The 30 Most Popular Mastiff Species | With pictures [2024] –

Mastiff breeds are among the largest and strongest dogs in the world. Here you can find a list of the 30 most popular Mastiff species:

By the way, Mastiff means “Great Dane”. The following breeds are therefore different types of Great Danes.

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#1 Rottweiler

The Rottweiler has its origins in Germany. According to statistics, this breed is also one of the 8th most popular and 10th most intelligent dogs in the world.

This type of mastiff also has a bite of around 330 PSI, which is around half as strong as a shark. They are also considered to be very fearless, alert and obedient.

On the other hand, they shed and bark quite a bit and have a strong hunting instinct. Sometimes they also react aggressively towards strange dogs. [1]

Fun fact: If these dogs sleep near you, earplugs aren't a bad idea. Not only do they snore particularly frequently, they also snore very loudly.

#2 South African Mastiff

The South African Mastiff is also known internationally as the “Boerboel”. It also reaches a whopping 79 kg and serves primarily as a hunting and guard dog.

However, this Mastiff breed almost died out during the Second World War. Even today they are still considered relatively rare. Partly this also has to do with her character.

In some countries, these four-legged friends have been banned because they are considered “potentially dangerous”. In the past they were also sometimes used for dog fighting. [2]

Fun fact: These four-legged friends are paradoxically known as “farmer's dogs,” even though they are completely unsuited to typical farm work.

#3 Brazilian Mastiff

To this day, the Brazilian mastiff is rarely kept as a domestic dog. This breed was originally bred specifically to work as a guard dog.

To this day, this Mastiff species is rather skeptical and reserved towards people. They also hardly tolerate strange dogs and pets.

In addition, they have a very high pain tolerance, shed very little and need a lot of exercise. But they are definitely not suitable for beginners. [3]

Fun fact: Although these dogs hardly bark, they like to bridge loneliness with a “yelping concert”.

#4 Indian Mastiff

The Indian Mastiff reaches a weight of up to 90 kg when fully grown. It also makes an excellent watchdog and is also suitable as a hunting dog, among other things.

This Mastiff breed hardly barks. With a shoulder height of almost 90 cm, they are also one of the largest dogs in the world.

However, with appropriate socialization, they make great family dogs. They are also easy to train and are considered intelligent, gentle and energetic. [4]

Fun fact: You have to put up with wet socks with these animals. Because they are absolute pros at drooling.

#5 Canary Mastiff

The Canary Islands Mastiff comes from Spain and is considered to be very versatile. These dogs are suitable as working dogs, shepherd dogs and guard dogs.

Sadly, they were also used for dog fighting in the past. Their past explains why this type of mastiff is still banned in some countries today.

But these dogs are definitely too big and active for apartment life. But they shed very little, need little sleep and have a strong bite. [5]

Fun fact: These animals are considered a symbol of the Canary Islands. This is despite the fact that they are generally described as potentially dangerous and very aggressive.

#6 Pyrenean Mastiff

The Pyrenean Mastiff also comes from Spain – more precisely from the mountains in the north of Spain. In the past, they were primarily used as guard dogs and shepherd dogs.

However, since the number of bears and wolves has decreased significantly to date, the number of this mastiff breed has also decreased. They also reach a whopping 90 kg.

In addition, with a shoulder height of almost 80 cm, they are as tall as the largest greyhounds in the world. However, they are very gentle towards children. [6]

Fun fact: These four-legged friends need around three times the time to fully mature compared to other dogs. However, these “giant babies” grow very quickly.

#7 Argentine Mastiff

The Argentine Mastiff was once bred specifically for dog fighting. Nowadays they also serve as police, guard, rescue and family dogs.

The fur of this type of mastiff is made in such a way that they can cope well with heat, but relatively poorly with cold. They also bark and shed relatively little.

But there are definitely easier breeds to train. This also explains why this breed is not recommended for beginners. By the way, they also have a strong hunting instinct. [7]

Fun fact: Statistically, one in ten dogs of this breed is born deaf. Unfortunately, many owners wrongly interpret this fact as “stubbornness”.

#8 Turkish Mastiff

The Turkish Mastiff has earned an excellent reputation, particularly as a guard dog. This also explains why dogs are still used for this purpose today.

