American Mastiff

Breed Description

The American Mastiff is a dog breed with an ancient and fascinating history. This purebred mastiff is the result of crossing other mastiffs with large dogs that were brought to the continent from Western Europe during the establishment of American settlements.

The history of the American Mastiff dates back to the 16th century when the first colonists brought mastiffs from Europe to protect their families and settlements from wild animals and hostile Native American tribes. These dogs were large, strong, and brave, used for various tasks, including hunting wild animals and instilling fear in enemies.

Over time, the American Mastiff evolved into a recognizable breed. Its outstanding physical characteristics, such as a large build, powerful jaws, and broad chest, make it an ideal companion for hunting, guarding, and protecting property. Additionally, the American Mastiff is known for its loyalty, friendliness, and gentle disposition.

A significant turning point in the history of the American Mastiff was its use for military purposes. During World War II, these dogs were trained for service in the army and police, where they successfully served as patrol and search dogs. Their strength, endurance, and accommodating nature made them invaluable assistants in many tasks.

Today, the American Mastiff remains a popular dog breed worldwide. It is often used for guarding and protecting families, as well as for family companionship. It can also be a great sports partner and a loyal friend for children.

Although the American Mastiff possesses wonderful qualities and temperament, its care requires specific attention and commitment. These large dogs need ample space for movement and physical activity. They also require proper nutrition and regular veterinary check-ups.Overall, the American Mastiff is a breed with a rich history that serves as a wonderful family companion. Its beautiful appearance, powerful physique, and intelligence are sure to win the hearts of anyone who shares their life with this remarkable being.The average price for an American Mastiff puppy ranges from 50,000 to 100,000 rubles.

Appearance

The Mastiff is a majestic and powerful breed of dog with a unique appearance. It has a large and heavy build, strong muscles, and impressive size. These dogs have a massive head with broad and pronounced facial features. They possess a wide skull and strong jaws, giving them an imposing and fearsome look. The eyes of the American Mastiff are typically dark and look straight ahead with dignity.

One of the distinguishing features of this breed is its large, wide nostrils, which help the dog breathe well and cool down during physical activity. Another characteristic of the American Mastiff’s appearance is its ears. They can be cropped or gently drooping, adding to the dog’s determined and powerful appearance.

The body of the American Mastiff is well-structured, with a strong and broad chest, allowing them to be sturdy and balanced. They have powerful, sturdy limbs with large paws. Their back is straight and strong, and the tail is short and erect.

The coat of the American Mastiff is short, smooth, and dense. It typically comes in various colors, including fawn, grey, brindle, spotted, and black. The appearance and color of the coat depend on genetic recessive and dominant factors.

Overall, the American Mastiff is a dog breed with a majestic and powerful appearance that impresses with its looks and appeal. They possess special traits that make them unique and unforgettable.

The lifespan of Americans ranges from 14 to 15 years.

Отличительные черты

Голова

The head is large and powerful, with well-defined features. A broad forehead above the eyes.

Морда

The muzzle is flat, with clearly defined eyebrows and a forehead that has a distinct shape. It can be described as broad and short. The muzzle has a straight and square profile, with a wide and strong lower jaw.

Уши

The ears of an American Mastiff can be cropped or softly dropped. Cropped ears give the dog an even more determined and powerful appearance, while softly dropped ears also add charm and uniqueness to it.

Глаза

The eyes of the American Mastiff are typically round and deeply set, with varying shades ranging from light brown to dark brown. The eyes are not very large and not too narrow, positioned widely apart. The deep hollows in the area of the eye sockets and the cheekbones, which are level with the eye sockets, have a distinctly pronounced relief. The eye color is yellow-brown, as well as dark brown.

Зубы

The teeth and jaws of the American mastiff are strong and powerful, with a correct bite. Thanks to these characteristics, the dog can move well and seize its prey. It has strong teeth with large fangs and a scissor bite type.

Корпус

Deep, large, with a recess at the bottom, chest. Flat abdomen. Ribs are wide and round.

Конечности

The front paws are straight and strong; the angles of the elbow joints are clearly visible. The hind paws are well-developed. The calves and the ankle joint are clearly visible. The paws are elongated and large. The claws are black.

Хвост

The tail of the American Mastiff is short and erect, which adds even more grace and dignity to the breed.

Шерсть

The short coat is uniform in length across the whole body. The colors can be apricot, fawn, or brindle. Additionally, there should always be a "black mask" on the muzzle. The coat of the American Mastiff is short, smooth, and dense, requiring minimal grooming.

Окрас

The colors can vary, including fawn, gray, brindle, spotted, and black. Each color gives the dog its own uniqueness and appeal.

