Small dog breeds are generally lovable due to their manageable size and cuteness. In many cases, their petite size is beneficial for hunting ability and working.
Let’s talk about the Mastiff dog breed, which is popularly known for being very overpowering, large, and guard dogs. But in this article, you will be finding the small mastiff dog breeds that are comparatively smaller in size than others.
You will have a look at the most desirable, smart, and lapdogs. Here you are going to find the best-suited companion for your family or children.
Contents
Short List for Small Mastiff Breeds
The word Mastiff itself defines a group of dogs of similar build and size.
When we talk about small Mastiff breeds, it means they are smaller than 25 or 26 inches. Small dogs are usually easy to carry or transport. These dogs comparatively consume lower food and lesser medication expenses. Also, small dog breeds are best in homes in a small or limited spaces, but not in this case.
When we talk about Mastiff breeds, they are very big in size. So we have listed comparatively smaller size dogs from the Mastiff family. Those dogs are:
- Argentine Mastiffs
- French Mastiff
- Cane Corso
- Bullmastiffs
- Presa Canario
The Mastiff dog breed is known as a loyal guardian and guard dog for your property and family. They are playful and behave well with children. As you know, this breed is not for inexperienced and weak owners because they need the leadership of a consistent and confident master.
In this article, we are going to review and compare different small Mastiff breeds. They have different characteristics, appearances, sizes, and prices. Also, these beautiful top 5 Mastiffs can be found across every edge of the world.
Top 5 Small Mastiff Breeds
Below we have enlisted the top 5 small Mastiff breeds that are small in size. You can check out and compare their characteristics through the table. Here you will find the size, weight, lifespan, and price of the top 5 Mastiff breeds.
| Mastiff Breeds | Size and Weight | Life Expectancy | Cost |
| Argentine Mastiffs | 23 inches to 26 inches 80 lbs to 120 lbs | 10 years to 12 years | $1,000 to $5,000 |
| French Mastiff | 23 inches to 26 inches100 to 125 lbs | 5 years to 8 years | $1,500 to $2,000 |
| Cane Corso | 24 inches to 26 inches 90 lbs 110 lbs | 9 years to 11 years | $1,500 to $3,000 |
| Bullmastiffs | 24 inches to 26 inches110 lbs to 120 lbs | 8 years to 10 years | $1,500 to $2,500 |
| Presa Canario | 23 inches to 26 inches80 lbs to 110 lbs | 9 years to 11 years | $3,400 to $7,500 |
Argentine Mastiffs
This breed is popularly called Dogo Argentino and the Argentine Dogo in many parts of the world.
Argentine Mastiff was first bred in the year 1928, from the Cordoba Fighting Dog. It was developed or originated in Argentina. Earlier it was used for hunting animals such as wild boar.
The size of Dogo Argentino is 24 inches to 26 inches. Also, their weight is approx 80 lbs to 120 lbs.
This is a strong, loyal, and athletic dog breed. Also, it is fair to consider them as gentle protectors of their families and fierce hunters. They have a strong will, a high prey drive.
Argentine Mastiffs need physical activity, exercise, and mental stimulation. You need to be firm and patient while training them because they can get bored easily.
This breed is also trained for rescue, police work, military work, and search operations. However, now people keep the Argentine Mastiff as a pet dog for the family or children.
You can buy this breed starting from $1,000 and can be up to $5,000.
French Mastiff
In the 14th century, French Mastiff was known in France, particularly around Bordeaux in the southern France region. This breed is known by many names, such as Dogue de Bordeaux, Bordeaux dog, and Bordeaux Mastiff.
The size of the French Mastiff is 23 inches to 26 inches. And their weight is approx 100 to 125 lbs.
It is an affectionate, devoted, sweet dog in the Mastiff breed. But sometimes they can be arrogant and stubborn.
French Mastiff is a powerful dog with a muscular body. Earlier, this breed was used by people for the work of transporting heavy objects, guarding flocks, and pulling carts. However, today, undoubtedly, they are being popular as a family companion.
