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Old English Mastiff
I raised dogs of all kinds all my life. I had from little Tiny Teacup Poodles, to Yorkies, German Shorthair Pointers, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Labrador Retrievers, Shitzu, Chihuahuas, Toy Poodles, Pit Bulls, Standard Poodle, mixed breeds of all sizes, French Bulldog, and last but not least, the Old English Bull Mastiff. In this post, I will discuss Old English Bull Mastiffs.
The first Old English Mastiff I adopted was a six-month-old light blond female named Blondie. I was shopping at PetSmart in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and a lady had a larger Old English Mastiff on a leash with her. She asked me if I liked her dog, and I said, Of course. She told me her dog was for sale for $1,500 firm. I told her I would buy her. Besides Blondie, I also purchased two Maine Coon kittens for my kids. Blondie was a sweetheart and a gentle giant. Large boned and clumsy.
After having Blondie for a year with us, I purchased her a brother from Oklahoma. I paid $3,000 for a 10-week-old Old English Mastiff. We named the brown six-month-old light blond le Old English Mastiff Dagwood. Eventually, they bonded together and were inseparable. Unfortunately, Dagwood died when he was no more than three years old on the way to the animal hospital. He passed due to respiratory issues or infection. Blondie passed away when she was about six years old due to a brain tumor.
After about a year or so, I discovered a guy in Boca Raton, Florida, had a one-year-old Mastiff and could no longer keep him. I saw pictures of the Mastiff, and he was a giant for a 12-month-old Old English Mastiff. The dog was Bentley, and he eventually reached approximately 275 pounds. Bentley was a gentle giant who passed away when he was six. Do not know the cause of death. My family and I, including all our dogs, were in Central Wisconsin because my father-in-law was dying. Bentley passed in Central Wisconsin and had him cremated at an animal hospital in Adams County, Wisconsin.
Right around the time I adopted Bentley, I adopted another Old English Mastiff, Chance. Chance was close to two years old and an abused, malnourished Mastiff. I arranged transportation for Chance to be delivered to my house in Wisconsin from Springfield, Missouri. I could not believe how Chance’s physical shape was when he arrived at my home around 8 pm. Chance must have weighed no more than 75 pounds; you can see every rib on both sides due to being starved by these cruel, evil so-called dog owners. The owners got charged and arrested for animal cruelty, and Chance was placed in a foster home. Chance’s foster parent told my wife and me that if we think Chance looks bad now, we should have seen him two months ago. He told us you cannot recognize that Chance was a dog, just bones with loose skin. Chance was a godsend, a great older brother to all our other dogs, loyal, well-behaved, super smart, and grateful to have a home with loving parents and many brothers and sisters. Chance turned out to live to be 13 years old. My wife’s favorite dog was the one she was devastated by when he passed away. If it were most folks, they would have put Chance to sleep when he was 11 years old because he lost the strength in his rear legs and needed to be carried through a back harness to go potty or move about. He then got sick multiple times in the last year he was alive, so we took him to the animal emergency. After Chance passed, my wife Laurie prayed daily that she missed Chance and that one day God would connect her with another Mastiff just like Chance in her life. This was going on for over two years, where she prayed, and not a day went by that she did not think of Chance. Laurie’s birthday was August 14th, so she has pretty much everything she needs and wants, and it wasn’t easy to find her a gift she would remember, cherish, and appreciate as a special once-in-a-lifetime birthday gift. Since she mentioned Chance daily and prayed, I was looking for a similar dog to Chance. An Old English Mastiff, around two years old, with similar characteristics to Chance. I turned to Facebook Marketplace, and one ad stuck out. A two-year-old female Old English Mastiff needed a new home because their young children had severe allergies. A great family, and the gentleman, Mike, was a true animal lover who was teary-eyed and never had to rehome a dog. His wife, Mike, and his children really loved the dog, and unlike Chance, Zoey was very well cared for. I drove two hours to Kankakee, Illinois, from Salem, Wisconsin, to pick Zoey up I met Mike, a gentleman and scholar, and Zoey. Zoey is a big girl. 160 pounds. Extremely intelligent. Picked Mike as her person and was super attached to Mike.
When I arrived at their home, I saw Mike sitting in a chair in the front yard, the garage overhead door open, and Zoey nearby, without a leash. This was Monday, August 25, 2025. Zoey is a dog who is hardly ever leashed. When Mike walked to the park four blocks away, Zoey heeled by him and walked alongside him without a leash. Mike picked Zoey up and put her in the rear of my SUV. She is extremely skittish. She was well-behaved on the two-hour drive back home. When I got home, my wife met me outside and greeted Zoey. I have never seen a dog so terrified once I opened the hatch of my SUV, where she made a run to get loose. Luckily, I had a leash on her. We had to calm her down and have her believe that we were not out to hurt her, and we love her and protect her.
