What to Think About Before Getting an American Mastiff Puppy

Fredericka Wagner created the American Mastiff over two decades ago. The Continental Kennel Club designated the breed as a "purebred breed" in 2000. Although Mastiff dogs have been around for millennia, the American Mastiff is a relatively recent breed. When they were first developed, they were used by the English military to attack the enemy. Before the introduction of an Anatolian Shepherd several generations ago, the American Mastiff was exclusively an English Mastiff. Anatolians, like pit bulls and mastiffs, have similar genetic characteristics. To make a dog that resembled the English Mastiff without the drool, those pups were bred from that point on. An improved lip line and thinner appearance came about as a result of crossing Anatolian Shepherd dogs with Mastiffs. Even though they were once leaner, English Mastiffs still dwarf them in stature. You can learn more about the American Mastiff breed on this list below. Here are 22 things you need to consider before bringing one home!

The American Mastiffs are more content at home than outside.

These dogs can adapt to any setting, be it a city condo or a country estate, as long as they get enough exercise. The Mastiff is a dog that should not be left outside for a long time. They would rather stay inside the house. If they are left on their own for a long period, they would be wallowing in self-pity or become destructive.

American Mastiff drools a lot.

The Mastiff, like every other dog, has its flaws. Drool flies everywhere when they shake their enormous heads. When it's dried, however, it's easy to get rid of. Baby wipes or hand towels should always be close by. For those who find their drool upsetting, this is not the breed for you.

American Mastiffs are huge.

American Mastiffs has an enormous size. You must consider if there is enough space for the pup when they reach adulthood if you live in an apartment or condo. Is it possible to help them up and down the steps if they get ill or injured? As a result of their enormous size, they have a short lifespan.

Mastiffs are not recommended for households with small children or elderly members. When a youngster or an adult is unsteady, a Mastiff might easily knock them over.

Before bringing a Mastiff into your home, keep these things in mind. But if you're willing to put up with their quirks, you'll discover that the love and companionship they provide far outweigh their size.

American Mastiffs need daily exercise.

Mastiffs require daily exercise but keep in mind the dog's age and the weather. Mastiffs are susceptible to overheating. Mastiffs can get bored and destructive if they don't get enough exercise and excitement.

To avoid damaging their still-developing bones, muscles, and tendons until they are at least 18 months old, puppies should not be allowed to run around in a fenced yard or engage in other strenuous activities. Take young puppies out for a walk, a run, or just a nap as they want.

If you wait until they're 18 months old, you can gradually increase the quantity of activity they receive. No matter how old your Mastiff is, you should be able to spot the signs of exhaustion in them because they will never tell you they are tired. After all, they only want to please you.

This breed doesn’t do well in smaller spaces.

It's possible to keep a Mastiff in an apartment or house with a tiny yard if you adequately exercise it, but their size makes them unsuitable for such accommodations. A house with a wide yard is the best setting for a Mastiff.

The Mastiff is no different when it comes to thriving in a home environment with their family. They must not sleep and live outside of the house. When confined to a yard far from its family, a Mastiff's instincts are to pine or become destructive.

American Mastiffs need to be socialized properly.

To effectively socialize mastiffs, they need to learn to trust both humans and other animals. Unless appropriately socialized, they may develop a dread of new situations and a shyness toward strangers, which could result in them biting.

Long and healthy life for your Mastiff can be ensured by exposing it to different animals. Mastiffs can become aggressive toward other animals if they aren't properly socialized and trained, and their size and power make them unsafe to associate with.

For Mastiffs, early socialization—exposure to a wide range of human and canine acquaintances—is essential while they are young. Your Mastiff puppy's socialization is crucial to his development into a well-rounded adult dog.

An excellent place to start is by enrolling your puppy in puppy kindergarten classes. You may boost your dog's social skills by inviting guests over frequently, as well as by taking him to crowded parks, dog-friendly stores, and on strolls around the neighborhood.

The American Mastiffs are not recommended for new owners.

