American VS English

[alucard76]

Hi There.
I'm trying to find out the differences between the American Mastiff (cross between the Mastiff and the Anatolian Shepherd Mastiff) and the English Mastiff. I'm planning on getting a American, but I'm just trying to be absolutely sure. I've heard only amazing things about the American Mastiff. Are the differences that great?
I hope I came to the right place for help.
Thanks

By the way, I live in Canada and can't seem to find any breeders of the American Mastiff here.

 

[Mongo]

This forum doesnt really talk about BYB(Back Yard Breeders) but from just looking up the "American" Mastiff.... these are just being bred by BYB or want to make an extra $... they look just like the English Mastiff... I dont know what the reason to breed these 2 breeds together are... but its a large version of a designer dog... I say dont do it... but your call

 

[Lazy Bones]

American Mastiffs are a "designer breed". Like the Labradoodle and many other "designer breeds", they are not recognized by the AKC. The only reason I can see a person breeding the Mastiff and the Anatolian is for money. They are breeding mutts for cash. If you want a mutt there are plenty of amazing ones at the shelters that desperately need a home (maybe even a Mastiff)!

LOL... actually, this is a pet peeve on mine. Hehehe! I love when people in the line at petstores are talking up there Puggle or what not, I am the one that says your mutt is cute and gets the evil glares all the time. I am not one to support BYB or these hybrid dogs that are all of a sudden super popular.

If you want a purebred Mastiff, then get a purebred Mastiff and do right by the breed. Don't support these "designer breeds". They aren't doing anything for the betterment of the Mastiff or the Anatolian breed. If anything I feel they are working against what so many breeders are striving towards... helping the breed excel and be the best they can be.

I know this doesn't answer your question you originally had. Oops! But I am sorry for the long soap box. I hope you make the right decision on what is best for you. I do ask that you think twice about what you are supporting and doing to the Anatolian and the Mastiff breed by supporting a hybrid dog. Good luck!

 

[spiderbitten]

I think it's hard to say what the differences are, being that the American Mastiff is such a 'new' breed. Even dogs of a long established breed, while retaining certain characteristics, can have vastly different personalities and dominant traits, so it can be especially hard to say what traits will come out in a mixed dog like the American Mastiff.

I would say it probably depends on the individual breeder, and the sire and dam. If I were you, I would want to spend some time with the parents before deciding on a breeder, and, if possible, with any adult dogs they produced.

I have heard the English Mastiff criticized by some as having become too 'soft', with all working ability bred out of it, including the desire to guard. It seems, to me, that those who are mixing them with the Anatolian want to bring back some of that ability, but I am not intimately involved with either English Mastiffs or American Mastiffs, so I can only write what I have observed others say.

If you don't mind me asking, and I'm only asking out of curiousity, not criticism, what are you looking for in a dog? Do you want a guard dog, specifically?

 

[Tailcreek]

The American Mastiff is not a recognized breed, it is a cross. In my opinion the main differences between an AM and a Mastiff is temperament.

Search on google for the american mastiff and you can find some interesting info...

 

[dexter]

Hi There.
I'm trying to find out the differences between the American Mastiff (cross between the Mastiff and the Anatolian Shepherd Mastiff) and the English Mastiff. I'm planning on getting a American, but I'm just trying to be absolutely sure. I've heard only amazing things about the American Mastiff. Are the differences that great?
I hope I came to the right place for help.
Thanks

By the way, I live in Canada and can't seem to find any breeders of the American Mastiff here.

i am really not sure about the difference in mastiffs all i can tell you is that i purchased american mastiff from flying w farms and dexter was the best dog and he was everything he was supposed to be gentle good with kids and a great family member. i would get another one in a heart beat. i have heard people say they are mixed breeds but if you are looking for a great dog the american mastiff will not let you down.

 

[Steve the dog trainer]

Hi, I'm from California and guys around here call American Mastiff dogs that are basic mixed with Pit Bulls/Neopolitian Mastiff's or Bandogs.

If I was to say you have a Rottweiler/Pit Bull mix, would you call that a "breed" or a mix? Some people I know are crossing the two dogs for there own personal reasons but it wouldn't be considered a breed right. Most would say two breeds that are being bred would be called a mix. Well the same can be said of the Anatolian Shepard/English Mastiff mix, someone is doing it possibly with the intent of creating a new breed of dog and doing great marketing by giving it a name now but to fully create a new breed, it will take this person at least another 20 years of dedication to create it.

Someone else mentioned the idea of Designer dogs, yes you are hearing that alot these days. I think if done for a purpose to create a new breed is how this world is. Almost every breed in this world was created for a purpose, Newfoundlands as a fishing dog. Labradors to retrieve game, Pointers to locate and point game, Dogo's to hunt boars. Well you get the idea, what is this breeds purpose?

I'm not saying that it isn't a dog for you nor do I want to deter you of doing what you'll end up doing anyways. Just giving my opinion and hopefully it helps in the decision making.

 

[Bentley]

I was given to understand that the American Mastiff was crossed to reduce the pendulous jowls and to have less bulk for the frame to support during development, now if this is the case, surely these are good aims.

