Description

The American Mastiff has a much dryer mouthed than other mastiffs. The dryer mouth is due outcrossing the English Mastiff with Anatolian Mastiff, which occurred early in the development of the breed. The American Mastiff is a large, massive, and powerful dog. The head is wide, heavy and rectangular in shape. The eyes are amber in color. Darker the better. The ears are rounded and set high on head. The muzzle is medium size and well proportioned to head and has black mask. The nose is black; It has a scissor bite: . The neck is powerful, and slightly arched. The chest is deep, broad and well-rounded, descending to the level of elbows. The ribs are well-sprung and extend well back. The back is straight, muscular and powerful, with well muscled and slightly arched loins. The forelegs are strong, straight and set well apart. The hind legs are wide and parallel. The feet are large, well shaped and compact, with arched toes .The tail is long, reaching the hocks. Puppies are usually born dark, and lighten as they grow older, some becoming very light fawn by age one year; some retain dark hairs. Colors are fawn, apricot and brindle. White markings acceptable on

Origin

Developed by Fredericka Wagner of Piketon, OH at Flying W Farms by crossing the English Mastiff with an Anatolian Mastiff. The resulting puppies had a firmer, tighter lower lip line and did not drool as much as the average Mastiff; selective breeding thereafter kept the dryer mouth.

Temperament

quiet, calm, loving and loyal. Protective, but not aggressive. Temperament The American Mastiff love children and are totally devoted to their families. Dignity rather than gaiety; quiet, calm, loving and loyal. Protective, but not aggressive; they are non-aggressive except in those instances when their family, especially the children, are threatened. In those instances they become courageous defenders. They are wise, kind and gentle, patient and understanding, very loving with their own people, neither shy nor vicious, they are loyal, and devoted. Since these dogs are of the Mastiff type and grow to be very large, this breed needs an owner who knows how to display strong leadership.

Height

Height: 28-36 inches (65-91 cm.)

Weight

Weight: Males 160 to over 200 pounds (72-90 kg.) Females 140-180 pounds

Known Health Problems

American Mastiffs tend to be healthy happy dogs with fewer reported incidents of many of the health problems you see in other large breeds.

Conditions for Living

American Mastiffs do just fine in an apartment with daily exercise, a walk will do, or a run in a fenced in yard. As they grow older they tend to become a little lazy. They are relatively inactive indoors ("couch potatoes") and a small yard will do.

Exercise Requirments

Mastiffs are inclined to be lazy but they will keep fitter and happier if given regular exercise. Like all dogs, the American Mastiff should physical energy. It's in a dogs nature to walk. They should always be leashed in public.

Life Expectancy

About 10-12 years

Grooming

The smooth, short-haired coat is easy to groom. Brush with a firm bristle brush and wipe over with a piece of toweling or chamois for a gleaming finish. Bathe or dry shampoo when necessary. This breed is an average shedder.

Group