather and individual temperament. Consult your veterinarian for an exercise plan appropriate for your dog.
Things to Consider
Every breed has its quirks — here's what to know
Prospective owners should be prepared for the 'giant breed' lifestyle. Mastiffs are more likely to experience Gastric Dilation-Volvulus (Bloat), a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists—owners should monitor for signs of distress after eating and consider a 'gastropexy' surgery. They are also prone to joint issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, so maintaining a lean weight is vital to prevent unnecessary strain. On a daily level, Mastiffs are famous for their 'shoestring' drool, especially after drinking or when food is present—keeping a 'slobber cloth' handy is a part of life. They can be prone to flatulence, which is often improved by a high-quality fresh diet rather than commercial kibble. Because they have deep skin folds on the face, they can be susceptible to yeast infections or dermatitis if the wrinkles aren't kept clean and dry. They also have a low tolerance for heat; in the Australian summer, they must have access to air conditioning and should never be exercised during the heat of the day. Despite these quirks, their unwavering devotion and calm presence make them exceptionally rewarding companions for the right home.
Feeding Guide for Your English Mastiff
Healthy Weight
70-90 kg
Daily Feeding Amount (general starting estimate)
1700-2550 grams
For an adult Mastiff, feed approximately 2-3% of their ideal body weight daily. Some owners use smaller divided meals and avoid strenuous activity immediately around feeding. These steps cannot guarantee prevention of gastric dilatation-volvulus. Seek urgent veterinary care if bloat is suspected. A fresh diet should include high-quality muscle meat, calcium-rich bone, and essential organ meats. For a 85kg Mastiff, this equates to roughly 1,700g to 2,550g of fresh food per day depending on activity level.
Feeding quantities are general starting estimates only. Individual needs vary with body condition, weight trends, age, health and activity. Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition — consult a veterinarian for individualised dietary guidance.
Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition. Seek veterinary or qualified canine nutrition guidance for individualised dietary advice. Raw feeding, specific proteins or fresh foods should not be presented as preventing, treating or managing breed health conditions without veterinary diagnosis and supervision.
Majestik's Recommended Feeding Approach
Breed Diet Notes
A high-quality diet appropriate for giant breeds, focusing on controlled growth in puppies and maintaining a lean body condition in adults to protect joints. Fresh, raw diets are often preferred for digestibility.
A balanced raw diet for a Mastiff should focus on high-quality proteins like Majestik Beef, Lamb, and Kangaroo to maintain lean muscle without excessive fat. g., large turkey necks or lamb ribs), and 10% organ meat (liver and kidney). Inclusion of green lipped mussel or glucosamine/chondroitin supplements is beneficial for joint support. Avoid high-purine organs if the dog is prone to cystinuria.
These are general breed-level notes only. The appropriate food and serving amount depend on the individual dog's age, health, body condition, activity and tolerance.
Majestik Recommendation
Majestik BARF meals follow our practical 70/10/10/10 approach: approximately 70% quality meat and protein ingredients, 10% edible bone, 10% vegetables and 10% offal. This gives customers a convenient fresh-food option without needing to source and portion every ingredient themselves.
Our Beef, Lamb and Roo BARF meals provide convenient fresh-food options, with suitable proteins chosen or rotated according to the individual dog.
Suitable for different needs
- Healthy adult: Majestik adult Beef, Lamb or Roo BARF meal.
- Puppy: Majestik Premium Puppy.
- Senior: Majestik Senior Blend.
- Working or highly active dog: Suitable Majestik adult meal with quantity adjusted to workload and body condition.
- Protein trial: One Majestik protein at a time.
Recommended Majestik BARF Meals
This is a practical starting recommendation for healthy dogs. Individual needs vary with age, health, body condition and activity.
English Mastiff Feeding Calculator
Personalised raw and cooked feeding recommendations based on your dog's profile
Ideal — Ribs palpable without excess fat. Visible waist. Abdominal tuck present.
Have a question about your English Mastiff? Dog Health AI
Why Majestik?
Fresh, raw pet food made with integrity in South Australia
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Made in Two Wells, South Australia
Freshly Prepared
Real meat, organs, bone & wholefood ingredients
No Fillers
No cheap fillers or artificial preservatives
Family Owned
Locally owned and operated
Local Delivery
Delivery across Adelaide & selected areas
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Secure payment via Shopify checkout
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Breed Records & Facts
Biggest Recorded
156 kg (Zorba, recorded in 1989)
Oldest Recorded
15 years (Kush, 2000s)
Average Litter Size
8-10 puppies
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References & Sources
Breed information verified against recognised breed authorities and veterinary evidence.