The North American Mastiff is one of the most massive and heaviest canines in the world. Also known as the American Mastiff, this dog breed is known to be a gentle giant. Due to their size, they require lots of space to move around and tons of food. If you’re interested in learning more about the North American Mastiff, this guide is for you!
We’ll discuss everything you need to know about the American Mastiff – from temperament, grooming requirements, health issues, training needs, and more. By the end of this guide, you’ll know whether this dog is right for you.
Table of Contents
What is a North American Mastiff?
The North American Mastiff is a giant beast with an equally big heart. This incredible and imposing pooch was designed to be a healthier version of the original Mastiff, the English Mastiff.
The American Mastiff dog breed is fairly new, but youâll still find many breeders offering these pups for sale. Thatâs because their superior health, low drooling, and impressive physiques have made them very popular among pet owners in a short time.
Combine that with their calm temperament and excellent guarding ability, and you have a canine thatâll protect you and your property with his life. So, let us tell you all about this wonderful breed; this is American Mastiff dogs 101.
North American Mastiff history
Mastiffs descend from ancient warrior dogs. When they werenât helping, they served as guardians. After they arrived in the USA, but strict adherence to breed standards led to inbreeding, and their health deteriorated over time.
The North American Mastiff is pretty new on the canine scene. This pooch was developed in the 1980s by Ohio breeder Fredericka Wagner. Wagner bred English Mastiffs with Kangal Shepherds to produce the North American Mastiff â an equally massive canine with better health and improved life quality. After a while, she ended external crossing and began using her own stock to reproduce them.
Is the North American Mastiff recognized by AKC and UKC?
The North American Mastiff is a recent breed and hasnât yet received AKC or UKC recognition.
Nonetheless, several canine clubs consider them purebred, including the Continental Kennel Club. There have been some hindrances in getting the North American Mastiff AKC recognition, but fans of this breed are optimistic that theyâll be able to get their pup AKC-registered in the coming years.
American Mastiff vs English Mastiff
Although theyâre both similarly heavy-boned and giant canines, the American Mastiff varies in several ways from the original English Mastiff. Some prominent differences are:
Weight: Although the North American Mastiff can grow taller, the English Mastiff is more massive. English Mastiffs are among the heaviest canines in the world.
Build: Although both canines are thick, the English Mastiff has a bulkier appearance. Compared to them, the North American Mastiff seems slimmer.
Facial features: English Mastiffs have a very wrinkly appearance and loose lips, whereas North American Mastiffs have tighter skin and lips.
Drooling: English Mastiffs are notorious for their high drooling, but North American Mastiffs drool far less due to their tighter lips.
AKC recognition: North American Mastiffs havenât received AKC recognition yet, whereas the English gained AKC recognition in 1885.
Breed history: The English Mastiff has been around for centuries, whereas the North American Mastiff is only a few decades old.
Health: The primary reason for breeding North American Mastiffs was eliminating the English Mastiffâs health issues. North American Mastiffs have better health than their English counterparts.
Are North American Mastiffs the same as Panja American Mastiffs?
Many people confuse the North American Mastiff with the Panja American Mastiff. Although these two canines look alike and have similar names, theyâre separate breeds.
The North American Mastiff is purebred with links to English Mastiffs and Kangal Shepherds. In contrast, Panja American Mastiff is a mixture of several dog breeds, including Pitbulls, Mastiffs, Bandogs, and Rottweilers.
The North American Mastiff is a relatively new breed raised to be gentle companions. On the other hand, the Panja American Mastiff had its reputation severely tarnished.
North American Mastiff as working dogs
The North American Mastiffâs parentage traces to two excellent working breeds: English Mastiffs and Kangal Shepherds. The North American Mastiff is a similarly obedient and intelligent breed that excels as a protector and watchdog. Whether itâs thieves, trespassers, or wild animals, your North American Mastiff will have no problem dealing with them.
North American Mastiff physical appearance
The North American Mastiff inherits most of his physical attributes from the English Mastiff; however, keen eyes canine enthusiasts can notice distinctions between them and their English relatives.
These giant canines are somewhat leaner than other Mastiffs, but they tower above most dogs. They have slightly thinner and longer snouts than Mastiffs. Their necks are muscular, their bodies are evenly proportioned, and they have an overall beefy look.
