English Mastiff
The English Mastiff holds the Guinness World Record for heaviest dog ever recorded — Zorba, an English Mastiff from London, weighed 142.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
United Kingdom
Lifespan
6–10 years
Weight
54–113 kg (120–250 lbs)
Height
70–91 cm (27.5–36 in)
Exercise
20 to 40 min/day
Diet
Omnivore — giant breed specific formula; multiple small meals essential; obesity prevention critical
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The English Mastiff holds the Guinness World Record for heaviest dog ever recorded — Zorba, an English Mastiff from London, weighed 142.7 kg (314.7 lbs) in 1989. One of the most ancient of all breeds, depicted in bas-reliefs from Babylon dating to 600 BCE, the Mastiff was used in war, as a guardian, and in the Roman arena. Julius Caesar encountered British Mastiffs in 55 BCE and was reportedly impressed enough to ship them to Rome for the games. The modern English Mastiff is a docile, gentle giant of enormous proportions and surprisingly calm temperament.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
The English Mastiff is the definition of massive — the heaviest breed in the world, combining great height with extraordinary substance. The large, square head has a broad, flat skull, deep stop, short, broad muzzle, and heavy, pendulous lips. The skin on the head is loose, forming characteristic wrinkles. Colours are apricot, fawn, or brindle — always with a dark (ideally black) muzzle, ears, and nose. The expression should be dignified and benevolent.
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Moderate
Brushing
1-2x-Weekly
Bathing
Every-6-8-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
English Mastiffs are calm, good-natured, and gentle — they are not aggressive dogs despite their intimidating size. They are devoted to their family and patient with children, though their sheer size means they can inadvertently knock over small children. They drool significantly (particularly after eating or drinking), snore loudly, and pass wind with impressive frequency. Their temperament is reliably steady and even.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
2/5Attention Need
3/5Friendliness
4/5Playfulness
2/5Protectiveness
4/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
House-Large-Garden
Daily Exercise
20 to 40 min/day
Ideal Weather
5°C to 25°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
20%
Attention
30%
Playfulness
20%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
drooling increase, leaning heavily, hiding, panting, gas increase
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •Low daily exercise of 20–30 minutes — Mastiffs are not built for sustained vigorous exercise. Giant breed nutrition during growth. Multiple small meals to reduce bloat risk. Strict weight management is essential — a fat Mastiff is a health crisis. The short coat needs minimal grooming but the facial wrinkles must be cleaned daily. Drool management is a daily reality.
Nutrition Notes
Giant breed puppy formula CRITICAL — slow, controlled growth prevents skeletal disorders. Feed 3 meals daily to reduce bloat risk (highest of any breed). Gastropexy STRONGLY recommended. Food costs are massive — budget ₹12,000-20,000/month India ($300-500/month USA).
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
Short lifespan (6-10 years). Bloat (GDV) is the #1 killer — gastropexy essential. Hip and elbow dysplasia. Osteosarcoma. Cruciate ligament tears. Cardiomyopathy. Cystinuria (bladder stones). The heaviest dog breed — world record 155 kg. Drool is constant and copious.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
3000 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
2500 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Hip and elbow dysplasia are very significant given the enormous body weight. Bloat/GDV is a leading cause of death — prophylactic gastropexy strongly recommended. Cancer (particularly osteosarcoma) and cardiac disease contribute to the short lifespan. Progressive retinal atrophy and cystinuria occur.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
Total cost of ownership among highest of any breed: food (₹12-20K/month), vet bills (everything costs more due to size), short lifespan. Gastropexy surgery should be planned at time of spay/neuter. Fawn, apricot, brindle accepted.
Purchase Price
$1,000 to $3,500
Adoption Fee
$100 to $500
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The heaviest dog ever recorded was Zorba, an English Mastiff from London, who weighed 142.7 kg (314.7 lbs) and measured 94 cm at the shoulder — a Guinness World Record set in 1989.
Julius Caesar encountered English Mastiffs when he invaded Britain in 55 BCE and was so impressed by their courage and size that he shipped some to Rome for use in arena combat against bears, lions, and gladiators.
The Mastiff nearly went extinct in Britain after World War II — the entire British population was in such low numbers that Canadian and American Mastiff bloodlines were imported to rebuild the breed.
