American Mastiff

also known as AM Mastiff

Pros History


The American Mastiff is a large, muscular breed of dog that was developed in the United States in the 20th century. It is a cross between the English Mastiff and the Anatolian Mastiff, two ancient breeds that have been used as guard dogs for centuries.

The purpose of the American Mastiff is to serve as a loyal and protective companion, as well as a guard dog. These dogs are known for their calm and confident demeanor, and they are generally good with children and other pets. They are also intelligent and trainable, making them suitable for a variety of roles, including as therapy dogs and search and rescue dogs.

The American Mastiff was developed in the mid-1900s by a man named Fredricka Livergood, who wanted to create a breed that combined the size and strength of the English Mastiff with the agility and endurance of the Anatolian Mastiff. Livergood began breeding these two breeds in the 1940s, and the first litter of American Mastiffs was born in the 1950s.

In the decades since its inception, the American Mastiff has become a popular breed in the United States, known for its good-natured personality and protective instincts. It is recognized by several major kennel clubs, including the American Kennel Club, and it has a devoted following among dog enthusiasts.

Breed Information


Type

Is American Mastiff a purebred?

Purebred

Pronunciation

How do you pronounce the American Mastiff name? How do you say American Mastiffs?

uh-MAIR-ih-kuhn MAS-tif

Purpose

What were American Mastiffs originally used for?

Working, Companion

Lifespan

How Long Do American Mastiffs Live? What is average life expectancy for an American Mastiff? How long can American Mastiffs live?

10-12 years

The average American Mastiff lifespan is somewhere between 10-12 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

American Mastiff Height & Weight


How big is a full grown American Mastiff?

What is the average height of an American Mastiff? How big is an Purebred American Mastiff height? American Mastiff dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 28-36 inches (71.1 - 91.4 cm) 15.0 inches (38.1 cm) 25.0 inches (63.5 cm) 33.0 inches (83.8 cm)
Female 26-34 inches (66 - 86.4 cm) 13.0 inches (33 cm) 23.0 inches (58.4 cm) 30.0 inches (76.2 cm)
What is the average weight of an American Mastiff? How much should American Mastiffs weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 160-200 pounds (73 - 91 kg) 55.0 pounds (25 kg) 110.0 pounds (50 kg) 180.0 pounds (82 kg)
Female 140-180 pounds (64 - 82 kg) 49.5 pounds (22 kg) 105.0 pounds (48 kg) 160.0 pounds (73 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do American Mastiffs get fat easily?

The American Mastiff is a breed that has an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.

Hypoallergenic

Are American Mastiffs Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the American Mastiff is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is an American Mastiff personality? What are American Mastiff dogs best known for?

Affectionate
Courageous
Good-natured
Calm
Dignified
Protective

Shedding Level

Are American Mastiffs heavy shedders? How Much Does an American Mastiff Shed?

American Mastiff dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your American Mastiff. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of an American Mastiff dog?

American Mastiffs are very good watchdogs. They are a vocal breed, and are wary of outsiders, so if someone approaches your home or aims to intrude, the American Mastiff is going to make sure everyone knows about it.

Breed History


Origin

Where do American Mastiffs come from?

United States

Ancestry

What are American Mastiffs descended from?

English Mastiff, Anatolian Mastiff

Date of Birth

When were American Mastiffs first bred? How old is the American Mastiff breed?

1990s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is an American Mastiff?

Working

American Mastiff Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are American Mastiff eyes?

Brown
Amber

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can American Mastiff nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can American Mastiff coat be naturally?

Fawn
Brown
Brindle

Coat Length

How long is an American Mastiffs coat?

The coat of an American Mastiff falls in the medium length category.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The American Mastiff Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of an American Mastiff?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can an American Mastiff have in a litter? How many puppies can an American Mastiff have in her first litter?

10-12 puppies per pregnancy

An American Mastiff can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

American Mastiff dogs generally adapt well to changes in lifestyle and different living environments, but it is considered as an average level of adaptability compared to other breeds.

American Mastiff Health Issues


Health Issues

Do American Mastiffs have a lot of health problems?

The American Mastiff is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning an American Mastiff?

Joint Dysplasia

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to American Mastiffs?

Skin Problems
Foreleg Lameness
Eye Problems
Hyperthyroidism

Occasional Diagnoses

Bloat

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for American Mastiff breed?

Eye Examinations
Serum Chemistry
Regular Full Physical Examination By Veterinarian
Full Blood Work
Blood Chemistry
Diagnostic Imaging
Skin Scrapings and Biopsies

American Mastiff Needs and Activities


Energy

Do American Mastiffs have a lot of energy?

American Mastiffs may be a good breed for those who prefer a more relaxed lifestyle. They tend to have a lower energy level than other breeds of dogs.

Social Needs

Do American Mastiffs need socialization? How social are American Mastiffs?