While training, you need to be very patient and firm. It’s always better to teach socialization at an early age to prevent a dog’s aggression over other animals.
If you want to buy a French Mastiff puppy, it will cost $1,500 to $2,000.
Cane Corso
The Cane Corso breed originated in Italy. The lineage of Corso goes back to earlier Roman times, and the name of the breed comes from the Latin as ‘bodyguard-dog.’
Fédération Cynologique Internationale accepted the Cane Corso breed in 1996 and got full acceptance in the year 2007. In 2010, the AKC (American Kennel Club) of the U.S registered this breed.
Cane Corso stands about 24 inches to 26 inches, while their weight is approx 90 lbs to 110 lbs.
Cane Corso’s dog breed is highly energetic, athletic, and intelligent. They need plenty of exercise or activity to stay mentally and physically fit.
It is usually used for personal protection, law enforcement, tracking, as a guard dog, and now as a family companion dog.
Cane Corso’s grooming is quite easier due to their short coats. You can brush their hair once every two weeks. You can bathe him with a two months gap.
You can buy a Cane Corso puppy for $1,500 to $3,000.
Bullmastiffs
During the mid-19th century, the Bullmastiff was developed by British gamekeepers. It was used as the country estates’ protector from poachers.
This breed was created by the breed crossing of the English Bulldog with English Mastiff. In 1924 the EKC (English Kennel Club) recognized it as a purebred dog.
They stand from 24 inches to 26 inches, and their weight may vary from 110 lbs to 120 lbs.
The Bullmastiffs are alert, smart, and loyal dog breeds. This breed is gentle and quiet with a natural protective instinct. It is well known for being a good companion for children and family.
The Bluffmastiff breed is a moderately low shedder and needs routine grooming. Pay attention to your dog’s dental hygiene, nails, and paws. This dog breed is an independent thinker, and it makes their training a challenge. But you must try to train them from an early age.
Generally, the most common price for a Bullmastiff puppy is between $1,500 to $2,500.However, a top-quality Bullmastiff puppy will range from $3,500 and maybe more.
Presa Canario
The Presa Canario is a mastiff’s Spanish breed or catch dog type. This breed originated in the Canary Islands autonomous region. Presa Canario can be seen in the islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
The size of Presa Canario is approx 23 inches to 26 inches. Their weight may lay between 80 lbs to 110 lbs.
Presa Canario is considered a balanced temperamental dog, and he is really self-confident. When they are alert, their stance is vigilant and firm.
This dog breed has fast-growing nails, so you must trim them regularly. The highly energetic breed demands daily exercise, which includes walks and playtime outdoors every day.
The cost of this breed is comparatively high. You can buy a puppy at $3,400 to $7,500.
Tips for a Healthy Mastiff Breeds
The Mastiffs are one of the most ancient dog breeds. The Molossus was known for 500 years as the ancestor of Mastiffs.
Mastiff dog breeds are born with natural protective instincts. And there are many situations when they become over-territorial and overprotective.
Early Socialization
The Mastiffs don’t get used to things early. So, try to train them at an early stage of life.
Be Polite
Mastiffs are intelligent dog breeds and easily pick up hints from their masters. They may get depressed when you talk to them harshly.
Regular Exercise
As you already know, Mastiffs are energetic dogs, and they need a daily dose of exercise. They will be happier when doing different activities or playing.
Limit The Food
Overeating can cause obesity in your Mastiff dog breed. So, foster good eating habits.
Conclusion
So you have found the top 5 small mastiff dogs for yourself and your family. And also the way to take care of these cute dog breeds. Generally, mastiffs are very large and giant-sized dogs, but dogs below 26 inches can be considered small compared to other dogs.
Considering a mastiff as a family companion is undoubtedly an excellent choice. With good training, mastiff breeds of dogs could be the most affectionate and loyal pet dogs around.
The mastiff’s dog breeds shouldn’t be purchased without clear knowledge. We hope that after reading this article, you have made up your mind about buying a loyal Mastiff into your home.
Other breeds of small energetic dogs you can get for pets can be found here.