It was a good 30 minutes before I got a choker and a different, stronger leash, and I escorted her towards the garage service door leading to the house. She did not want to go. Little by little, we made progress with baby steps. As we entered the house, something from the garage fell off a shelf and made a noise, which alarmed Zoey. My wife comforted her, and I wanted her in the house. She was so nervous and scared that she pooped. Eventually, I took her to the main bedroom and closed the door so no other dogs could commingle with her until she got to know her surroundings. Poor girl eventually walked around the house and got to know every room on the first floor. That evening, she slept in the main bedroom away from our other dogs. The next morning, I took her out again solo, and she did fine peeing and pooping.
The next morning was yesterday. She ate dog food and drank for the first time since she came home. Zoey is still skittish, but is beginning to trust my wife, where she will go to her when called and follow her around. I will let you all know how we are doing. It would be a week before Zoey lets her guard loose and maybe 30 days or more before she realizes this will be her new home. We will see, but so far, so good.
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Comprehensive Guide to the Old English Mastiff
Introduction
The Old English Mastiff, or simply Mastiff, is a grand breed with a history as ancient as its gentle soul. Famous for their enormous size, quiet strength, and natural protectiveness, these dogs have guarded families and hearts for centuries. This guide is packed with everything anyone planning to welcome an O.E. Mastiff or to admire one needs to know—from background and special traits to daily needs and health tips.
History and Origin
- Ancient Roots: Old English Mastiffs are among the earliest dog breeds known to humans.
- Tomb murals, clay tablets, and mosaic floors from ancient Egypt, Babylon, and Assyria show dogs with the trademark short muzzle and muscular form.
- These canines likely marched with soldiers, guarded temples, and helped hunt enormous game.
- European Development: The definite ancestors of today’s Mastiff came to full flower in England.
- Estate owners adored these gentle giants as silent sentinels, watching every door and pathway for signs of danger.
- Sadly, they also underwent cruel sport training, baiting bears and other beasts, until England banned the acts in the mid-1800s.
- Near Extinction: Bombs fell, farms grew silent, and rations ran thin during and after the Second World War.
- The breed that once crowded the stables next to horses lost its very last bars of hope.
- Thankfully, admirable breeders in Britain and the States stepped in, crossing their hearts and scales to nurse the last few mates of the breed to a full revival.
- Modern Role: Today, O.E. Mastiffs are every inch adored family coworkers and cozy lap guardians.
- Their steady eyes and low, reassuring growls remain the gentle hallmarks of a breed content to protect the hearth and follow its loved one’s every step.
Physical Characteristics
Size
- Mastiffs are one of the biggest dog breeds out there.
- Males are usually 30 inches (76 cm) tall or more at the shoulder and weigh between 160 and 230 pounds (73 to 104 kg).
- Females are a bit shorter at a minimum of 27.5 inches (70 cm) and weigh 120 to 170 pounds (54 to 77 kg).
Build
These dogs have a thick, powerful body. They sport a wide head, deep chest, and strong legs. When one walks into a room, its size demands attention.
Coat
The Mastiff’s coat is short and dense, lying flat and smooth. You’ll usually see them with fawn, apricot, or brindle coloring, frequently paired with a black mask over the face.
Facial Features
These dogs have a signature wrinkled forehead above a short, wide muzzle. Their round, dark-brown eyes have a gentle gaze. Their ears are small and shaped like a “V,” hanging down.
Temperament and Personality
Gentle Giants
The nickname “gentle giant” fits perfectly. Mastiffs are calm, loving, and well-mannered at home. They make the biggest, softest cuddle buddies if you’re lucky enough to be part of their pack.
Protective Instincts
Mastiffs are naturally protective. They’re wary of newcomers but not quick to bite, making them reliable watchdogs. They’ll step up if a threat appears, but kindness is their default mood.
Why Mastiffs Make Great Companions
Quiet and Loyal Buddies
A Mastiff will attach itself to you like a shadow. This breed reads your mood, and they snuggle in closer when they see you feeling down. They are gentle giants who watch over their loved ones and will alert you to anything unusual, making them dedicated protectors without ever trying to be aggressive.
### Couch Potato Vibes
These pups have burst-of-energy moments, usually when they are very young. Once they mature, they trade zoomies for sprawled naps on your living-room rug. An afternoon snooze is their sport, and you’ll love having a lazy day partner who is equally happy to binge a show with you.
Care Tips for Your Gentle Giant: Exercise and Mind Games
You don’t have to run a marathon to satisfy a Mastiff. A mellow 30 to 60-minute walk, combined with leash-free fetch in a safe yard, is perfect. Please ensure that you do not burden a puppy with too much activity, or you may strain their young joints. Give their brain a workout, too. Use puzzle toys, short training rounds, and regular meet-ups with friendly dogs to keep them sharp between snoozes.
Coat and Clean-Up
Short is a Mastiff’s style, so grooming is quick. A single brush each week collects stray fur and brings out their sheen. Bathe them once every month or two unless they find a mud pit. Expect drool, though, especially after meals. Wipe their jowls with a towel to stop skin irritation before it even starts. Don’t forget their nails, ears, and teeth: a little attention keeps your giant puzzle healthy for a long time.
Diet and Nutrition
- High-Quality Food: Choose a premium large-breed puppy kibble designed for Mastiffs.
