English Mastiff Full Grown: Size, Appearance, Price & More

The English Mastiff is a large, imposing dog breed known for its giant size and calm demeanor. But what exactly can owners expect once their Mastiff puppy reaches full grown size and maturity?

In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about the fully grown English Mastiff, including size, weight, appearance, temperament, health concerns, care requirements, and more.

About the English Mastiff Breed

The English Mastiff is one of the oldest dog breeds, with a history that can be traced back over 2,000 years. Originally bred in England, Mastiffs were used as guard dogs, hunters of large animals like boar, and war dogs. Today they make loyal family companions, though their massive size means they are not suited for everyone.

English Mastiffs have a short, smooth coat that comes in fawn, brindle, or apricot colors. They have wrinkly, droopy skin and a boxy, powerful frame. Mastiffs are sweet-natured giants who are affectionate with their family but often wary of strangers.

With proper socialization from a young age, they can become accepting of visitors in their home.

Size at Full Growth

On average, a fully grown English Mastiff stands between 27-30 inches tall at the shoulder. However, some giants reach up to 35 inches! In terms of length, Mastiffs measure around 3 feet from nose to tail. They have a broad, barrel-like chest and short but thick limbs.

The record holder for tallest dog was an English Mastiff named Zeus who was nearly 8 feet long from nose to tail and stood 35 inches tall. While most won't get that big, Mastiffs have significant growing to do from puppyhood to adulthood.

Weight at Full Growth

English Mastiffs also put on substantial weight and girth as they mature. On average, an adult male Mastiff weighs in at 250 pounds. Females are slightly smaller at around 230 pounds. However, weights can vary more than height, with some Mastiffs tipping the scales at 300 pounds or higher.

Owners of Mastiff puppies may be shocked by how much food it takes to fuel their growth. Puppies need nutritional food tailored for large and giant breeds. With a high-quality diet and regular exercise, Mastiffs fill out healthily into their enormous adult sizes.

Appearance at Full Growth

When a Mastiff reaches maturity, their overall look is truly imposing. Their large, blocky head sits high above a massive chest and shoulders. The face has prominent wrinkles, jowls, and a pushed-in nose. The skin hangs loosely, giving them a slightly droopy facial expression.

The coat is short and smooth, usually fawn, brindle or apricot in color. Mastiffs have loose skin all over their body that creates folds, especially around the neck. Their tail is low-set. Though slow-moving, Mastiffs hold themselves with confidence and dignity as fully grown canines.

Personality at Full Growth

As Mastiffs mature into adulthood, their personality fully emerges. They remain gentle giants with their family, showing great affection and playfulness. English Mastiffs are calm and dignified indoors. Socialized puppies continue to be accepting of visitors.

Some natural guarding instincts develop, making adult Mastiffs wary or even aggressive toward strangers without proper introduction. Consistent training and socialization are a must from a young age. With their family, Mastiffs are happiest curled up together on the couch.

Price of an Adult Mastiff

On average, owners can expect to pay between $1,500-$3,000 for an adult English Mastiff from a reputable breeder. Show or competition-quality dogs may cost over $5,000. Adopting a rescued Mastiff usually runs $300-800 depending on age, health, and temperament.

The substantial financial cost is an important consideration, as Mastiffs have large resource requirements as fully grown dogs too. But their sweet, gentle personalities make them worth it for many dedicated owners.

Food and Feeding a Full Grown Mastiff

With their massive size comes huge dietary needs. English Mastiffs generally eat 2-4 cups of high-quality dry kibble divided into two meals per day. For treats, small pieces of healthy human food or dog biscuits are best.

The key is feeding a diet suitable for giant breed puppies from a young age. This prevents joints and bones from growing too quickly. As adults, Mastiffs may eat 3-5 cups per day split between meals, depending on activity level and ideal weight.

It's important never to overfeed, as obesity can strain their joints and shorten a Mastiff's lifespan. Water must also always be available for their size. Proper nutrition allows Mastiffs to thrive as senior dogs. Check with your vet for feeding guidelines.

Lifespan of an English Mastiff

Sadly, the English Mastiff has a relatively short average lifespan of 8-10 years compared to smaller dog breeds. Their massive size puts greater strain on organs and joints. However, 10-12 years is achievable for Mastiffs who are at a healthy weight and receive excellent preventative healthcare.

Good breeding also plays a role in longevity. Opt for a puppy from parents who lived longer, healthier lives. With optimum care including regular vet visits,exercise, daily love, and nutritional planning tailored for their large size, a Mastiff's later adult years can be happy.

Health Concerns as a Full Grown Mastiff

Mastiffs are prone to some diseases common in giant breeds due to their large stature:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia: Degenerative joint disease caused by abnormal bone and joint formation.
• Bloat (gastric torsion): Life-threatening twisting of the stomach. It's often seen in deep-chested dogs.
• Cancer: Mastiffs have a higher risk for bone cancer and other tumors, so regular checks by a vet are vital.
• Eye issues: Conditions like glaucoma, entropion, and cherry eye may develop.
• Heart disease: Some Mastiffs can have a predisposition to valve problems.

Preventative care like regular vet screens, high-quality nutrition, and proper weight management can help Mastiffs stay healthy into their senior years. But owners must be prepared for unique health needs that come with the breed.