American Mastiffs have average social needs compared to other breeds. They are known to be less active and independent than other breeds, and they are content with spending time alone and with their human family.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should American Mastiffs get?

The American Mastiffs a breed that requires only a small amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These breeds are ideal for people with busy lifestyles, elderly people or those who have limited mobility. They also make great pets for those who live in small apartments or have limited outdoor space.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should an American Mastiff have? Do American Mastiffs sleep a lot?

The American Mastiff breed is known for their relaxed and calm nature and tendency to sleep for long periods of time.

Drooling Tendency

Does an American Mastiff drool a lot?

The American Mastiff is a breed known for excessive drooling which can cause a lot of drool to be left on clothes. If this is unappealing to you, it may be best to consider a different breed of dog.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

American Mastiff dogs tends to bark less frequently than most other dogs. They tend to be quieter and less vocal than other breeds. They may only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner of something or to communicate something. They do not bark excessively, and may not bark as much as other dogs in certain situations, such as when they are left alone.

Territorial

Do American Mastiffs exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for their strong territorial instinct and protective nature. They will fiercely defend their territory and are highly alert and vigilant against any perceived threat to their home and family.

Mouthiness

Are American Mastiffs mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of an American Mastiff running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do American Mastiff dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do American Mastiffs enjoy doing? How do I keep my American Mastiff busy?

Fetch, Play

Activity Level

What is the energy level of an American Mastiff? How much energy does an American Mastiff have?

Medium

American Mastiffs are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should an American Mastiff walk each week? How many miles should an American Mastiff walk every week?

10 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For American Mastiff, it's at least 10 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much an American Mastiff should exercise a day? How much activity does an American Mastiff need?

60 minutes

In general most American Mastiffs usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for an American Mastiff?

The American Mastiff is a breed of dog that requires an average amount of grooming effort.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush an American Mastiff?

Weekly

American Mastiff should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for American Mastiffs?

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does an American Mastiff eat?

4 cups

For an average 160-200 pound (73 - 91 kg) American Mastiff feed 4 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does an American Mastiff Cost Daily?

$3.90 - $4.20 / day

The average cost of an American Mastiff is somewhere $3.90 - $4.20 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does an American Mastiff Cost Per Month?

$112 - $126 / month

The average per month expenses of an American Mastiff is between $112 - $126. This makes an average of $1344 - $1512 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

American Mastiff Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is an American Mastiff?

The American Mastiff breed is considered very intelligent and easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is an American Mastiff dog?

American Mastiff dogs have average emotions and are adaptable to different situations, not requiring extra care like sensitive breeds do.

Affection Dependance

Are American Mastiff dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do American Mastiff do well in apartments? Are American Mastiffs good indoor dogs?

American Mastiffs are dogs that do well in apartments with sufficient exercise, but they would really appreciate a small yard.

Child Friendly

Are American Mastiffs good with kids? Are American Mastiffs good around children?

American Mastiffs are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are American Mastiffs good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are American Mastiffs good with cats? How friendly American Mastiffs are toward cats?

American Mastiffs are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,

Dog Friendly

Do American Mastiff dogs get along with other dogs? Are American Mastiffs OK with other dogs?

American Mastiffs are average friendly towards other dogs. If they are raised with other dogs, they are likely to get along with them. And, if they are socialized properly from a young age, they will usually be great with other dogs.

Pet friendly

How do American Mastiff dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are American Mastiffs friendly with strangers?

American Mastiffs are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.

Playfulness

Do American Mastiffs like to play? Are American Mastiffs playful?

American Mastiffs have an average level of playfulness. The American Mastiffs, like other dogs, like to play. But they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

Are American Mastiff easily trained?

American Mastiff dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Quiet
    The American Mastiff dog may be a good pick for those looking for a more peaceful dog as they are known for being quiet.
  • Loyal and protective
    American Mastiffs are known for their loyalty and protective nature, which makes them great guard dogs.
  • Gentle and patient
    Despite their large size and muscular build, American Mastiffs are generally calm and patient, which makes them good with children and other pets.
  • Low maintenance
    American Mastiffs are generally low-maintenance dogs, as they do not require a lot of grooming and can be exercised with just a moderate amount of daily exercise.

Cons

  • Large size
    American Mastiffs are a large breed, which means they may not be suitable for people living in small homes or apartments. They also require a lot of space to move around and may not be suitable for people who do not have a yard.
  • Odor
    The American Mastiff has a high likelihood of having a bad smell.
  • Training
    American Mastiffs can be stubborn and may require firm, consistent training to ensure they are well-behaved.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    American Mastiffs may struggle to adapt to an office environment.
  • Health concerns
    Like all breeds, American Mastiffs are prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and heart conditions. It is important to work with a reputable breeder and be proactive about maintaining your dog's health to minimize the risk of these conditions.