The Top 10 Most Powerful Mastiff Breeds
Where Does Your Mastiff Rank?

by Ken Alden


Our Top 10 Most Powerful Mastiff Breeds countdown highlights the strongest of the 19 different variations of this amazing dog, so let's get started!

What Are The Top 10 Most Powerful Mastiff Breeds?

The Most Powerful Mastiff Breeds are...

  • English Mastiff
  • Neapolitan Mastiff
  • Pyrenean Mastiff
  • Tibetan Mastiff
  • Presa Canario
  • Bullmastiff
  • Cane Corso
  • French Mastiff
  • Argentinian Mastiff
  • Fila Brasileiro

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.

Our Top 10 Most Powerful Mastiff Breeds Countdown

The Mastiff breed is one of the most ancient dog breeds known to man, dating back 5,000 years. Initially, they were bred to be hunting dogs and were pitted against lions and other wild animals to protect territories or to capture poachers. Today, they are not usually used for aggressive purposes and are more often trained to be a loyal companion and protector. 

Most of these breeds are massive and will outweigh other dogs but still have a gentle temperament. With proper training, this massive animal will be your best friend, and if you are faced with danger and your Mastiff is nearby, you won't need to fear!


#10 English Mastiff

Top 10 most powerful Mastiff breeds - English Mastiff

The English Mastiff is calm and quiet. They enjoy having companionship and do not like to be left alone for hours at a time. The breed has a massive body when fully grown and needs plenty of space to live in. English Mastiffs have a unique appearance because they were bred for a specific look in the 1800s in England.

English Mastiffs are known for their politeness and even-tempered behavior. They have a powerful, muscular body that is not recommended for being around young children; however, they do well with older children. While they are not very aggressive, they are loyal and will protect their family and territory when needed.

Stats:

●  Height - Male: 49 in. (124.5 cm.); Female: 27.5 in. (70 cm.)

●  Weight - Male: 150 to 250 lbs. (68-113 kg.); Female: 120 to 170 lbs. (54-77 kg.)

●  Life Expectancy - Average life span is 7 years, but often will live up to 10 years.

#9 Neapolitan Mastiff

Top 10 most powerful Mastiff breeds - Neapolitan Mastiff

The Neapolitan Mastiff’s favorite activity is lounging around, and they can become obese and lazy without proper exercise. Neapolitan Mastiffs are characterized by the loose hanging skin all over their body and heavily wrinkled faces. Like other Mastiff breeds, this one looks much more aggressive than it is.

This Mastiff enjoys having a yard to patrol. They are remarkably loyal to their owners and will happily protect their families.

Stats:

●  Height - Male: 25-30 in. (64-76 cm.); Female: 23-28 in. (58.4-71 cm.)

●  Weight - Male: 130-150 lbs. (59-68 kg.); Female: 110-130 lbs. (50-59 kg.)

●  Life Expectancy - 8-10 years

Pro-tip: Mastiff anxiety, aggression, destructive chewing, jumping up, fearfulness, and other behaviors can be controlled with the right training program.

Here’s a great course that addresses these issues along with many other dog training basics: Check it out now!

#8 Pyrenean Mastiff

Top 10 most powerful Mastiff breeds - Pyrenean Mastiff

The Pyrenean Mastiff is known for being a huge ball of fluff. This large breed has a double-thick coat of fur. Their looks match their demeanor – they are huge softies. However, under all the fur is a strong-bodied and muscular dog who will prove to be a reliable protector for their family.

This breed tends to be docile, noble, and even-tempered. However, if they are provoked or feel that their family is in danger, they will become aggressive and intimidating. 

Stats:

●  Height - Male: 30-32 in. (76-81 cm.); Female: 28 in. (71 cm.)

●  Weight - Male: On average 160-170 lbs. (73-77 kg.) but can get up to 220 lbs.           (100 kg.); Female: 150-160 lbs. (68-73 kg.)

●  Life Expectancy - 12-14 years

#7 Tibetan Mastiff

Top 10 most powerful Mastiff breeds - Tibetan Mastiff

Centuries of breeding have perfected the Tibetan Mastiff into an excellent guard dog and protector. You will be sure to turn some heads when walking this dog. This breed can weigh up to 180 pounds. The Tibetan Mastiff only goes through one heavy shedding a year. They are fiercely loyal to their families and are not keen on strangers.

Stats:

●  Height - Male: 26-30 in. (66-76 cm.); Female: 24-28 in. (61-71 cm.)

●  Weight - Male: 100-180 lbs. (45-82 kg.); Female: 100-160 lbs. (45-73 kg.)

●  Life Expectancy - 12-15 years 

#6 Presa Canario

Top 10 most powerful Mastiff breeds - Presa Canario

The Presa Canario is an impressive Spanish guard dog. This Mastiff breed originated in the Canary Islands. They are also known as Canary Mastiffs and Canary Dogs. They are confident, hard-working, smart, loyal, and have a strong-willed disposition.

