American Mastiff Description

The American Mastiff was developed over twenty years ago by Fredericka Wagner of Flying W Farms.  In the year 2000, the Continental Kennel Club (CKC) recognized the breed as "purebred" and since that time has only been bred American Mastiff to American Mastiff.  American Mastiffs were developed specifically to be loving family companions.  They are large and powerful, yet very gentle in nature.  For a large breed dog, the American Mastiff has a relatively "dry mouth" and excellent life expectancy (10-12 years average).

The American Mastiff requires little exercise.  As puppies, they grow so quickly and their bones develop so rapidly that they spend a lot of time sleeping.  They will wake up, play for a little while and then they are asleep again.  As they grow older, they can exercise more and when full grown they will go for long walks with you but jogging is not their thing.  They are calm and quiet in the house; therefore, though large, they make an ideal house pet.  The American Mastiff does well in a wide range of environments, from an apartment with walks in the park, to a farm or a home with a big yard.

The American Mastiff is a wonderful family pet and a noble watch dog.  This breed does not bark senselessly, but if a stranger approaches, the American Mastiff will be there to determine whether he is friend or foe.  With proper socialization, they are accepting and non-aggressive to visitors.  However, the American Mastiff is very positive in his expression of protection; they "read" their owner and if the owner is uneasy about a visitor, the American Mastiff will not accept the visitor.  In spite of their great size, the American Mastiff is sensitive and affectionate; they live to please those they love.  Nothing beyond your tone of voice is ever necessary to discipline.  They thrive as a member of the family and are totally devoted companions, especially with children, being very patient, forgiving, and understanding with them.  The American Mastiff is truly a Gentle Giant.

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American Mastiff Physical Standard

Origin:	United States
General Appearance:	The American Mastiff is a large, massive, powerful dog with a moderately broad head, drop ear, wide set kindly eyes of brown or amber color, the darker the better. This dog possesses a powerful neck, wide deep chest, and muscular back. Tail is wide at the root, tapering to the end, hanging straight in repose, forming a slight curve. The overall appearance should be of proportions slightly longer in body than in height.
Size:	Height at maturity is typically 32 to 36 inches for males with an average weight of 180 but can exceed 200 pounds. Height at maturity for females is typically 30 to 34 inches with average weights between 140 and 180 pounds. Larger or smaller sizes for both males and females are acceptable provided the dog is in good proportion and structurally balanced.
Bite:	Scissors bite preferred, but a moderately undershot jaw should not be faulted providing the teeth are not visible when the mouth is closed.
Coat:	The coat must be short and dense. As in other mastiff breeds, a puppy may have a longer coat; this is known as a "fluffy" and is extremely rare but not considered a fault.
Color:	Fawn, Apricot, and Brindle. Puppies are all born dark and lighten as they grow. Some dogs may become very light fawn by age one year; some retain dark hairs (not a fault). White on foot, chest, nose and chin is not a fault.
Muzzle:	Muzzle must be dark in color, darker the better with same color around the eye orbits and extending upward between them, referred to as the "Black Mask". All American Mastiffs must exhibit the black mask.
Legs:	Strong, set wide apart, heavy boned. Feet are large, round, and compact.
Gait:	In movement, the gait denotes power and strength; rear legs drive while forelegs track smoothly with good reach
Temperament:	The American Mastiff is a combination of grandeur, good nature, and gentleness. These dogs portray dignity rather than gaiety. They are neigher shy nor vicious. The well trained American Mastiff is calm, controlled, confident, patient, and loving with their family, especially children. They can be aloof toward strangers. A well-socialized American Mastiff is friendly yet sensitive and alert to changing situations. They are not aggressive by nature but will defend their family if necessary. These dogs respond to threats with judicious warnings and courageous action if needed.

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The American Mastiff Breeders Council

The American Masiff Breeders Council (AMBC) was formed in 2002 to help protect and manage the breeding and proliferation of the Flying W Farm American Mastiff.  The concern was that unscrupulous people would trade on the excellent reputation of the breed that Fredricka Wagner had developed for their own purposes or greed.

Beware of breeders who are crossing Mastiffs with more aggressive breeds such as Pit Bulls to create large aggressive dogs.  These breeders sometimes advertise under the name of American Mastiff, but they are not the CKC (Continental Kennel Club) American Mastiff created by Fredricka Wagner.  Also beware of the Mastiff breeds Carnaris and Filo Brasilerio which tend to be more aggressive in nature.

Be sure that any American Mastiff can trace its lineage back to Flying W Farms where the breed was founded by Fredericka Wagner and is registered with the Continental Kennel Club (CKC).  For a listing of breeders approved by the AMBC, check out this LINK.

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Be sure to check this link!

Is an American Mastiff the Right Breed for You?