The American Mastiff was developed by breeding an English Mastiff with the Anatolian Shepherd. Luckily this giant dog is not aggressive and most often is pretty laid back, with a stubborn streak. While they may be kind and gentle, with hearts of gold, this may not be the breed for you if you’re a first-time dog owner.
American Mastiff History
The American Mastiff was developed in the late 1980s in Ohio by breeding an English Mastiff and an Anatolian Shepherd. The American Kennel Club, and many Mastiff enthusiasts, do not recognize the breed as a purebred.
There is a class of dog called mastiffs as well as a breed called Mastiff. Since the Mastiff is English in origin, to avoid confusion many call the breed the English Mastiff. There is evidence of mastiffs from ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, China, and Tibet. Julius Caesar is said to have brought back British mastiffs after invading Britain in 55 B.C. and had them battle wild beasts and gladiators in the area.
The English Mastiff as we know it today, gained popularity in medieval England where they were used as big-game hunters, guard dogs, and war dogs. By the end of WWII only 14 remained in the entire country. It was lucky that there were purebreds in the United States that were of good stock, and they were sent back to revive the breed.
American Mastiff Characteristics
The American Mastiff is an extra-large dog that can grow to be 36 inches tall and weighing in at 200 pounds, which is still smaller than their English relatives. Their muzzles are also smaller and have less wrinkles than the English version, but the same jowly expression.
Their coats are fawn, brown, or brindle with a medium length and density to their hair. One of the biggest differences in characteristics is that they have a drier mouth. This means that they do not drool as much as their parent breeds do.
American Mastiff Temperament/Personality
The American Mastiff is a docile breed, unless its family and home are under threat. They are brave and unwavering when it comes to protecting their families. These giants are only intimidating to those who do not know the true nature of them. American Mastiffs don’t like to be along and can even become clingy to their people. They are kind and gentle and seem to have all the patience in the world when it comes to children and can get along with other dogs and pets.
American Mastiffs are not known for their lady-like etiquette, and it can sometimes take a while to getting used to the flatulence, snoring, shedding and some slobber.
Caring for American Mastiff
Surprisingly, for a dog the size of an American Mastiff, there isn’t a lot of maintenance and care required, above regular maintenance that is needed for all breeds. However, due to their size, any maintenance is bound to take longer.
American Mastiff Nutrition
American Mastiffs should be fed at least 4 cups of high-quality kibble, split into two meals daily. Look for kibble with high protein and adjust the food amount if you notice your dog getting too heavy as this breed tend to gain weight.
American Mastiff Grooming
There’s a little bit of grooming that goes along with an American Mastiff, but I don’t think that’s a surprise to anyone. They rarely need bathing, generally, a wipe down with a wet cloth will be enough. They do require their mouths to be wiped after eating and drinking to prevent drool, as well as reducing moisture and the chances of getting a bacterial infection.
They only need brushing about once a week, though you may want to add a brushing session during their heavy shedding phase. Brushing is one activity that will take longer due to their size, thankfully it’s an activity that they enjoy and it’s a great bonding time for the two of you.
American Mastiff Activity Levels
American Mastiffs can be lazy dogs however, they do need some exercise. It is recommended that you take them out for a walk at least two times a day. They will not need the mileage, or vigorous exercise, that some larger, more energetic breeds need.
In addition to physical activity, American Mastiffs require regular mental stimulation as well, otherwise they can become nervous and destructive.
American Mastiff Maintenance
Once a week check your American Mastiff’s ears for moisture and any dirt or debris and clean them. Regular oral care and nail trimming should be a part of their regular maintenance as well.
American Mastiff Health
The biggest concern for American Mastiffs is joint dysplasia. You can help reduce the chances of this ocurring by limiting their exercise time and intensity when they are puppies, as well as eliminating as much as possible the amount of running and jumping they do.
They have also been known to occasionally have skin problems, foreleg lameness, eye problems, and hyperthyroidism.
Breeds Similar to American Mastiff
- English Mastiff
- Anatolian Shepherd
- Bullmastiff
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- Spanish Mastiff
- Tibetan Mastiff
- Pyrenean Mastiff
Best Dog Food for American Mastiffs
The best dog food for American Mastiffs is Taste of The Wild High Prairie Canine Recipe, as its formulation is apt for maintaining a giant dog like your American Mastiff. The makers have used a wide variety of natural meat to provide an ideal blend of proteins necessary for the maintenance of these dogs’ muscles. It also features a holistic combination of other dietary essentials sourced naturally.
