With its muscular, majestic looks and reputation as a loyal guardian, the legendary Mastiff has been a companion to mankind for more than 2,000 years.¹ They’ve been used as war dogs, fighting dogs, and guard dogs, with their famously noble disposition compelling them to protect the ones they’re loyal to, while their gentle nature means they refrain from harming anything smaller or weaker than themselves.

Despite their deep, gruff bark and their intimidating size, these are big-hearted gentle giants. Whether you’re thinking of bringing a magnificent Mastiff into your home, or you’re just looking to boost your canine knowledge, in this article, we’ll introduce you to eight types of Mastiffs!

The 8 Types of Mastiff

1. Pyrenean Mastiff

Originating from the Pyrenees Mountains in Spain, these fluffy gentle giants were bred to be the guardian protectors of livestock flocks, deterring wolves, bears, and thieves. The Pyrenean Mastiff makes a gentle and loving, but still independent, pet.

Pyrenean Mastiffs aren’t known for barking constantly, but they will alert you if someone is nearby. These gentle dogs are friendly toward both other pets and children, their low prey drive meaning they have no interest in chasing smaller animals.

This breed of Mastiff has predominantly white fur that can be patterned with dark patches or brindle markings.

2. Spanish Mastiff

Spanish Mastiffs are massive dogs with medium-length coats and gentle, if courageous, dispositions. Bred for guarding sheep and livestock, this Mastiff has a notably raucous, sonorous bark that it will readily use to deter strangers and dangerous animals.

These dogs are highly affectionate towards their family members, including younger ones! Spanish Mastiffs come in a variety of solid colors, brindle, or with white patches.

3. Mastiff (English Mastiff)

The ancient Mastiff, also known as the English Mastiff, is brave as it is kind and loyal. These intelligent dogs were favorites of Roman nobility, though they were often pitted against gladiators, bears, lions, and other animals for sport.

Despite their large size and prowess, Mastiffs are gentle-natured dogs, suited to families. The most popular color for a Mastiff is fawn, though they can also be brindle or apricot, and they always have a black mask.

4. Tibetan Mastiff

Fluffy Tibetan Mastiffs are independent, determined, and intelligent. Some believe that this ancient breed of Mastiffs were the progenitors of the Mastiffs in the Middle East and Europe.

Tibetan Mastiffs are intelligent and loyal but don’t expect them to do something if they feel there’s no need. Treats, for example, will not motivate them the same way they might with other dogs. This breed will learn quickly, but it may choose to ignore your commands when they’re home!

Unlike some other Mastiffs, these ones can be aloof, which some people may interpret as standoffish. When it comes to protecting their people, however, they take their job very seriously.

5. Neapolitan Mastiff

The Neapolitan Mastiff may be mean-looking and intimidating with its immense size, but this pooch is amongst the sweetest and more placid Mastiffs when it comes to their family. Neapolitan Mastiffs—with their very wrinkled giant faces—are another ancient breed. According to the American Kennel Club, the breed was rediscovered in Italy in the 1940s.

Neapolitans are loyal and watchful. They may come across as being pretty lazy, but really, they’re just laid back! If you’re looking for a mellow, quiet Mastiff, the Neapolitan Mastiff may be a good option.

6. Cane Corso

Cane Corso—or Corsi for short—are loyal and eager to please, but at the same time they can be willful and assertive, making them better suited to experienced dog parents. Their name translates from Latin to “bodyguard dog,” and you can expect them to behave as such!

These intelligent dogs are affectionate with their family members, and with good socialization at a young age, they can be good with kids, too.

Despite the muscled physique of a Cane Corso, it moves with remarkable grace. Corsi were all but extinct by the mid-20^th century, until the 1970s when a group of Italian fanciers worked together to revive the breed.

7. Anatolian Mastiff

Known as one of mankind’s very first canine companions, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog, also known as the Anatolian Mastiff, is a true guardian, protecting flocks of sheep and livestock for thousands of years. This ancient breed is intelligent and responsive, though Anatolians are best suited to experienced dog parents that can handle a dominating breed.

With the right leadership and training, Anatolians are calm and loving creatures, and fiercely protective of their family members.

8. French Mastiff (Dogue de Bordeaux)

The Dogue de Bordeaux, or the French Mastiff, is the most ancient of the French dog breeds. Like some of the other Mastiffs, it is known for its loyalty and affection toward its family. French Mastiffs have lovable expressive eyes set into a deeply furrowed brow.

This breed has a long history as a working dog. Although historical records show that the Romans used the ancestors of this breed as war dogs and ferocious gladiators, they were soon employed as guard dogs for the nobility before finally taking up the position of livestock drovers.

These dogs only gained popularity outside of France after the release of the 1989 movie Turner & Hooch starring Tom Hanks and his adorable but stubborn French Mastiff.

Conclusion

Though they vary a little in looks, needs, and even temperament, Mastiffs are famous for their unyielding loyalty. These dogs are big, as is the responsibility of owning one. Mastiffs need a strong leader and an experienced owner who will train them with calm, loving confidence.

With the right socialization and training, these ancient breeds grow to become loving gentle giants and true companions that would melt a heart of stone with one of their famous, kind gazes!

Featured Image Credit: Waldemar Dabrowski, Shutterstock

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