16 Types of Mastiff Dog Breeds: The Giant Guardians of the Dog World
October 11, 2026
Few dog groups command a room the way mastiffs do. Some types of mastiff dog breeds tip the scales at more than 200 pounds, yet many of these gentle giants would rather nap on the couch than pick a fight. Bred over thousands of years as war dogs, estate guardians, and livestock protectors, mastiffs today are better known for their calm devotion to family than for the ferocity that once made them so valuable.
This lineup covers 16 distinct mastiff and mastiff-type breeds recognized or commonly kept across the United States, from the towering English Mastiff to lesser-known guardians like the Perro de Presa Canario and the American Bandogge. Each one carries its own history, temperament quirks, and care demands that matter a great deal before bringing one of these massive dogs home.
Key Insight: Coat color, including black, is a matter of genetics and pigment, not personality. Several of the most popular black dog breeds in this group, such as the Neapolitan Mastiff and Cane Corso, are exactly as loyal and trainable in black as they are in fawn or brindle.
| Breed | Country of Origin | Typical Weight Range | Common Coat Colors |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Mastiff | England | 120–230 lbs | Apricot, brindle, fawn |
| Tibetan Mastiff | Tibet/China | 70–150 lbs | Black, black and tan, gold |
| Bullmastiff | England | 100–130 lbs | Fawn, red, fawn-brindle |
| Cane Corso | Italy | 88–120 lbs | Black, gray, fawn, brindle |
| Neapolitan Mastiff | Italy | 110–150+ lbs | Black, blue, mahogany, tawny |
| Boerboel | South Africa | 150–200 lbs | Brindle, brown, black |
| Dogue de Bordeaux | France | 99–150 lbs | Fawn, mahogany |
| Great Dane | Germany | 110–175 lbs | Fawn, black, blue, harlequin |
| Perro de Presa Canario | Canary Islands, Spain | 85–130 lbs | Fawn, black brindle |
| American Mastiff | United States | 140–200 lbs | Brindle, apricot, fawn |
| Anatolian Shepherd Dog | Turkey | 80–150 lbs | Fawn, pinto, white |
| Dogo Argentino | Argentina | 80–100 lbs | White |
| Fila Brasileiro | Brazil | 90–180 lbs | Fawn, black, brindle |
| Spanish Mastiff | Spain | 140–220 lbs | Fawn, brindle, black |
| Pyrenean Mastiff | Spain | 140–240 lbs | White with patches |
| American Bandogge Mastiff | United States | 90–150 lbs | Black, brindle, fawn |
1. English Mastiff (Old English Mastiff)
Often called simply “the Mastiff” or the Old English Mastiff, this breed set the template for nearly every giant guardian dog that followed. The Mastiff is best known for being big-boned and well-muscled with a loyal and patient disposition, and it usually grows to be 120–230 pounds, making it one of the largest mastiff breeds. The breed served during World War I and World War II to pull carts loaded with ammunition, according to the Mastiff Club of America.
Its bloodline runs deep. The breed can trace its roots back to ancient civilizations in Egypt and Rome, and Julius Caesar himself described a dog similar to the Mastiff in his accounts of invading Britain in 55 B.C. Despite that fearsome résumé, the Mastiff is often a family pet today, prized for its patience with children as much as its imposing size.
2. Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff stands apart from most other types of mastiff dog breeds in both looks and mindset. This heavy-coated, independent guardian was shaped by centuries of protecting monasteries and nomadic camps across the Himalayan plateau, and that history still shows in its personality.
Tibetan Mastiffs are a breed unto their own — massive, heavy-coated mountain dogs that are large, notoriously independent, reserved, intelligent, and highly protective. Food rewards do not carry the same weight with this breed as they do with many others. Treats will not motivate a Tibetan Mastiff the same way they might with other dogs, and while the breed learns quickly, it may choose to ignore commands occasionally, coming across as aloof or standoffish. Prospective owners curious about how this ancient guardian was shaped can review the breeds behind the Tibetan Mastiff’s ancestry before committing to one.
