American Mastiff

Pronunciation
American Mastiff
Description
The American Mastiff is drymouthed. The drymouthness is due to the outcross of Anatolian which occurred early in the development of the breed. It 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. 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 round and compact, with arched toes and black nails. The tail is long, reaching the hocks. This dog is strong and driving, yet very agile. Puppies are all born dark, and lighten as they grow older, some becoming very light fawn by age one year; some retain dark hairs. It is possible to have a small white patch on the foot, chest, or chin.
STANDARD: Head: Wide, heavy and rectangular in shape. Eyes: Amber in color. Darker the better. Ears: Rounded and set high on head. Muzzle: Medium size and well proportioned to head. Nose: Black. Bite: Scissor. Neck: Powerful, and slightly arched. Chest: Deep, broad and well-rounded, descending to the level of elbows. Ribs are well-sprung and extend well back. Body: Back is straight, muscular and powerful, with well muscled and slightly arched loins. Legs: Forelegs are strong, straight and set well apart. Hind legs are wide and parallel. Feet: Round and compact, with arched toes and black nails. Tail: Long, reaching the hocks. Movement: Strong and driving, yet very agile. Temperament: Dignity rather than gaiety; 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 fierce and courageous guard dogs. They are wise, kind and gentle, patient and understanding, very loving with their own people, neither shy nor vicious, loyal, and devoted. It is exactly like the English Mastiff in looks, size, disposition; the only difference is the American Mastiff has a much dryer mouth than the English Mastiff.
Height, Weight
Height: 28-35 inches (65-89 cm.)
Weight: Males 160 to over 200 pounds (72-90 kg.) Females 140-180 pounds (63-81 kg.)
Health Problems
-
Living Conditions
American Mastiffs will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors and a small yard will do.
Exercise
Mastiffs are inclined to be lazy but they will keep fitter and happier if given regular exercise. 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.
Origin
Developed by Fredericka Wagner of Piketon, OH at Flying W Farms by crossing the English Mastiff with a dog that was said to be an Anatolian Mastiff or Anatolian Shepherd. The resulting puppies had a firm tight lower lip line and did not drool; selective breeding thereafter kept the dry mouth.
Group
Mastiff
Recognition
CKC