English Mastiff vs Labrador Retriever
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
English Mastiff
The English Mastiff is one of the largest dog breeds in the world, with a calm and dignified temperament that belies their imposing size. Loyal and protective, they make devoted family guardians but require experienced ownership and significant space.
VS
Labrador Retriever
America's most beloved family dog, known for a friendly temperament and eager-to-please attitude. Labs excel at everything from hunting to therapy work and are incredibly versatile.
Quick Answer
Choose English Mastiff if you want less shedding. Choose Labrador Retriever if you want easier to train and better with kids.
Quick Comparison
English Mastiff
Attribute
Labrador Retriever
giant
Size
large
54–100 kg (119–221 lbs)
Weight
25–36 kg (55–79 lbs)
70–91 cm (28–36 in)
Height
55–62 cm (22–24 in)
6–10 yrs
Lifespan
10–13 yrsBetter
3/5
Trainability
5/5Better
2/5
Energy
5/5
4/5
Good with Kids
5/5Better
Better3/5
Shedding
4/5
2/5
Grooming
2/5
1/5
Apartment
2/5Better
1/5
Health
3/5Better
$1,500–$3,500
Price
$800–$2,000Better
Attribute Comparison
English Mastiff and Labrador Retriever: Size and Appearance Compared
English Mastiff is the larger breed; Labrador Retriever is more compact.
English Mastiff
Labrador Retriever
Weight (kg)
54–100
vs25–36
Height (cm)
70–91
vs55–62
Size is one of the most obvious contrasts between these breeds. The English Mastiff tips the scales at 54–100 kg (119–221 lbs), dwarfing the Labrador Retriever's 25–36 kg (55–79 lbs).
Which Costs More to Own — English Mastiff or Labrador Retriever?
Labrador Retriever is less expensive to own annually.
English Mastiff
Avg. Purchase$2,500
Annual Food$1,800
Annual Vet$800
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$2,700
Labrador Retriever
Avg. Purchase$1,400
Annual Food$720
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$150
Annual Total$1,370 ✓
Be prepared for sticker shock: the English Mastiff costs $1,500–$3,500 from a reputable breeder — significantly more than the Labrador Retriever's $800–$2,000. That's a $1,100 difference just to bring your puppy home.
Health Profile: English Mastiff and Labrador Retriever Compared
Labrador Retriever tends to be the healthier breed overall.
English Mastiff
Labrador Retriever
Lifespan (years)
6–10
vs10–13Better
Health Robustness
1/5
vs3/5Better
The lifespan difference is significant. Labrador Retrievers live 10–13 years on average, while English Mastiffs live 6–10 years.
Temperament: English Mastiff vs Labrador Retriever
English Mastiff is calmer; Labrador Retriever is more energetic.
English Mastiff
Labrador Retriever
Playfulness
2/5
vs5/5Better
Barking Level
Better2/5
vs3/5
Energy
2/5
vs5/5
If you've spent time around both breeds, the personality gap is unmistakable. A English Mastiff greets the world with a calm attitude, whereas a Labrador Retriever leans more toward a friendly approach.
Exercise Needs: English Mastiff vs Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retriever needs more exercise; English Mastiff is lower-maintenance.
English Mastiff
Labrador Retriever
Energy Level
2/5
vs5/5
Exercise Needs
2/5
vs5/5
Apartment Friendly
1/5
vs2/5Better
These breeds sit on opposite ends of the activity spectrum. The Labrador Retriever (energy: 5/5, exercise: 5/5) was bred to work all day and still has that drive.
Family Fit: English Mastiff vs Labrador Retriever With Kids and Other Pets
Labrador Retriever is better suited for families with children.
English Mastiff
Labrador Retriever
Good with Kids
4/5
vs5/5Better
Good with Dogs
3/5
vs5/5Better
Strangers
2/5
vs5/5Better
The Labrador Retriever has a slight edge with children (5/5 vs 4/5). Both breeds can do well in families, but the Labrador Retriever's friendly temperament gives it a small advantage around young kids.
Which Is Easier to Train — English Mastiff or Labrador Retriever?
Training difficulty is a major difference. The Labrador Retriever (5/5) is eager to please and picks up commands quickly — one of the most trainable breeds out there.
Grooming Differences: English Mastiff and Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retriever sheds more; English Mastiff is easier to maintain.
English Mastiff
Labrador Retriever
Shedding
Better3/5
vs4/5
Grooming Needs
2/5
vs2/5
The Labrador Retriever sheds a bit more (4/5) than the English Mastiff (3/5). It's not a night-and-day difference, but if you prefer a cleaner home, the English Mastiff has a slight edge.
Summary: English Mastiff or Labrador Retriever?
On balance, the Labrador Retriever has the edge — it's easier to train (5/5 vs 3/5), better with children (5/5), more apartment-friendly (2/5). For most families, the Labrador Retriever is the more practical choice, particularly if you value an easy-to-train companion.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The English Mastiff and Labrador Retriever are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Labrador Retriever needs significantly more daily exercise than English Mastiff, Labrador Retriever is notably easier to train. Annual ownership costs are lower for the Labrador Retriever by roughly $1300/year.
Choose English Mastiff if...
- ✓You lead a quieter lifestyle — English Mastiffs are happy with shorter walks and less vigorous exercise.
- ✓You want a dog that will alert you to strangers — English Mastiffs have strong watchdog instincts (5/5).
Choose Labrador Retriever if...
- ✓You're an active person who runs, hikes, or exercises daily — Labrador Retrievers will keep up and thrive on that activity.
- ✓This is your first dog — Labrador Retrievers are easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
- ✓Budget matters to you — Labrador Retrievers cost roughly $1300 less per year in food, vet, and grooming.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, English Mastiff or Labrador Retriever?
The Labrador Retriever is generally better with children, scoring 5/5 compared to the English Mastiff's 4/5. The Labrador Retriever is one of our top-recommended breeds for families.
Is a English Mastiff or Labrador Retriever easier to train?
The Labrador Retriever is easier to train, scoring 5/5 versus the English Mastiff's 3/5. The Labrador Retriever's forgiving nature makes it ideal for beginners.
Which costs more, a English Mastiff or Labrador Retriever?
A English Mastiff puppy costs $1,500–$3,500 while a Labrador Retriever costs $800–$2,000. Annual maintenance runs about $2,700 for the English Mastiff and $1,370 for the Labrador Retriever. The English Mastiff is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
Do English Mastiffs or Labrador Retrievers live longer?
The English Mastiff lives 6–10 years on average, while the Labrador Retriever lives 10–13 years. The Labrador Retriever tends to live longer. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a English Mastiff or Labrador Retriever live in an apartment?
The Labrador Retriever adapts better to apartment living (2/5) than the English Mastiff (1/5). However, neither breed is an ideal apartment dog — daily outdoor exercise is essential.