I apologize in advance for this post, which I guarantee is going to be LONG, and probably much more information than you've ever wanted to know. LOL Sorry!! Just wanted to try to touch on all the issues touched upon on this thread and some of the other AM threads I've read.
Firstly, I, as an owner (not a breeder) of the AM, started the AM Family Forum over 7 years ago and Facebook page on my own dime, solely because I think the breed is wonderful! There are zero ads, so I don't generate any money for the forum. Wanted to compare notes, photos, experiences, etc., with my fellow AM owners and lovers. ALL breeds are welcome on both sites, and we have many, many EM owners.
There IS another breed who call themselves “American Mastiffs, PANJA.” As far as I'm aware (and, I've been around the “AM World” for only about 15 years, this is the only other breed who use the “AM” name.
http://www.google.com/#q=american+mastiff+panja
There are only 8 AMBC (American Mastiff Breeders Council) Breeders in the US. There are 2 AMBC breeders outside the US. These breeders are the only breeders who breed the “true” American Mastiff” created by Fredericka Wagner in Piketon, Ohio, over 30 years ago. Just to be clear, AMs are NOT a 50/50 mix between EMs and Anatolians. No mixes have taken place for many, many years. The breed has been deemed “true” in 2000.
AMBC breeders:
http://www.americanmastiffbreederscouncil.com/American%20Mastiff%20Breeders.htm
Regarding the bashing of the CKC (Continental Kennel Club), some interesting info:
http://www.continentalkennelclub.com/specialfaqs.aspx
Regarding the “elite” AKC, here's some interesting info: P.S., I'm extremely elated that our AMBC breeders will NEVER pursue AKC recognition!!!
http://amfamilyforum.net/Forum/index.php/topic,7015.0.html
My personal “Thank You” to the AMBC for NOT wanting to pursue AKC recognition:
http://amfamilyforum.net/Forum/index.php/topic,5062.0.html
Regarding supposed AMs ending up in rescue: ALL AMBC breeders have been microchipping for several years now. ALL proven AMs needing to find new homes WILL be taken back by their breeders. I can personally attest to this. I have been involved in several rehomes/rescues. In fact, I adopted one myself.
My personal experience regarding AMs/EMs (my own dos):
AM, Murphy, 211 pounds. Flying W Farms. Born 2005. My 9.5-year-old boy is the epitome of the gentle giant. He has been a Certified Therapy Dog through Therapy Dogs International, Inc, since he was one year old. We have visited retirement homes, mental health facilities, and women and children's shelters. Super healthy. Only “sickness” was a very minor UTI once. No drool, per se, unless immediately after a large drink of water. Very loving and loyal!
My AM, Brody, 225 pounds: He was a rehome at 6 months old. He started having seizures at 5 weeks old. His breeder was very forthcoming with this. Nothing was found to cause this on extensive testing. I also discovered after I adopted him that he was extremely hard of hearing. He could hear some sounds, but he could not identify where they were coming from. Super sweet and loving boy. He did not drool, but was THE messiest drinker on the face of the earth! He would lay his head IN the water bowl and chomp at the water. When he was finished, he would walk away from the water bowl with a huge mouthful of water and trail it as he walked away.
Unfortunately, he was diagnosed at 3.5 years old with autoimmune hepatitis and died a few weeks later, on June 15, 2013. As much as it could be a pain to let him out up to 6 times per night (his meds made him very thirsty = needing to pee a LOT), I miss him VERY much!!!
My EM, Frankie, 180 pounds:
He was a rescue I adopted at 5 years old. Was bred by a so-called “reputable” breeder, who had the #1 Specialty Dog in 2005. Had bilateral TPLO surgery before I was able to bring him home. Diagnosed with Wobbler's syndrome, degenerative myelopathy, had a spinal cord stroke (aka fibrocartilaginous emboli) and passed away right before his 8th birthday. He was a GORGEOUS apricot boy who was very sweet and loving. Drooled like a faucet!!! I constantly had to wipe slingers from the floor, the walls, the CEILING and, of course, him! Wouldn't change it for the world though. He was a sweetie! I miss him!!
http://amfamilyforum.net/Forum/index.php/topic,814.0.html
My EM, Maggie, 170 pounds:
Maggie was also a rescue. She, like Frankie, was AKC registered. She was the product of a puppymill and bought on a whim at a petshop for a Christmas present. Ten months later, she was in rescue. She was turned down by rescue the first time her family tried to surrender her at 10 month old It is assumed that she was not socialized properly and/or mistreated... but, it took her foster mom 4 months to be able to touch her. I adopted her at 14 months old. She became the BIGGEST “Mama's girl.” Super affectionate towards me. Loved to give “hugs” by laying her body into mine. Like my AMs, she was not a drooler. Throughout the rest of her life, I was the only one who was able to touch her. She died on December 1, 2013 from pancreatic cancer at barely 8 years old.
http://amfamilyforum.net/Forum/index.php/topic,7022.0.html
Regarding the “aggressive tenancies” of the AM based on the literal minute Anatolian blood that courses through their veins, I will I will admit that I'm a bit tired of reading about it. AMs are NO more aggressive than any other breed. The ridiculous stories you sometimes read about have never, ever been substantiated! Ever! In addition, not everyone knows this.... but it was my ENGLISH Mastiff that attacked and killed my 90-pound German Shepherd mix. Do I condemn the EM breed as a whole? No! She was a dog! We, as humans, tend to humanize our dogs way too much!
Anyone who have any questions, etc., regarding the American Mastiff (Flying W Farms lines), please always feel free to check out the AM Family Forum and AM Family Facebook page. Both are public viewing sites/members-only posting sites. Please always feel free to email/message me too if you have any specific questions.
Again. I apologize for the length of my post! Thanks so much for reading!
Michelle