Mastiff
One of the heaviest dogs in the world, the Mastiff is a calm, dignified giant that is very gentle with its family.
Mastiff vs Tosa
Side by side
| Trait | Mastiff | Tosa |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Pinschers, molossers and mountain dogs | Pinschers, molossers and mountain dogs |
| Size | Giant | Large |
| Weight | 70–100 kg | 36–61 kg |
| Height at withers | 70–85 cm | 55–65 cm |
| Life expectancy | 6–10 years | 10–12 years |
| Energy | ||
| With children | ||
| With other dogs | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Grooming needs | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Heat tolerance | ||
| Apartment | Not recommended | Not recommended |
Key differences
- Heavier: Mastiff (about 85 kg vs 48.5 kg on average)
- Taller: Mastiff (about 77.5 cm vs 60 cm on average)
- Longer life expectancy: Tosa (about 11 years vs 8 years on average)
- Better with children: Mastiff (4/5 vs 2/5)
- Better with other dogs: Mastiff (3/5 vs 1/5)
Gaps counted as key differences: more than 20% in average weight, more than 10% in average height, at least 2 years in average life expectancy, or at least 2 points on a rating.
Which one is right for you?
A quick guide based on the ratings above. Every dog is an individual: spend time with the breed and talk to breeders, rescue organisations or a veterinarian before deciding.
- Apartment living
- Both are similarBased on apartment suitability and energy.
- Family with children
- Mastiff is the better fitBased on behaviour with children.
- First-time owner
- Both are similarBased on trainability, energy and grooming needs.
- Hot climate
- Both are similarBased on heat tolerance.
- Active owner
- Tosa is the better fitBased on energy level.
Meet the two breeds
Tosa
A powerful, quiet Japanese mastiff, the Tosa is calm but formidable and suited only to very experienced owners.