General Description
The American Mastiff is a large, powerful dog with a wide, heavy, rectangular-shaped head and a powerfully muscular build. The breed has a deep, rounded chest and well-sprung ribs. Their limbs are well-built, straight, and well-muscled, and their burly necks are thick and slightly arched. American Mastiffs have a long tail that reaches the hocks, and a pair of high set ears that are semi-round in shape. Their medium-sized muzzle is well-proportioned and features a black nose. American Mastiffs have teeth that close in a scissors bite and dark, amber-colored eyes. American Mastiff puppies are born darkly colored, and as they get older they become lighter. The breed’s coat can vary slightly in color, but is usually a light fawn that may or may not have some white markings.
Character
American Mastiffs make excellent family pets as they are terrific with children and hopelessly devoted to their owners. They are dignified, mellow, calm, and quiet. While American Mastiffs are very protective, they are never aggressive. Rather, they make excellent watch dogs and only attack if their families (especially children) are in danger. American Mastiffs are social, wise, and gentle with people, and they are very patient with small children and other animals.
Size
28 – 35 inches
Weight
140 – 200 pounds
General Health
American Mastiffs typically live for 10 to 12 years.
American Mastiffs do just fine in an apartment with daily exercise. As they grow older and tend to become a little lazy, a daily walk will do, or a run in a fenced in yard (a small yard will do). They are relatively inactive indoors ("couch potatoes").
History
The American Mastiff was developed by Fredericka Wagner. She constructed the breed in Piketon, OH after crossing an English Mastiff with a dog thought to be an Anatolian Mastiff or Anatolian Shepherd. After much selective breeding, Fredericka Wagner was able to create Mastiff puppies with a tight lower lip line and a dry mouth.
Maintenance
American Mastiffs have a short-haired coat that is comparatively easy to take care of. They require regular brushing and their coat can be wiped down with a cloth for a glossy sheen. They require baths and dry shampoos only as necessary. American Mastiffs are average shedders.
Ideal Environment
The American Mastiff can do acceptably in a small household or apartment if he is sufficiently exercised. They are comparatively inactive indoors, so their ideal living conditions would consist of at least a small yard. The
American Mastiff has a propensity to become lazy, but they will have a better quality of life if exercise is initiated.
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I am looking to adopt an AM in 2008. I had a St. Bernard for 9.5 years - he was an energetic puppy but was not the type to chew on furniture, etc. What is the energy level of a properly exercised AM?
American Mastiff puppies have the energy level of any puppy. As adults, American Mastiffs, like their English Mastiff cousins, can turn into couch potatoes if you let them. They don't require a lot of exercise, but a nice walk is always enjoyed. My American Mastiff loves to chase a Frisbee or his Jolly Ball thrown across the yard. Wishing you the best with your future American Mastiff! They're awesome dogs!
Ours runs around a bit. like any puppy. Minimum chewing of kids toys or furniture... and she has almost grown out of it at 13 weeks.
I am looking into getting a AM but have never owned one. I worked at Boxer breeding kennel for a number of years so being around dogs is not an issue. But I'm not very sure as to where I can find a AM breeder. I dont want one for show, just a pet/member of the family. And roughly what kind of prices will I be looking at for buying the dog, and roughly how much food they eat?
We got our puppy from Frederica at Flying W Farm, great breeder. Pricing just changed, have a look at their site. Our 12 week old female puppy eats about 6-7 cups of quality dried food and a chicken leg every day.
We have a 11 week old AM. We know that obedience training is important but would like to know at what age ( or problems exhibited) to start this training?
We are starting ours at 12 weeks, right after the last puppy shot.
We have a 1 year old male American Mastiff named Leo. Think we need to change dog food-possible allergy to the current food. What is the most recomended dog food(besides home made) to give AM's? (note-he eats about 5-6 cups per day)
You'd want any high quality, low protein and fat food. My first was a fan of Iam's, but there's also a fantastic option made through a breeder in Southern California that will ship it out, and it's been adding years to the lives of giant dogs. They even have a picture of a sixteen year old Great Dane. I think it's called gentle giants.
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My review of American Mastiffs
I own a 3-year-old American Mastiff named Murphy. Murphy is the most awesome dog I've ever known! He is extremely smart, loving, sweet, gentle, patient and loyal. He is a favorite everywhere we go. He has never met anyone (2- or 4-legged) that he didn't love! He was awarded the CGC (Canine Good Citizenhip Award) and is an actively working Certified Therapy Dog. NOTE: Genuine American Mastiffs can ONLY be obtained from the 12 approved AM breeders, who are members of the AMBC (American Mastiff Breeders Council).Michelle ParlierMcHenry, Illinois
Pros: On average, they drool much less than their English Mastiff cousins. Less incidence of health problems. Longer life-span. Wonderful temperament (which is guaranteed for life). Don't require a lot of grooming.
Cons: Big dogs equal big food bills and higher costs for vaccinations, etc.
American Mastiff Information
