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I just put down my America Mastiff, saddest day of my life. She was the most gentle well behaved dogs I have ever owned. Great with children, other dogs and cats. Truly Gentle Giants. I landed here searching for another when I'm ready I have a 2 year old AM who is very unlike all the reviews we read before purchasing (from Flying W. Farms). He is very prey driven - chases anything that moves (animals, cars, you name it). Barks a lot. Drools a lot. Snapped at the vet and my father-in-law for no reason. He is certainly not the gentle giant that was advertised! During the first year, he chewed the woodwork, windowsills, furniture, steps, etc. He had plenty of toys and bones, but for some reason preferred to chew on wood. We also had a very big problem with him always trying to bite our hands and arms when we were playing with him. On his walks, he would decide to suddenly jump up on us and grab our coats or arms - this is a big problem when your puppy is 90 lbs. We worked with a trainer who suggested using a head halter which allowed us much more control over his jumping and biting. Our vet told us that he has never dealt with a mastiff that exhibits the characteristics that our's does. If I purchased another mastiff, it would definately by an English Mastiff. The main reason we purchased an AM was for less drool and good health. Our AM drools a lot, and he has skin allergies on top of it all. I own and operate the American Mastiff website (www.AmericanMastiffFamily.com) and forum (www.AMFamilyForum.net). Please join the American Mastiff Family forum and join over 475 American Mastiff fanciers and owners to learn what it's really like to own one of these magnificent dogs. In addition to my English Mastiff, I own two American Mastiffs. My older boy, Murphy, is 5-1/2 years old and was awarded the Canine Good Citizenship Award and is a Certified Therapy Dog through Therapy Dogs, International, Inc. Just like with ANY breed, AMs need proper socialization and training to help them become wonderful members of the family. No breed comes ready-made perfect without guidance and direction. We own a 10 month old AM and he is the most gentle, patient, affectionate dog either my wife or I have seen, and we've had Rotties, Labs, German Shephards and a variety of mutts. He has the patience of Job when children or other dogs or cats jump on him or poke at him. He can get somewhat play-aggressive which we attribute more to not knowing his size rather than any natural aggressiveness. 1 and 2 year old toddlers not ours can grab his ears, poke him in the eyes and stick their fingers in his mouth and he just licks them. He is 160 lbs and heading to 200. I would highly recommend this breed, but extensive socialilzation and obedience training are a must. A dog this size without both can be a real danger or problem. Take your pup everywhere and expose him to everything and you will be well-rewarded. Any dog breed can become aggressive if not properly trained; breeders of the American Mastiff encourage early training and socialization as do responsible breeders of any large breed. The American Mastiff is no different. |