 

[Mongo]

I was given to understand that the American Mastiff was crossed to reduce the pendulous jowls and to have less bulk for the frame to support during development, now if this is the case, surely these are good aims.

Its still a cross breed.... they arent trying to improve the English mastiff by doing this they are creating something new. You can improve a breed by selective breeding. It BYB/Hobby breeders that arent looking out for the breed and just breeding 2 dogs together for a litter. They dont show their dogs to get confirmation, temperament test or health(hips and ALL) test their dogs... just want to make money! This is the importance of doing ones homework and buying from a reputable breeder.

 

[mfg]

I guess I'm not surprised by the negative response of AMs by OEM breeders. It's understandable for people to be more positive and promote the breeds they love more..Being neither an OEM or AM owner and having owned other breeds (husky, doberman, sheltie and mutts) I researched the OEM years ago because I fell in love with one that I met one day and it's wonderful temperment. I went to three breeders to learn more about them and they are truly a wonderful breed! I almost got one but stopped short because I knew the drool factor as well as size factor was just not a match for my lifestyle. I was sad because I really loved the breed and thought that I would not be able to ever get an equal dog until I found the AM. I also researched and met breeders to learn more about the dog and have since decided that the AM is the right dog for me. They were everything I loved in OEMs but had "less drool" and the smaller AM size was much more doable for me. What I loved most was the temperment of all the dogs I met at a open house event that one AM breeder had...where owners from all over brought their AMs to exchange stories and just share a common love (not all owners had brought their dogs from the AM breeder who was hosting the event).<BR>I think my reason for picking the AM was also because I actually believe one advantage of cross breeds can be a better temperant, as they say "mutts" tend to not have a lot of the "pure breed" temperment issues. I don't think it's fair to judge mutts over pure breeds or vice-versa. I've known friends with great pure breed experiences as well as very bad experiences. I think it's fair to say that regardless of whether you pick a pure or mutt, it's important to at least learn as much as you can about the environment of the parents (if possible)...also many wonderful mutts have been adopted to become amazingly well trained and adjusted dogs. Regardless of pure or mutt, there's always a chance of getting a problem dog or one who's temperment is not the right match for you. I'm glad to say though that niether the OEM or AM breeders that I met spoke unkindly of the other but were only concerned most that I find the right temperment dog for me because in the end, it's what's best for the dog.&nbsp;This is a great forum and it's nice for people to help others with thoughts and experience.<BR>I just found this forum and question. Hopefully the person who asked the question found the right dog. Happy trails!

 

[Duetsche_Doggen]

There's nothing wrong with mutts its just wrong to exploit them for profit.

 

[NeoBull]

I agree with Deutsche, it's the same problem I have with Labradoodles and all the other designer mutts out there... I don't own either breed, never have, and I certainly don't breed them or anything else. I haven't seen anyone breeding them that looked like a reputable/ethical (aside from the fact that they're breeding mutts) breeder, and THAT is the biggest problem.

---------- Post added at 06:47 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:39 PM ----------

You may have done your AM research, but they ARE a cross of the Anatolian and the EM and since they are a relatively new/young cross/breed you need to research Anatolians too... I don't believe that you can have THAT much consistency in such a young "breed"... you'll still get a mix of traits from the Anatolian and the EM and there is no way to guarantee it will be a combination of the best traits, despite what AM breeders may have you believe.

 

[NeoBull]

You may have done your AM research, but they ARE a cross of the Anatolian and the EM and since they are a relatively new/young cross/breed you need to research Anatolians too... I don't believe that you can have THAT much consistency in such a young "breed"... you'll still get a mix of traits from the Anatolian and the EM and there is no way to guarantee it will be a combination of the best traits, despite what AM breeders may have you believe.

 

[GavTheMighty]

I erm well it's a mix I love........sorry. I adore the Kangal and I adore the mastiff in just about every form so the idea of a mix well lets just say I can see why its been done more so than pretty much any other designer mutt I have heard about over the years. I could probably list 100 reasons why I think this would be a good mix but I won't do that here I will say that it does seem from the various people that have an AM and any research you do on this mix does seem to turn up fairly consistant results so far........

I am actually in touch with one of the only KC registered and reputable breeders of Kangals in the UK at the moment with the possible confirmation of a litter due middle of May so we shall see........

It was a toss up between Kangal and Dogo for me but as there is only one breeder I could find of the Dogo coupled with the fact they are illegal in the uk and the fact that well lets just say I did not like the breeder and certainly didnt find him to be ethical or doing it for the benefit of the Dogo's around the world needless to say I am focusing on the Kangal.

 

[chuckorlando]

I hink the main issue s they pass them of and sale them as a breed. They are not a standard breed yet. That makes the whole deal a sham. If they should or should'nt be done is really a non issue untillyou come to price and wording. The market dictates what should be done if we like it or not. Be it black Filas or wrinkly neos, the market dictates the future. But when you have a mix thats still just a mix, it's not a breed.

