How Strong Is An English Mastiff? (Bite Strength + Other Facts)

Do you have an English Mastiff, or are you thinking about getting one? Their sheer size makes people wonder how strong they really are.

Here is what is known about the Mastiff's strength, plus some facts about this giant breed.

How strong is an English Mastiff? Very strong. According to the AKC breed standard, males stand at least 30 inches tall and weigh 160 to 230 pounds. Online claims that Mastiffs bite with about 500 to 550 pounds of pressure are not backed by published research.

Let's look at what is actually known about their bite, size, temperament, and training.

How Strong Is The Bite Of An English Mastiff?

There is no published scientific measurement of English Mastiff bite force. The breed-by-breed "PSI" lists that circulate online do not cite peer-reviewed studies.

Veterinary research shows that bite force depends mainly on body weight and skull size and shape. In one study of 22 dogs weighing 7 to 55 kg, bite force ranged from 13 to 1,394 newtons (about 3 to 313 pounds of force), with an average of 256 newtons.

Because Mastiffs are so large, it is reasonable to expect a strong bite. But no reliable number exists, and claims that they "out-bite" pit bulls or German Shepherds by a set amount are guesswork.

How Much Weight Can English Mastiff Pull?

Mastiffs have heavy, muscular bodies and can pull serious weight when trained and conditioned. Some take part in weight pull and carting events.

There is no reliable record for how much a Mastiff can pull. Weight pull results depend on the cart, wheels or rails, surface, and conditioning, so big numbers posted online are not comparable.

Do English Mastiffs A Dangerous Breed?

The AKC describes the Mastiff as "docile and dignified but also a formidable protector" of its family. Its listed temperament traits are courageous, dignified, and good-natured.

Are English Mastiffs a dangerous breed? Not by nature, but any dog this large can cause serious injury if it is poorly socialized or mishandled. Early training and socialization matter more with a giant breed, simply because of its size and strength.

Mastiffs are protective, and they tend to be reserved with strangers. A well-raised Mastiff is usually calm and gentle at home.

Never approach any unfamiliar dog without the owner's permission, and teach children to do the same.

Where Are English Mastiffs Banned?

Breed rules vary by country, state, and city, and they change over time. Check current local laws before getting any large guardian breed.

English Mastiffs Are Banned In These locations:

In Ireland, the English Mastiff is not on the restricted list. The related Bull Mastiff is restricted: in public it must be muzzled and kept on a short, strong lead by a person over 16.

Some cities and counties in the US have their own breed-specific rules. Check with your local animal control office.

Even where Mastiffs are legal, some landlords, condos, and homeowners' associations limit large dogs or set weight limits.

Breaking local rules can lead to fines, so check before you bring a Mastiff home.

Can A English Mastiff Kill A Wolf?

There is no reliable evidence to answer this. Mastiffs are large and powerful, but wolves are fast, agile wild predators, and a fight could seriously injure or kill either animal.

Mastiffs were historically used as guardians, but today's Mastiff is a companion and watchdog, not a hunting or fighting dog. Dogs should never be set against wild animals or other dogs.

Do English Mastiffs Good Guard Dogs?

People looking for a guard dog usually want these qualities:

• Easy to train
• Large Size
• Smart
• Obedient
• Strong
• Protective but stable

Here is how the Mastiff measures up.

Are English Mastiffs easy to train? Mastiffs are intelligent and eager to please, but they can be stubborn. Positive, reward-based training works best, and it should start in puppyhood while they are still a manageable size.

The Mastiff is one of the largest dog breeds. The AKC standard lists males at 30 inches and up and 160 to 230 pounds, and females at 27.5 inches and up and 120 to 170 pounds.

Mastiffs are not fast dogs. Their strength is their size and steady temperament, not speed.

So, are English Mastiffs good guard dogs? They are natural watchdogs and protectors. Their size and deep bark deter most intruders, and they tend to place themselves between their family and a stranger rather than attack.

They are protective of their home, which is why a well-socialized Mastiff makes a good watchdog.

Will English Mastiffs Protect Their Owners?

Yes, Mastiffs are loyal and protective of their families. A well-socialized Mastiff is usually calm and gentle, and it saves its protective side for real threats.

Mastiffs that are not exposed to people and other dogs as puppies can become overly wary of strangers. Early socialization is the key to a stable adult.

Mastiffs typically protect by putting their body between their owner and a stranger and by barking, not by attacking.

Final Thoughts

English Mastiffs are very strong dogs because of their sheer size. Their bite force has never been reliably measured, so be skeptical of exact numbers you see online. Despite their size, they are typically gentle and loyal. Put time into training and socializing your Mastiff from puppyhood.

Sources

• Mastiff Dog Breed Information, American Kennel Club
• Bite Forces and Their Measurement in Dogs and Cats, Frontiers in Veterinary Science (via PubMed Central)
• Dog Control, Government of Ireland