Mastiff Dog Breeds:
Large, Powerful and Fascinating Dogs

Mastiff dog breeds are some of the largest and most powerful dogs in the world, but there is much more to these impressive dogs than their size. Mastiffs and Mastiff-type dogs have a long history as guardians, working dogs and devoted companions, and the breeds can differ quite a bit in appearance, temperament and purpose.

On this page, we'll take a look at some of the best-known Mastiff breeds, along with several less-common and fascinating breeds you may not have encountered before. I'll also explain why the term "Mastiff" can sometimes be used more broadly for Mastiff-type dogs.

Mastiff Dog Breeds at a Glance

Mastiff vs. Mastiff-Type Dogs: What's the Difference?

You may notice that lists of Mastiff breeds don't always agree. That's because "Mastiff" can be used in two different ways. In the narrower sense, it refers to specific breeds such as the Mastiff, Bullmastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff and Tibetan Mastiff. More broadly, the term "Mastiff-type" may be used for dogs that share some of the powerful build, guarding heritage or ancestry associated with the ancient Molosser dogs.

That's why you'll sometimes find breeds such as the Great Dane or Anatolian Shepherd included in broader discussions of Mastiff-type dogs. The Anatolian Shepherd, for example, is officially an AKC Working Group breed and is primarily a livestock guardian rather than a herding dog.

So, throughout this page, I'll distinguish between the breeds that are commonly recognized as Mastiffs and other dogs that are more accurately described as Mastiff-type.

Mastiff Dog Breeds

American Mastiff

The American Mastiff was developed in the United States by Fredericka Wagner of Flying W Farms in Piketon, Ohio. The breed was developed over many years of selective breeding with the goal of retaining the size, appearance, temperament and gentle disposition of the Mastiff while producing a dog with fewer health problems and a much drier mouth. During its early development, the English Mastiff was crossed with the Anatolian Mastiff. The Continental Kennel Club recognized the American Mastiff as a purebred breed in 2000.

Very similar in appearance to the English Mastiff, the American Mastiff is a massive, powerful dog that can weigh well over 150 pounds, with males typically reaching 32 to 36 inches at the shoulder. Despite that imposing size, the breed is known for its calm, patient and affectionate nature. American Mastiffs are devoted to their families and can be especially gentle with children. They are generally not aggressive, but their protective instincts can make them formidable guardians when their family is threatened.

As with any giant breed, early training and thorough socialization are especially important. An American Mastiff needs plenty of room and regular moderate exercise, along with an owner who understands the responsibility that comes with living with such a large dog. The short, dense coat is relatively easy to maintain, although some drooling should still be expected. Hip dysplasia and bloat are among the health concerns worth discussing with a veterinarian, and maintaining a healthy weight, good nutrition and regular veterinary care are important throughout the dog's life.

Bullmastiff

William Burton of Thorneywood Kennels was one of the early breeders of the Bullmastiff. One of his dogs, Thorneywood Terror, became famous at gamekeepers' shows for his ability to catch anyone willing to bet that he could escape. Even when the gambler was given a head start, Terror reportedly caught and toppled the unfortunate challenger! Stories like this help explain why the Bullmastiff earned the nickname "Gamekeeper's Night Dog."

The Bullmastiff was developed to accompany gamekeepers on nighttime patrols of large English estates, where poaching and the theft of game were serious problems. The breed needed to be strong, fearless and agile enough to apprehend intruders, while being protective without unnecessary aggression. Today's Bullmastiff retains many of those qualities. He is intelligent, confident, alert and highly protective of his family, but is generally a calm and affectionate companion rather than an incessant barker. Early training and socialization are especially important because this powerful breed can be strong-willed even as a puppy.

Despite his substantial size—males can reach about 27 inches at the shoulder and weigh up to 130 pounds—the Bullmastiff is surprisingly agile. Daily exercise such as walks and play in a securely fenced area helps keep him fit, although growing puppies should not be over-exercised while their bones and joints are developing. Bullmastiffs can also enjoy activities such as obedience, rally, scent work and tracking. Their short coat is easy to maintain with regular brushing, although facial folds and ears should be kept clean and nails and teeth cared for. And yes, this is a breed for which you'll want to have a plan for dealing with drool! Like other large breeds, Bullmastiffs can be prone to orthopedic problems and bloat, so responsible weight management, sound nutrition and regular veterinary care are important.