3. Bullmastiff
Built as a compromise between speed and raw power, the Bullmastiff was engineered for a very specific job. The Bullmastiff was bred in England from Bulldogs and the Old English Mastiff in the 1860s to help gamekeepers protect estates and game preserves against poachers, and like its close relative the Mastiff, it has a black face mask. The result is an intelligent, brave, affectionate, and highly loyal dog.
The accepted colors in the breed standard are fawn, red, and fawn-and-red brindle, and the breed has a powerful, athletic body. Because it shares Bulldog ancestry with several other guarding breeds, comparing it to the different types of Boxer dog breeds can help new owners understand where the Bullmastiff’s stubborn streak and short muzzle come from.
Pro Tip: Bull-and-mastiff crosses like the Bullmastiff tend to be strong-willed. Start obedience training and socialization at eight to ten weeks old, well before the dog reaches a size that makes handling difficult.
4. Cane Corso (Italian Mastiff)
The Cane Corso descends more directly from the ancient Molossus than most of its mastiff cousins. The Cane Corso is closely related to the Molossus dog, even more so than the Neapolitan Mastiff, though this breed trends smaller and more stubborn, so a consistent training and socialization schedule is a must from puppyhood.
Watchful and quick to learn, the Cane Corso is smart and highly trainable, making a great watchdog, and because it is less bulky than some other mastiff breeds, it can do well in an apartment as long as it gets daily exercise outside. Despite its muscled physique, the breed moves with remarkable grace, and Corsi were all but extinct by the mid-20th century until a group of Italian fanciers worked together in the 1970s to revive the breed. A solid black Cane Corso is one of the more recognizable large black dog breeds seen in US suburbs today, and it makes the same devoted family dog as its brindle or gray littermates. Owners drawn to protective, trainable breeds sometimes also research the different types of German Shepherd dogs before deciding which guardian temperament suits their household.
5. Neapolitan Mastiff
If any mastiff breed embodies the wrinkled, jowly stereotype, it is the Neapolitan Mastiff. This modern Italian breed doesn’t disappoint on the wrinkle front and is one of the breeds most closely related to the ancient Molossus dog. According to the American Kennel Club, the Neapolitan Mastiff was rediscovered in Italy in the 1940s.
Its temperament shifts noticeably depending on the company. Like many mastiff breeds, the Neapolitan Mastiff behaves very differently among loved ones versus strangers — affectionate and calm with friends and family, while its guarding instincts come out around those it does not know. Coat color is one place this breed stands out among popular black dog breeds: Neapolitan Mastiffs come in black, blue, mahogany, brindle, and tawny coloring, and are naturally watchful, dignified, and loyal companions. Whatever the shade, the breed was historically used in Italy to guard estates, where its large size — weighing in at over 150 pounds — kept out all but the most determined intruders.
6. Boerboel (South African Mastiff)
The Boerboel earns its “South African Mastiff” nickname honestly. The Boerboel, pronounced BOR-bul, is a breed from South Africa, which is why the dogs are sometimes known as South African Mastiffs, and this athletic mastiff breed reaches 200 pounds. Farmers there originally bred the Boerboel to guard remote homesteads and protect livestock from predators, a role reflected in its confident, territorial instincts today.
Owners should plan on at least one long walk each day for their Boerboel to keep this powerful, energetic breed satisfied. Its farm-guarding roots make it worth comparing to the working guardians described in the guide to different types of cattle breeds, since many Boerboels were bred specifically to patrol pastures alongside herds.
7. Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff)
Recognizable by its furrowed brow and heavy jowls, the Dogue de Bordeaux carries a working history stretching back to ancient Rome. The French Mastiff, also known as the Dogue de Bordeaux, is slightly smaller than English Mastiffs, weighing in at around 150 pounds, and is known for its large head, square body, and short, wrinkled face.
