American Mastiff

Everywhere dog lovers go, the American Mastiff is a gentle giant that wins their hearts. These dogs, who are renowned for their magnificent stature and serene disposition, are excellent companions for both individuals and families. They make wonderful family pets because of their devotion to their owners and fierce protectiveness.

American Mastiffs are surprisingly laid back for such a large breed. Frequently, they would rather lounge around the house than run around in the yard. If they get regular walks and playtime, their laid-back attitude makes them ideal for indoor living. They get along well with kids because of their laid-back disposition and propensity for patience and love.

Understanding the unique needs of an American Mastiff is essential to proper care. Despite their generally low energy levels, they do need to exercise every day in order to keep their weight in check and prevent health problems. Additionally, regular brushing is necessary to maintain their short coat tidy and free of loose hair, which makes grooming essential.

A rewarding experience can come from training an American Mastiff. They are bright and want to please, but consistent training and early socialization are crucial. Treats and praise work wonders in teaching these dogs commands and appropriate behavior, as they readily accept positive reinforcement.

All things considered, the American Mastiff is an amazing breed that does best in a loving home. Their remarkable presence combined with their gentle nature makes them an amazing addition to any family. This breed may be a great choice if you’re searching for a devoted friend who will protect you and your family.

Characteristics of the American Mastiff breed

There is no official recognition for American Mastiffs as a breed. It is mostly found in the USA and is scarce. It was bred in America based on the English Mastiff, which is how it got its name. Breeders aimed to enhance the well-known breed, obtain a submissive security dog, and obtain a loyal companion.

Parameters Characteristics
Breed name American Mastiff (English. American Mastiff)
FCI classification not recognized
use guard, companion
life expectancy 10-12 years
height males 80-91 cm, females 70-84 cm
weight males 80-90 kg, females 70-80 kg

Pros

A common use for American Mastiffs is as security dogs. This is the perfect bodyguard and guard—calm and composed. The most qualified candidates were chosen throughout the selection process, making them the best fit for the family. The dogs still possess every admirable trait from their forebears. They now enjoy the following benefits:

  • excellent guard qualities;
  • balanced character;
  • do not need long walks;
  • unpretentious and hardy;
  • loyal, obedient;
  • friendly, affectionate and patient.

Disadvantages

Due to their size and strength, American Mastiffs are not a good choice for novice dog breeders. They require rigorous parenting and early socialization. They also have a few additional drawbacks:

  • tend to dominate;
  • can be aggressive;
  • conflict with other dogs.

Comparison with the English Mastiff

The breed is extremely uncommon and is hardly ever found outside of Ohio. Despite over fifty years of breeding, many cynological organizations still regard it as an English mastiff variation rather than an independent breed. It is really tough to distinguish between them from individual photos because they genuinely look alike.

However, American Mastiffs are less noticeable at the jowls, have smoother skin, and have a more athletic build. They consequently have less joint issues and less salivation. Compared to English Mastiffs, they are more active.

History of the origin of the American Mastiff breed

Many English Mastiffs were imported to the United States in the eighteenth century. They served as canines sentries. The breed started to deteriorate and nearly vanished as a result of inbreeding and its small population. Breeders made the decision to enhance and restore it in the mid-1900s.

The primary work was done by mastiff breeder Frederica Wagner on a farm in Ohio. She made the decision to eliminate some of the breed’s innate issues, such as increased salivation and frequent joint pathologies. And she started breeding her dogs with shepherds from Anatolia. As a result, dogs live longer and are stronger, with genetic pathologies occurring less frequently.

Dogs from the Wagner kennel served as the foundation for the new breed. The American Mastiff Breeders Council is active in both the United States and Canada at the moment. They succeeded in getting the Continental Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club to recognize the breed in 2000 and 2001, respectively. It is unknown to other cynological organizations. English mastiff breeders refer to American mastiffs as crossbreeds rather than as a distinct breed.

At the moment, breeding takes place only within the breed; a standard has been established. Breeders keep a close eye on its observance and pedigree issuance. Purebred dogs are those whose ancestors are from the Wagner kennel. The breed is virtually unknown worldwide and is still not very common.

What does an American mastiff look like

American mastiffs are massive canines that resemble giant mollusks. Their body type is rectangular, muscular, and well-balanced. Males can reach up to 91 cm in height, while females are typically smaller at 80 cm. These canines are likewise quite heavy—70–90 kg. Women differ greatly from men in that they are lighter, smaller, and have a dry body type.

Though large and weighty, the head is in proportion to the body. The superciliary arches are distinctly defined, and the forehead is broad and level. When viewed from the side, the medium-length muzzle is rectangular and does not taper. The nose is broad and inherently black, and the stop is shallow but easily noticeable. The teeth are big, the lower jaw is broad, and the bite is correct. The jaws are strong. The lips are plump and resemble tiny flews.

The ears are triangular in shape, thin, and soft to the touch. They are small, but broad at the base. elevated, dangling over the heads on either side. The small, oval eyes are spaced widely apart. Iris hues range from light to dark brown.

Body

The withers are clearly defined, the neck is short and thick. The back is straight and broad. The belly is somewhat tucked in, and the chest is ample, reaching the elbows. The tail is short and positioned low. tapering towards the tip, but thick at the base. Usually lowered, it can assume the form of a sword.