Cane Corso

The Cane Corso, sometimes called the Italian Mastiff, is an ancient Italian breed whose history reaches back to Roman times. Its ancestors were Italian native dogs crossed with Molossian-type dogs associated with the Roman world. These powerful dogs eventually took on many jobs around Italian farms, including guarding property and livestock and hunting wild boar. As farming practices changed, their numbers declined dramatically, and by the mid-20th century the breed was close to extinction. Italian fanciers began working to revive it in the 1970s, and the Society of Cane Corso Lovers was formed in 1983. The first Cane Corsi arrived in America in 1988, and the breed received full AKC recognition in 2010.

The Cane Corso is a strongly muscled, athletic dog with a short, dense coat that comes in colors including black, gray, fawn and brindle. Males typically stand about 25 to 27½ inches at the shoulder, with weight proportionate to height. Despite the breed's imposing appearance, the Cane Corso is intelligent, affectionate with its family and naturally protective. This isn't a breed that generally wants to be left on its own for long periods, and its confident, sometimes dominant nature makes early socialization and consistent training particularly important. An experienced owner who can provide calm, firm guidance is a much better match for this powerful working breed than a first-time dog owner.

Cane Corsos need regular physical and mental activity. Daily walks, training, play and activities such as obedience, scent work or tracking can help satisfy both body and mind. They do best when they have a job to do rather than being left to invent their own entertainment. Their short coat is relatively easy to maintain with regular brushing, although seasonal shedding can increase. As with other large breeds, responsible weight management, appropriate exercise and regular veterinary care are important. Health concerns can include orthopedic problems and bloat, so owners should know the warning signs of this life-threatening condition.

Dogue de Bordeaux

The Dogue de Bordeaux (DDB), also known as the Bordeaux Mastiff or French Mastiff, is one of France's oldest dog breeds. This powerful Mastiff-type dog was developed for several working roles, including guarding estates, protecting homes and businesses, hunting large game and, later, driving cattle. The breed came close to extinction during the 20th century, but dedicated French enthusiasts worked to revive it. The AKC recognized the Dogue de Bordeaux in 2008, placing it in the Working Group.

The DDB is an impressively powerful dog, with males standing about 23½ to 27 inches at the shoulder and weighing at least 110 pounds. The short coat is generally a rich shade of fawn, while the breed's enormous head, deeply furrowed forehead and heavy jowls give it a distinctive appearance. Despite that formidable look, the Dogue de Bordeaux is typically calm, affectionate and devoted to its family. It is also naturally protective and courageous, although a well-socialized DDB should not be unnecessarily aggressive. These dogs can be stubborn and self-confident, making early socialization and patient, consistent training especially important.

A Dogue de Bordeaux needs enough room to live comfortably and regular exercise to maintain fitness, although its exercise needs are not those of a high-energy athletic breed. Its short coat is relatively easy to maintain, but anyone considering a DDB should be prepared for a generous amount of drool! Like other giant breeds, responsible nutrition, appropriate exercise, weight management and regular veterinary care are important. Bloat and orthopedic problems are among the health concerns worth discussing with a veterinarian.

English Mastiff

The English Mastiff, usually known simply as the Mastiff, is one of the oldest and largest dog breeds. A member of the Molosser group, the breed has a long history as a guardian and hunter of large game. Over the centuries, Mastiffs were also unfortunately used in blood sports including bear-baiting, bull-baiting and dog fighting. By the end of World War I, the breed had become extremely rare outside the United Kingdom, but dedicated breeders helped revive it, and the Mastiff is now well established in the United States and many other countries.

An English Mastiff is an imposing dog, with males commonly weighing 160 pounds or more and standing up to about 30 inches at the shoulder. The breed's enormous head, short muzzle, black mask, drooping jowls and wrinkled forehead contribute to its unmistakable appearance. The short, smooth coat comes in several shades of fawn and brindle. Despite its formidable size, the Mastiff is generally a gentle, affectionate and devoted family companion. Often called a "gentle giant," the breed can be protective without being unnecessarily aggressive. A stubborn streak can appear, however, so early, consistent training and thorough socialization are important.

An English Mastiff needs enough space to move comfortably, along with regular walks and moderate daily exercise. This isn't a breed that needs to run for miles, but keeping a giant dog fit and at a healthy weight is important. Like other giant breeds, Mastiffs can be susceptible to orthopedic problems and bloat, so appropriate nutrition, sensible exercise and regular veterinary care are important parts of responsible ownership.

