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Irish Mastiff Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Irish Mastiff so you can get to know the breed more.

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OriginEngland flagEngland Ireland flagIreland
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Cross Breed Irish Wolfhound and Mastiff mix

Irish Mastiff Size and Weight

Size
Is an Irish Mastiff small, medium or large dog?

How big do Irish Mastiff get?

What is the average size of an Irish Mastiff?

Giant
Weight
How much does the Irish Mastiff weigh? How much should an Irish Mastiff weight? What is the normal weight of an Irish Mastiff? How much does a full-grown Irish Mastiff weight?
90-150 pounds (40-69 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of an Irish Mastiff?
120 pounds (54.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Irish Mastiff? Irish Mastiff height:
28-35 inches (71-90 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of an Irish Mastiff?
31.5 inches (80.5 cm)

Irish Mastiff Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Irish Mastiff puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of an Irish Mastiff in the United States? How much money is an Irish Mastiff?

Where to buy an Irish Mastiff with a good pedigree?

$1200-$1500
If you choose to purchase the Irish Mastiff, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Irish Mastiff for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Irish Mastiff gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Irish Mastiff? How many Irish Mastiff are there in the world?
Very frequent: The Irish Mastiff is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

Inbreeding is common because of its popularity. A new study suggests that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful, buy from a trustworthy place or kennel and seek the help of an experienced person, a professional, to make the right decision.

Irish Mastiff Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Irish Mastiff? Is the Irish Mastiff breed dumb or smart?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The Irish Mastiff ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are Irish Mastiff dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train an Irish Mastiff?
Irish Mastiff dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Ability
Is Irish Mastiff good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Irish Mastiff dogs are good watchdogs. Their main job is to observe and they're consistent in their effort. Good vocal cords and a sense of hearing belong to them. Usually, they're territorial and protective about their property, so the Irish Mastiff dogs will alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Irish Mastiff dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Irish Mastiff dogs are average defenders. Some dogs are very protective of their territory, while others easily let a stranger to trespass. This breed is not sure to defend its territory in every situation.

Irish Mastiff Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Irish Mastiff have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
DignifiedProtectiveAlertCourageousIntelligentAffectionatePatientLoyalTemperedSweetCheerfulGenerousThoughtful
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Irish Mastiff sensitivity:
Irish Mastiff dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. Sometimes it's okay to change the daily routine, have guests and listen to loud music.

Some dogs handle moderate punishment very well, while others crumble apart at a dirty look. This breed is not affected emotionally by moderate punishment.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is an Irish Mastiff a good family dog?
High: Irish Mastiff dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Irish Mastiff need? Irish Mastiff social needs:
Irish Mastiff dogs need for social interaction is average. This breed likes being around people or other animals, but they don't mind being left alone for a few hours either.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Irish Mastiff to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Irish Mastiff roam?
Irish Mastiff dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. They have low to average wanderlust potential. Exploring the world is not the best activity they can imagine.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Irish Mastiff have high prey drive?
Irish Mastiff dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

Irish Mastiff Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
Average: Irish Mastiffs, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Barking
Do Irish Mastiff dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Irish Mastiff bark?
Low to Average: The Irish Mastiff rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Irish Mastiff good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have an Irish Mastiff in an apartment?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Irish Mastiff indoors.

Irish Mastiff Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Irish Mastiff dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can an Irish Mastiff be left alone? How long can you leave an Irish Mastiff alone?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. With proper socialization and quality time with the dog can solve this problem.

Irish Mastiff Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Irish Mastiff has a hard bite? What is the bite force of an Irish Mastiff? How much bite force does an Irish Mastiff have? How strong is an Irish Mastiff bite?

Above 400 PSI 🔼

Irish Mastiff bite force: The Strongest. The Irish Mastiff bite force is among the strongest in the canine world. The bite force Irish Mastiff measurements are typically quite high, which is a testament to their powerful and large stature. The bite force of Irish Mastiff dogs is impressive, and their Irish Mastiff bite PSI is reflective of their powerful nature.

The Irish Mastiff PSI bite should be respected, and appropriate precautions should be taken when interacting with these dogs. The PSI of an Irish Mastiff bite is high, making them one of the strongest breeds in terms of bite force.

They are very protective of themselves and their families, therefore a dog bite from them could be exceptionally dangerous with their PSI being above 400.

To ensure a well-behaved and controlled dog, it's important to learn how to train an Irish Mastiff puppy not to bite from an early age. It is important that they’re trained to be around others safely.

Biting Potential
Do Irish Mastiff bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Irish Mastiff? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Irish Mastiff? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Irish Mastiff has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Irish Mastiff do?
Irish Mastiff dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Irish Mastiff dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Irish Mastiff Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Irish Mastiff dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Very healthy dog breed. The Irish Mastiff rarely meets with the veterinarian.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Irish Mastiff breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Irish Mastiff breed? Most common health risks of Irish Mastiff:
Hip Dysplasia CancerProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)BloatDrug SensitivityElbow DysplasiaOsteochondrosis DissecansSeizuresCystinuriaOsteosarcomaDilated CardiomyopathyFibrocartilaginous Embolic Myelopathy Liver Shunt
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Irish Mastiff breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Irish Mastiff see the vet?
Rare
The Irish Mastiff should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Irish Mastiff dogs live? How old can a Irish Mastiff be? What is the age limit of the Irish Mastiff? How many years can the oldest Irish Mastiff live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of an Irish Mastiff?

