If you’re a proud owner of an English Mastiff, you may be wondering when this giant breed will stop growing. After all, they are the largest dog breed in the world!
So, when does an English Mastiff stop growing?
While many different factors impact growth, English Mastiffs get close to their adult height after about one year. However, it will still take puppies two to three years to finish growing and mature into full adults. This is because giant dog breeds take much longer to finish growing than small ones.
If you wish to know more about the growth of the English Mastiff and what that means for you as an owner, you’re in luck! Keep reading to learn all you should know about when English Mastiffs are done growing.
How Big Do English Mastiffs Get?
This is one of the first questions every English Mastiff owner has wondered!
English Mastiffs are a giant dog breed, meaning that even the smallest among them will be much larger than most dogs! You can expect your English Mastiff to weigh between 160 to 230 pounds and stand nearly 3 feet tall.
Most English Mastiff owners assume their dog is done growing after the first year and buy equipment such as collars that cannot expand.
They certainly end up surprised when a year passes and their English Mastiff has kept growing! Their mature form is not typically reached until at least 2 years of age.
As an owner or hopeful owner of an English Mastiff, you should always be prepared for your pup to reach the maximum size of the breed.
This is a good way to be ready for anything; even if your Mastiff puppy stays on the smaller side of the breed. At least you are properly prepared to care for this big breed.
Why Do Some English Mastiffs Grow at Different Sizes?
As with any dog breed, English Mastiffs are not one size fits all! You may notice that your pup is growing at a different rate or size than others. This is nothing to worry about!
There are several factors that can cause differing sizes among English Mastiffs.
- Genetics. Yes, genetics is also an important factor to consider when it comes to your dog! Having basic information about the parents of your English Mastiff may not be possible, but it can reveal a lot about the expected size and growth rate of the dog itself.
- Diet and Exercise. It is common for diet and exercise to impact growth rate, even in big dogs like the English Mastiff. Both an excess or lack of proper nutrients can lead to slow growth and differing sizes, simply because your dog’s body lacks what it needs to grow.
- Disease or Underlying Condition. This is very rare, but puppies and young English Mastiffs can suffer from a disease or condition which slows down or stunts their growth. For example, Mastiffs often suffer from joint issues and conditions.
Ultimately, none of these factors are completely under your control. If you have any concerns about your English Mastiff’s growth, don’t hesitate to contact your vet.
Otherwise, just enjoy watching these loveable giants grow up.
What is Their Average Weight and Height?
While it is obvious that English Mastiffs are large, it’s important to know the specifics. Male English Mastiffs typically reach a minimum height of at least 30 inches at the shoulders, with females only slightly smaller at 27.5 inches. There is no standard height for the breed, instead ranging from 30 to 36 inches tall.
The weight of these big dogs also fluctuates, giving a standard range instead of an average.
Males can be expected to weigh anywhere from 160-230 pounds, and females follow closely behind with a range of 120-170 pounds. That’s why English Mastiffs are truly known as gentle giants!
Since English Mastiffs take longer to mature, it will be roughly two years before they reach their maximum average weight.
Much of this growth will be done during their first year before they slowly mature into their adult bodies. It is truly astounding to see the puppies go from 5 pounds to over 100 in a few years!
Can an English Mastiff Grow Again After They Have Stopped?
Owners should be ready for the long haul as they watch their puppy grow into a massive dog! Yet there is a common question left: will an English Mastiff end up growing again?
Generally speaking, the answer is no. An English Mastiff may take a long time to grow into themselves, but that means that they are usually done growing completely when they are finished.
“This process takes two to three years, so it is common for English Mastiffs to seem like they are growing later in life.“
While an English Mastiff reaches a mature size after about two years, it will still be settling into its bones and joints. This can give the appearance of growth after the typical period has passed.
But fear not; after the three-year period, you typically will not see your Mastiff getting any bigger.
Genetics have a big factor in determining size, so these two tips are the best ways to help your English Mastiff grow!
How Much Exercise Should They Get Each Day?
While exercise is essential to keep your English Mastiff healthy, it is important not to overdo it! These dogs are big and can easily experience bone or joint issues if they engage in strenuous exercise.
Stick to low-impact activities like walks and gentle playtime to keep your English Mastiff fit and healthy!
