Are you confused whether a Mastin is the same as a Mastiff? Luckily, there is a simple answer…
Yes: Mastins are “Mastiffs”. The reason the two names get confused is that ‘Mastiff’ translates to ‘Mastin’ in Spanish, which is home to many mastiff breeds (such as the Spanish Mastiff, AKA ‘Mastín español’).
Mastin Espanol are purebred Mastiffs and are pretty rare dogs and practically non-existent outside of their native Spain.
Another dog, the Spanish call Mastin Ligeros (Light Mastiff), tends to be lighter weight and crossbreeds.
Spanish Mastiffs have a history dating back over a thousand years, and in those days, their primary purpose was guarding shepherds and their flocks. Known to be highly loyal and fearless Spanish Mastiffs made perfect guard dogs.
Spanish Mastiffs resemble other Mastiff breeds; they are large, mighty, and robust dogs with distinctively large heads. Mastins are tremendously heavy-set dogs with big broad chests; some can weigh upwards of 100 KG.
What Is A Mastiff?
Mastiffs are a giant breed of guarding and fighting dogs from England; these dogs have been in existence for more than two thousand years. If you look back even further, you’ll find records of these dogs throughout Asia. Back then, they were known as the Molossian breeds.
It’s said that Julius Caesar was so impressed by the fighting abilities of the British war dogs he took some back to Rome with him.
Romans cruelly put them into the arenas to fight lions, tigers, etc., even humans. In more recent times in England, dog owners pitted Mastiffs against bears and bulls.
Mastiffs are calm, gentle giants, which contradicts their early history. They are loyal and loving family dogs today. However, they still possess their territorial and guarding instincts and are tremendously protective of their families.
Is a Mastin a Mastiff?
‘Mastin’ is the Spanish word for ‘Mastiff’, although both can be used when referring to this breed in English. The ‘Mastin Espanol’, when translated to English, means ‘Spanish Mastiff’, and is one of several Mastiff breeds. In the next section, we will list the different types of Mastiff.
Types Of Mastiff
We’ve compiled a list of the most well-known Mastiffs in alphabetical order. Many Mastiffs are known by different names; nevertheless, they are still Mastiffs.
- Abruzzese Mastiff / Mastino Abruzzese
- American Mastiff / American Bandogge Mastiff
- Argentinian Mastiff / Dogo Argentino
- Brazillian Mastiff / Filo Brasileiro
- Bullmastiff / Bullmastiff
- Canary Mastiff / Perro de Presa Canario
- English Mastiff / Mastiff
- French Mastiff / Dogue de Bordeaux
- German Mastiff / Great Dane
- Italian Mastiff / Cane Corso
- Japanese Mastiff / Tosa Inu
- Korean Mastiff / Dosa Gae
- Neapolitan Mastiff / Neapolitan Mastiff
- Pakistani Mastiff / Bully Kutta
- Pyrenean Mastiff / Pyrenean Mastiff
- South African Mastiff / Boerboel
- Spanish Mastiff / Mastin Espanol
- Tibetan Mastiff / Tibetan Mastiff
- Turkish Mastiff / Aksaray Malaklisi
How Many Breeds of Mastiff Are There?
When we hear the term Mastiff we tend to think about the English Mastiff; however, there are numerous Mastiff breeds around the world.
Certain features, characteristics, and traits are common to all Mastiffs, but they aren’t exactly the same in all respects. They mostly have different temperaments, and there are some differences in their appearance.
The list above includes nineteen of the most common Mastiffs that are well known.
What Are Characteristics That Typify The Average Mastiff?
Here are six typical Mastiff Characteristics.
Mastiffs are affectionate: When you bring home a Mastiff puppy, they quickly bond with the entire family. They are calm and laid-back dogs and extremely gentle. Not only are they loyal and devoted, but they are very protective of their family and make significant guard dogs.
Mastiffs are good with kids: Mastiffs are lovely around kids. However, owners must take care around young children because Mastiffs aren’t aware of their vast bulk. They can knock a toddler for six or even sit on them; 80kg of dog sitting on top of a young child can inflict severe damage.
Excellent sense of smell: From their earliest origins, Mastiffs have been hunting dogs. Their incredible sense of smell is hardwired into them.
Mastiffs drool: All Mastiffs drool, having prominent droopy jowls make it difficult for the Mastiff to hold in their saliva. They also drool through excitement when they smell food, are stressed, excited, exercising, and if they get overheated.
All Mastiffs are loyal and devoted: Mastiffs need early socialization and obedience training. But what they need most is a firm, kind and consistent owner. They respond well to positive training, and even though they can be stubborn by being firm but consistent, you can easily overcome any willful behavior.
Mastiffs have low exercise needs: Mastiffs are similar to many giant breeds and don’t need much exercise. Too much can be detrimental to their bones and joints; there’s a lot of weight pounding through the hips and other joints.