Care and Nutrition of a Full Grown Mastiff

Once Mastiffs reach maturity, their needs change slightly from rambunctious puppyhood. Here's what full care entails:

• Daily walks/playtime are essential for mental stimulation and exercise for their joints.
• Mastiffs enjoy jogs, hikes, swimming, or ball play but no high-impact activities.
• Bathing every 4-6 weeks keeps their coat clean and supple.
• Brush twice weekly to distribute natural oils and prevent matting.
• Trim nails monthly to keep them from cracking or splintering.
• Check ears and wipe away discharge once a week to avoid infections.
• Brush teeth 2-3 times per week to prevent gum disease and halitosis.
• Give plenty of attention, cuddles, and play every day for emotional fulfillment.

Having groomed and bonded with their Mastiff from puppyhood makes all care tasks stress-free. Daily attention is essential for happiness and health as a full-grown purebred.

Cost of Owning a Mastiff

While Mastiffs may run around $1,500-$3,000 on average from a reputable breeder, initial costs are just the beginning. Here's a breakdown of expected ongoing expenses with a fully grown Mastiff:

• Food: $60-$120 per month depending on brand and daily amounts eaten.
• Toys, treats: $15-30 per month to keep enrichment fun.
• Collar, leash, ID tags: $50-100 initially then replaced as needed.
• Bedding: $60-150 for a large, orthopedic dog bed changed every 6-12 months.
• Flea/tick prevention: $30-50 per month for topical or oral preventatives.
• Heartworm prevention: $30-60 for a 6 month supply of chewable tablets.
• Grooming supplies: $30-50 every 4-6 weeks for shampoo, conditioner, brushes, shears.
• Toys/chews: $15-30 monthly for soft plush or durable rubber toys.
• Training costs: $100-300 for initial basic obedience classes. More for specialized training.
• Emergencies/health exams: $300-1000 per year average or more depending on incidence of illness/injury. Preventative care is cheaper.

Keeping a Mastiff in excellent physical and mental health can easily cost $1000-$2000 or more annually beyond the initial purchase price once all expenses are accounted for. It's a serious lifetime commitment.

But for dedicated owners, the immense love of a Mastiff makes any costs worthwhile. Proper budgeting ensures they receive the very best nutrition, care, training and health services as full grown dogs.

Possible Behavior Changes with Maturity

While English Mastiffs retain their calm, gentle natures, maturity does bring some shifting behaviors that owners should be aware of:

• Increased independence: Mastiffs are less interested in chasing toys or playing like puppies. They prefer relaxing at your side.
• Natural guarding instincts: Adult Mastiffs may bark or possibly show aggression toward strangers without training from adolescence on.
• Slower activity levels: Long daily walks are ideal companionship, but high-impact exercise tires them out quickly as senior dogs.
• Disinterest in training: Once the basic commands are solid, Mastiffs take direction less readily as adults versus eager puppies.
• More eating/chewing: They are still growing until age 3 and constantly snack to fuel their size.

consistency and gently persuasion rather than force are the best ways to motivate a mature Mastiff who already knows what is expected. Their slower pace requires some adjustments in interaction styles.

Notable Characteristics of a Full Grown Mastiff

Anyone seeing an English Mastiff for the first time after reaching maturity is sure to notice some striking features:

• Massive size: Even female Mastiffs tower over most people at 30+ inches tall and 180+ pounds.
• Loose skin with wrinkles: Heavy jowls, folds on the neck, loose facial skin are characteristic of the breed.
• Slow stride: While imposing, Mastiffs have a leisurely, loping gait to carry their size.
• Calm demeanor: Adults are dignified yet gentle in their interactions regardless of scenario.
• Wary of strangers: A mature Mastiff focuses its trust on family rather than unknown people or dogs.
• Short coat: Brindle, fawn or apricot hues are easy to groom on their smooth, short-haired coats.

The physical presence and sedateness of a properly-socialized, full-grown Mastiff makes for an impressive ambassador of the breed.

Suitability as Family Pets

While Mastiffs are affectionate family companions, their prodigious size demands consideration as to their suitability in some homes:

• Families with young children: Mastiffs can easily knock over toddlers accidentally when playing. Supervision is essential.
• Small apartments, condos: Mastiffs need space to live comfortably without constant confinement that can lead to behavior issues.
• First-time owners: Prior dog experience helps ensure all Mastiff needs are met including training, grooming, activity, medical care.
• Other pets: Proper introductions required, as some Mastiffs can be dog-selective once mature. Never leave dogs unsupervised.

With preparation, attention to socialization and training, plus fulfilling its needs, a Mastiff could be happy as the only pet and companion in the right multi-generational family home. Readiness is key to commitment.

In Summary

English Mastiffs are gentle giants whose awe-inspiring size and tranquil temperament make them unique family pets for households prepared to meet the needs of their big dogs throughout maturity and old age. Understanding their unique characteristics at full growth helps set them up for health, happiness and longevity as beloved family members.

With consistency, time, patience and care invested from puppyhood, Mastiffs reward their loved ones with unconditional affection for many happy years together. Their massive size definitely comes with great responsibility - but equally, immense returns of loyalty and calm companionship.