Frequently Asked Questions

This is a FAQ that is not now, and will probably never be complete. Please ask questions, they might be added to the page.

How long do they live?
Expect 8-10 years. More with excellent care and exercise, less if they are really heavy and/or not
exercised enough. They do live longer, we have had a male that made it to 13 years and a female
that was 15 years and 10 months. (the oldest female ever to our knowledge) The youngest to leave
us was 7. Some of the really big boys do go young. 4-6 years is not unusual for a really large male,
but other 'big boys' live 10+ years. Go figure???
How much do Mastiffs weigh?
First, many people just straight out lie about weight. Males average in the 170-210# range at full 
growth, Females average 130-170# at full growth. Full growth varies with the mastiff and the 
bloodline(s). Some mastiffs are fully grown at 18-20 months, others can take up to 4 years! While 
there is no denying that some get VERY heavy, they are few and far between, and represent perhaps 
only 5% of the actual population. Few of the really big ones ever break 225#.
How Tall are Mastiffs?
Just like weight, height varies greatly within various bloodlines. Many English lines never go over
31-32", while some of the 'newer' American lines have regularly been taller than 34" going as high
as 36-37". A great majority of male mastiffs lie in the 29-32", and females 27-30". Only a small
percentage are taller than 33". Fortunately height is easily measured and proven.
How much slobber can I expect?
Once again, this varies greatly from dog to dog. Some lines have a 'dryer' face than others, and are
more tucked up in the lip department. They are not constant droolers, though they usually 'leak'
right after a drink or if they are hot and cooling off. No matter what, ALL mastiffs will get some
spit on you from time to time, they will lick you as a show of affection, and they do have a habit
of shaking their heads and getting slobber spread fairly wide. All in all they are much less 'wet'
than many other breeds.
How much do they eat?
Mastiffs can eat large amounts of food in relation to their weight when young, but at maturity eat
much less in relation to their size. a 3 month male pup may weigh 25-40# and eat 3-5 cups of food
a day. At 12 months the pup may weight 150# and eat only 8-11 cups a day. A nearly 4 times increase 
in weigh, but 2-2.5 times increase in food. When grown the average mastiff eats roughly 
2-2.5 quarts (8-10 cups) of dry food a day.
Are Mastiffs affectionate?
Mastiff are very very affectionate. They will love you so strongly that you will sometimes feel 
unworthy of their worship. They can often go to great lengths to get your attention and affection.
Mastiffs are not for people that want a dog to wait for you, they will demand that you pay attention
to them NOW!
How are Mastiffs with children and other dogs?
Mastiffs and children are a great combination. The only concern is that both the Mastiff and the 
children must be taught to play carefully together, and not hurt each other. Children can be too
rough, and the pup can confuse the children for littermates/peers and play too rough as well.

While Mastiffs are generally easy going dogs, they can have problems with other dogs that are too 
dominant, and early socialization is very important. A Mastiff will usually take a great deal of
bullying before they have had enough, and when they do they tend to react strongly. Also while slow
to anger, they are likewise slow to forget. It is important to remember that this situation can 
occur with ANY 'new' dog introduced into the family 'pack'. In general Mastiffs do best when they
have a dog-pal, if they live as a 'single' dog it is important to not isolate them from other dogs. 
Otherwise they could develop poor social skills when meeting other dogs. Puppy kindergarten is
highly recommended.
How active are Mastiffs?
Many people think that Mastiffs are very sleepy, lazy dogs. This is not true. Mastiffs when they
are resting or hanging out are very much made of stone. When awake and active they can be as
energetic as almost any breed. It is the extremes that confuse people. When people visit, most
Mastiffs will just loiter near mom and dad, giving the impression that they are lazy and inactive.
Get out the toy of choice and you will see energy to run a small town! You must remember that they
run in cycles: on, off, on, on, off. Once you are used to this, their behavior will seem normal to you.
O.K., I want a Mastiff. What can I expect to pay?
Average would be $1,500 to $1,800, for an 'average' pup. More for a 'show' prospect, $1,800 - $2,500 
or more!. Less for a 'pet' puppy, $800 to $1,300. Yes, there is a crossover. Prices will vary from
breeder to breeder, AND litter to litter! Question your potential Breeder(s), as you really should
be more concerned with the health of the parents, and the helpfulness the Breeder offers you with
the pup after purchase.
Do Mastiffs Dig?
Some do some do not, it varies from dog to dog with no rhyme or reason. Those that do can rival the
best machines made by man! A few serious scoldings will usually head off this behavior.