Meet The 10 Giants Of The Mastiff World

The Mastiffs gathered here each weigh more than many adult humans. Their sheer scale once held off wolves and hauled freight. Today, they remain icons of might. This is your chance to meet ten of the largest mastiff breeds the world has ever seen.

English Mastiff

In 1989, an English Mastiff named Zorba weighed in at a record-breaking 343 pounds, which made him the heaviest dog ever documented. Males often exceed 30 inches at the shoulder. Their immense size once deterred intruders, but today, their bulk poses challenges in average households.

Tibetan Mastiff

Originally bred to protect Himalayan livestock, the Tibetan Mastiff’s size and strength were key to its role in the high-altitude terrain. Its thick mane adds to a towering frame, often reaching 160 pounds. For many, its sheer presence overshadows practical considerations, such as space and feeding demands.

Dogue De Bordeaux Mastiff

The Dogue de Bordeaux often exceeds 110 pounds, with a chest broader than most large breeds. Its massive head is among the largest in proportion to the body size of any dog. Historically valued for strength, this bulk now contributes to health complications that limit its viability as a household pet.

Spanish Mastiff

Facing Iberian wolves head-on required more than courage—it demanded mass. The Spanish Mastiff reaches nearly 200 pounds and can grow up to 35 inches tall. Among flock guardians, few match its towering stature or the broad, imposing frame that once defined rural Spanish protection and space.

Bullmastiff

It was built for impact, with a broad chest and a dense, muscular frame weighing up to 130 pounds. Estate owners once relied on the Bullmastiff’s presence to halt intruders silently. While it’s not the tallest mastiff, its sheer physical force remains unmistakably formidable.

Fila Brasileiro Mastiff

The Fila Brasileiro is a massive working dog, typically between 130 and 180 pounds. Males weigh 140 to 180 pounds, while females range from 130 to 160. Its deep chest and muscular build made it ideal for tracking cattle and deterring large predators on Brazilian plantations.

Pyrenean Mastiff

The Pyrenean Mastiff stands 28 to 30 inches tall and weighs up to 200 pounds. Its dense double coat enhances an already formidable profile. Bred to guard Spanish mountain flocks, it relies on sheer size to serve as a living wall between predators and livestock.

Neapolitan Mastiff

Known for its massive bone structure and weight topping 150 pounds, the Neapolitan Mastiff’s loose, heavy skin makes it appear even larger. Males often stand 31 inches tall. Their enormous frame once made them ideal for guarding villas in southern Italy and intimidating potential intruders.

Anatolian Mastiff

Anatolian Mastiffs grow to 27–29 inches tall and weigh up to 150 pounds. With deep chests and a steady gait, they endure Turkey’s harsh terrain with ease. Bred for flock protection, their quiet strength and solid frame make them natural defenders in remote mountain regions.

Kangal Mastiff

Reaching a height of over 30 inches at the shoulder and frequently weighing more than 140 pounds, the Kangal Mastiff is among the largest breeds used for guarding livestock. It was built for scale and endurance. In rural Turkey, its towering build and power allow it to face off against wolves and jackals.