Longevity
Life expectancy
The life expectancy of the Mastiff is generally between 10 and 11 years, which corresponds to the average for very large breeds. An appropriate diet, prevention of overweight, and early screening for locomotor and cardiac disorders help preserve its quality of life.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
The Mastiff gains in sturdiness once adult, but it remains less hardy than one might imagine given its size. Its growth must be managed to protect its bones and joints, and its large format exposes it to several conditions typical of giant breeds.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Monitoring the Mastiff should mainly focus on its growth, its joints, its digestion and its locomotor comfort. Any drop in condition, lameness, abdominal distension or intolerance to effort warrants a prompt consultation.
Hip dysplasia: This orthopedic condition is favored by the large size and can cause pain, lameness, and early osteoarthritis.
Elbow dysplasia: It can appear in growing dogs and can permanently hinder movement if it is not managed.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus: As in other giant breeds, this life-threatening emergency requires splitting meals and avoiding exercise before and after feeding.
Eyelid disorders: Abnormalities such as entropion or ectropion can irritate the eye and require veterinary follow-up.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The Mastiff tolerates moderate cold rather well thanks to its body mass, but it copes poorly with heat. In hot periods, activity must be limited to cool hours, shade must be provided at all times and any unnecessary exertion that could cause heatstroke must be avoided.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
Weight control is crucial in the Mastiff, because each extra kilo increases the load on its joints and can worsen mobility difficulties. A measured ration, limited treats and regular monitoring of body condition are strongly recommended.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Control weight from the youngest age.
- Spare the joints during growth.
- Consult promptly in case of a swollen belly or digestive discomfort.
- Plan a regular locomotor follow-up with the veterinarian.
Vaccination
Mastiff vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Mastiff need? Like all dogs, Mastiffs should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Mastiff vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Mastiff booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Mastiff need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Mastiff
It is relevant to monitor the hips and elbows, cardiac condition, eyes and the progression of growth in the young dog. Before adoption, it is preferable to favor a breeder who selects its breeding stock and seriously follows orthopedic history.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
