American Mastiff Dog Breed

Do you love learning about dog breeds? Then this article is for you, as it offers a profile of the American Mastiff dog breed and gives details on its personality and tips for its care.

American Mastiff Dog Breed
General Description: The American Mastiff is a large, powerful dog with a wide, heavy, rectangular-shaped head and a powerfully muscular build. The breed has a deep, rounded chest and well-sprung ribs. Their limbs are well-built, straight, and well-muscled, and their burly necks are thick and slightly arched. American Mastiffs have a long tail that reaches the hocks, and a pair of high set ears that are semi-round in shape. Their medium-sized muzzle is well-proportioned and features a black nose. American Mastiffs have teeth that close in a scissors bite and dark, amber-colored eyes. American Mastiff puppies are born darkly colored, and as they get older they become lighter. The breed’s coat can vary slightly in color, but is usually a light fawn that may or may not have some white markings.

Character: American Mastiffs make excellent family pets as they are terrific with children and hopelessly devoted to their owners. They are dignified, mellow, calm, and quiet. While American Mastiffs are very protective, they are never aggressive. Rather, they make excellent watch dogs and only attack if their families (especially children) are in danger. American Mastiffs are social, wise, and gentle with people, and they are very patient with small children and other animals.

Size: 28 – 35 inches

Weight: 140 – 200 pounds

General Health: American Mastiffs typically live for 10 to 12 years.

History: The American Mastiff was developed by Fredericka Wagner. She constructed the breed in Piketon, OH after crossing an English Mastiff with a dog thought to be an Anatolian Mastiff or Anatolian Shepherd. After much selective breeding, Fredericka Wagner was able to create Mastiff puppies with a tight lower lip line and a dry mouth.

Maintenance: American Mastiffs have a short-haired coat that is comparatively easy to take care of. They require regular brushing and their coat can be wiped down with a cloth for a glossy sheen. They require baths and dry shampoos only as necessary. American Mastiffs are average shedders.

Ideal Environment: The American Mastiff can do acceptably in a small household or apartment if he is sufficiently exercised. They are comparatively inactive indoors, so their ideal living conditions would consist of at least a small yard. The American Mastiff has a propensity to become lazy, but they will have a better quality of life if exercise is initiated.

Please visit GreatDogSite.com for more American Mastiff information.


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