Because mastiffs are so large, they must be trained so that they may be readily controlled. Inexperienced or fearful dog owners should avoid getting a Mastiff. These dogs are more receptive to praise and hugs while receiving positive reinforcement.

The Mastiff is one of the most ancient types of dogs.

Dogs like the Mastiff descend from the Molosser, one of the most ancient breeds of dog to have existed, which is said to have originated in the Himalayas, perhaps in Tibet or northern India. They were probably employed to protect flocks from predators in those frigid mountain passes.

A short nose, a well-developed neck, and dangling ears were some of the characteristics of these Molossers. The Tibetan Mastiff, Saint Bernard, Rottweiler, Dogue de Bordeaux, and many other current breeds share their ancestry.

This breed has been used for millennia by humans to guard and fight for their lives and to provide entertainment. Arriving with armies or being conveyed by traders, the dogs spread across the known world.

They were admired for their size and bravery wherever they went. Mastiffs may have arrived in the United States with the colonists, but the first American Mastiff club didn't start until 1879. In 1885, the American Kennel Club recognized the breed, and a Mastiff named Bayard was the first of his kind to be registered.

Today, Mastiffs are adored all over the world because of their loving temperament and gigantic stature.

The Mastiff can be wary of strangers.

While a well-behaved Mastiff is friendly to strangers, it will protect you from anyone or anything that appears to be dangerous. There is no need to intensify their response unless the threat persists, but they will if required. Bad guys will be trapped until a family member arrives to notify the police if they try to break into a house with a Mastiff inside.

The mastiff's guard dog roots may rise to the surface when visitors come to the house. A dog's instinct is to be wary of strangers and fiercely protective of the people and places he perceives as belonging to him.

The Mastiffs are quite sensitive.

Even Mastiffs despise conflict within their families, therefore they'll jump in between an angry couple or a parent disciplining their offspring. The Mastiff is a sensitive dog that can become shy, fearful, or aggressive if abused, despite its appearance. Anyone, even children, should never roughhouse with your Mastiff.

Heredity, training, and socialization all have an impact on temperament. Good-tempered puppies are curious and energetic and eager to meet new people. If you have a choice, go with the puppy in the middle, not the one who is wreaking havoc on the other puppies or who is hiding in the corner.

Make sure you get to know at least one of the parents, preferably the mother, to see whether they have pleasant temperaments that you're comfortable with. To get an idea of what a puppy will be like as an adult, it can be good to meet the puppy's siblings or other relatives of the parents.

The American Mastiffs are generally healthy but are still prone to some health issues.

Like many dog breeds, American Mastiffs are susceptible to a variety of health issues. If you're thinking about getting a Mastiff, you should be informed of the various ailments that might affect this breed.

An inherited disorder known as hip dysplasia causes the thighbone to protrude from the hip joint. Hip dysplasia can cause pain and lameness in one or both rear legs in some dogs, although you may not notice any symptoms in a dog with this condition.

Arthritis can occur in a dog as it gets older. Even while hip dysplasia is passed down via the family, certain environmental conditions, such as rapid development from a high-calorie diet or injuries sustained from tripping on slick flooring, can worsen it significantly.

An eye disease known as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) eventually results in blindness due to the gradual loss of photoreceptors in the back of the eye. PRA can be detected years before any symptoms of blindness appear in a dog.

Epilepsy and trauma are two common causes of seizures. Although they cannot be cured, medications can often be used to treat their symptoms. A dog with this illness can have an active and healthy life with the right treatment.

When a dog is fed one large meal per day, eats quickly, drinks a lot of water, or exercises vigorously after eating it is at risk of developing gastric torsion or bloating, which is life-threatening.

To get rid of the extra air in their stomach, dogs cannot belch or vomit, therefore blood flow to the heart is restricted. The dog goes into shock when his blood pressure drops too low. The dog could die if not given quick medical assistance.

Mastiffs are house dogs.

