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Alpine Mastiff Information & Dog Breed Facts

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

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OriginSwitzerland flagSwitzerland
Common Names & Aliases
What other names is an Alpine Mastiff known by? Discover all traditional, regional and informal names used for this breed.
Alpine Molosser
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is an Alpine Mastiff? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Purebred

Alpine Mastiff Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is an Alpine Mastiff? Learn how big the Alpine Mastiff breed typically grows.
Giant
Weight Statistics
How much does an Alpine Mastiff weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Alpine Mastiff breed.
340-350 pounds (154-160 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of an Alpine Mastiff?
345 pounds (157 kg)
Height
How tall is the Alpine Mastiff? Alpine Mastiff height:
35-40 inches (89-101 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of an Alpine Mastiff?
37.5 inches (95 cm)

Alpine Mastiff Price and Availability

Price Range
How much does an Alpine Mastiff puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Alpine Mastiff costs.
Unavailable
Unfortunately the Alpine Mastiff is an extinct dog breed, so there isn’t any available price range or breeder in the world for purchasing this breed.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Alpine Mastiff? How many Alpine Mastiff are there in the world?
Unavailable: This dog breed, unfortunately, is no longer available, it may even be extinct.

Alpine Mastiff Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is an Alpine Mastiff? Discover the Alpine Mastiff's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. Keep in mind that if you want to teach them any tricks, they understand and memorize new commands in 40-80 repetitions. Alpine Mastiff obey the first command 30% of the time or better. So if you want to have a smart dog, you might have to reconsider your choice with this breed.

The Alpine Mastiff ranks below average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train an Alpine Mastiff? Learn about the Alpine Mastiff's trainability and response to training methods.
Alpine 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 Rating
How good is an Alpine Mastiff as a watchdog? Learn about the Alpine Mastiff's alertness and guarding instincts.
Alpine Mastiff dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Territorial Protection
Is an Alpine Mastiff protective of its territory? Learn about the Alpine Mastiff's guarding instincts and behavior.
Alpine Mastiff dogs strongly protect their territory. This breed is a complete security guard, so you don't have to be afraid in case of danger.

Alpine Mastiff Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits
What personality does an Alpine Mastiff have? Learn about characteristic Alpine Mastiff temperament and behavior traits.
Friendly
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Alpine Mastiff sensitivity:
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. Soft punishment affects them emotionally. Alpine Mastiff dogs don't tolerate irregular daily routines, noisy households, and frequent guest visits really well.

They are receptive to their owner's emotions and make wonderful family companions.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is an Alpine Mastiff a good family dog?
Average to High: Alpine Mastiff dogs are highly affectionate dogs. They like being involved in the family's life. This breed isn't considered an aloof dog.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Alpine Molosser need? Alpine Mastiff social needs:
Alpine Mastiff dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Alpine Mastiff to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Alpine Mastiff roam?
Alpine 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 Alpine Mastiff have high prey drive?
Alpine Mastiff dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.

Alpine Mastiff Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency
Does an Alpine Mastiff bark a lot? Learn about typical Alpine Mastiff vocalization patterns and triggers.
Average: The Alpine Mastiff barks occasionally. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

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

Playful Nature
How playful is an Alpine Mastiff? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Alpine Mastiff breed.
Alpine Mastiffs are not the most playful dog breed. Sometimes they do like playing, but that's not their favorite activity.
Apartment Adaptability
Can an Alpine Mastiff live in an apartment? Learn about the Alpine Mastiff's suitability for apartment living.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Alpine Mastiff breed. If you don't have a garden, think carefully about your decision, keeping Alpine Mastiff indoors can cause a lot of problems.

Alpine Mastiff Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is an Alpine Mastiff to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Alpine Mastiff's flexibility to new situations.
Alpine Mastiff dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can an Alpine Mastiff be left alone? Learn about the Alpine Mastiff's tolerance to solitude.
Alpine Mastiff dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Alpine Mastiff Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment
What is an Alpine Mastiff biting potential? Learn about the Alpine Mastiff's bite risk factors.

Low 🔽

The Alpine 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.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is an Alpine Mastiff mouthy? Learn about the Alpine Mastiff's tendency to use mouth during play.
Alpine 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 Alpine Mastiff dogs need to be taught a good attitude.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is an Alpine Mastiff bite? Learn about the Alpine Mastiff's bite force measured in PSI.

