If you want a dog who has a big heart (like you?) then go and find a North American Mastiff. It is a huge dog with an equally big heart. Let’s find out more about this rare breed.
North American Mastiff vs Tibetan Mastiff
TMs shed and still require brushing, often on a weekly basis. They are double-coated and don’t require much cutting. The American Mastiff sheds very little, yet their loose fur collects dander. Beware that some people are allergic to this dander. However, none of the breeds are hypoallergenic.
Both breeds are naturally protective of their owners’ land, even other animals that belongs to the family. This is due to the fact that their ancestors were used to guard livestock. These big canines don’t get along well with other pets, but they’re also not a threat to them. When raised with other cats and dogs, they may get along fairly smoothly.
A few short comparisons of the two breeds are provided below.
- Neither the North American Mastiffs nor the Tibetan Mastiffs are recommended for new or inexperienced owners, but the TM is highly discouraged.
- Although both breeds have low-maintenance coats, the T Mastiff is easier to groom.
- Both breeds are excellent with kids. However, keep in mind that you should always supervise your Tibetan dog whenever he is with your children because he might accidentally step on them due to their large build.
- The TM and the North American Mastiff both bark moderately.
What Two Breeds Make An American Mastiff?
Mastiffs are descendants of ancient fighting dogs who terrorized enemy soldiers. They acted as guards and hunters when they weren’t assisting armies in winning battles. They arrived in the United States after WWII, but tight obedience to breed standards caused inbreeding, thus their health worsened over time.
The North American Mastiff is a relatively new dog breed. Fredericka Wagner, an Ohio breeder, created this dog in the 1980s. Wagner crossed Kangal Shepherds with English Mastiffs to create the North American Mastiff, a huge dog with increased health and quality of life. She eventually stopped crossing and started reproducing them with her own stock.
The North American Mastiff is a new breed that has yet to be recognized by the AKC or the UKC. Meanwhile, numerous dog clubs, notably the Continental Kennel Club, consider them purebred. Although there have been some challenges in gaining AKC registration for the North American Mastiff, supporters of the breed are hopeful that they will be able to register their pup in the future years.
Lifespan Of These Dogs
The North American Mastiff is a huge dog breed that doesn’t live very long. However, they can live for up to 10-12 years. That translates to 79-93 human years, which isn’t bad. Because the English Mastiff has long been affected by health conditions and a short lifespan, the creation of the American Mastiff was primarily motivated by the desire to alleviate these conditions.
Mitral valve disease, cardiomyopathy, and subaortic stenosis are all conditions that can shorten the lifespan of your North American Mastiff. However, the American Mastiff breed is still too new to make any solid statements regarding their health.
These Mastiffs, like other big breeds, have bone growth problems. This is due to the fact that the bones of these puppies grow significantly faster, and often at an unnatural rate than the bones of small dogs. When a puppy receives insufficient activity or a poor diet, its bones may suffer abnormalities.
Are These Mastiffs Good Family Dogs?
While this Mastiff’s size may appear intimidating to visitors, these dogs are not violent unless you or a member of the family is in danger. If this occurs, be wary, as they will protect their family with extraordinary bravery and tenacity.
The American Mastiff is a polite, gentle dog who will be completely dedicated to you. They are kind and affectionate, and some people even regard them as clingy. They enjoy being in the company of their humans and miss them when they are separated from them. Living with them necessitates adjusting to some of their characteristics, including shedding hair, flatulence, snoring, and slobber.
What About Strangers…
These Mastiffs can be cautious of strangers at first, but after they get to know you, they warm up to a kind personality. They are good guard dogs since they can detect invaders and alert you.
They can be difficult to train because they want to do things in their own manner and may oppose your techniques. Kindness and patience are essential in these circumstances. With an American Mastiff, yelling or losing your cool will get you nothing.
Are American Mastiffs aggressive?
These animals were originally bred as English military dogs, with the mission of attacking opposing soldiers. The Mastiff was a fearful, stubborn, and fierce dog. They secured the wealthy’s properties between battles and were often utilized in bear-baiting sports.
Fortunately, this breed’s aggression has been bred out, and it has evolved into the gentle giants we currently know. Despite the fact that these huge dogs are not violent and have a calm disposition, they require the care of an expert dog trainer. But hold on a second. These canines have a golden heart and are devoted to their family. When it comes to kids, they are kind and compassionate, displaying patience and tolerance for their silliness.
How much is an American Mastiff?
The price of an American Mastiff is usually between $1,000 and $2,000. Certification, genetics, and coat color could all affect the price. Some breeders want a higher price for their puppies so it all relies on the breeder.
However, you should be aware that not all breeders you come across are legitimate. Unethical breeders frequently disregard ethical breeding methods in order to produce puppies with unusual colors or physical characteristics. As a result, you will be expected to pay more for constant veterinary check-ups for severe health issues that may arise due to irresponsible breeding.
Conclusion
Because these canines are of the Mastiff breed and can get quite huge, you should think seriously before bringing one into your life. To live a healthy and happy life, these dogs require a lot of exercise, space, and nutrition. You can expect a devoted, loving, gentle giant by your side if you can fulfill these things.
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