American Mastiff

History and Origin of the American Mastiff

The American Mastiff was created sometime in the late 1990s by a breeder named Fredericka Wagner from Flying W Farms in Ohio. She worked to create the breed by selectively crossing English Mastiffs with Anatolian Mastiffs. She chose the breeds for specific reasons; for example, the Anatolian Mastiff is known for its relatively long life span for a large breed and its high intelligence. Therefore, mixing this Mastiff with an English Mastiff would create a moderately healthy Mastiff with a longer life span that doesn’t drool as much as other Mastiffs.

Appearance

The American Mastiff looks like a half and half mix between the English and the Anatolian. Following in the steps of its ancestor breeds, it is large weighing anywhere from 160 to over 200 pounds while standing between 28 and 36 inches tall. The dogs come in three coat colors which are brindle, fawn, or apricot. The puppies are usually born darker and lighten with age; their true color will be evident around one year of age. The breed is allowed to have white markings on the feet, chest, and chin only. In order to meet the standard of the breed, each dog must exhibit a black mask on its face. The bodies of these dogs are well-built and they are very powerful.

American Mastiff Temperament and Personality

These dogs should present a docile nonaggressive attitude until provoked. These dogs become very attached to their families, especially children, so if they feel the family is threatened, they will attack. However, in general, they tend to be calm, loyal, and good-natured dogs. Since the breed is so patient and gentle, they do make wonderful dogs for respectful children. The owner, however, should display strong leadership skills because the dogs grow very large and can try to achieve leader of the pack status.

Health of the Breed

Thanks to the original selective breeding of the American Mastiff and the fact the breed’s bloodlines have remained pure they are usually happy, healthy dogs that are not prone to any diseases. They have slight risks for common illnesses such as hip dysplasia, although the percentage rates in this breed are nonexistent compared to other breeds.

Exercise and Other Care Requirements

The American Mastiff can thrive in any living situation as long as they are given a proper amount of exercise each day. As long as you provide the dog with a long, brisk walk or a short run daily the dog will be fine in terms of exercise. Ideally, a fenced yard is perfect for this breed. The dogs will become noticeably lazy as they age but it is important to influence the dog to maintain a healthy exercise regimen to ensure a nice body build. Regular exercise will not only help the dog physically, but it will also help the dog mentally. Since the breed has short hair, it requires minimal grooming; a light brushing weekly and a bath as needed will be fine.

Something you may not know about the breed …..

There are only eight recognized American Mastiff breeders in the country. These breeders also make-up the American Mastiff Breeders Council and all of their bloodlines can be traced back to the original Flying W Mastiffs.

American Mastiff