Japanese Mastiff

The Japanese Mastiff, also known as the Tosa Inu or simply Tosa, originated on Japan's island of Shikoku. The breed was developed during the late 19th and early 20th centuries by crossing native Japanese dogs with several Western breeds, including Bulldogs, Mastiffs, German Pointers and Great Danes. Some historical accounts also mention Saint Bernards and Bull Terriers. The Tosa was originally developed for dog fighting, which helps explain both its powerful build and its characteristic combination of courage, alertness and quiet determination. Today, Tosas are also kept as companions, although their history and temperament make them a breed requiring particularly responsible ownership.

The Tosa is an imposing, heavily built dog that can reach enormous proportions, with some individuals weighing around 200 pounds and standing up to about 32 inches at the shoulder. It has a large head, strong jaws and a short coat that may be red, fawn, brindle or black. Despite its size and strength, the Tosa is often described as calm and quiet in the home. It can be reserved or wary around strangers and other dogs, however, so early socialization and consistent training are essential. A confident, experienced owner who understands powerful guardian-type dogs is a much better match for the breed than a novice owner.

Although large and powerful, the Tosa is not generally a high-energy dog. Daily walks, some play and mental stimulation are important, along with enough secure space for the dog to move around comfortably. At home, a well-exercised Tosa may be quite content to relax with its family. Its short coat is relatively easy to maintain, although routine brushing, nail care, ear cleaning and dental care are still necessary. As with other giant breeds, responsible nutrition, sensible exercise and regular veterinary care are important, particularly because conditions such as hip and elbow problems and bloat can occur.

Neapolitan Mastiff

The Neapolitan Mastiff, also known as the Mastino Napoletano, is an ancient Italian breed whose history reaches back thousands of years. Its ancestry is often associated with the ancient Molossers, and Mastino-type dogs eventually became associated with the Roman world as powerful guardians and war dogs. Whatever the exact ancestry, this is a breed with an extraordinarily long history.

The Neapolitan Mastiff came close to disappearing after years of war, deprivation and starvation. Fortunately, Italian dog fanciers rediscovered and began preserving the breed in the 1940s. One of those fanciers, Piero Scanziani, was particularly taken with the breed after seeing a Mastino at a 1946 dog show and went on to establish an important breeding program.

The Neo is unmistakable. This is a massive, heavy-boned dog with a huge head, abundant loose skin, hanging wrinkles and a prominent dewlap. Males stand about 26 to 31 inches at the shoulder and average around 150 pounds, although greater weight is common when the dog remains correctly proportioned. The short, dense coat may be black, gray, mahogany or tawny.

Despite his intimidating appearance, the Neapolitan Mastiff is generally calm, loyal and affectionate with his family. He was developed primarily as a guardian of people and property and can be naturally wary of strangers, so early socialization and consistent training are important. This is a powerful dog best suited to an experienced owner who understands how to manage a giant guardian breed.

The Neo isn't a high-energy dog, but he still needs daily exercise and enough space to move comfortably. His short coat is relatively easy to maintain, although those magnificent wrinkles and folds require regular attention, and prospective owners should be prepared for drooling. Like other giant breeds, the Neapolitan Mastiff benefits from sensible exercise, appropriate nutrition, weight management and regular veterinary care. Bloat and orthopedic problems are among the health concerns worth discussing with a veterinarian.

Pyrenean Mastiff

The Pyrenean Mastiff is an ancient Spanish breed descended from Molossian-type dogs believed to have arrived in the region with the Phoenicians thousands of years ago. Developed as a livestock guardian, the breed protected sheep from wolves, bears and other predators in the rugged Pyrenees. These dogs were highly valued for their courage and protective abilities, and were sometimes fitted with spiked collars to help defend their necks during encounters with predators. Over the centuries, changes in livestock transportation, the disappearance of many predators and various wars caused the numbers of these magnificent dogs to decline dramatically. Fortunately, dedicated fanciers helped revive the Pyrenean Mastiff, and although it remains relatively rare, its numbers have increased around the world. The AKC recognized the breed in 2014 and placed it in the Working Group.

The Pyrenean Mastiff is a huge, powerfully built dog, with males standing about 30–31 inches and females about 28–30 inches at the shoulder. They typically weigh between 120 and 190 pounds. The thick double coat is predominantly white with patches that may be black, golden, brown, agouti, sable or gold. Despite their formidable appearance and history as livestock guardians, Pyreneans are generally calm, gentle and even-tempered with their families. They are intensely loyal, intelligent and naturally protective, and may be reserved around strangers without being unnecessarily aggressive. With proper socialization, they can also be patient and affectionate with children, although youngsters should always be taught how to interact appropriately with such a large dog.

