How Long Do Mastiffs Grow and Live?

by Ken Alden


Mastiffs are standout dog breeds for many reasons, including their lengthy puppy phase and impressive muscularity. They make great pets for every true dog lover who is patient enough to train them. However, how long do mastiffs grow and live?

Mastiffs grow for up to 18 months. Many will be near their final adult height after the first year, but males will require two more years to reach 88-230 lb (40-104 kg) and females 70-170 lb (32-77 kg). On average, mastiffs live between 5-15 years due to subsequent health conditions.

The family has numerous breeds with different growth paces and lifespans, so continue reading this article to learn about the most popular mastiffs.

Pro-tip: Ever try lifting a Mastiff? Their weight can hurt not only your back but their joints when they hop down from cars, sofas or even your bed. To protect your back and theirs check out the best Mastiff ramps on Amazon.com now.

Table Of Content - Jump To Links

How Long Do
These Mastiffs
Grow And Live?
English Mastiffs
Bullmastiffs
Cane Corsos
Neapolitan
Great Danes 

How Long Do
These Mastiffs
Grow And Live?
Tibetan Mastiffs 
French Mastiffs 
Boerboel Mastiffs 
Dogo Argentinos 

How Long Do English Mastiffs Grow?

English Mastiffs, true to their name, are a British breed dog that are descendants of the ancient Alaunt and Pugnaces Britanniae. Their massive body makes them the largest living canine today, but how long does it take to attain such size?

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English mastiffs reach their full adult size three years from birth. The male ones typically weigh 160–230 pounds (73–104 kg), while the female can weigh 120–170 pounds (54–77 kg) after the growth period. However, there are cases when they grow later, perhaps reaching a giant size.

Huge English mastiffs can reach weights of 300 pounds (140 kg) or more.

How Long Do English Mastiffs Live?

Petting English mastiffs have been common pets since the 20th century. They are loyal, affectionate, and protective, so if you want to share your home with them, how long can you have them around? What is their life expectancy?

English mastiffs, male and female, live for an average of 8 years in North America—slightly less in Europe. Numerous health conditions associated with old age will creep in later, including bone cancer, lymphatic cancer, hip dysplasia, and wobbler syndrome.


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How Long Do Bullmastiffs Grow?

The bullmastiff is also a British breed in the mastiff family, attaining brindle, fawn, or red colors. Their size is typically intimidating, but how long do mastiffs grow and live? Do they grow larger than the English ones?

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Bullmastiffs grow to their full size between 1.5 to 3 years. Female ones reach adult size around 1.5-2 years, while male ones may take three years. The former will be 41–50 kg (90–110 lbs) by then, while the latter can weigh 50–59 kg (110–130 lbs) when mature. They live for up to 11 years.

Female bullmastiffs are 61–66 cm (24–26 in) in height, and the males are 64–69 cm (25–27 in). They will attain it on time before reaching their adult muscle mass.

 how long do mastiffs grow and live

How Long Do Bullmastiffs Live?

Unlike most other dog breeds, bullmastiffs spend much time in their puppy stage. However, their enormous size, even at immaturity, is somewhat deceptive. Hence, how much remains in their lifetime if they become adults two to three years after birth?

Bullmastiffs live just over 8 years on average or older on favorable occasions; if the dog avoids genetic health issues and remains in good health. Bullmastiffs may live one to two more years older before they begin to decline.

Some health conditions that affect them, especially in old age, include:

  • Lymphosarcoma
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Hemangiosarcoma
  • Hypothyroidism

Pro-tip: Mastiff's (and their owners) love dog crates…and for good reasons. Crates keep dogs from mischief while you're away, are perfect for house training, for traveling by car, and provide the dog a place to de-stress. Check out the best Mastiff crates on Amazon.com now.

How Long Do Cane Corsos Grow?

The Cane Corso is also a mastiff but native to Italy in Europe. They are suitable for guarding and hunting but also companions for dog lovers. In maturity, they are relatively large compared to most pet dogs, so how long do they take to attain such size?

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Most Cane Corsos grow to full size in two years. The dogs reach 45–50 kg (99–110 lb) in weight, while the bitches, 40–45 kg (88–99 lb). The former becomes 62–70 cm- (24–28 in) tall, and the latter 58–66 cm (23–26 in) within the time. Some still grow after their 2nd birthday, only a little.

Hence, if you got your Cane Corso when it was three years or older, chances are it has reached its adult size.