Character

The character of the American Mastiff is its main feature. It is characterized by balance, calmness, and a gentle disposition. The American Mastiff is a dog that stands out for its loyalty and attachment to its family, always ready to protect them with fidelity and courage.

These dogs are known for their friendliness and tenderness, especially towards children. They can spend a lot of time with them, playing and fulfilling their role as reliable companions. The American Mastiff treats its family with respect and care, making it an excellent family pet and a dependable protector.

Despite their friendly nature, the American Mastiff can be wary of strangers. They have a high level of vigilance and can serve as good watchdogs, protecting their family and property. They may show aggression in the face of threats, emphasizing the importance of early socialization and proper training.

The American Mastiff is an intelligent breed that learns quickly and responds well to commands. They strive to please their owners and perform tasks effectively when given proper training and stimulation. However, they can sometimes exhibit stubbornness or independence, making it essential to use positive training methods and maintain persistence while being fair.

The American Mastiff leads a calm and balanced lifestyle. It does not require intense physical activity and adapts easily to life in an apartment or on a country property. Nevertheless, regular walks and exercise are necessary to maintain its physical fitness and overall health.

Overall, the American Mastiff is a breed with inherent leadership qualities and devotion to its family. It possesses a calm and balanced character, and its reliable protective nature instills confidence. If given the right upbringing and socialization, an American Mastiff will become a loyal friend and an excellent companion for its owners.The American Mastiff is a breed with a reserved demeanor that shows great care and attention to its family. It is always ready to protect its loved ones, making it an ideal companion for guarding against potential threats. Despite its formidable appearance, this breed has a good-natured temperament and easily connects with children. However, without proper training and upbringing, the Mastiff can become dangerous to its owner and children.It is also worth noting that the American Mastiff tends to seek dominance, even over larger dogs. If you train your pet, it will respect you and recognize you as the master. However, if the owner uses harsh training methods, the dog may attack any larger opponent.

Care and Maintenance

Caring for an American Mastiff requires some attention and care. Here are some important aspects to consider in ensuring proper care for this breed.

The American Mastiff requires a balanced and nutritious diet. It is recommended to choose a high-quality commercial dog food that meets the dog’s needs based on age, size, and activity level. It’s important to monitor portion sizes and avoid overfeeding to prevent weight issues.

Puppies under six months should be fed six times a day, and once they become older, the number of meals is reduced to three.

It is important to note that visible last ribs in this breed indicate excellent health. This breed easily adapts to dry food. A premium quality food that contains proteins and carbohydrates along with all necessary vitamins and minerals is recommended. By-products are one of the favorite dietary components for American Mastiffs and play an important role in the diet of puppies, providing essential vitamins and micronutrients. Additionally, dogs can have dairy products such as kefir or cheese. Homemade cheese is especially beneficial and a good source of calcium.

Although American Mastiffs do not require intensive physical activity, they still need regular walks and opportunities for exercise. Outdoor walks help maintain good physical condition and contribute to the dog’s mental well-being.

The coat of the American Mastiff is short and does not require special care. A few times a week of brushing is sufficient for daily grooming and removing dead hair. Regular bathing is not necessary, except when the dog is particularly dirty or smells unpleasant. It is important to brush the coat twice a week. Using a stiff brush with short bristles will help you keep the coat in excellent condition. Bathing is recommended every two months.Regular dental and eye hygiene is an important part of caring for an American Mastiff. It is advisable to brush the dog’s teeth regularly with a special dog toothpaste and toothbrush. The eyes should be checked for mucus or discharge and gently cleaned with a soft cloth if necessary.Early socialization and basic training are extremely important for the American Mastiff. This helps them develop good manners, become sociable, and confident in various situations. Positive reinforcement training methods based on encouragement and praise work best for this breed.Regular visits to the veterinarian will help monitor the dog’s health and prevent potential diseases. Vaccinations and regular preventive check-ups and tests are reco

Training and Education

Training and education of the American Mastiff is an important part of its upbringing and socialization. This is an intelligent breed that can be easily trained but requires a consistent and patient approach. Here are some key points to consider when training an American Mastiff.

Early socialization is vital for the American Mastiff so it can learn to interact with other dogs, people, and its environment. It should be exposed to various situations and stimuli to develop confidence and sociability.

The American Mastiff responds better to positive training methods, such as encouragement and praise, rather than harsh or strict punishment. Gratitude, affection, and tasty treats serve as excellent motivators for it.

The American Mastiff is a breed that needs clear rules and a defined hierarchy within the family. You need to establish yourself as the pack leader and demonstrate authority and consistency in training and education.