These dogs are considered house dogs. It doesn't matter if you live in the city or the country; they thrive in a fenced-in yard. They don't require a lot of physical activity. Two to three 20- to 30-minute walks, each day are plenty for an adult Mastiff.

These dogs overheat easily.

They're not the best running buddies due to their enormous size. Their joints can be damaged by the strain of running, and they are susceptible to overheating.

The best times to go for a walk are in the early morning or late evening when it is still cool outside. Bring a bottle of water with you during the day, just in case.

Mastiffs are chewers.

Keep food away from your adult Mastiff, who is just the correct height for counter-surfing. A coffee table can be cleared with a single swipe of its long, tapering tail. Breakables should be stored in a different location.

Mastiffs of all ages are known for their habit of chewing on anything that catches their eye. Make sure your Mastiff understands what is and isn't acceptable to chew. Even if you've given them lots of chew toys and exercise, they may still want to eat your recliner.

Mastiffs need to be trained.

For a dog of this stature, they must engage in obedience training right away. Mastiffs may be affectionate, but a full-size Mastiff with bad manners can't be controlled.

Positive training methods, including praise and food rewards, work well with the sensitive Mastiff. If you want a well-mannered, well-adjusted dog who will respond appropriately in any setting, start with puppy kindergarten and basic obedience.

Mastiffs require a lot of discipline and socialization from a young age. Mastiffs are eager to please and learn rapidly. In a typical training class, the repetitions will quickly tire them out and they may fall asleep snoring.

It's important to maintain eye contact with your Mastiff since they are quite good at reading your expressions and body language. If you raise your voice, you run the risk of offending your child.

Organize a variety of short workshops throughout the day to keep things interesting and exciting. Mastiffs can be trained to excel in practically any field if given the proper care and attention.

The American Mastiffs are fairly easy to maintain.

To avoid bacterial illnesses, wash their wrinkles daily. Wash and dry them well with a moist washcloth. After each meal, use the same technique on the upper lip.

Remove plaque and tartar from your Mastiff's teeth at least twice or three times a week with a toothbrush to prevent dental disease. If you want to avoid gum disease and bad breath, you should clean your teeth every day.

To avoid unpleasant tears on the furniture and other problems, trim your dog's nails at least once or twice a month. They're too long if you can hear them clicking on the floor.

Toenails of dogs contain blood veins, and if you cut them too far, your dog could not comply the next time you bring out the nail clippers. So, if you've never done it before, seek advice from your dog's veterinarian or groomer before attempting to do it yourself.

Ear infections can be spotted by checking their ears for redness or an unpleasant smell. Using a cotton ball moistened with pH-balanced ear cleanser when you examine your dog's ears will help avoid infections. The outer ear should be cleaned, not the ear canal.

The anal glands of Mastiffs might get inflamed from time to time. Inability to defecate naturally causes this problem for the dog. Your Mastiff should be sent to the vet or a professional groomer if you find him "scooting" or licking his anal area obsessively. Aside from hiring a professional, you can also accomplish this on your own if you so desire.

The Mastiff has a dense, short undercoat beneath its short, straight outer coat. Colors include apricot, brindle, and fawn. Mastiffs with fawn or apricot coats are known as Brindle Mastiffs. The more black on the nose, ears, and rims of the eyes, the better. They may have a speck of white on their chest as a marking.

Weekly, use a rubber hound glove to comb through your Mastiff's hair. A daily brushing routine could be beneficial throughout the spring and fall shed season to keep hair flying in all directions. During this season, some Mastiffs shed the most, while others shed all year long. Excessive hair can also be removed by using a stripping blade.

Begin brushing and inspecting your Mastiff puppy as soon as possible. Handle their paws frequently and check into their mouth to get a sense of how they are feeling. This will set the stage for smooth veterinarian examinations and another handling as an adult if you make grooming an enjoyable experience with praise and prizes.