It is recommended that English Mastiffs get regular exercise, up to one hour of exercise each day. They need to burn off their excess energy to avoid potential destructive behaviors. This can be spread out over walks, games of fetch, and playtime.
Try to get at least one hour each day and remember not to overdo it, and all will be well!
What Type of Diet Do They Need?
As expected, English Mastiffs are one of the largest giant breeds and need a proper diet! One important thing to remember is that Mastiffs tend to be a bit lazy, so it is crucial that their diet is not super fatty and that they don’t need to eat in excess.
The dietary needs of an English Mastiff change as they grow! Here is a rough timeline to remember.
– As a puppy, your Mastiff will need a high protein diet with about 25% protein and 12-15% fat content. This is because more protein is needed to grow.
– As a mature dog, your Mastiff should not have more than 21% protein in their diet. Other nutrients and supplements can take the place of protein and fat once your dog is done growing!
Does Size Affect Their Health?
Unfortunately, the massive size of an English Mastiff does make them more susceptible to health issues. Bone and joint issues are common, especially when a Mastiff overdoes strenuous exercise early in their life.
English Mastiffs also have and lazy dispositions, so they are prone to obesity unless food intake is monitored.
Mastiffs can also potentially suffer from heart defects. It is important to be aware of these issues and to work together with your vet to monitor and prevent them. As long as you are aware, your Mastiff’s health will be manageable for as long as possible.
Does Spaying or Neutering Affect Growth?
No definitive studies have been conducted on the effects of spaying or neutering Mastiffs on their growth, so there is no clear consensus on whether or not these procedures have an impact.
However, some Mastiff breeders and owners believe that spaying or neutering may slow down a Mastiff’s growth rate. It is important to note that there are health risks associated with both procedures, so any decision to spay or neuter should be made in consultation with a veterinarian.
Mastiff puppies typically reach their full adult size by 18 months old, though they may continue to fill out and bulk up until they are two or three years old.
However, fully grown English Mastiffs can range in weight from 160 to 230 pounds. Mastiffs are considered to be physically mature when they reach two years old, though they may continue to fill out and bulk up until they are three years old.
One common health condition that can affect Mastiffs is called “growth plate closure.” Growth plates are areas of growing bone that eventually fuse together as a puppy matures.
If English Mastiffs are allowed to grow too quickly, their growth plates may close prematurely, which can lead to joint problems later in life. For this reason, it is important for Mastiff puppies to maintain a healthy weight and not grow too fast.
How Do I Make My English Mastiff Bigger?
There are a few things you can do to help your English Mastiff reach their full growth potential.
First, it’s important to know that the vast majority of a dog’s growth occurs between 0-9 months of age. After that, they will experience a “growth plateau” until they are around 18 months old. So, if you’re looking to help your Mastiff grow to their full potential, the key months to focus on are 0-9.
There are a few things you can do during this time period to help encourage growth. First, make sure they are getting enough food. A good rule of thumb is to feed them twice as much as an adult Mastiff of the same breed would eat.
It’s also important to make sure they are getting good quality food that is appropriate for their age and stage of development.
Exercise
Second, make sure they are getting enough exercise. A healthy adult Mastiff has boundless energy and needs a consistent exercise routine. This should include approximately 30 minutes of daily exercise, but puppies will need even more than that.
A good way to ensure they are getting adequate exercise is to take them on at least two walks per day and to make sure they have plenty of time to run and play in a safe, enclosed area.
Monitor weight
Finally, it’s important to monitor their weight gain. You can do this by tracking their weight on a growth chart (available from most vets or online) and by checking their body condition regularly.
A healthy puppy should be gaining weight steadily and should not be carrying any excess body fat. If you are concerned about your Mastiff’s weight or physical condition, please speak to your vet.
Remember, every dog is different and will grow at its own pace.
The above guidelines are simply meant to help your Mastiff reach their full potential. If you have any concerns about your dog’s health or development, please speak to your vet.
Final thoughts
The growing rate of an English Mastiff may seem long, but it will vanish in the blink of an eye! As your puppy matures, three years down the line you will have a fully grown English Mastiff!
Regular check-ups with your vet will be perfect to ensure your Mastiff is growing normally. Keep in mind the dietary and exercise needs, and you will have no trouble at all as your puppy grows.
