American Mastiff Dog

American Mastiff

American Mastiff Characteristics: The Noble and Powerful American Mastiff is a breed of Large / Giant dog is a Hybrid / Mix crossbreed, bred from an English Mastiff and an Anatolian Shepherd dog. The American Mastiff, is characterized by its powerful, dignified appearance of this "Gentle Giant" has a massive, muscular body but a loving and devoted expression. Other characteristics include hazel, brown or amber, medium sized, wide set eyes; small, flat lying ears; a dark muzzle known as the "Black mask", a straight, tapering tail and a firm, fluid, purposeful gait.

The temperament of the American Mastiff can be described as Protective, calm, loving. The coat type of the American Mastiff is described as varied coat type depending on hereditary traits in fawn, apricot and brindle colors.  Due to its characteristics and qualities, the American Mastiff demonstrated the desired traits of a Watch dog and Companion and is known by its nick name the "Molosser dog". The origin of the American Mastiff dog breed was in United States where it was developed in the late 1980's.

Fast Facts about the American Mastiff: The following facts provide fast information about the American Mastiff breed. Size: Large / Giant *** Breed Group: Hybrid / Mix: English Mastiff / Anatolian Shepherd Dog *** Nick name: "Molosser dog" *** Origin: United States *** Male Height: 28 - 36 inches (65 - 91 cm) *** Female Height: 28 - 36 inches (65 - 91 cm) *** Male Weight: 160 to over 200 pounds (72 - 90 kg) *** Female Weight: 140 - 180 pounds (63 - 81 kg) *** Coat Type: varied coat type depending on hereditary traits *** Coat Colors: fawn, apricot and brindle colors *** Litter Size: 2 to 5 puppies *** American Mastiff Health Problems: Inherited, genetic *** American Mastiff Lifespan: 10-12 years *** Hypoallergenic: No

American Mastiff Dog Type - Hybrid / Mix (Unrecognised as a breed): English Mastiff / Anatolian Mastiff: The American Mastiff is one of the many types of dogs described as a Hybrid / Mix, bred from the English Mastiff and the Anatolian Shepherd dog. (Anatolia was once a Turkish region in Asia Minor).

Other names for the American Mastiff: The American Mastiff is known by the nickname of the "Molosser dog". Other names for this breed of dog include the AM Mastiff and Ohio Mastiff.

Origin of the name: The origin of the name "American Mastiff" derives from its place of origin. The word "Mastiff" is from the Old French word 'mastin' meaning "great cur". N.B. The word 'cur' was used to describe vicious dogs and derives from the Old Norse word 'kurra' meaning "to growl".

American Mastiff History and Origin: The country of origin of the American Mastiff breed was in United States during the late 1980's. The "American Mastiff" is often described as a Molosser dog - breeds that share a common ancestry with the large, powerful dogs of antiquity. The first mastiff breeds were introduced to America in the 1500's by Spanish or Portuguese conquistadors such as Hernan Cortes, Juan Ponce de Leon, Vasco Nunez de Balboa, Coronado and Hernando de Soto to assist their soldiers in subjugating the native population of the New World.

 In the 1600's, during the Colonial era, the English Mastiff was also introduced to America by the early colonists who used the ferocious dogs to protect their settlements and attack Native American Indians. These intimidating mastiffs were the basis of the American Mastiff breed. In the 1700's and 1800's mastiffs were also used for pursuing fugitive slaves in the Deep South. The ancestors of the American Mastiff were used by both the Confederate and Union armies as War Dogs during the American Civil War (1861 - 1865). The War dogs were trained in combat to protect their owners and to guard prisoners. 

American Mastiff Modern History: The modern American Mastiff breed was developed in the late 1980's by an experienced dog breeder called Fredericka Wagner of Flying W Farms in Piketon, Ohio. Fredericka Wagner created a selective breeding program to create a hybrid breed by crossing the English Mastiff with the Anatolian Shepherd Dog, a livestock guard dog.  The goal of Fredericka Wagner was to minimize some undesirable traits in the English Mastiff including excessive drooling and health problems including a high incidence of hip and knee problems and Gastric Torsion.

The result of  the breeding program was the American Mastiff. The American Mastiff puppies were similar to the English mastiff in color, shape and size but were less aggressive and had a firmer, a tighter lower lip line and drier mouth that did not drool as much as the English Mastiff. The American Mastiff breed is not recognized or registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC). The American Mastiff Breeders Council (AMBC) consist of authorized breeders whose dogs can be traced exclusively back to Flying W Farms. Mastiff Breeds: For additional facts refer to the History of all the Mastiff breeds.

American Mastiff Height: The American breed is classified as a Large / Giant sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 28 - 36 inches (65 - 91 cm). The height to the shoulder of a female dog is 28 - 36 inches (65 - 91 cm).

American Mastiff Weight: Not surprisingly for a Large / Giant sized dog, the weight of a male dog is 160 to over 200 pounds (72 - 90 kg). The weight of the smaller female dog is 140 - 180 pounds (63 - 81 kg).

American Mastiff Coat Type: The coat type is described as varied coat type depending on hereditary traits, but generally short and dense.

American Mastiff Coat Colors: The colors of this American dog breed include fawn, apricot and brindle colors.

American Mastiff Grooming - LOW Grooming Needs: The dog grooming needs of the American Mastiff are categorized as Low in order to maintain a healthy coat and reduce the risk of skin infections. The limited dog grooming needs of the American Mastiff are therefore considered to be low maintenance, requiring limited attention to grooming with casual brushing and combing. Dog Grooming needs should also include bathing the American Mastiff on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the eyes, ears, nails and teeth.

American Mastiff Litter Size: The litter size of this American dog breed ranges from 2 to 5 puppies. American Mastiff puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of American Mastiff puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder.

American Mastiff Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of this popular dog breed is described as Noble, Protective, calm, loving and Powerful.

American Mastiff Exercise Requirements - HIGH Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog is high. The American Mastiff requires regular daily exercise consisting of approximately one to two hours each day. This large, powerful dog has a firm, fluid, purposeful gait with strides of a moderate length and requires a brisk walking speed or jogging by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements.

American Mastiff Diet: A fully grown American Mastiff should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat.

American Mastiff Health Problems: Potential health problems of the American Mastiff breed have not yet been fully established, but there is the possibility of inherited, genetic health issues. Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the American Mastiff dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: No.

American Mastiff Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the American Mastiff breed is 10-12 years.

American Mastiff Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the American Mastiff breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male American Mastiff names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Rocco *** Tyson *** Hunter *** Otis *** Boomer *** Rufus *** Rex *** Apollo *** Brody *** Simba.

American Mastiff Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the American Mastiff girl dog. Our top choice of good female American Mastiffs names are Riley *** Pepper *** Missy *** Ella *** Harley *** Abby *** Luna *** Maggie *** Sadie *** Mocha *** Trixie.

Fast Facts about the American Mastiff: The following facts provide fast information about the American Mastiff . Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Type: Hybrid / Mix: English Mastiff / Anatolian Shepherd Dog *** Size: Large / Giant *** Country of Origin: American *** History / Date: mid to late 1900's *** Male American Mastiff Height: 28 - 36 inches (65 - 91 cm) *** Male American Mastiff Weight: 160 to over 200 pounds (72 - 90 kg) *** Coat Type: varied coat type depending on hereditary traits *** Litter Size: 2 to 5 puppies *** American Mastiff Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** American Mastiff Lifespan: 10-12 years ***

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