North American Mastiff coat colors
North American Mastiffs come in similar colors as regular Mastiffs. Standard American Mastiff colors include:
- Fawn.
- Brown.
- Brindle.
- Apricot.
- Black.
- Merle.
- Cream.
The fawn, apricot, brown, and black American Mastiff colors are common, whereas brindle and merle are harder to come by. Letâs discuss these two colors.
American Mastiff brindle
Brindle is a coat pattern rather than a color. It usually has vertical stripes of light color over a dark base coat. You can also say that brindle is an inverted version of tiger stripes.
North American Mastiff merle
Merle is a semi-dominant gene that causes a pooch to have random patches of a dark color over a light coat. Since the gene is semi-dominant, the patches are solid at some places and diluted at others. A merle North American Mastiff is likely crossbred as merle isnât a natural color for them.
North American Mastiff size
Mastiffs are enormous, and the North American Mastiff is among the largest canines in the world. Everything about them is massive and intimidating: from their large heads to huge jaws to towering height.
North American Mastiff size
| Male | Female | |
| Size group | Giant | Large/giant |
North American Mastiff height and weight
The North American Mastiff is one of the tallest canines in the world â even taller than the English Mastiff.
However, they are somewhat leaner than their English counterparts. Female North American Mastiffs are slightly smaller than males, but they still tower over most canine breeds.
North American Mastiff height and weight
| Male | Female | |
| Height | 28-36 inches | 26-34 inches |
| Weight | 160-200 pounds | 140-180 pounds |
North American Mastiff temperament and personality
The Mastiff personality is a stark contrast to how they look. These canines are calm, affectionate, and level-headed despite seeming like ferocious beasts. They arenât very energetic and prefer lounging around the house. However, they can sense threats quickly and immediately come to their ownerâs protection.
The American Mastiff temperament is in many ways similar to English Mastiffs. Theyâre gentle, protective, tolerant, quiet, and courageous. They donât bark much, and with their imposing size, they hardly need to. They can act stubborn and be difficult to train, which is why theyâre best suited to experienced owners.
Do North American Mastiff get along with other pets?
The North American Mastiff is instinctively protective of their ownerâs property, which includes other animals. Thatâs because their ancestors were used for guarding livestock. These massive canines may not mingle with other pets a lot, but theyâre not a threat to them either. Still, their huge bodies mean they can inadvertently hurt smaller animals.
North American Mastiff training
Training is perhaps the most challenging aspect of owning a North American Mastiff. These pups are strong-willed and get bored easily. They are fully aware of their size and can sometimes challenge your authority.
However, theyâre also sensitive, and excessive strictness will have negative results. Training them requires a firm hand. You need to be authoritative and patient. Donât get angry when training your pup.
North American Mastiff exercise requirement
The North American Mastiffâs big, heavy body isnât built for speed or agility. Stick to gentle walks in parks. The North American Mastiff isnât always keen on exercising and would rather lay around all day. This can cause them to gain weight, leading to a host of health issues.
Make sure your North American Mastiff gets half an hour of light exercise daily.
North American Mastiff grooming and cleaning
Grooming your North American Mastiff isnât challenging; theyâre good with just one brushing session per week. However, their large bodies mean you have a lot of areas to cover.
Coat: Bathing your North American Mastiff once every two months is enough.
However, if you would like to wipe down their coat or paws after a long walk or after a long day of playing outdoors, then here are some effective yet gentle doggy wipes we highly recommend.
Nails: Check their nails regularly and keep them clipped short.
Ears: You should also check their ears for unhealthy earwax buildup.
Teeth: Brush their teeth regularly to keep cavities at bay.
Is the North American Mastiff hypoallergenic?
No, the North American Mastiff is not hypoallergenic. Although the North American Mastiff sheds minimally, their loose fur carries dander. Dander is dead bits of skin that trigger allergies in people.
However, regular grooming at home and in-between grooming appointments can take care of that. These pooches drool less than other Mastiffs, which is also a plus.
North American Mastiff food and diet
The North American Mastiff needs high-quality dog food to fulfill the needs of his massive body. Go for a protein-rich diet with lots of vitamins, minerals, and other micronutrients. Avoid fatty foods and snacks as they can trouble your pupâs tummy.