Above 400 PSI 🔼

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

The Alpine Mastiff PSI bite should be respected, and appropriate precautions should be taken when interacting with these dogs. The PSI of an Alpine 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 Alpine Mastiff puppy not to bite from an early age. It is important that they’re trained to be around others safely.

Alpine Mastiff Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does an Alpine Mastiff live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Alpine Mastiff breed.
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Alpine Mastiff: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does an Alpine Mastiff handle different weather? Learn about the Alpine Mastiff's climate adaptability.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Alpine Mastiff can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in an Alpine Mastiff? Discover typical conditions affecting the Alpine Mastiff breed.
Alpine Mastiffs are commonly healthy dogs. Vet costs aren't expensive with this breed.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does an Alpine Mastiff need vet visits? Learn about the Alpine Mastiff's veterinary care requirements.
Rare
The Alpine 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.

Alpine Mastiff Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is an Alpine Mastiff? Understand daily activity needs of the Alpine Mastiff breed.
Alpine Mastiff dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does an Alpine Mastiff need? How much exercise do Alpine Mastiff dogs require per day?

Do Alpine Mastiff dogs need a lot of exercises?

Alpine Mastiff dogs exercise need is minimal. If you live a slow life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Alpine Mastiff breed need?
Alpine 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.

Alpine Mastiff Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency
Is an Alpine Mastiff prone to weight gain? Learn about the Alpine Mastiff's obesity risks.
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Alpine 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 Alpine Mastiff weight regularly.

Food Consumption
How much food does an Alpine Mastiff need daily? Learn about the Alpine Mastiff's feeding requirements.
15 to 16 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Alpine Mastiff Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is an Alpine Mastiff hypoallergenic? Learn about the Alpine Mastiff's suitability for allergy sufferers.
No
Alpine 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.
Coat Colors
What colors does an Alpine Mastiff come in? Discover all possible Alpine Mastiff color variations.
Brindle Brown
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does an Alpine Mastiff need? Learn about Alpine Mastiff coat maintenance requirements.
Easy to groom: The Alpine Mastiff doesn't require a lot of grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Alpine Mastiff is a good choice if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Recommended for beginners.
Drooling Tendency
Does an Alpine Mastiff drool a lot? Learn about the Alpine Mastiff's drooling habits.
The Alpine Mastiff is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool much more than others, just like the Alpine Mastiff.

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

Stinkiness Rating
Does an Alpine Mastiff smell bad? Learn about the Alpine Mastiff's natural odor levels.

High 🔼

The Alpine Mastiff has a high chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does an Alpine Mastiff have? Learn about the Alpine Mastiff's fur characteristics.
Rough
Bathing Needs
How often does an Alpine Mastiff need baths? Learn about the Alpine Mastiff's bathing requirements.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. According to a study, 56% of pet parents don’t bathe their dogs as frequently as they should, and 60% use the sniff test when deciding when it’s bath time.

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.

Shedding Level
How much do Alpine Mastiff dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Alpine Molosser? Do Alpine Mastiff dogs shed a lot?
Alpine Mastiff dogs shed above average. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type. If you don't like vacuum cleaning, you might have to reconsider your choice of having a puppy from the Alpine Mastiff breed.

Alpine Mastiff Good With

Child Compatibility
Is an Alpine Mastiff good with children? Learn about the Alpine Mastiff's behavior around kids of different ages.
Alpine Mastiff dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does an Alpine Mastiff get along with other pets? Discover the Alpine Mastiff's compatibility with other animals.
Alpine Mastiff dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Alpine Mastiff temperament with other people:
Alpine Mastiff dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
How well do Alpine 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 Alpine Mastiff breed live with a cat?
Alpine Mastiff dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Alpine Mastiff good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Alpine Mastiff dogs get along with other dogs?
Alpine Mastiff dogs are dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Alpine Mastiff can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Alpine Mastiff breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Alpine Mastiff breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Alpine Mastiff dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Alpine Mastiff dogs good office canines? Do Alpine Mastiff dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Alpine Mastiff is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Alpine Mastiff dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Alpine Molosser temperament with senior people? Are Alpine Mastiff dogs good for elderly owners?
Alpine Mastiffs are usually recommended for elderly people.

Alpine Mastiff As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability
Can an Alpine Mastiff be a service dog? Learn about the Alpine Mastiff's service work potential.

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).

Alpine Mastiff is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Work Suitability
Is an Alpine Mastiff good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Alpine Mastiff's therapy work aptitude.

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.

