BREED STANDARD OF THE AMERICAN MASTIFF

 

 

General Appearance:

The American mastiff is a large, massive, powerful dog with a moderately broad head, dropped ears, kindly wide-set eyes of brown or amber color (the darker the better).  The neck is powerful.  The chest is wide and deep.   The back is muscular.   The tail is wide at the root, tapering to the end.  It hangs straight in repose, forming slight curve. The overall appearance should be of proportions - slightly longer in body than in height.

 

Size:

Height at maturity is typically 32 to 36 inches for males.  The average weight for males is 160 to over 200 pounds.  Height at maturity for females is typically 28 to 34 inches. Females average between 140 and 180 pounds. Larger or smaller size for both males and females is acceptable provided the dog is in good proportion and structurally balanced.

 

Bite:

Scissors bite preferred, but a moderately undershot jaw should not be faulted providing the teeth are not visible when the mouth is closed.

Coat:
 The coat must be short and dense, and fawn, apricot or brindle in color.  However, as in other mastiff breeds, very rarely a puppy will have a longer coat.  This is known as a "fluffy." This is extremely rare, but not a fault.

Colors:
 Fawn (varying shades from very light cream to darker fawn), also apricot and brindle.  Brindle should have fawn or apricot as a background color which should be patterned with dark stripes. Puppies are all born dark and lighten as they grow older, some becoming very light fawn by the age of one year and some retain dark hairs (not a fault).  White on feet, chest, nose and sometimes the chin is not a fault.   

Muzzle:
 Muzzle should be dark in color (darker the better), with the same color around the eye orbits and extending upward between them.  This is know as the "black mask."  All American Mastiffs must exhibit the black mask in order to meet the breed standard.

Legs:
 Strong, set wide apart, and heavy boned.  Feet are large, round, and compact.

Gait:
 In movement, the gait denotes power and strength.  Rear legs drive while forelegs track smoothly with good reach.

Temperament:
 The American mastiff is a combination of grandeur, good nature, and gentleness. Dignity rather than gaiety. They are neither shy nor vicious. The well-trained American Mastiff is calm, controlled, and confident. They are understanding, patient and loving with their family, especially children. They are generally aloof towards strangers. A well-socialized American Mastiff is friendly yet sensitive and alert to changing situations. They are not aggressive by nature but will defend their family if necessary. They respond to threats with judicious warnings and courageous action if needed.

 

 

Picture of "Neil" © Flying W Farms and has been used with permission.

Breed standard © Fredericka Wagner/AMBC and is used with permission

 

 

 

 

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