American Mastiff
Encyclopedia
The American Mastiff is a molosser
-type dog that was created over 20 years ago by Fredericka Wagner of Flying W Farms by crossing an English Mastiff
and an Anatolian Mastiff.
with an Anatolian Mastiff, a breed known for its intelligence and lengthy lifespan for a large breed. Through very selective breeding, the American Mastiff was born. The American Mastiff looks similar to the English Mastiff
. This line is relatively new, and the breeders have chosen not to register with most breed registries. They can be registered with the Continental Kennel Club, which recognized the line as purebred in 2000. American Mastiffs were bred to be family dogs, not show dogs. There are 9 authorized breeders in North America which comprise the American Mastiff Breeders Council (AMBC) and whose dogs' bloodlines can be traced exclusively back to Flying W Farms. This is not the same as a Panja, which has lines of Pit bull
and Rottweiler
.
Though they probably would not choose to exercise daily, a steady routine will keep them more fit and happier. It is good for their mental and physical health to be out and walking regularly.
Their grooming is easy due to their short-haired and smooth coat. They can easily be shampooed and shined by drying them after bathing, then brushing their coat with a brush with firm bristles. Though they do shed, they shed no more than the average dog.
The head should be wide, heavy and rectangular in shape with high-set rounded ears. A medium-sized muzzle should be well-proportioned to the rest of the head. The neck should be powerful with a slight arch, leading to a straight and muscular back. The chest should be deep, broad and well-rounded. Forelegs should be strong, straight and set well apart, while the hind legs should be wide and parallel. The dog should be 32 to 36 inches at the shoulder with females standing at 28 to 34. American Mastiff puppies are usually dark in color; however, as they mature their color tends to lighten. Common American Mastiff colors are fawn, apricot and brindle. The dog should have a temperament that is loving and devoted to its family, especially children. A loyal and calm dog, the American Mastiff should be non-aggressive except when its family is threatened. In those instances, they become fierce and courageous guard dogs.
Weight: Females 140-180+ pounds. Males 160-200+ pounds.
Molosser
Molosser is a category of large, solidly-built dog that includes several breeds, probably all descended from the same root stock. The name derives from Molossia, a subregion of ancient Epirus, ancient Greece, where the large shepherd dog was known as the Molossus.The proper noun "Mastiff", however,...
-type dog that was created over 20 years ago by Fredericka Wagner of Flying W Farms by crossing an English Mastiff
English Mastiff
The English Mastiff, referred to by virtually all Kennel Clubs simply as the Mastiff, is a breed of large dog perhaps descended from the ancient Alaunt through the Pugnaces Britanniae. Distinguishable by enormous size, massive head, and a limited range of colors, but always displaying a black mask,...
and an Anatolian Mastiff.
General
In an attempt to address issues of hip displasia, drooling, and a short lifespan, Fredericka Wagner of Flying W Farms crossed an English MastiffEnglish Mastiff
The English Mastiff, referred to by virtually all Kennel Clubs simply as the Mastiff, is a breed of large dog perhaps descended from the ancient Alaunt through the Pugnaces Britanniae. Distinguishable by enormous size, massive head, and a limited range of colors, but always displaying a black mask,...
with an Anatolian Mastiff, a breed known for its intelligence and lengthy lifespan for a large breed. Through very selective breeding, the American Mastiff was born. The American Mastiff looks similar to the English Mastiff
English Mastiff
The English Mastiff, referred to by virtually all Kennel Clubs simply as the Mastiff, is a breed of large dog perhaps descended from the ancient Alaunt through the Pugnaces Britanniae. Distinguishable by enormous size, massive head, and a limited range of colors, but always displaying a black mask,...
. This line is relatively new, and the breeders have chosen not to register with most breed registries. They can be registered with the Continental Kennel Club, which recognized the line as purebred in 2000. American Mastiffs were bred to be family dogs, not show dogs. There are 9 authorized breeders in North America which comprise the American Mastiff Breeders Council (AMBC) and whose dogs' bloodlines can be traced exclusively back to Flying W Farms. This is not the same as a Panja, which has lines of Pit bull
Pit bull
A Pit bull is any of several breeds of dog in the molosser breed group.Many jurisdictions that restrict pit bulls, including Ontario, Canada,, Miami, Florida, U.S...
and Rottweiler
Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is a medium to large size breed of domestic dog that originated in Rottweil, Germany. The dogs were known as "Rottweil butchers' dogs" because they were used to herd livestock and pull carts laden with butchered meat and other products to market...