But at the end of the day it's your wallet. If you think 100 or 100k is fair for what ever, and you know the reality of what it is, who am I to say it's wrong

 

[GavTheMighty]

They certainly are not a breed yet they should be advertised as a mutt thats been bred for certain qualities or maybe even bred in the hope of gaining certain qualities lol. I think this will become a breed but not yet.

 

[OdeMX]

Hi There.
I'm trying to find out the differences between the American Mastiff (cross between the Mastiff and the Anatolian Shepherd Mastiff) and the English Mastiff. I'm planning on getting a American

So, did Alucard ever posted back so we can know what he decided?

 

[cellardoorv]

Sorry to revive such an old thread, but this forum came up when doing research on a mastiff. So I figured, instead of making a new one, I'd like to see if the same sentiments were shared, or if they've changed.

Along with my fiance, I'm in the mastiff market. I've always loved big, HUGE dogs but never had the means (space, finances) for one until now. A purchase won't be made for a bit, perhaps within the next three years, thus begins the research.

We've tossed around a few ideas; English Mastiff, Newfoundland, Bernese, Bullmastiff, Dogo (a personal favorite of mine). Since globs of hair PLUS globs of drool isn't exactly appealing to me as the woman of the house (my poor vacuum) we've ruled out the fuzzy ones. We also are looking into a more sedate dog, as we already have two VERY active dogs and as they mature, we'd like a more easy going fella who can withstand a bit of walking, but won't bounce off the walls, but can handle a wallop or two from my other dogs. We also want to add a baby into the mix eventually (his idea, not mine) so something child-friendly is a must.

Easy pick, right? English Mastiff.

Hold on, what is this? An AMERICAN Mastiff? Something less drooly (not droolLESS, mind you), a bit more athletic looking, but still keeps an easy-going nature, with a dash of protectiveness, and 150+ pounds? Sounds perfect. But I've read so much backlash with them, that of course, my Devil's Advocate comes out to play.

So what say you, Mastiff Forum? I'd love to hear both sides, if possible

 

[LLJohnson10]

I currently have a Bullmastiff, and I really considered getting an American Mastiff because of the same qualities that you mentioned. The less drool was very appealing to me. I joined the American Mastiff Forum and Facebook group, and heard all the glowing reviews from people who actually owned the breed. I also listened to the mostly negative reviews and opinions from people who don't own the breed.

Here are my observations:

Most people who are breeders and supporters of the English Mastiff have a very big problem with the breed (lots of nasty comments and attacks on English Mastiff forums, not as bad on here though).

I don't really buy the argument that these are just Back Yard Breeders trying to make a quick buck, especially after communicating with several breeders, who were very passionate about their dogs and making sure their dogs would go to the right home (The average wait for an American Mastiff is well over 6 months, so definitely not a quick buck).

Every dog breed was created by some sort of mix originally. Unless you are an advocate of stopping the creation of any more dog breeds, I don't see why the American Mastiff breeders should be demonized. (My bullmastiff, which I adore, was once just a cross also. Louis Doberman, and so many others created their own breeds as well, how is this any different?)

As far as pricing, I think you should pay what you want for a dog if you believe that its the right fit for you. So if your perfect dog is an accidental breeding that you are paying a $50 adoption fee for, great deal. If your perfect dog happens to be a $4000 Tibetan Mastiff, and its what you want, then its worth every penny. There are plenty of "mutts" in the shelter for free or low cost, but that doesn't mean one of them is the dog that you want.

I am in no way an advocate of back yard breeders. Based off my conversations and interactions with American Mastiff breeders, they are not even close to fitting that description.

P.S. I decided to go with my Bullmastiff, which is now my favorite breed ever, because I caught an intense bout of puppy fever, and could no longer wait the 6 months to a year for an American Mastiff.

 

[cellardoorv]

I must say, LLJohnson, that your reply is one of the most refreshing I've come across. And your BM is making me reconsider one! What a beauty!

I currently own two dogs, as I mentioned before, a female pitbull and a male American Bulldog (my second AB). And I really have to agree with you, because while I can certainly understand the outrage over BYB (which I do NOT condone) I don't really see how the American Mastiff is any different than my Bulldog. When I mention my dogs, I can't even keep track of how many people who try to correct me and say "Well, don't you mean an English Bulldog?" and follow with a bunch of snorting noises.

No, I mean an American Bulldog, who is also not registered with the AKC. Meaning, someone saw the English Bulldog, liked a bunch of characteristics and personality traits but disliked a few, and tried to gear a dog more towards their preference and how they wanted the dog to perform, which brings you to the present day American Bulldog, longer muzzle, taller legs, more working capability.

For those crying "less drool" isn't a reason to create a different breed, isn't it the same to say "Hmm, that dog should have taller legs"? I feel that the people behind the American Mastiff truly are working towards a true breed, considering the time and effort they place on regulating their dogs. And while their 25 years or so pales in comparison to the English Mastiff's lineage, I mean, everyone's gotta start somewhere, or we would have a bunch of wolfy hybrids.

Besides the wait, what made you choose your BullMastiff? They're still in the running for me, but I'm not the biggest on brachycephalic dogs.