Hey, everyone! On a group I moderate (Mastiff Central), we have Mastiffs, mastiff, and molossers -- which includes EMs, DDBs BMs, CCs, AMs, Presas, Neos and many others. We are currently doing a Meet The Breeds series. Earlier I asked for breeders to participate, but as none were forthcoming (dont blame anyone a bit), I have drafted an article to introduce the AM. I would appreciate feedback before I post Meet The AMERICAN MASTIFF INTRODUCTION The American Mastiff is a Molosser- type breed originating in the United States. It is a comparatively newer breed – having been introduced approximately 40 years ago, and recognised by the CKC (Continental Kennel Club )since 2000. They are similar in appearance to the Mastiff, but with some significant differences – generally they have a lighter, leaner, often taller build, and a longer muzzled rectangular head with amber coloured, almond eyes. The AM is bred solely to be a pet, family companion and protector. There are only 8 approved breeders in this country who belong to a Breeders’ council (The AMBC) which sets policy. They micro-chip all puppies , and ONLY sell their puppies with spay/neuter contracts prohibiting breeding. This is specifically to prevent AMs from falling into the hands of BYBs. HISTORY The breed was created during the early to mid 1970’s by Fredericka Wagner of Flying W Farms in Piketon, Ohio, by crossing (English) Mastiffs with what Mrs. Wagner referred to as an ‘Anatolian Mastiff’, or ‘Anatolian Shepherd’ – a flock-guarding giant breed from Central Turkey. The initial goal was to produce a dog identical to the Mastiff but hardier –having fewer health problems -- with greater longevity, a drier mouth, and that would be well suited as a family pet. CURRENT STATE, BREED DESCRIPTION, TEMPERAMENT As any new breed is a ‘work in progress’ for quite some while after its inception, the breed standard and descriptions have been modified -- although not yet uniformly --to reflect the emerging breed uniqueness’s . This description appears on a number of breed information websites: “The head should be wide, heavy and rectangular in shape with high-set rounded ears. A medium-sized muzzle should be well-proportioned to the rest of the head. The neck should be powerful with a slight arch, leading to a straight and muscular back. The chest should be deep, broad and well-rounded. Forelegs should be strong, straight and set well apart, while the hind legs should be wide and parallel. The dog should be 32 to 36 inches at the shoulder with females standing at 28 to 34. Dogs should weight from 160 – 200lbs, and females 140 to 180lbs. American Mastiff colors are fawn, apricot and brindle. Puppies are usually dark in color; however, as they mature their color tends to lighten. The American Mastiff, like the Mastiff, is a ‘velcro’ dog, and does not have a high exercise requirement. They can live quite happily in apartments if given family interaction, play and walks. The AM should have a temperament that is loving and devoted to its family, especially children. The American Mastiff should be non-aggressive except when its family is threatened. In those instances, they become fierce and courageous guard dogs.” Owners have observed that, although the AM tends to have a drier mouth in comparison to the EM, individual variation is more significant. Whilst improvements in the incidence of health problems have not been documented, many AMs are living to be 12 – 14yrs, and some have reached 16. A while ago I posted a poll on the forum as to what people loved about their AMs, how many they had, and what influenced subsequent purchase decisions after the first. Most people who responded had 2 - 3, as well as EMs. They described their AMs as potato chip dogs -- you couldnt just have one. They liked the lighter/leaner look and longer muzzle of their AMs and described their personality as loving but funny and goofy. One other important factor for owners is that the AM community is warm and welcoming. Some breeders hold annual picnics and get-togethers for their puppy buyers, and the forum and FB page are surprisingly free of drama and conflict. REGISTRIES As stated, the AM was recognised by the CKC in 2000. A few years ago, the AM satisfied the criteria for beginning the long process toward AKC recognition; however, the membership voted against it, as they wanted the AM to remain a healthy pet and family companion. The perception was that the AKC has done irreparable damage to its recognised breeds as showing took precedence over function, health and temperament. A number of working breeds/gun dogs have arrived at the same conclusion and eschewed the AKC for their own registries as well as the CKC. TIPS AND RED FLAGS IN SELECTING A BREEDER There are only eight approved AM breeders in the US. A list of approved breeders may be found at americanmastiffbreederscouncil/American%20Mastiff%20Breeders.htm. All puppies are micro-chipped and sold on spay/neuter contracts. If you see an advert for an ‘American Mastiff’ puppy from a breeder not on this list, it is NOT a legitimate breeder! Other links: The American Mastiff Family Forum: americanmastifffamily.net/content.htm American Mastiff Family FB Page: https://facebook/groups/12623648858/
Posted on: Sun, 12 Oct 2014 22:13:48 +0000
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