French Mastiffs are loyal and protective of their families and make great guard dogs, but they can be aggressive toward other dogs and strangers if not properly trained and socialized. The average life expectancy of a French Mastiff is between 7 and 10 years. As of 2021, the breed ranked 70th out of 197 breeds in AKC popularity rankings, a standing that grew substantially after the 1989 film Turner & Hooch introduced American audiences to the breed through Tom Hanks’s on-screen companion.
8. Great Dane (German Mastiff)
Despite its towering height, the Great Dane belongs firmly in the mastiff conversation. The Molosser group that includes several different mastiff breeds also includes dogs like the Chinese Shar-Pei, the Great Dane, and the Newfoundland, according to the Canadian Mastiff Club.
Sometimes called the German Mastiff, the Great Dane is a highly recognizable breed of dog, and while it may take more effort to train than other mastiff breeds, it is happiest when it has people for whom to care and protect, requiring lots of stimulation and exercise. It also has one of the shorter lifespans of mastiff dogs, at seven to ten years. Families weighing a Great Dane against other giant, gentle companions often also look at the types of Retriever dog breeds for a size-and-temperament comparison.
9. Perro de Presa Canario
The Perro de Presa Canario is a lesser-known but formidable member of this group. The Perro de Presa Canario is a Molosser-type dog from the Canary Islands of Spain, where it worked to protect livestock and guard homes.
Powerful and agile, the Presa is not for everyone, but owners with the time to provide plenty of exercise and engaging activities will see how loyal and loving the breed can be. Its bully-breed build and guarding drive invite comparison with the types of Pit Bull dog breeds, another group known for athleticism and misunderstood reputations.
10. American Mastiff
A relatively young addition to the mastiff family, the American Mastiff was developed specifically with families in mind. The American Mastiff, a cross between the English Mastiff and the Turkish Mastiff, is great for families, though owners with small children should be careful since these dogs can inadvertently knock over small humans with their massive bulk.
These dogs are also popular due to their attractive colors, including brindle, apricot, and fawn, and their relatively dry mouth and lack of drool, which can be an issue with other mastiff breeds. Readers curious about exactly which working breeds contributed to this newer type can check the breakdown of what breeds make a North American Mastiff.
11. Anatolian Shepherd Dog (Anatolian Mastiff)
Few breeds on this list have a longer working résumé than the Anatolian Shepherd Dog, sometimes called the Anatolian Mastiff. Known as one of mankind’s very first canine companions, the Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a true guardian that has protected 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 who can handle a dominating breed; with the right leadership and training, they are calm, loving, and fiercely protective of their family members. Its livestock-guarding job pairs naturally with the flocks covered in the guide to types of shepherd dogs and the broader overview of different types of sheep breeds that dogs like this were bred to protect.
12. Dogo Argentino (Argentine Mastiff/Argentinian Mastiff)
Bred in the 1920s for big-game hunting on the pampas, the Dogo Argentino is technically not a true mastiff but is widely classified as a mastiff-type breed. The Dogo Argentino is considered a mastiff-type dog, and it shows in its build and guarding drive.
These dogs love their families and will fiercely protect them from danger. The breed is strong and confident, with a high intelligence and extreme athleticism, and it was bred to protect family and property, a role it still fills well in American households today. Its short white coat and athletic frame make it a useful counterpoint when researching the types of Pit Bull dog breeds, since both groups are frequently subject to similar public misconceptions.
13. Fila Brasileiro (Brazilian Mastiff)
The Fila Brasileiro, or Brazilian Mastiff, is one of the most distinctive-looking and most debated breeds on this list. Standing up to 29.5 inches at the shoulder with a big, blocky head, the Fila Brasileiro can seem intimidating, but beneath that muscular exterior lies a sweet dog ready to be a friend for life.