However, this Mastiff breed has been in use for more than 3,500 years. In their past they were sometimes used as war dogs and for dog fighting.

When fully grown, they can also reach up to 120 kg. Despite their size, they can also live up to 16 years. In addition, they shed a lot and are considered courageous and independent. [8]

Fun fact: At less than 60 words, this breed has the shortest Wikipedia article. For comparison: the Golden Retriever has a total of 3200 words.

#9 Korean Mastiff

The Korean Mastiff can be found almost exclusively in its Korean homeland. Internationally, this breed is not only considered very rare, but is also quite expensive.

This type of mastiff also makes excellent guard dogs. Life as a family dog, on the other hand, requires a lot of socialization – especially with children in the household.

Compared to other dogs, this breed requires a lot of attention. They also have a strong hunting instinct and are considered sociable and loyal.

Fun fact: The rarity of this breed is already reflected in the fact that there is no Wikipedia article about it.

#10 Alano Español

The Alano Español has its origins in Spain, where it was once used for bullbaiting and as a war dog. However, they now serve primarily as hunting and guard dogs.

The coat of this Mastiff breed is officially described as “wolf black.” However, they are rarely used as domestic dogs. They are simply too independent for that.

In addition, they are considered very dominant and difficult to train. The four-legged friends are therefore less suitable for first-time owners and beginners. [9]

Fun fact: The average dog sleeps around 13 hours a day. These short sleepers, on the other hand, can cope with just 7 hours.

#11 American Bulldog

The American Bulldog comes from the USA, where it was once primarily used as a shepherd, hunting and guard dog. However, it almost died out in World War II.

In addition, this type of mastiff is also suitable as a protection dog. Because of their trusting and gentle nature, they also make great family dogs. They are also good swimmers.

Barking and shedding are a foreign concept for this breed. They also have a strong hunting instinct and are considered very athletic and strong. [10]

Fun fact: When these dogs feel lonely, they especially like to wear shoes around.

#12 Spanish Mastiff

The Spanish Mastiff was once bred to serve as a guard and protection dog. Especially at that time when there were still many wild predators.

With a weight of up to 80 kg, this Mastiff breed can also take on a wolf on its own. In packs sometimes even with bears.

Compared to other dogs, they are also very strong, self-confident and difficult to train. However, they rarely tolerate strange dogs. [11]

Fun fact: These dogs make almost no sound all day long. For this reason, many first-time owners are frightened when they suddenly hear a very deep and frightening bark.

#13 Bordeaux Mastiff

The Bordeaux Mastiff comes from France and is internationally among the 70 most popular breeds worldwide. These four-legged friends find it difficult to stay alone.

In addition, this type of mastiff only lives for 5-8 years. This makes them one of the dogs with the lowest life expectancy. However, they are unsuitable for beginners. [12]

They are also known internationally as the Dogue de Bordeaux. In addition, they are very strong, muscular and have a broad physique. They are difficult to train for this.

Fun fact: Since many people have difficulty pronouncing “Bordeaux”, the abbreviation “DDB” (Dogue de Bordeaux) has also become established for these dogs.

#14 Abruzzo Mastiff

The Abruzzo Mastiff comes from northern Italy, where it was mostly used to protect herd animals. These four-legged friends are also just as suitable as family dogs and sheepdogs.

The white fur of this Mastiff breed used to help shepherds distinguish them from wolves. They also get along well with other dogs and pets.

However, since they bark a lot and are quite active, they are not suitable for apartment life. They are also considered very loyal, friendly and alert. [13]

Fun fact: The character of these four-legged friends changes depending on whether they are outside or inside. They are usually very wild outside while inside they are absolute couch potatoes.

#15 Guatemalan Mastiff

The Guatemalan Mastiff was originally used primarily as guard dogs. However, in his past he also served partly for bullfights.

Nowadays, this type of mastiff is trained, among other things, to work as a protection dog. Because it is considered to be very vigilant, protective and territorial by nature.

However, early socialization is necessary for life as a domestic dog. They also shed and bark a lot, have a strong hunting instinct and are considered easy to train. [14]

Fun fact: This breed has a strong alpha instinct. They therefore often only follow a single person and…