Alpine Mastiff is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Scent Detection Ability
Is an Alpine Mastiff good at detection work? Learn about the Alpine Mastiff's scenting abilities.

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.

Alpine Mastiff is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search & Rescue Potential
Can an Alpine Mastiff do search and rescue? Learn about the Alpine Mastiff's SAR capabilities.

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 Alpine Mastiff is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Maritime Work Ability
Is an Alpine Mastiff good on boats? Learn about the Alpine Mastiff's maritime capabilities.

Not really

Alpine 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.

Draft Work Capability
Can an Alpine Mastiff pull carts? Learn about the Alpine Mastiff's drafting abilities.

Not really

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.

Alpine Mastiff is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Military Service Background
Was an Alpine Mastiff used in military service? Learn about the Alpine Mastiff's military history.

Not really

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

Alpine Mastiff Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does an Alpine Mastiff usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
5-12 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is an Alpine Mastiff pregnant? Learn about the Alpine Mastiff's gestation period.

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Alpine 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.

Breeding Frequency
How often can an Alpine Mastiff have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

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.

Alpine Mastiff Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is an Alpine Mastiff in? Learn about the Alpine Mastiff's AKC classification.
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is an Alpine Mastiff in? Learn about the Alpine Mastiff's international classification.
Not recognized by FCI.

Alpine Mastiff Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Health Concerns: Alpine Mastiffs are commonly healthy dogs.
  • Grooming Requirements: Easy to groom: The Alpine Mastiff doesn't require a lot of grooming.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Alpine Mastiff dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
  • Lifestyle Adaptability: Alpine Mastiff dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
  • Child Compatibility: Alpine Mastiff dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
  • Cat Friendly: Alpine Mastiff dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Alpine Mastiff dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Alpine Mastiffs are usually recommended for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Alpine Mastiff dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Intelligence Rating: Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
  • Allergy Friendliness: Alpine Mastiff dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Adaptability: Not an apartment-friendly dog the Alpine Mastiff breed.
  • Shedding Level: Alpine Mastiff dogs shed above average.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Alpine Mastiff is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed.
  • Stinkiness Rating: The Alpine Mastiff has a high chance of bad smell.
  • Obesity Tendency: Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Alpine Mastiff's weight, he can easily gain weight.
  • Mouthing Tendency: Alpine Mastiff dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Alone Time Tolerance: Alpine Mastiff dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
  • Office Friendly: Alpine Mastiff is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Alpine Mastiff History

The Alpine Mastiff was believed to be the largest breed in England in the early 1800s. They were large-sized dogs, one of the few breeds to have such a gigantic body type. However, its origin actually dates back to 500. B.C. in the northern part of Europe. Although there were many theories created by authors that focused on trying to find out the true origin of this breed but despite the differences of their opinions on where the Mastiff originated from most agreed with each other that the creators of this breed are the British.

The first appearance of this type of dog was seen in the 1820s when an Alpine Mastiff was bought from St. Bernard Hospice to England and became the dog of Mrs. L.W. Boode. He was through to be the biggest dog in England so they also made a portrait of “Lion”. It is true that it is the British we owe the Mastiff today as they kept them, guarding their castles in the early 1800s. For example, according to researchers, it is believed that Henry VIII offered a present of 400 Mastiffs for Charles V to use them in war.

It is a common misunderstanding that the term “Alpine Mastiff” means St. Bernard, they are actually two distinct breeds. The Alpine Mastiff is connected to a livestock guardian breed from the Italian Alps that ranged into Switzerland. Of course, it is possible that it is an ancestor of the St. Bernard breed as mentioned above one of the dogs was imported from St. Bernard Hospice directly.

This breed is believed to be extinct because of the excessive crossbreeding in 1815 with other larger-sized dogs in Europe with the purpose to create more gigantic descendants of the Alpine Mastiff. However people did not care about increasing the number of this type, they only focus on crossbreeding which led to the disappearance of these dogs before the mid-19th century.

Several people mentioned this type of breed in their published books and articles, for example, dog writer M.B. Wynn who wrote in his book History of the Mastiff (1886.) In 1829 a vast light brindle dog of the old Alpine mastiff breed, named L’Ami, was brought from the convent of Great St. Bernard, and exhibited in London and Liverpool as the largest dog in England.”

Overall the Alpine Mastiff was always thought to be a friendly calm and gentle dog. However as they were mainly bred for hunting, they developed strong abilities and became outstanding guard dogs.

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