Coming from a working background, the Pyrenean Mastiff needs room to move and explore as well as regular daily exercise and mental stimulation. Its substantial coat requires regular brushing, particularly during shedding periods, and owners should be prepared for some drooling. As with other giant breeds, responsible nutrition, appropriate exercise and regular veterinary care are important. Bloat and orthopedic problems are among the health concerns worth discussing with a veterinarian. A well-socialized Pyrenean Mastiff can be a wonderful companion for an owner who understands the needs of a giant livestock guardian and can provide the space, training and companionship it requires.

South African Mastiff

The South African Mastiff, better known as the Boerboel, developed in South Africa as a versatile farm and homestead dog. Early settlers, including Dutch, French and German colonists, brought Mastiff-type dogs with them, which were subsequently bred with local dogs. The resulting dogs were valued for their strength, courage and adaptability and performed many jobs, including guarding homesteads and livestock, driving cattle and hunting large game. Their ability to cope with the demanding conditions of South African farms helped shape the powerful working breed we know today.

The Boerboel is a large, muscular dog with a broad head, strong jaws, deep chest and short, dense coat. Males typically stand around 27 inches at the shoulder and can weigh 150–200 pounds, although size should be balanced with proper structure and athletic ability. Coat colors include fawn and brindle, among others. Despite their imposing appearance, well-socialized Boerboels are generally calm and affectionate with their families. Their natural guarding instincts are strong, however, and they can be independent and protective of both people and property. Early socialization and consistent, confident training are therefore especially important.

Although the Boerboel can be fairly relaxed indoors, this is an active working breed that needs regular physical and mental exercise. Daily walks, play in a secure area and training activities can help keep both body and mind occupied. Its short coat is relatively easy to maintain. Like other giant breeds, responsible weight management, appropriate nutrition and regular veterinary care are important, particularly because hip problems and bloat can occur. A well-trained and socialized Boerboel can be a devoted companion, but its considerable size, strength and guarding instincts make it a better match for an experienced owner than a novice dog owner.

Spanish Mastiff

The Spanish Mastiff, also known as the Mastín Español or Mastín Leonés, is an ancient Spanish livestock guardian with a history dating back more than 2,000 years. These enormous dogs were developed to protect sheep and other livestock from wolves, bears and other predators. Their size, strength and courage made them invaluable working dogs, and Spanish Mastiffs continue to serve as livestock guardians today. They have also become affectionate family companions, although they remain relatively uncommon outside Spain. The breed was added to the American Kennel Club's Foundation Stock Service in 2008 and is assigned to the Working Group.

The Spanish Mastiff is a huge, powerfully built dog with a broad head, strong jaws and floppy ears. Adults can stand roughly 28 to 35 inches at the shoulder and may weigh up to 200 pounds. The thick, dense coat comes in a variety of colors, including fawn, brindle, red, gray, yellow and black. Despite their formidable size, Spanish Mastiffs are generally calm, patient and affectionate with their families. Their livestock-guardian heritage gives them strong protective instincts, and although they aren't generally frequent barkers, they have a deep, commanding bark that they'll use to alert their owners to anything they consider unusual.

Early training and thorough socialization are particularly important with a dog this powerful and independent. A confident, experienced owner who uses consistent, positive training can help the Spanish Mastiff become a well-adjusted companion. They need regular exercise and room to roam, although they are generally quite mellow indoors once their needs have been met. Their heavy coat requires regular brushing, and prospective owners should be prepared for some drooling. As with other giant breeds, appropriate nutrition, sensible exercise and regular veterinary care are important, particularly because hip problems and bloat can occur.

Tibetan Mastiff

The Tibetan Mastiff is an ancient guardian breed associated with Tibet and the high Himalayas and plains of Central Asia. Known in Tibet as the Do-Khyi, or "tied dog," these powerful dogs traditionally guarded homes, monasteries and livestock from predators such as wolves and snow leopards. They were often tied outside properties during the day and released at night to patrol and protect. The breed is considered one of the ancient or primitive Mastiff-type dogs, and some traditional accounts regard it as an ancestor of other Mastiff and mountain-dog breeds, although the exact origins of these breeds are not known with certainty.

The Tibetan Mastiff is an imposing dog, with males standing up to about 29 inches at the shoulder and weighing as much as 160 pounds. Its most distinctive features are the broad head, powerful jaw and thick double coat, which forms an impressive mane around the neck and shoulders. Coat colors include black, brown and blue-gray, often with contrasting markings. The breed's heavy coat sheds considerably and can undergo especially heavy seasonal shedding, so regular grooming becomes particularly important at those times.

