Can a Mastiff live with a small dog? This is a question we are actually asked quite often. And I completely understand why. When a fully grown Mastiff stands next to a Pug, the difference in size is impossible to miss.
For me, the answer is still quite simple: yes, it can work very well. Living with dogs of very different sizes is completely normal in our everyday life. Holly and Bärbel are probably the best example of that.
Of course, that does not mean that every Mastiff will automatically get along with every small dog. Dogs have different personalities. But size alone would never be a reason for me to say that a Mastiff cannot live in a home with a smaller dog.
Can a Mastiff live with a small dog?
When I think about this question, I look at the dogs first – not at the number on the scales.
Of course, it can look quite impressive when a Mastiff stands next to a Pug. One is enormous, while the other may barely reach above the Mastiff’s paw. To us, that difference seems huge.
But in everyday life, I often find that the dogs themselves care far less about that difference than we do.
Bärbel simply belongs. When she is with Holly, I do not constantly think about the fact that there is a little Pug next to a huge Mastiff. They are simply two dogs who know each other and know how to live together.
Does the difference in size still matter?
Yes, of course. I would never ignore the difference in size.
A Mastiff is incredibly powerful. Even without meaning any harm at all, a Mastiff can knock a small dog over while playing or accidentally catch them with an awkward movement. With young Mastiffs in particular, you sometimes have to slow things down a little.
For me, however, that is a different question from whether the dogs actually get along.
Two dogs can genuinely like each other and I still need to make sure their play does not become too physical. That is something I would always keep in mind when a Mastiff lives with a very small dog.
Over time, you get to know your dogs very well. You can see when play really is play, when one of them has had enough and when it makes sense to bring a little calm back into the situation.
For me, character matters more than size
If someone asks me whether their small dog could live well with a Mastiff, I would much rather hear more about the dog they already have.
Are they comfortable around other dogs? Are they calm or very lively? Have they lived with larger dogs before? Do they guard their food or favourite sleeping place? Do they enjoy playing a lot, or would they rather have more peace and quiet?
And of course, the Mastiff matters just as much.
Not every Mastiff is the same either. One may be calm and reserved, while another is curious and full of energy. That is why, when choosing a puppy for a future family, I think it is important not to look only at colour or sex.
The character has to suit the home.
How would I introduce a Mastiff puppy to a small dog?
Above all, calmly.
I would not turn the first meeting into a big event. The dogs can get to know each other, sniff, watch and take their time. They do not need to start playing immediately or sleep right next to each other from the very first day.
A puppy already has a lot to take in when moving into a new home. New surroundings, new people, new smells and a completely new daily routine. If another dog already lives there, that dog is simply another part of all those new impressions.
I much prefer to let a relationship develop naturally.
Sometimes everything feels completely normal after a very short time. Sometimes a dog needs a little longer. Both are perfectly fine with me.
Do a Mastiff and a small dog need to be together all the time?
No. And I do not think dogs need to be.
Living well together does not mean that two dogs have to spend the entire day lying on top of each other or constantly playing.
I often find the completely ordinary moments the nicest: one dog is lying somewhere and the other comes over. They go outside together. They travel together. Later, each finds their own place and goes to sleep.
That is what living together usually looks like for us.
What should you watch for when they play?
When there is a big difference in size, I would always keep an eye on how physical the play becomes.
A Mastiff can be very impressive simply because of their weight and strength. A young dog in particular sometimes seems to have no idea just how big they already are.
If both dogs are relaxed, take breaks and neither is constantly bothering the other, I am comfortable with a lot of things. But if the small dog is only trying to get away or the Mastiff keeps following and pushing for more, I would step in and give them a break.
I am not someone who becomes worried every time a dog gives a small growl. Dogs communicate with each other. But I also do not believe that dogs should always be left to “sort everything out among themselves”.
With such a big difference in size, a little attention simply belongs to responsible everyday life.
Do both dogs need their own space?
They should definitely both have the opportunity to retreat and rest.
For me, that applies regardless of size. A small dog should be allowed some peace and quiet, and a Mastiff should also be able to sleep without constantly being encouraged to play by another dog.
When it comes to feeding, especially at the beginning, I would rather create a little too much calm than too little.
The better the dogs get to know each other, the more naturally many things develop on their own. There is no need to force every situation from the very first day.
Holly and Bärbel – simply everyday life for us
When I see Holly and Bärbel together, I honestly do not think about the fact that some people might consider them an unusual combination.
Of course, you notice it immediately in photographs. Holly is a Mastiff, Bärbel is a Pug. The difference in size could hardly be much greater.
But that is exactly why I like these photographs so much.
They do not show some carefully arranged meeting between a large dog and a small dog. They show our normal everyday life.
Being outside together. Travelling together. Simply standing or lying next to one another.
For the dogs, there is nothing unusual about it.
Can a Mastiff join a home as a second dog when a small dog already lives there?
For me, there is no general reason why not.
If a small dog already lives in the home, I would look closely at that dog and think about which puppy might be a good match in terms of character.
But I would never promise that two particular dogs will automatically become best friends. That is simply not how living beings work.
What I can say is this: a Mastiff certainly does not have to be the only dog in the house. A much smaller dog can fit very well into their life too.
Holly and Bärbel probably show that better than any theoretical guide ever could.
My conclusion
If someone asks me today, “We already have a small dog – could a Mastiff still be right for us?”, my answer would be very clear: yes, absolutely.
I simply would not judge the situation by breed or size alone.
For me, what matters is the character of the dogs, a sensible introduction, consideration during play and an everyday life in which both dogs have their own place.
And sometimes you eventually see a huge Mastiff lying next to a little Pug and realise that you have thought far more about the difference in size than the dogs ever did.
In the end, what matters is not how different two dogs look standing next to each other – but how well they can live together.
Would you like to get to know our Mastiffs better?
Every dog has their own personality – and that is why, when choosing a puppy for a future family, we look at more than sex or colour. We also consider which home may truly suit that individual puppy.
- Meet our English Mastiffs
- More Mastiff guides and stories
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- More about From the Celtic Mountain
Do you already share your life with a small dog and wonder whether a Mastiff could be a good fit for your family? Feel free to tell us a little about your dog and your everyday life. For us, that is part of getting to know a family and considering which puppy might later be a good match.