How long is the lifespan of an Irish Mastiff?

10-12 years
The average lifespan of Irish Mastiff: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Irish Mastiff can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.

Irish Mastiff Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Irish Mastiff have? What is the activity level of the Irish Mastiff?
Irish Mastiff dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs. If you live a chilled life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does an Irish Mastiff need? How much exercise do Irish Mastiff dogs require per day?

Do Irish Mastiff dogs need a lot of exercises?

Irish Mastiff dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Irish Mastiff breed need?
Irish Mastiff dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot. They're not the most active dog breed. If you live an active life, this breed can be a bad choice for you.

Irish Mastiff Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does an Irish Mastiff need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does an Irish Mastiff breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Irish Mastiff? How much food should I feed my Irish Mastiff?
8 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Irish Mastiff risk for obesity:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Irish Mastiff's weight, he can easily gain weight. More than one daily walk should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Irish Mastiff weight regularly.

Irish Mastiff Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Irish Mastiff have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
WiryDenseRough
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Irish Mastiff coats?
BlackGray Red Blue Cream White SilverFawn Brindle Wheaten Apricot
Grooming
How to groom the Irish Mastiff and how often? How often should I take my Irish Mastiff to the groomer?
Average: The Irish Mastiff requires average grooming effort. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't essential.

Brushing the dog's coat is useful to reduce shedding. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath can be helpful sometimes.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and give your dog a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Irish Mastiff, search for a dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.

Shedding Level
How much do Irish Mastiff dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Irish Mastiff? Do Irish Mastiff dogs shed a lot?
Irish Mastiff dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Irish Mastiff need a bath? How often should you give an Irish Mastiff a bath? Can I bathe my Irish Mastiff every day?
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

For example, short-haired dog breeds can go a very long time in between baths. These short-haired breeds shed regularly and that shedding works to naturally remove excess dirt and oil. So unless your weenie dog got into the garbage can, you can probably hold off on a bath for a while.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Irish Mastiff breed hypoallergenic?
No
Irish Mastiff dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The Irish Mastiff has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Irish Mastiff drool?
The Irish Mastiff is an average drooler. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Irish Mastiff Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Irish Mastiff dogs get along with other pets? Are Irish Mastiff dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Irish Mastiff dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Irish Mastiff temperament with other people:
Irish Mastiff dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Are Irish Mastiff dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Irish Mastiff temperament with children:
Irish Mastiff dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. This breed enjoys being surrounded by children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Irish Mastiff dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Irish Mastiff breed live with a cat?
Irish Mastiff dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Irish Mastiff good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Irish Mastiff dogs get along with other dogs?
Irish Mastiff dogs are dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Irish Mastiff can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Irish Mastiff breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Irish Mastiff breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Irish Mastiff dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Irish Mastiff dogs good office canines? Do Irish Mastiff dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Irish Mastiff is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Irish Mastiff dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Irish Mastiff temperament with senior people? Are Irish Mastiff dogs good for elderly owners?
Irish Mastiffs are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Irish Mastiff As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Irish Mastiff be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Irish Mastiff is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Irish Mastiff be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Irish Mastiff be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Irish Mastiff is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Irish Mastiff be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Irish Mastiff is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Irish Mastiff be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Irish Mastiff is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Irish Mastiff be a boat dog?

Not really

Irish Mastiff breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Irish Mastiff be a drafting dog?

Yes

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Irish Mastiff breed is a good choice for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Irish Mastiff dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Irish Mastiff Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is an Irish Mastiff pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Irish Mastiff breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Irish Mastiff: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Irish Mastiff have in a litter? How many puppies can the Irish Mastiff breed have for the first time? How many puppies does an Irish Mastiff have? How many puppies can an Irish Mastiff give birth to?
3-5 puppies

Irish Mastiff Recognition

AKC Group
Is Irish Mastiff recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Irish Mastiff recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.

Irish Mastiff Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Health Issues: Very healthy dog breed.
  • Watchdog Ability: Irish Mastiff dogs are good watchdogs.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Irish Mastiff dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
  • Adaptability: Irish Mastiff dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Friendly: Irish Mastiff dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
  • Cat Friendly: Irish Mastiff dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Irish Mastiff dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Irish Mastiffs are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Irish Mastiff dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog: A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
Cons
  • Hypoallergenic: Irish Mastiff dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Irish Mastiff's weight, he can easily gain weight.
  • Mouthiness: Irish Mastiff dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Office Friendly: Irish Mastiff is not the best dog breed for office environment.

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