Despite its formidable appearance and strong guarding instincts, the Tibetan Mastiff is generally calm, patient and devoted to its family. It is naturally wary of strangers and can be an independent decision-maker, a trait that served it well as a property and livestock guardian but can make training challenging. Early socialization and consistent training are therefore essential, and the breed is best suited to an experienced owner. At home, a mature Tibetan Mastiff can be surprisingly quiet and relaxed. Moderate daily exercise and secure outdoor space for exploring and patrolling are generally more appropriate than strenuous exercise, particularly while the dog is still growing.

The Tibetan Mastiff has a fascinating history in the West as well. Queen Victoria received one of the early dogs associated with the breed in England, and President Eisenhower received a Tibetan Mastiff as a gift in 1958. The breed was officially recognized by the AKC in 2006 and placed in the Working Group. Tibetan Mastiffs remain relatively uncommon and can be very expensive, although the extraordinary $1.52 million price reportedly paid for a dog named Hong Dong in China in 2011 was very much an exceptional event rather than a typical price for the breed.

Fila Brasileiro

The Fila Brasileiro, also known as the Brazilian Mastiff, is a powerful estate and farm guardian from Brazil. The breed was developed for a variety of demanding jobs, including guarding property and livestock, hunting large game and tracking and holding people or animals until their handlers arrived. Its ancestry is not completely settled, although Mastiff-type dogs, Bloodhounds and possibly early Bulldog-type dogs are commonly cited among the breeds that contributed to its development.

The Fila's history also includes a darker chapter: during Brazil's period of slavery, Filas were used by colonists to track and capture escaped enslaved people. That history is part of the breed's working background and helps explain its exceptional tracking ability, powerful build and strong instinct to pursue and hold its quarry. Today, the Fila remains a serious guardian breed and is recognized internationally by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), which classifies it as a Molossian, Mastiff-type breed. It is not recognized by the American Kennel Club.

The Fila Brasileiro is a large, muscular dog with a powerful head, strong jaws and a distinctive topline that rises toward the rear. Its short, dense coat may be brindle, fawn or black. Filas are intensely loyal to their families but naturally suspicious of strangers and can have a strong prey drive, making early socialization and consistent training particularly important. This is a powerful, independent breed best suited to an experienced owner who understands guardian-type dogs. It needs regular physical and mental activity, secure space and meaningful work or training rather than simply being left to occupy itself.

The short coat is relatively easy to maintain, but regular brushing, nail care, ear care and dental hygiene are still appropriate. As with other giant breeds, responsible nutrition, weight management and veterinary care are important, particularly because orthopedic problems and bloat can occur.

History and Origins of Mastiff Dogs

While Mastiff-type dogs have been bred for centuries for many different purposes, their exact origins are difficult to establish. Ancient cultures in Asia, the Middle East and the Mediterranean all used large, powerful dogs for hunting, guarding and warfare, and similar Mastiff-type dogs appear in ancient artwork. The AKC notes that evidence of these ancient dogs extends back thousands of years.

By the fifth century BC, large working and hunting dogs were known in the ancient Near East and Mediterranean. Historical sources also record that the Persian king Xerxes took large Indian hounds with his army when he invaded Greece in 480 BC. These dogs were valued for their size and working abilities, although we cannot assume that every large ancient dog was an ancestor of the modern Mastiff.

Dogs associated with the ancient region of Molossia gave their name to the term Molossian, or Molosser, which is still used today when describing many large Mastiff-type dogs. As these powerful dogs spread between regions, they were selected for different jobs and environments. Some became livestock guardians, while others were used to guard property, hunt large game or serve alongside people in warfare.

Over many generations, regional populations were shaped by local breeding practices and working needs. Rather than following one simple family tree, the history of Mastiff-type dogs is a complicated story of migration, selection and adaptation. These regional dogs eventually contributed to the remarkable variety of Mastiff and Mastiff-type breeds we know today.

How Mastiff Breeds Developed

Along with being guard dogs the Mastiff became a powerful hunting dog used to hunt bear and wolf.

Some mastiff-type dogs were also used for bull-baiting and dog fighting.

The Roman Influence

The Romans encountered large Molossian and Mastiff-type dogs during their expansion and valued powerful dogs for guarding, hunting and warfare. Roman armies also carried dogs with them, and some large working dogs were taken back to Italy and used alongside Roman forces. From there, related types spread into other parts of Europe.