- This helps their bones and joints develop safely.
- Always check with a vet for the correct amount, since this breed gains weight easily.
- Feeding Schedule: Feed puppies 3 to 4 small meals daily; adults do best with two meals.
- Skipping free-feeding stops them from gulping too much food in one go.
- Water: Always offer clean, fresh water.
- Mastiffs need it to stay comfortable since their drool and size mean they lose moisture fast.
Training and Socialization
- Early Training: Start school by 8 weeks, since they grow fast and need to learn leash manners.
- Use treats and kind praise.
- Firm but gentle words work best, since they learn while feeling trusted.
- Socialization: Meet a mix of friendly strangers, kittens, and parks before 4 months.
- Visits lower their surprise at new sights and smells, so their grown-up years are easy and confident.
- Basic Commands: Teach simple cues like “down,” “wait,” “front,” and “drop it.”
- This helps their large weight feel light to the handler.
- Start leash work early; one strong pull can surprise anyone.
- Challenges: Mastiffs can sometimes test you.
- Stick to one rule and stay calm.
- Loud or forceful words upset their gentle hearts.
Health and Lifespan
- Lifespan: Expect to share your home for 6 to 10 years, shorter than smaller pups.
- Their size is the one drawback of this life span.
- Regular checkups help them stay happy each of those days.
Common Health Issues
- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: Large breeds like the Old English Mastiff can develop loose joints.
- Keep the weight in check and schedule vet visits to monitor joint health.
- Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus): This stomach twist is serious and can come on fast.
- Serve smaller meals and wait an hour after eating before letting your dog run or jump.
- Heart Conditions: Cardiomyopathy can affect some Mastiffs, so regular heart checks are smart when they start middle age.
- Eye Issues: Problems like entropion or ectropion cause the eyelids to fold in or out.
- Surgery is usually needed for severe cases to protect the eyes.
Veterinary Care
Don’t skip regular checkups, vaccines, or preventive treatments for fleas, ticks, and heartworms. Spaying or neutering can lower the chance of some health problems.
Living with an Old English Mastiff
- Space Requirements: These dogs fill space, so a big, secure yard is best.
- Apartments can work, too, if they get regular walks.
- Family Compatibility: Mastiffs are gentle giants with kids, but supervised supervision is a good idea to avoid accidental knocks.
- They usually do fine with other pets when introduced early.
- Climate Considerations: Their short coat doesn’t insulate against extreme heat or cold.
- Offer water and shade in summer, and a sheltered, warm spot in winter.
Financial Commitment
Owning an Old English Mastiff is expensive. Their size means they eat a lot, and bills for their veterinary care—including possible genetic problems—stack up quickly. You’ll want to spend on premium dog food, a big crate, and a bed that can hold their frame.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Mastiffs are fiercely loyal and protective, making them a reliable companion.
- At home, they are gentle and affectionate, particularly with kids.
- Their short coats require little grooming, and their size alone is often enough to keep strangers at a distance.
Cons
- Buying enough food alone can deplete your budget.
- Vet costs will also hit hard.
- The average lifespan is shorter than in many other breeds.
- Mastiffs are prone to health problems, need space to walk, and should undergo full obedience training—ideally as a pup.
Fun Facts
The biggest dog ever was a Mastiff named Zorba. He checked in at an astonishing 343 pounds (155 kg) in 1989. Like Hagrid’s dog Fang in the Harry Potter movies, you’ll also spot Mastiffs in pop culture. They were often chained near estate gates in medieval England, earning the nickname “bandog” (band = chain).
Finding an Old English Mastiff
Your best bet is to find a breeder registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) or the Mastiff Club of America. A responsible breeder will show you health clearances for the puppy’s parents—ask to see all documents. Looking to save a bit and provide a great home? Many older Mastiffs are in rescue groups, waiting for a second chance.
Questions to Ask
When considering bringing home an Old English Mastiff, gather as much information as possible. Ask the breeder or rescue center about the dog’s health history; burs on record are key. Next, learn about its temperament—does it prefer quiet spaces or active play? Finally, find out how the dog has been socialized. Has it met other pets, kids, or unfamiliar people before? Questions like these prepare you so you can provide the best future home. Don’t forget to visit the breeder’s or rescue facility. Meeting the dog in its own space helps you see how well it interacts with people and other animals in its immediate environment.
Choosing the Old English Mastiff
The Old English Mastiff is not just big; it’s a noble and devoted guardian. You’ve found your match if you’re looking for a friend to stand by you and keep your family safe. Yes, their size means you’ll need to plan for extra space, food, and doctor visits, and be committed. Thankfully, their sweet temperament and fierce loyalty soon pay you back in joy. Teach them the basics, introduce them to new people and sights while young, and take them for regular health checkups. With steady love and guidance, this grand dog can be a gentle, loving member of your home for many wonderful years.
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Here’s some pics of Big Girl Zoey
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Here are some more pictures
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Here’s Saige, two year old 200 pound Old English Mastiff
She’s very sweet. Previous owner could not keep her because his son was allergic.
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