Bred in Brazil for tasks like hunting big game and guarding plantations, these dogs have always been known for their tracking ability, courage, and tenacity. That devotion comes with a well-documented flip side toward outsiders. The temperament of the modern Fila Brasileiro has become a controversial topic, and breeders of the modern dogs are proud of their “ojeriza,” or extreme aversion to strangers, remaining totally averse to the use of guard dog training.
Important Note: Because of its intense wariness toward strangers, the Fila Brasileiro is restricted or banned in some cities and countries. Anyone considering this breed should check state and local breed-specific ordinances before bringing one home.
14. Spanish Mastiff
The Spanish Mastiff, or Mastín Español, is one of the oldest livestock guardian breeds in Europe, developed to protect sheep and cattle from wolves across the mountains of Spain. Its influence stretches far beyond its home country. One theory holds that the Fila Brasileiro resulted from selective breeding between Spanish and Portuguese dogs such as the Spanish Mastiff, or other large breeds brought to Brazil during the Iberian Union.
Massive, calm, and slow to mature, the Spanish Mastiff shares the same deliberate temperament found across most flock-guarding giants. Its long career guarding herds through open Iberian grazing land connects naturally to the working goat and sheep flocks described in the overview of different types of goat breeds that livestock guardian dogs were originally bred to protect.
15. Pyrenean Mastiff
High in the mountains between France and Spain, the Pyrenean Mastiff spent centuries guarding transhumant sheep flocks on long seasonal migrations. This ancient breed was historically prized for its ability to protect shepherds and their livestock.
That working past translates into a surprisingly mellow family dog today. Gentle, calm, and intelligent, Pyrenean Mastiffs make excellent family dogs, though owners should be ready for regular grooming, plus extra during seasonal shedding. Given its history guarding dairy flocks, it pairs well conceptually with the guide to types of sheep breeds that produce milk, the very animals breeds like this once protected on the mountainside.
16. American Bandogge Mastiff
Unlike most breeds on this list, the American Bandogge Mastiff is not an ancient lineage but a modern working cross, typically combining a mastiff-type breed with a bull-type breed such as the American Pit Bull Terrier to produce an intense personal guardian. It is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, and quality varies widely between breeding programs.
American Bandogge Mastiffs are big, confident dogs that are extremely loyal and protective of their families, and despite their often intimidating appearance, well-socialized Bandogges can be affectionate, dependable black dog breeds for families that have experience handling powerful, independent-minded dogs. Because of its bull-breed heritage, anyone considering a Bandogge should also review the types of Pit Bull dog breeds that commonly appear in the cross.
Choosing Among the Types of Mastiff Dog Breeds
With 16 distinct types of mastiff dog breeds to choose from, the right fit comes down to space, experience, and how much guarding instinct a household actually wants. Families after a mellow, low-drama giant tend to gravitate toward the English Mastiff or Pyrenean Mastiff, while those wanting an alert, athletic protector often land on the Cane Corso or Boerboel.
Common Mistake: Assuming a mastiff’s calm, sleepy demeanor at home means it needs less socialization. Nearly every breed on this list was bred to guard, and undersocialized puppies can grow into adult dogs that are difficult and even dangerous to manage around visitors.
It is worth noting that this entire group skews large to giant — anyone specifically searching for small black dog breeds will need to look outside the mastiff family entirely, since even the more moderately sized Bullmastiff and Dogo Argentino still weigh 80 pounds or more. Whichever breed ends up in the running, giant dogs also need giant-appropriate nutrition, and new owners should review guidance on what types of meat dogs can eat before switching a mastiff-sized appetite onto a new diet plan.
Mastiffs, in nearly every variety, share the same core deal: enormous size paired with an outsized capacity for loyalty. Matching the right type of mastiff dog breed to the right household takes homework, but for the families willing to put in the training and space these dogs need, few breeds return the investment in devotion quite like a mastiff does.