How Long Do Cane Corsos Live?

Cane Corsos owners love and are tightly attached to their feline pets. Sadly, they also have a lifespan like every organism. How long is that?

Cane Corsos live for an average of 9.25 years—which may be too short for their loving owners, but the higher end of the range is quite long for dogs. Old age will strike by then with several possible health challenges. However, you can improve their condition through exercises, diets, and regular vet visits.

Studies have theorized a relationship between Cane Corsos' hair color and their longevity, but most live between 10-12 on average.

bullmastiff learn more

When exactly do mastiffs stop growing? And what can owners expect when it comes to week to week growth?...is their growth as explosive as some say? Here's an eye opening article of ours that answers just these questions and more.


How Long Do Neapolitan Mastiffs Grow?

Neapolitan Mastiffs are Italian dogs, typically black, grey, or leaden. Like other mastiffs, they are enormous and intimidating to most people who don't own them. Their bones, muscles, and joints develop slowly but steadily, so how much time should you allow them to attain full size?

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Neapolitan mastiffs grow entirely after two to three years. Mature males will weigh 60–70 kg (130–150 lb), and females 50–60 kg (110–130 lb). The former's height will be around 65–75 cm (26–30 in), slightly taller than female Neapolitan mastiffs at 60–68 cm (24–27 in).

You can enjoy all your recreational activities when they've achieved full size and strength.

How Long Do Neapolitan Mastiffs Live?

For the Neapolitan Mastiffs' fierce look, they are pretty calm, obedient, and trainable. Hence, it's unsurprising that many hope to make pets out of them. However, if you're considering doing so, how long will you have before they naturally die?

Neapolitan Mastiffs live for about 8 years on average but may reach 12 in extraordinary cases. A survey in the UK even reported this average life expectancy, with only 16% living past age 9. They are prone to health issues like cancer and dysplasia, which could significantly affect their lifespan.

Studies in Britain found that the Neopolitan Mastiffs lived just over 8 years on average, making them one of the longest-lived Mastiff breeds. 

How Long Do Great Danes Grow?

Ancient Great Danes or German Mastiffs have been around since the 16th century in Europe. Today, they are somewhat skinny, unlike most other mastiffs, but are still relatively large pets. Hence, how long should you remain patient for your Great Dane's full size? how long do mastiffs grow and livehow lg do mastiffs grow and live

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Great Danes grow to maturity between 18 months and two years from birth. The females of 71–84 cm (28–33 in) in height are slightly shorter than the males at 76–90 cm (30–35 in). The bitch mastiffs are 40–45 kg (88–99 pounds), and the dogs are 45–50 kg (99–110 pounds).

During this time, nourish them with the foods your vet recommends to maintain good health and fast growth. They are one of the tallest dogs you'll ever see if you care for them well.

How Long Do Great Danes Live?

Great Danes have several unique qualities that allow domestication. However, they have a life expectancy that they hardly live beyond, leaving most owners heartbroken when one such mastiff's time is up. How long is that?

Great Danes live on average for 7 years, according to studies. Some lucky ones have reached 12 years but rarely ever reach the age of 13. The relatively short lifespan is due to their large size, as they become prone to many diseases later, such as bloat, hip dysplasia, or congenital heart disease.

Studies suggest that the breed is short-lived, 7.05 years to be exact, and commonly suffer from genetic disorders. To ensure they live up to the higher end of their average lifespan, provide them with proper nutrition, intermittent exercises, and long rest periods.

mastiff learn more arrow

Ever wonder exactly why it is that mastiffs have such short lives? Is it in their genes? is it their size? We answer this in this fascinating article of ours called Why Do Mastiffs Have Such A Short Lifespan.


How Long Do Tibetan Mastiffs Grow?

The Tibetan Mastiff is a large primitive breed with coats capable of attaining black, red, or gray colors. Their history dates back to when they survived in the wild, which may be unsurprising for their size. Hence, how long does each take to grow so big?

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Most male and female Tibetan mastiffs grow to full size in at least 1.5 years. The males will be 66 cm (26 in) in height and 90-150+ pounds. The bitches are slightly shorter at 61 cm (24 in) and typically weigh less, around 70 to 120 pounds (32-54 kg). Some continue building muscle later.

How Long Do Tibetan Mastiffs Live?

The Tibetan mastiffs' growing phase lasts up to two years, which is relatively massive. If we can only regard them as adults after such an extended period, how much longer do they have to live? What is their total life expectancy?