North American Mastiff common health issues
1. Joint dysplasia
Hip and elbow joint deformation can cause the bones to rub against the bone, leading to wear and tear. Joint dysplasia is a hereditary condition and can end with a complete loss of mobility.
2. Pulmonic Stenosis
Pulmonic stenosis is when the pupâs heart cannot pump blood adequately to the lungs. Unfortunately, itâs a common congenital issue among Mastiffs.
3. Bloat
Bloat is well-known among large dogs. Eating too fast can cause the pooch to swallow excess air. This air combines with stomach gas to inflate your pupâs tummy. It then twists, which cuts off its blood supply.
4. Skin issues
Mastiffs have sensitive skins, and the North American Mastiff isnât any different. Skin issues like allergies, mange, hives, and dermatitis often plague the breed.
5. Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is when the bodyâs thyroxin levels fall too low. It can lead to hair loss, weakness, weight gain, and indigestion, among other things.
6. Bone cancer
Cancer, especially bone cancer isnât easy to detect, but family history can give you a good idea. Always check the medical record of the parents when adopting a puppy.
7. Heart diseases
Cardiac issues like mitral valve disease, subaortic stenosis, and cardiomyopathy can significantly reduce your North American Mastiffâs lifespan.
8. Cataracts
Cataracts cause the dogâs eye to form a cloudy layer over the lens, obstructing his vision. Although it isnât painful, it can lead to blindness. Cataracts require surgical removal.
You might also like: How To Soften Dog Eye Boogers?
9. PRA
Progressive Retinal Atrophy or PRA is another eye problem that can cause deteriorated vision, often leading to complete blindness.
10. Bone deformities
These heavyset canines can suffer from several bone and joint issues, especially later in their lives. Bone deformities may be congenital, or they can be caused by obesity.
11. Ectropion
Ectropion is when the dogâs eyelid folds outwards. This exposes the sensitive inner skin and causes irritation.
12. Entropion
Entropion is similar to ectropion, except the eyelid turns inwards instead of outwards. The folded eyelash rubs against the eyes, damaging the lens.
You may be interested in: Dog Sleeps With Eyes Open – Should You Be Concerned?
North American Mastiff lifespan
The North American Mastiff is a giant breed, and such massive canines donât live very long. Still, the North American Mastiff can live for 10 to 12 years. That equals 79 to 93 human years, which is pretty decent.
North American Mastiff breeders
You can find many American Mastiff breeders online. But you have to do your homework before approaching them. Read their online reviews and ask for health guarantees.
Avoid buying from a breeder that’s located far away as you’ll want to visit the facility in person.
North American Mastiff puppies
North American Mastiff puppies are just as adorable as those of any other canine, but you must inquire about their parentsâ health before buying or adopting them. Avoid pet shops, backyard breeders, and sellers who donât provide health guarantees.
North American Mastiff cost
The North American Mastiff price usually hovers around the $1,000 to $1,500 mark. You can fetch even lower rates if you take the adoption route.
North American Mastiff for sale
You can find some attractive deals if you search âNorth American Mastiff for sale near me.â While standard colors are readily available, youâll have to search harder to find North American Mastiff merle for sale, for example.
North American Mastiff puppies for sale
A quick search for âNorth American Mastiff puppies for sale near meâ will show numerous results. However, know that not all breeders youâll come across will be legitimate. Unscrupulous breeders often ignore ethical breeding practices to produce pups with unique colors or unhealthy physical attributes.
If you notice a breeder advertising a certain color, size, or body type, itâs best to steer clear from them.
Is the North American Mastiff right for me?
The North American Mastiff is a massive canine that can be too much for novice dog owners. Unless you have prior experience handling and training a large pooch, we recommend that you pick another breed.
However, if youâre a seasoned pet parent who understands the needs of these giants, the North American Mastiff will make a loyal, obedient, and protective companion.
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The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mastiff
https://www.americandogfederation.com/nam.html
With over five years of specialized experience as an animal writer, my expertise lies in dog nutrition, health, behavior, grooming, and training. I am dedicated to delivering helpful and informative content that caters to the well-being of our furry friends. My primary goal is to empower pet owners with knowledge and ensure our canine companions thrive in health and happiness. In my free time, I love volunteering at local dog rescue centers.