As these dogs entered new regions, local breeders selected them for the jobs and environments they needed to handle. Over the centuries, this helped produce a wide variety of regional guardian, hunting and working dogs. The history isn't a straight line from one ancient breed to another, but rather a fascinating web of dogs shaped by the people who worked with them.

Mastiff-Type and Related Breeds

Not every large dog with a Mastiff-like history or appearance is actually a Mastiff breed. Some are better described as Mastiff-type or related breeds because of their ancestry, structure, working heritage or classification. Here are a few interesting examples that help show just how broad the Mastiff family can be.

Anatolian Shepherd Dog

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is an ancient Turkish livestock guardian with roots stretching back thousands of years. Developed to protect sheep and other livestock from predators, these powerful dogs learned to work independently and make decisions without constant direction from a shepherd. Their Mastiff-like appearance and relationship to other large Asian livestock guardians have led to their inclusion in broader discussions of Mastiff-type dogs, although the Anatolian Shepherd is a distinct breed in its own right.

Anatolians are large, muscular and athletic, with strong protective instincts and a loyal nature toward their families. Their independent working background can make training challenging, so early socialization and consistent training are especially important. They are best suited to experienced owners who understand livestock-guardian breeds and can provide the space, structure and purpose these dogs need.

For more extensive information about this very interesting breed, you can view a separate breed page for the Anatolian Shepherd dog here.

Great Dane

The Great Dane is one of the world's best-known giant dogs, although its name is misleading—the breed originated in Germany, where it is known as the Deutsche Dogge. Its ancestors included large German hunting dogs developed to pursue wild boar, and Mastiff-type dogs were part of this broader ancestry. English Greyhounds were later used to refine the breed's appearance, helping produce the elegant, long-legged Great Dane we know today.

Despite its enormous size, the Great Dane is generally known for its gentle, affectionate temperament and is often called a "gentle giant." The breed is recognized by the FCI as a Mastiff-type Molossian breed, making it an interesting example of how the broader Mastiff family extends beyond breeds actually carrying "Mastiff" in their names.

Extinct and Historical Mastiff Breeds

Cuban Mastiff

The Cuban Mastiff, also known as the Dogo Cubano, Cuban Bloodhound or Cuban Bullmastiff, was an extinct Cuban working breed that developed from large dogs including Mastiff- and Bulldog-type dogs and other working breeds. It was used primarily for guarding estates and other property and was also associated with tracking and capturing escaped enslaved people during Cuba's period of slavery.

As slavery was abolished and its specialized working role disappeared, the Cuban Mastiff lost the purpose for which it had been selectively bred. The remaining dogs were eventually absorbed into the general dog population through crossbreeding, and the distinct breed disappeared. Today, the Cuban Mastiff survives only through historical accounts and illustrations, making it an interesting example of a Mastiff-type working dog that has disappeared entirely.

Alpine Mastiff

The Alpine Mastiff was an early name used for large Mastiff-type dogs associated with the Swiss Alps and the Great St. Bernard Pass. These dogs were kept by monks at the hospice and eventually became famous for their ability to locate and rescue travelers lost in the snow. Over generations, the dogs were selectively bred into the type that eventually became today's Saint Bernard. The name Alpine Mastiff eventually disappeared as the Saint Bernard became established as the recognized breed.

Mastiff Ownership Essentials

Bringing home a giant dog takes a little more preparation than bringing home a smaller breed. These resources can help you choose the right equipment and get ready for life with a Mastiff.

Extra-Large Dog Beds 
Crates for Large Dogs 
Grooming Supplies for Dogs
Collars, Leashes & Walking Gear 

Choosing the Right Mastiff

With so many Mastiff and Mastiff-type dogs to consider, there's no single breed that's right for everyone. Some are calm family companions, some retain strong livestock-guardian instincts, and others were developed for hunting, property protection or demanding working jobs.

Their enormous size is only part of the picture. Temperament, exercise needs, independence, training requirements and the amount of space they need can vary considerably from one breed to another. Before choosing one, take the time to learn about the individual breed and consider whether its characteristics fit your household and experience level.

The good news is that whether you're fascinated by the gentle English Mastiff, the athletic Cane Corso, the imposing Tibetan Mastiff, or one of the lesser-known breeds we've explored here, there's a fascinating history behind every one of them.

And that's what I love about Mastiff dogs: they're not simply big dogs. They're a remarkable collection of breeds shaped by centuries of work, geography and the people who depended on them.

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