.
Characteristics of the American Mastiff
American Mastiffs are generally calm and quiet dogs and are wonderful with children. They are loyal and loving dogs who are not usually aggressive unless they need to protect their people.Though they probably would not choose to exercise daily, a steady routine will keep them more fit and happier. It is good for their mental and physical health to be out and walking regularly.
Their grooming is easy due to their short-haired and smooth coat. They can easily be shampooed and shined by drying them after bathing, then brushing their coat with a brush with firm bristles. Though they do shed, they shed no more than the average dog.
Description
American Mastiff dog comes in three colors including fawn, apricot and brindle. Puppies are born dark in color and tend to lighten as they get older. American Mastiffs attain their true color by the age of approximately one year. White markings on the chin, chest and feet are acceptable. All American Mastiffs must exhibit a black mask in order to meet the breed standard.The head should be wide, heavy and rectangular in shape with high-set rounded ears. A medium-sized muzzle should be well-proportioned to the rest of the head. The neck should be powerful with a slight arch, leading to a straight and muscular back. The chest should be deep, broad and well-rounded. Forelegs should be strong, straight and set well apart, while the hind legs should be wide and parallel. The dog should be 32 to 36 inches at the shoulder with females standing at 28 to 34. American Mastiff puppies are usually dark in color; however, as they mature their color tends to lighten. Common American Mastiff colors are fawn, apricot and brindle. The dog should have a temperament that is loving and devoted to its family, especially children. A loyal and calm dog, the American Mastiff should be non-aggressive except when its family is threatened. In those instances, they become fierce and courageous guard dogs.
Height, Weight
Height: Females 28-34 inches. Males 32-36 inches.Weight: Females 140-180+ pounds. Males 160-200+ pounds.
Health
American Mastiffs tend to be healthy and happy dogs with fewer reported incidents of many of the health problems generally seen in other large breeds.Living Conditions
Contrary to some other large breeds, this breed of Mastiff dog will get along perfectly well in an apartment as long as they are exercised daily. This can be a daily walk or short run. Usually even a small fenced yard will do just fine.Exercise
American Mastiffs are inclined to become lazy as they get older, but they will keep fitter and happier if given regular exercise. Like all dogs, the American Mastiff should be taken on daily regular walks to help release its mental and physical energy. As with any breed, it is best if they are leashed in public. The American Mastiff tends to enjoy large yards over smaller. They also would not do well in a apartment or in a small ennclosed place.See also
- MolosserMolosserMolosser is a category of large, solidly-built dog that includes several breeds, probably all descended from the same root stock. The name derives from Molossia, a subregion of ancient Epirus, ancient Greece, where the large shepherd dog was known as the Molossus.The proper noun "Mastiff", however,...
- BullmastiffBullmastiffThe Bullmastiff is a large breed of domestic dog. It has a solid build and a short muzzle. The Bullmastiff shares the characteristics of Molosser dogs, and was originally developed by 19th-century gamekeepers in England to guard estates and immobilize poachers. The breed's bloodlines are drawn from...
- Spanish MastiffSpanish MastiffThe Spanish Mastiff, or Mastín Español is a large breed of dog, originating in Spain, originally bred to be a Livestock guardian dog and a guard dog whose purpose is to defend livestock from wolves and other predators...
- Neapolitan MastiffNeapolitan MastiffThe Neapolitan Mastiff, Italian Mastiff, is a large, ancient dog breed. This massive breed is often used as a guard and defender of family and property due to their protective instincts and their fearsome appearance....
- Tibetan MastiffTibetan MastiffThe Tibetan Mastiff is an ancient breed and type of domestic dog originating with nomadic cultures of Central Asia.-Names and etymology:...
- Dogue de BordeauxDogue de BordeauxThe Dogue de Bordeaux, Bordeaux Mastiff or French Mastiff or Bordeauxdog is a breed of dog that is strong, powerful, and imposing. The Dogue de Bordeaux is one of the most ancient French breeds. They are a typical brachycephalic molossoid type. Bordeaux are very powerful dogs, with a very muscular...
(French Mastiff) - English MastiffEnglish MastiffThe English Mastiff, referred to by virtually all Kennel Clubs simply as the Mastiff, is a breed of large dog perhaps descended from the ancient Alaunt through the Pugnaces Britanniae. Distinguishable by enormous size, massive head, and a limited range of colors, but always displaying a black mask,...