Examine your pet's skin, especially the nose, mouth, eyes, and feet, for any redness, tenderness, or inflammation that could indicate an infection. There should be no redness or discharge coming from the eyes. You'll be able to catch concerns with their health sooner if you do a thorough checkup each week.

Mastiffs are messy eaters and sloppy drinkers.

Your dog's weight, age, structure, metabolism, and activity level all play a role in how much food they should eat as adults. Dogs, like people, are unique and require different amounts of food. It's a given that a dog who's constantly on the run will require more care and attention than one who likes to laze around.

The better the dog food, the less you'll need to shake it into your dog's bowl, and the better the dog food, the more your dog will benefit from it. Mastiffs are messy drinkers and eaters, resulting in a lot of drool in their water dishes. Dishes should be washed at least once a day, if not more.

Instead of putting food out all the time, measure out their food and feed them twice a day to keep your Mastiff in top shape.

Mastiffs are prone to bloating.

Gastric torsion, or "bloat," is a common problem in Mastiffs. Large meals and water consumption, heavy exercise before or after meals, and elevated feeding dishes all contribute to bloating. Stress and anxiety can also cause bloating. When feeding your Mastiff, keep these things in mind.

Look at your dog first. A waistline ought to be discernible. Then, with your fingers spread out and thumbs aligned with the spine, lie on your back with your hands in this position. It's important to feel but not view their ribs without pressing too hard. If you can't, they'll do better with less food and more activity.

Consult your veterinarian about your dog's specific dietary requirements. For an adult Mastiff, 6 to 8 cups of high-quality dry food per day, divided into two meals, is normally advised.

The American Mastiff adores children.

These dogs adore children. Because of this, it's best to keep children away from large, rambunctious dogs. Homes with older children are better suited to use these than those with younger children.

Remember that Mastiffs are not ponies, and children are not allowed to ride them. Children who attempt to ride your Mastiff run the risk of injuring the dog or themselves.

To avoid any biting or ear or tail tugging, make sure children know how to approach and touch dogs, and always be on the lookout for any encounters between dogs and small children

Teach your youngster to never disturb a sleeping or eating dog, or to try to take away the dog's food, by approaching them. A dog and a youngster should never be left alone.

Mastiffs can tolerate other pets if raised with them.

Mastiffs are often good with other animals, especially if they've grown up around them their entire lives. For peace of mind, it's best to obtain a Mastiff of the opposing sex if you're adding a second dog to your household.

The mastiff is truly a giant among dogs.

Males reach a height of 30 inches and a weight of 200 pounds when fully developed (90 kilograms). The average height of a female is 27 inches and she weighs approximately 150 pounds (68 kilograms).

Large and powerful, the mastiff is an impressive dog. A black mask covers the eyes and nostrils, giving the head a heavy, square appearance. The small, dark hazel or brown eyes are a distinctive feature of this species.

The short, dark-colored ears, which flop downward, are a distinctive feature of the species. The dog's tail is long and wavy, and it hangs down to the dog's hocks.

Mastiffs can be loving and affectionate family pets.

Mastiffs can be wonderful family pets, but their zealous guardianship necessitates socialization and obedience training to keep them in check. When a mastiff is a puppy, it is critical to introduce it to as many new people, locations, and situations as possible.

The mastiff may be a good companion for couch potatoes, but both the dog and his owners will benefit from regular physical activity.

To summarize everything, the American Mastiff has amazing qualities that make it an excellent pet and companion. It needs grooming now and then and it's fairly easy to maintain. Remember that American Mastiffs are droolers, messy eaters, and sloppy drinkers. As new owners, always keep a supply of rags on hand to clean after them. As a result of their low energy consumption, Mastiffs are well-suited to a solitary lifestyle. Mastiffs' physical and psychological well-being is enhanced by regular exercise and playtime. But you must be careful not to overwork them. It's not uncommon for fatigued or overheated Mastiffs to collapse during walks. As a general guideline, don't walk them further than you can carry them back. If you are fine with these dogs' quirkiness and can meet their needs and requirements, you’ll surely have a great addition to your family!