Types of Mastiff Breeds
The Dogue de Bordeaux is an immensely powerful mastiff-type guardian. Males can go 27 inches high and 110 pounds. The short, eye-catching coat is a richly colored fawn.
The English Mastiff is a breed of extremely large dog (often known simply as the Mastiff) perhaps descended from the ancient Alaunt and Pugnaces Britanniae, with a significant input from the Alpine Mastiff in the 19th century.
While the Mastiff is expected to live a bit over 10 years, the Great Dane usually has a lifespan of less than 10 years. The Great Dane Mastiff mixed dog is a big pet, since both breeds have over 25 inches in height and a weight of over 110 pounds.
The Leonberger is one of the oldest breeds originating in Germany. It is a large, long haired breed that was always meant to be foremost a companion and watch dog. Leonbergers can come in different colors and build but all should have black masks and have a strong body that is still elegant and neither massive nor plump.
The Neapolitan Mastiff or Mastino (Italian: Mastino Napoletano) is a large, ancient dog breed. This massive breed is often used as a guard and defender of family and property due to their protective instincts and their fearsome appearance.
The heavier breed was known as the Greater Newfoundland, or Newfoundland. The smaller breed was known as the Lesser Newfoundland, or St. John's dog. The St. John's dog became the founding breed of the modern retrievers.
The Saint Bernard was founded in 980 AD by St. Bernard de Menthon and bred by monks, most likely by crossing the ancient Tibetan mastiff with the Great Dane, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Great Pyrenees.
We have discussed getting another Scottish Deerhound ever since. Like his breed, Obie was a gentle giant. If you look at the photo of him, Duke and little Torrey you can see both the Scottish Deerhound and English Mastiff are intimidated by Torrey, the Chihuahua.