One of the important aspects of training an American Mastiff is teaching good manners and behavior. It should know basic commands like “sit,” “lie down,” “stand,” “no,” “place,” “come,” and others. These commands will help you control its behavior in various situations.

The American Mastiff can be distrustful of other dogs or animals due to its protective nature. Therefore, it’s important to socialize it with other dogs and animals from an early age to reduce the risk of aggression or inappropriate behavior.Like any other breed, training an American Mastiff requires consistency and repetition. It is important to maintain patience and determination, especially at the start of the training process, and to remember to reward the dog for correctly following commands.Training an American Mastiff should be a continuous and ongoing process. Don’t stop at the basic commands; keep teaching it new skills, tricks, and exercises. This will help develop its intelligence, maintain its health, and stimulate active thinking.It is important to remember that each American Mastiff has its own personality and temperament, so training should be tailored to its needs and abilities. If you encounter difficulties, it is recommended to seek help from a professional trainer or behavior specialist who can help develop the most effective training strategy.Overall, training and educating an American Mastiff is an integral part of its upbringi

How to Choose a Puppy

Choosing a puppy of the American Mastiff breed is a responsible and important step. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice and find the perfect puppy for your family.

Research the breed: Before starting your search for a puppy, study the characteristics of the American Mastiff breed. Learn about their temperament, care requirements, health, and purpose. It’s important to ensure that the breed aligns with your expectations and lifestyle.

Finding a reputable breeder: Look for reliable and experienced breeders of the American Mastiff. Review their websites, read testimonials and recommendations. It’s crucial to choose breeders who adhere to professional standards and ethical principles in dog breeding.

Visiting the kennel: Visit the kennel in person to see the conditions in which the dogs and their parents are kept. Pay attention to the overall condition, cleanliness, and health of the dogs. The breeder should provide you with complete information about the puppies, their parents, and their health history.

Interacting with the puppies: Engage with the puppies to assess their temperament and character. Observe how they interact with you and other puppies. Choose a puppy whose personality suits you and meets your expectations.

Puppy health: Inquire about the health of the puppy and its parents. The breeder should provide information on the medical checks and vaccinations performed. Ensure that the puppy has received all necessary health measures and has a complete set of documents.Contract and guarantees: Before purchasing an American Mastiff puppy, review the sales contract and the guarantees offered by the breeder. It’s important to ensure that you clearly understand all the terms and receive detailed information about all health and quality guarantees for the puppy.Don’t rush: Choosing a puppy is a serious and long-term decision. Don’t hurry or act on emotions. Instead, take your time to carefully consider all factors and guarantees to ensure you’re making the right choice.It’s important to note that the choice depends on your preferences and needs. Each puppy has its own personality and may be suitable for different families and circumstances. Be prepared to invest time, energy, and love into raising and caring for your puppy so that they become happy, healthy, and well-adjusted dogs.We recommend acquiring an American Mastiff puppy only abroad, from a professional kennel. This bree

Health and Diseases

The American Mastiff is a breed of dog originally bred for work as guardians and hunters of wild animals. They are imposing, strong, and powerful in appearance, making them excellent guard dogs and companions.

However, like all dog breeds, American Mastiffs have specific health issues and susceptibilities to certain diseases. It is important to be aware of these issues to provide the best care for your dog.

One of the most common diseases encountered in American Mastiffs is hip and elbow dysplasia. This is a developmental disorder of the joints that can lead to lameness and pain in the dog. To prevent or reduce the likelihood of this condition, it is essential to pay attention to the dog’s diet, avoid overfeeding, and ensure sufficient physical activity.

Additionally, American Mastiffs may experience skin problems, such as allergies to certain foods or environmental factors. If there are signs of itching, rashes, or skin flaking, it is necessary to consult a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.

It is also important to keep in mind that American Mastiffs can be prone to respiratory issues. Due to their large size, they may experience airway constriction, leading to breathing difficulties. This is particularly relevant in hot weather or during intense physical activity. It is crucial to monitor indoor temperatures, offer drinking water, and limit long walks during hot hours.

In addition to physical health care, American Mastiffs require ongoing attention to their mental and emotional well-being. They are very loyal and loving dogs, needing care and attention from their owners. Adequate activity, play, and training help maintain the dog’s mental well-being.Finally, regular vet visits, weight management, proper nutrition, and vaccinations are all essential for maintaining the overall health of an American Mastiff.Overall, the American Mastiff is a generally healthy dog breed, but like all breeds, there are risks of diseases and issues. Proper care, attention to the dog’s needs, and regular vet visits will help preserve their health and make them loyal and happy companions.