17 Types of Mastiffs

Mastiffs—one of the largest dog breeds—are powerful, heavy pooches known today as gentle, friendly companions. People traditionally bred mastiffs as guard dogs for homes and livestock, war dogs, and hunting dogs in Europe and Asia, dating back to 3,000 BC. With many different types of mastiffs, these dogs range widely in appearance, build, and coat length.

You can select from various types of mastiff dogs. When choosing a dog, consider the following types of mastiffs:

1. 1. American Mastiff: A cross between the English Mastiff and the Turkish Mastiff, these are great for families. Be careful if you have children—American Mastiffs can inadvertently knock over small humans with their massive bulk. These dogs are also popular due to their attractive colors, including brindle, apricot, and fawn, and their relatively dry mouth and lack of drool, which can be an issue with other mastiff breeds.
2. 2. Argentinian Mastiff: Also known as Dogo Argentino, this breed is protective and loyal. They will often show their roots as hunting dogs, having a strong drive to chase and kill prey, which can pose a problem if you have smaller pets. They also require a lot of activity to stay healthy and happy.
3. 3. Brazilian Mastiff: The Brazilian Mastiff, also known as Fila Brasileiro, has the size and heft of mastiffs and the droopy folds of a bloodhound, from which they descend. These dogs form a deep bond with their owners but require lifelong socialization to keep them friendly around new people and guests. The American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognize this breed for competition.
4. 4. Bullmastiff: A cross between the mastiff breed and the Bulldog, Bullmastiffs are good-natured and protective of owners. Though known as gentle giants, they can sometimes be stubborn and aggressive with other dogs, so they must receive socialization training early.
5. 5. Canary Island Mastiff: Perro de Presa Canario, as it’s also known, is a warm and playful breed; however, these dogs are less mellow than other mastiffs. Perro de Presa Canario breed requires a lot of attention to stay happy.
6. 6. English Mastiff: One of the most popular mastiff dog breeds, these canine companions are massive, weighing up to 230 pounds. Their relatively short coats require minimal care, at least relative to their size. English Mastiffs descend from the original molossus breed, fighting dogs in Ancient Greece. Today, these loyal dogs are calm and great for families.
7. 7. French Mastiff: Also known as Dogue de Bordeaux, these are somewhat smaller than other mastiff breeds, but they are just as fiercely protective of their human families. French mastiffs make great guard dogs and are also tolerant of children, being sweet and mellow in their own households.
8. 8. German Mastiff: Commonly known as the Great Dane, these are a highly recognizable breed of dog. You may have a more challenging time training Great Danes than other mastiff breeds, but you’ll find they are happiest when they have people for whom to care and protect. These large dogs require lots of stimulation and exercise. They have one of the shorter lifespans of mastiff dogs, at seven to ten years.
9. 9. Italian Mastiff: Also known as the Cane Corso, these smart, highly trainable dogs make great watchdogs. They are less bulky than some other mastiff breeds, so they can do well in an apartment—as long as they get daily exercise outside.
10. 10. Japanese Mastiff: Also known as Tosa Inu, this is a somewhat challenging breed known for their aggression. They can be loyal and kind with proper training. This breed is relatively rare among mastiff varieties.
11. 11. Neapolitan Mastiff: These dogs have immense, drooping folds of skin on their heads and will produce considerable amounts of drool. Some socialization is necessary if you have small children, and supervision is a must, as their large size can pose a danger to young kids. They are fiercely loyal, however, and affectionate to their owners.
12. 12. Pakistani Mastiff: Also known as the Bully Kutta, these dogs have an aggressive nature. Bully Kutta dogs can attack strangers and other animals and require careful dog training. People bred them for guarding and hunting.
13. 13. Pyrenean Mastiff: Due to their native cold-weather habitat in the Pyrenees Mountains, these mastiffs have longer coats that require more maintenance. Pyrenean mastiffs need vigorous exercise and assertive dog owners to keep them in line and well-behaved.
14. 14. Spanish Mastiff: This breed is atypical for mastiffs because they tend not to be as friendly as other dogs. Breeders developed them for the protection of livestock, and they are relatively independent and can be prone to excess barking, making them better suited to the most patient and experienced trainers and owners.
15. 15. South African Mastiff: The South African Mastiff, also known as the Boerboel, is a beloved Mastiff breed. These dogs require lots of mental stimulation and physical activity (they enjoy herding livestock) and are one of the most powerful and fierce protector dogs. With proper training, they can be great for large families.
16. 16. Tibetan Mastiff: The Tibetan Mastiff is stubborn and has a desire to explore. They have beautiful furry coats that require some grooming; although loyal to their owners, they are more independent-spirited than other mastiff breeds.
17. 17. Turkish Mastiff: Also known as the Kangal or Anatolian Mastiff, these dogs are relatively quick and slender by mastiff standards. Originally from Turkey, they make excellent guard dogs for families or for livestock, but they require regular exercise to prevent health problems and boredom.

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