American Mastiff

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The American Mastiff is a large and massive dog that resembles closely to with the English Mastiff in colour, appearance, size etc. The body has an impression of being slightly longer than taller. The head is moderately broad, heavy and rectangular in shape with dropped ears and kindly wide set eyes with brown colour. The muzzle is of moderate size with a black nose. The muzzle MUST be darker in colour with same colour around eye orbits and extending upward between them. This is called "The Black Mask" and all American Mastiffs must have this mark to meet the standards set for this breed. The neck is powerful with a deep chest and strong, straight back. The tail is wide at the roots, tapering to the end and hanging straight. The legs of American Mastiff are set wide apart and are heavy-boned and strong. The feet are large, round and compact. The dog is about 32 to 36 inches high when fully matured with a weight of 160 to over 200 pounds. Females are shorter and lighter. The dog can sport two types of coats, the very usual short coat and very rare long fluffy coat. The coat can come in different colours.

This breed is NOT recognized by AKC however CKC, DRA, BBC and AMBC do recognize this breed.

Color

The American Mastiff comes in different colours. It is usually found in fawn (in varying shades from very light cream to darker fawn), apricot and brindle. The puppies are born dark and the colour lightens as they grow up. Some retain the darker colour. White is allowed on foot, chest, nose and chin.

Coat

The American Mastiff sports two types of coats. The very common short, dense and thick coat. It very rarely displays a longer coat that is known as fluffy coat.

Personality

The American Mastiff can be called "Gentle Giant" due to its very even and friendly temperament. Typically a confident, calm and controlled breed, the American Mastiff is neither shy nor aggressive. Very docile and amiable with its family, the dog is alert and sensitive to its surroundings. It has an inherent sense of protecting its family. Very wise and understanding, the dog is specially kind, gentle and patient with children but suspicious of strangers. The dog will usually alarm a signal if it senses anything unusual around it. The dog is very devoted to its family and specially children. Though non-aggressive otherwise, the dog will become a ferocious protector of its family and specially children if it senses any threat towards them. This loyal and devoted dog is an excellent pet to have as family dog.

Care

The short coat is easy to take care of. Brushing it once a week should be enough. The breed is generally healthy and does not have usual health problems associated with other dog breeds.

Training

This docile and eager to please breed is always easy to train but would need a strong and firm trainer who can display a true pack leader qualities. Training should start early in puppyhood and the dog should be socialized with other pets, people and places.

Activity

Though an American Mastiff may not be inclined to a daily walk due to its somewhat lazy nature, it is better to take the dog for a walk and provide sometime for it to play in a safe area. This breed does not require lots of exercise.