Dog
Pronunciation:
uh-mer-i-kuhn mas-tif
Breed Description:
The American Mastiff breed of dog is actually the result of crossing the English Mastiff with the Anatolian Mastiff, however, unlike many other "designer breeds," the American Mastiff is breeding true to type and has been accepted by several kennel clubs. For this reason, a breed standard is available for the breed.
The American Mastiff is a giant sized breed of dog that should be massive in proportion and build. They should be muscular and should have the appearance of a powerful dog. The head should be large and should be rectangular with medium length ears that hang down the side of the head. The tail should be long and should taper to a point and the top line should be level.
The coat of the American Mastiff should be short and glossy. It should cover the dog completely and should have a hard texture. The American Mastiff can be found in three colors, fawn, brindle and apricot, with or without a black mask on the muzzle and ears. White is only allowed in small amounts on the chin, feet and chest.
Temperament:
The American Mastiff breed of dog is commonly known as a gentle giant. They are generally a very affectionate and gentle breed that does well with children, although they may be better suited to homes with older children due to their large size. They are usually calm and patient but they can be very courageous and will protect their family from anything. The breed is known for being very happy and while they are intelligent and loyal, the breed does require a strong owner who can train them properly. They are not recommended for new or timid dog owners. The breed can do well with other pets but socialization is important.
Height:
The average height of an American Mastiff is between 28 to 36 inches.
Weight:
The average weight of an American Mastiff is between 160 to 200 pounds for a male and 140 to 180 pounds for a female.
Health Problems:
The American Mastiff breed of dog is considered to be a very hardy breed that does not have any health problems. However, since they are a giant sized breed, you should pay careful attention to their joints.
Living Conditions:
The American Mastiff breed of dog can do well in apartments if they are given ample exercise, however, a home with a large yard is the ideal for this breed. The American Mastiff should not live outdoors since they thrive when they are with their owners.
Exercise:
The American Mastiff breed of dog is a giant sized breed of dog that doesn't require a lot of exercise. In fact, the breed can be very lazy but it is still important to give them about 30 to 45 minutes of exercise each day to keep them at a healthy weight.
Life Expectancy:
10 to 12 years
Grooming:
The American Mastiff breed of dog is a very easy breed to groom and they require little to no maintenance to keep their coats healthy. On average, you should expect to brush your dog on a weekly basis to remove dead hairs and dirt. A wipe down with a damp cloth will keep them clean and they should only be bathed when it is absolutely necessary. Ears should be cleaned on a regular basis and nails should be clipped once or twice a week.
Origin:
The American Mastiff breed of dog was developed by crossing the Anatolian Mastiff with the English Mastiff in the hopes of creating a dog with a dryer mouth. The breeding was done by a Fredericka Wagner, who resided in Piketon, Ohio in the 1980's. Ms. Wagner continued to breed the puppies until she produced the desired effects in her mastiffs. The result was the American Mastiff and over the last 20 years, efforts have been made to have the breed accepted by various kennel clubs. Comments
The standards for all the breeds accepted to the AKC are used here for breed information, and those not part of the AKC are resourced from FCI standard information, where it is written and coded into the club rules for those breeds.