Limbs

The limbs are robust and well-muscled. They are fairly wide, parallel, and straight. The thighs are long and voluptuous, the elbows point back, and the hocks are visible. The paws have round, broad toes that are arched. The hind legs provide a strong push, and the movements are free and balanced.

Coat and colors

The coat, which is smooth and short, fits the body snugly. There is a soft, thick undercoat. Although elastic, the skin does not wrinkle. It can be fawn, brindle, or apricot in color. The muzzle ought to have a black mask on it. The limbs and chest may have white spots.

The description of American Mastiff appearance is complemented by photos:

Character and training

The American mastiff is a peaceful and non-aggressive dog, despite its intimidating appearance and enormous size. He has a calm demeanor and a well-rounded character. He is tender, loving, and deeply devoted to his owner. Friendly, tries to command all and be the center of attention, but never gets in the way.

Even though they don’t like loud games, these dogs are kind and patient with kids. It is advisable to avoid leaving them unattended with small children as they may inadvertently bump, step on, or strike with their tail.

The perfect security and guard dog is the American Mastiff. Despite appearing composed on the outside, he is a diligent worker who always maintains control of the situation. These dogs are wary of strangers and mistrustful of them. They are able to act aggressively and fearlessly protect their territory and owners in times of danger. These dogs have a menacing, bass-pitched bark, and although they do not attack right away, they first warn.

The American Mastiff is good with household pets. He looks after little animals. But because of its tendency toward dominance, it can get into fights with large dogs.

If raised properly, the American Mastiff does not cause problems. A dog that is not socialized may be hostile. In the training process, it is crucial to establish authority right away. Dogs will not obey their owners unless they possess a strong will of their own.

Only simple commands should be taught to these dogs as they pick them up quickly. They don’t enjoy pulling off odd tricks. They are logical and inclined to come to their own conclusions. As a result, they are limited to carrying out orders that they deem essential. It is essential to be persistent and patient; techniques of positive reinforcement work well. It is advised to enroll the dog in OKD and ZKS classes taught by a qualified instructor.

The ideal environment for an American Mastiff is a private home with lots of space. However, the dog cannot be chained or kept for an extended period of time in an aviary. Without interaction with the owner and in small areas, it will turn hostile and unmanageable. And this could become an issue with a dog that is so powerful and large.

Taking care of these dogs is not hard. It will be necessary to follow these routine procedures:

  • 2-3 times a week, brush the fur with a hard brush;
  • bathe with a neutral shampoo once every 2 months;
  • wipe the ears weekly with a special lotion;
  • 1-2 times a month to trim the claws.

Nutrition

The diet of the American Mastiff is simple. It can be given natural products or dry food. You must select foods with a high protein content that are at least premium class.

Meat and offal, along with grains and vegetables, should be included in the diet when using natural feeding. Giving the dog sea fish, eggs, kefir, cottage cheese, cheese, and apples is beneficial.

Health

Compared to the English, the American Mastiff is in better health. These dogs have a longer lifespan—they live 10–12 years on average, but they can reach 13–15 years with proper care. They are not genetically predisposed to joint dysplasia, but aging or increased stress can cause this pathology to develop. There are the following illnesses that are encountered:

  • dermatitis;
  • allergy;
  • inversion of the eyelid;
  • obesity;
  • hypothyroidism.

How to buy an American Mastiff puppy

Even in Moscow, it is rare to come across this breed in Russia. Furthermore, it is unpopular in Europe. Therefore, in the USA or Canada, you should get in touch with the American Mastiff Breeders Council if you want to purchase a purebred puppy. This kind of dog costs between $1500 and $2500.

The picture depicts the puppies’ appearance:

Breed Name American Mastiff
Size Large
Weight 140-200 lbs
Height 27-34 inches
Temperament Gentle, Loyal
Life Expectancy 10-12 years
Exercise Needs Moderate
Grooming Low
Good with Kids Yes
Special Traits Protective, Affectionate

The American Mastiff breed is truly exceptional. They are devoted and kind animals that are great companions for both individuals and families. They make excellent watchdogs without being unduly combative because of their cool temperament and protective nature, which foster a secure atmosphere. These dogs display their loving and affectionate personalities by frequently developing close relationships with their owners.

The size of the American Mastiff is one of its most distinctive characteristics. These are big, strong dogs that need lots of room to grow and prosper. But because they don’t require a lot of exercise due to their low energy levels, they can live in apartments or even houses with yards as long as they get regular walks and playtime.

A rewarding experience can come from training an American Mastiff. Because of their intelligence and desire to please, they are reasonably simple to train when given regular direction and encouragement. Early socialization is essential to fostering their development into well-rounded adults and enabling them to interact with people and other pets in a relaxed manner.

All things considered, having an American Mastiff is a rewarding experience. Their distinct appearance, affectionate disposition, and protective instincts make them the center of attention in many homes. For those seeking a devoted friend who possesses both power and tenderness, the American Mastiff could be the ideal choice.

A wonderful family companion, the American Mastiff is a gentle giant renowned for its amazing size and loving nature. This breed is excellent at forging close relationships with its owners and gets along well with children and other pets thanks to its calm temperament and protective tendencies. Prospective owners may be better able to recognize what makes these dogs genuinely exceptional by being aware of their particular needs and traits.

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Catherine Orlova

Professional Grumer and Expert Care for Pets Wool. I develop recommendations for the care of wool of different breeds, make reviews for the best tools and products for grooming, so that the pets always look beautiful and well -groomed.

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