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!

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.

Wanted to know how well AM's do with the addition of a new AM puppy introduced as a part of the family? Thinking about getting a female as a sibling/playmate for our male(currently 1yr old) he's very territorial when it comes to our daughter and myself and stands between us and other dogs or strangers. possible problems?

I had a AM growing up and would like to get another one. I have 3 kids, and another dog. Would this be a problem? I am wanting a Male Puppy! Is there a AM rescue around Oklahoma??

My daughter is afraid of dogs, and my son is hollering he wants a puppy, but I have been reluctant because of my daughter, would it be a good idea for us to have am American Mastiff puppy while she is young and can get used to it or should we wait till she is much older? I have always been told that if exposed to animals children ar less likely to be afraid, and I would like a puppy myself. So what would be a good thing to do?

If your daughter is afraid of dogs an American Mastiff is not one to consider. The AM's need a strong figure and tend to take advantage of the less confident.

i grew up having a couple of mastiffs when i lived with my parents. now i have my own place and want another. but I like to backpack and go hiking etc, how well will a mastiff do if i take them hiking or backpacking with me?

The AM's can be good hiking dogs once they have fully grown and matured...but that can take roughly 2 years. Any type of strenuous activity before maturity can seriously damage the dog's bones and joints and you could end up with a young AM suffering from arthritis and possibly other problems. Also, even when the dog is full grown, AM's have the tendency to get tired...so be prepared to only walk him as far as you'd want to carry him back if need be. And ideally, a fully matured AM will only need a short walk a day (approx. a mile), so you might want to consider another breed if hiking/backpacking is of large importance.

How intellegent are the dogs?

I have a 4 month old, male, AM and he is wonderful and very intelligent! It is very hard to look at his like he is a puppy because he is so laid back, doesn't chew on anything other than his toys, is already housebroken (was at 10 weeks) and not to mention the fact that he is 60 lbs already! He is currently going through his adolescent phase where he is testing his boundaries...but he'll get through it and be more obedient. He was very easy to train on basic commands (sit, down, etc.)...he learned them after only a few tries. Hope this helps :)

Will a AM make a good fist dog?? Also are they known to be dominante?

It all depends on what type of dog you want for your first one we have an AM and absolutely love her. They are very trainable and affectionate animals but as with ANY dog out there if they do not have someone in there home that leads them they will assume the role as leader themselves. Are they a fiercely dominate breed that will challenge you every day? No. Just remember they are very big and be prepared for your coffee table (we no longer have one) to be swept clean every time they enter the room.