Owners that have plenty of time and some dog-raising experience under their belt are the best fit for this dog. They usually don't bark too often, but when they do, they have a low, deep, intimidating bark.

After having heard their bark firsthand we had to add them to this top 10 most powerful Mastiff breeds list

Stats:

●  Height - Male: 24-26 in. (61-66 cm.); Female: 22-24 in. (56-61 cm.)

●  Weight - Male: 110-130 lbs. (50-60 kg.); Female: 80-110 lbs. (36-50 kg.)

●  Life Expectancy - 9-11 years 

#5 Bullmastiff 

Top 10 most powerful Mastiff breeds - Bullmastiff


Bullmastiffs are a mix between a Mastiff and a bulldog. They are relatively large and were bred by farmers to track down poachers. Bullmastiffs have become powerful guard dogs over the years. They are considered gentle and make a good family dog if they have been around people from a young age. 

Stats:

●  Height - Male: 25-27 in. (63.5-69 cm.); Female: 24-26 in. (61-66 cm.)

●  Weight - Male: 110-130 lbs. (50-60 kg.); Female: 100-120 lbs. (41-54 kg.)

●  Life Expectancy - 8-10 years

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.

#4 Cane Corso

Top 10 most powerful Mastiff breeds - Cane Corso Mastiff

The Cane Corso is easier to train than other Mastiff breeds, and they make a wonderful family dog that will protect you, your family, and your property. This Italian Mastiff breed is loving and gentle to people they are used to. If you are a stranger, you will not want to confront this dog in most situations.

Cane Corsos are always on high alert for a new and challenging task. This breed needs plenty of mental and physical exercise. If they get bored, they tend to bark excessively and become destructive.

Stats:

●  Height - Male: 25-27.5 in. (63.5-70 cm.); Female: 23.5-26 in. (60-66 cm.)

●  Weight - Male: 100-110 lbs. (45-50 kg.); Female: 90-100 lbs. (41-45 kg.)

●  Life Expectancy - 9-11 years

#3 French Mastiff

Top 10 most powerful Mastiff breeds - French Mastiff

The French Mastiff is an ancient breed from France. They are also known as the Dogue De Bordeaux. Owners appreciate their loyalty, and they can be sweet dogs. It’s a good thing they are sweet because they will eat you out of house and home!

They are not aggressive by nature, but they look the part with their oversized heads and wrinkled up faces. However, if they feel their family is being threatened, they will protect them.

Stats:

●  Height - Male: 24-27 in. (61-69 cm.); Female: 23-26 in. (58-66 cm.)

●  Weight - Male: average 150 lbs. (68 kg.); Female: average 125 lbs. (57 kg.)

●  Life Expectancy - 5-8 years

#2 Argentinian Mastiff

Top 10 most powerful Mastiff breeds - Argentinian Mastiffs

Also known as Dogo Argentino, the Dogo is a powerful and athletic breed of the Mastiff family. Because this breed shows aggressive behavior to other animals, it has been banned in some countries. If you own one, they will need to be kept in a fenced yard away from other animals. This breed was developed for chasing down and catching dangerous game. 

Along with big-game hunting, Argentinian Mastiffs are often used to help in police and military forces. However, the breed can also be a family dog. It is recommended to be an experienced dog owner before committing to raising this breed of Mastiff. They are fierce yet gentle protectors.

Stats:

●  Height - Male: 24-27 in. (61-69 cm.); Female: 24-26 in. (61-66 cm.)

●  Weight - Male: 80-120 lbs. (36-54 kg.); Female: 75-100 lbs. (34-45 kg.)

●  Life Expectancy - 10-12 years

#1 Fila Brasileiro

Top 10 most powerful Mastiff breeds - Fila Brasileiros

The strongest Mastiff breed is the Fila Brasileiro Mastiff which are known to be fierce guard dogs with deep-rooted instincts to chase and capture animals.

They were once trained to chase slaves, grab them by the neck, and keep them captive until their owner arrived. 

Only dog owners with serious knowledge and experience in training should get a Fila Brasileiro. This dog isn’t naturally mild-mannered and obedient, but with the proper training, they can serve their owners well. They are large, powerful, intelligent, and have superb tracking skills. However, they are aggressive and extremely cautious of strangers.

Stats:

●  Height - Male: 26-30 in. (66-76 cm.); Female: 24-28 in. (61-71 cm.)

●  Weight - Male: minimum 100 lbs. (45 kg.); Female: minimum of 90 lbs. (41 kg.)

●  Life Expectancy - 9-11 years

Final Thoughts About The Top 10 Most Powerful Mastiff Breeds

Mastiffs are a beautiful, stunning, strong, and powerful dog breed. While there are many variations of the Mastiff, all of them will protect and guard you, your family, and your home from any threat.

While most dogs on our top 10 most powerful Mastiff breeds list are more into cuddling than into showing their strength, all have the potential to show it under certain circumstances and when they do...watch out!

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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