Are Mastiffs Good Guard Dogs? Temperament & Personality Traits

Mastiffs are loyal dogs that would do anything to keep their family safe. They're known for their rich history, originating as guard dogs in England. Considering their ancestry, these dogs are impressive at protecting their humans and territory. With an average weight between 170 and 230 pounds, they'll intimidate any uninvited guest and guard your house and property.

Read the article below to learn more about Mastiffs and their guarding abilities.

History of the Mastiff

Mastiffs have been known to exist for thousands of years, with some research showing they were around in some form in Egyptian, Greek, and Roman times. Reliefs from the Babylonian palace clearly show large mastiff-type dogs hunting lions.¹ All massive mountain dogs in France, Spain, Turkey, and the Balkans have Mastiff blood in their ancestry. While their origin is still not entirely known to this day, most people firmly believe that the British were the ones to keep and maintain the purest form of Mastiffs to this day. They used them as guard dogs on properties since their large constitutions were intimidating enough to keep intruders away.

During the 16th century, Mastiffs were used to fight wild animals as a part of royal entertainment. While this sport was eventually thankfully brought to an end on account of being cruel, the royal family continued to breed Mastiffs.

It is said that Mastiffs accompanied the Pilgrims on the Mayflower journey to the New World.

By the time the 1920s came, Mastiffs were almost extinct because no household could afford to feed a dog that eats as much as a soldier does. At the end of World War II, the breed was revived, being brought from Canada to the United States.

Luckily, Mastiffs are well-established again today, and the US is one of the most populated Mastiff countries.

Are Mastiffs Good for Families?

Mastiffs are ideal for large families and they protect those close to them. While they may be large and accidentally knock over a smaller toddler, they try their best to show their kindness and gentle nature. Mastiffs are relatively calm dogs that keep barking at a minimum and spend their days cuddled up next to you. While they are patient and gentle, they tend to jump at any potential threat. Mastiffs are ideal family dogs because they are affectionate and caring, making them excellent with children. Despite their large and intimidating size, these dogs will show unconditional love and kindness to their owners. They are outgoing and friendly with other pets, especially when socialized from a young age.

Are Mastiffs Protective?

Considering their guard dog origin, Mastiffs are quite protective of their family members. They tend to be suspicious of strangers and very territorial. While Mastiffs are not aggressive by nature, if not socialized properly from an early age, they can become overly protective toward any new guest you may have in your home. It is recommended to expose your Mastiff puppy early to many new situations and people. Proper training, while they are puppies, will ensure a healthy relationship with your dog and a safe environment. With their 200 pounds, they are amazing as guard dogs, as no intruder will ever want to cross their path.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, you can understand the kindness behind the intimidating appearance of Mastiffs. While these dogs are excellent as guard dogs, they require plenty of love and affection to be happy and healthy. They are gentle souls who want to protect their family at all costs, and as such, are one of the best guard dogs out there.

Featured Image Credit: Ricantimages, Shutterstock