Tibetan Mastiffs live between 10-12 years—according to the AKC. However, their projected lifespan is likely lower depending on the genetic lines. Common conditions that'll likely deteriorate their health include elbow or hip dysplasia and genetic ones like hypothyroidism & seizures.

Experts have yet to analyze this specific breed’s longevity comprehensively. Thus the expected lifespan may fall short of the standard breed life projections. Thus the predicted lifespan may fall short of the typical breed life expectancy

How Long Do French Mastiffs Grow?

The French Mastiffs or Dogue de Bordeaux is a fawn breed that originated in France. They are highly muscular, helping with various strength-demanding tasks, but how long do mastiffs grow and live? What is their size on complete development?

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The French mastiffs, both dogs & bitches, grow to their final size around 18 months. The males will be over 150 lb- (68 kg) heavy and 24–27 in- (61–69 cm) tall. On the other hand, females will weigh more than 125 lb (57 kg) and be up to 23–26 in- (58–66 cm) tall. Most will live only 4-5 years more.

It's essential to get them proper nutrition while training them during this period.

How Long Do French Mastiffs Live?

Since French mastiffs spend a year plus reaching adulthood, it's easy to feel that they'll live much longer. However, the fact may surprise most owners.

French mastiffs live for only five to eight years. Therefore, they sadly have just six years after completing development, making them one of the dogs with the shortest life span. Old age, breathing problems, and aortic stenosis are responsible for such short life expectancy.

You can do your best to ensure they get to the higher end of the range by maintaining good health, proper nutrition, and grooming.

How Long Do Boerboels Grow?

Boerboels are also mastiffs but from South Africa. Like most others in the breed family, they are also large and muscular with strong bone structure in maturity. Hence, how long will it take a newborn to attain such status?

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Boerboels grow to complete size after a year or two. The males will weigh between 132-174 lb (60-79 kg), and the females from 121 to 161 lb (55-73kg). The former should be around 60 to 69 cm (24–26 in) in height, and the latter should be typically shorter at 55 to 61 cm (24–26 in).

Some Boerboels still increase in mass after two years but will stop growing taller.

How Long Do Boerboels Live?

Boerboels' dominant and territorial temperaments make them suitable guard dogs in African homes. They are relatively easy to train and downright loyal to their owners. However, they also have life expectancies like every animal.

Boerboels, both dogs & bitches, live just below 8 years on average. However, it can be much shorter if their owners don't cater to them well, from their nutrition to arresting developing ailments. They are prone to many health conditions like dysplasia, especially in old age.

Other common conditions affecting their lifespan include:

  • Entropion
  • Ectropion
  • Vaginal hyperplasia

How Long Do Dogo Argentinos Grow?

Clued by their name, this breed is from Argentina, where they primarily served for big-game hunting. They are white and short-coated at birth, so when will they reach adulthood? What are they like by then?

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Dogo Argentinos grow to maturity in 1.5 years. They are still white & short-coated, but the males become 60–68 cm- (24–27 in) tall, and the females 60–65 cm (24–26 in). The former should weigh around 40–45 kg (88–99 lb), and the latter 35–40 kg (77–88 lb).

Rarely do they add significant weight after two years.

How Long Do Dogo Argentinos Live?

Despite Dogo Argentinos' fierceness during hunting, they are still affectionate enough to be domesticated. How long will they be barking on your porch if you also have one at home?

Dogo Argentinos live for about 10 years or lower. Therefore, if you haven't had them since they were puppies, you have a limited time with them. Old age and significant health issues will weaken the breed. However, to live longer, visit the vet regularly and feed them balanced diets.

Although listed as living between 10-12 years, experts have conducted no conclusive studies on this particular mastiff’s lifespan and longevity. Their life expectancies may fall closer to the general Mastiff breed of 7-8 years—taking the genetic lineage into account. 

How Long Do Mastiffs Grow And Live?...Conclusion

Mastiffs are the largest dog breed in the world. Hence, they take so long (18 months at least) to reach full adult size.

Some owners like the size, therefore, keeping them as pets, but it has some health disadvantages impacting their lifespan. None live beyond 15 years, except they are highly fortunate and well catered for by their owners.

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About Author


About the Author...

Ken Alden, a dedicated Mastiff owner for over eight years, is acclaimed for his expertise in care, grooming, and training. Read more About Me and my dog Shadow.

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