- Enriched with omega fatty acids, so will provide the nutrients that are essential for apt maintenance of healthier skin and coat.
- The recipe is designed in a way that it can be digested pretty easily.
- Fortified with probiotics, which promotes a better digestive response
Best Puppy Food for American Mastiffs
The best puppy food for an apt development of American Mastiff puppies is Purina ONE SmartBlend Large Breed Puppy Formula. This recipe is formulated in a way that specifically addresses the dietary requirements of any giant breed dog. It is the specificity that makes this puppy food the right choice for better development of bones and muscles of American Mastiff Puppies.
- Features natural chicken as its first ingredient
- Features a holistic blend of high-quality dietary ingredients
- Helps in supporting joints and develop a healthier brain of your American Mastiff
Best Dog Crate for American Mastiffs
The best dog crate for American Mastiffs is the one that caters to their size well, so the best one would be Frisco XX-Large Heavy Duty Double Door Dog Crate. This dog crate is known for its high-quality and efficient build. The makers have well welded this crate to make it a sturdier and better option for a giant dog like an American Mastiff.
- Features electro-coated wires that are resistant to rust and scratches
- Features high-quality latches where the crate has drop-pin hinges, which are better for an apt security
- Features durable base pan
Best Dog Bed for American Mastiffs
Keeping in view your American Mastiff’s size, the best dog bed for American Mastiffs is the Big Barker 7″ Headrest Orthopedic Pillow Bed. This dog bed is designed using the best quality of dog beds that are available in the USA, so you should not be worried about its quality. Furthermore, the makers have used a unique style to make this bed contour well to your American Mastiff’s body, as it has layers of different densities of foam.
- Does not flatten even after multiple uses
- Covered using a soft microfiber fabric
- Lined using a waterproof fabric
Best Dog Harness for American Mastiffs
The best dog harness to manage a dog like the American Mastiff is Frisco Nylon No Pull Dog Harness. This dog harness is padded for extra comfort, as the makers have used mesh webbing to design the chest pad. The makers also offer you flexibility in the leash attachment as this harness features both front and back attaching leash rings.
- The best option for leash training sessions
- Features adjustable sliding buckles on shoulder and belly straps
- Available in various sizes
Best Dog Collar for American Mastiffs
The best dog collar for a giant dog-like American Mastiff is Soft Touch Collars Leather Padded Dog Collar. Our dog experts’ team has chosen this leather collar due to its durability and the strength which this leather possesses. This collar’s makers have sued a high-quality genuine leather that is soft yet durable.
- The collar is padded for extra comfort.
- Features sealed edges for greater comfort and longevity.
- Available in various sizes
Best Dog Muzzle for American Mastiffs
The best dog muzzle for American Mastiffs is CollarDirect Leather Dog Muzzle for Bullmastiffs & Rottweiler. This dog muzzle is made using high-quality leather, so you can stay carefree regarding the durability and strength which this muzzle possesses. All such strength makes it a better option for a giant dog like your American Mastiff.
- Features a well-ventilated design
- A suitable choice for vet visits
- Features a metal buckle enclosure
Best Dog Toys for American Mastiffs
The best dog toy for American Mastiffs is KONG Extreme Ball Dog Toy. This dog toy is designed to be the toughest dog toy in the market so that your American Mastiff can use it without the fear of this dog toy getting punctured or torn. The size of this dog toy is such that it would be perfect for an American Mastiff’s fetching and training sessions.
- Helps reduce boredom
- Made using a high-quality, durable rubber
- Can be used for building a stronger bond with your American Mastiff
Best Dog Brush for American Mastiffs
The best dog brush for American Mastiffs is Safari Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush, as it aligns well with the coat type of these dogs. This dog brush features pins that are angled in a way that will not cause any skin irritation of raking. Furthermore, those makers have ensured that they only use stainless steel to design their pins, making them durable for long-term use.
- Features a retractable button for easier cleaning of the brush post grooming
- Comes with a non-slip rubber grip
- Lighter in weight
Best Dog Shampoo for American Mastiffs
The best dog shampoo for American Mastiffs is Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo + Conditioner. It features cosmetic-grade ingredients that are mainly botanical extracts and certain essential oils. The formulation of this shampooing conditioner is such that it cleanses as well as nourishes your American Mastiff’s coat and skin.
- Features wheat protein as a natural deodorizer
- Contains a soap-free formulation
- Made using natural ingredients only
Recommended Reading:
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