English Mastiff vs Mastiff: full comparison
| Trait | English Mastiff | Mastiff |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Giant | Giant |
| Energy level | Low | Low |
| Trainability | Medium | Medium |
| Friendliness | High | High |
| Good with children | Very High | Very High |
| Grooming needs | Low | Low |
| Shedding | Medium | Medium |
| Barking | Low | Low |
| Protectiveness | High | High |
| Adaptability | Low | Low |
| Typical lifespan | 8 years | 8 years |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No |
Size and living space
The English Mastiff is a genuinely giant dog that demands a large home, and everything about keeping it costs more. By comparison, the Mastiff is a genuinely giant dog that demands a large home, and everything about keeping it costs more. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.
Exercise and energy needs
The English Mastiff needs light but regular activity to stay content. The Mastiff needs light but regular activity to stay content. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.
Grooming and shedding
The English Mastiff asks for a light brush once or twice a week and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. The Mastiff asks for a light brush once or twice a week and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.
Temperament, training and family life
The English Mastiff is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, speaks up only now and then and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. The Mastiff is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, speaks up only now and then and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. On guarding instinct, English Mastiff is naturally watchful and protective of its family and home, whereas Mastiff is naturally watchful and protective of its family and home.
Which is better for…
- For apartment or apartment living, English Mastiff and Mastiff are an even match — either can work well.
- For families with young children, English Mastiff and Mastiff are an even match — either can work well.
- For first-time dog owners, English Mastiff and Mastiff are an even match — either can work well.
- For being left alone during the workday, English Mastiff has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
- For allergy sufferers, English Mastiff and Mastiff are an even match — either can work well.
Which should you choose?
Choose the English Mastiff if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Mastiff on temperament, size and care.
Choose the Mastiff if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the English Mastiff on temperament, size and care.
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the English Mastiff or the Mastiff better for families with children?
- Both the English Mastiff and the Mastiff are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
- Which sheds more, the English Mastiff or the Mastiff?
- The English Mastiff and Mastiff shed a similar amount (medium).
- Which is easier to train, the English Mastiff or the Mastiff?
- Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
- Is English Mastiff or Mastiff bigger?
- English Mastiff and Mastiff are a similar size (Giant).
- Which barks more, English Mastiff or Mastiff?
- Both bark a similar amount (low).
- Which is better for apartment living, English Mastiff or Mastiff?
- For apartment or apartment living, English Mastiff and Mastiff are an even match — either can work well.