The American Mastiff dog is an exciting new breed envisioned and
developed by Fredericka Wagner of Flying W Farms. The breed name is
Trademarked and can only be applied to those dogs tracing to the
FLYING W FARMS
original line. The breed was developed though blending English Mastiff with Anatolian.
The American Mastiff looks identical to the English mastiff in color, shape, size, etc.
however, they have a much dryer mouth due to outcross early on in the
history of the breed. They are very much the "gentle giant."
The American Mastiff requires little exercise. They grow so
quickly and their bones develop so rapidly that they spend a lot of time
sleeping. They will wake up, play for a few minutes and then they
are asleep again. As they grow older they can exercise more and when
full grown they will go for long walks with you but they are not up for
jogging. Most people keep their mastiffs in the house letting them out
to go to the bathroom and play in the yard for a while and then bringing
them back in. They are calm and quiet in the house and referred to as
"living rugs". Therefore, though large, they make an ideal
house pet. The American Mastiff does well in a wide range of
environments, from an apartment with walks in the park, to a farm or a
home with a big yard. They love their human family, especially the
children. Wise, kind and gentle, they are patient, forgiving and
understanding. They are protective but not aggressive at all.
Feeding Your American Mastiff
Housing
Housebreaking
Training your American Mastiff
Exercise
Grooming
Caring for your American Mastiff’s Teeth
Health
Feeding
Your American Mastiff
WE PROUDLY FEED OUR AMERICAN MASTIFFS NUTRO PRODUCTS.
Feeding is one of the most important areas in an American Mastiff’s
development; it begins very early when the puppy is weaned and continues
throughout its life. The food that a dog is given plays an important role
in its muscle and bone development. When purchasing a puppy, it is
important to find out from the previous owner what type of food the puppy
was eating; any sudden changes in diet can cause digestive problems. If
you wish to change its food to another well-balanced diet, do so
gradually. Begin by mixing small portions of the new food with the one
being replaced, until it is completely switched over. Remember to do this
gradually, over a period of seven to ten days.
The amount of food that a dog eats and the number of times per day that
a dog is fed changes as it matures. As a puppy, it should be fed small
portions frequently. While it is young, the puppy’s activity level is
high and you will want to be sure that it is eating enough to develop
properly and steadily gain weight. Basically, an American Mastiff should
be fed four times a day until it reaches three months of age. Between the
ages of three to six months, give the puppy three meals a day, the
portions being slightly larger than before. After six months, there should
be two meals a day; and at one year of age, there should be only one meal.
You could also feed your dog some dry biscuits in the morning and evening
if it is having only one meal per day.
Once the American Mastiff becomes an adult, it’s important to keep in
mind that it does not need to be given as much food; obesity can be a
problem if not monitored closely. When your dog is a year old, you may
decide to feed it in the evenings when your family has its meal.
The dog’s meal can also be divided into two smaller portions, one given
in the morning and one at night. Never over-feed your dog; since it will
not turn down food, it’s up to you to monitor its eating habits and
provide a reasonable amount. Remember to keep a bowl of fresh clean water
near your dog’s food bowl at all times.
In order to develop good eating habits, allow your dog its own dining
area. Feeding times should be at the same time and in the same place
everyday. Your dog’s food and water should be served at room temperature
so that the food is neither too hot nor too cold. Snack foods such as
cake, chocolate, and other junk foods are not for dogs and should never be
given to them. Other unhealthy foods include spicy, fried, starchy or
fatty foods. Chicken, pork, and fish bones can also be very dangerous to a
dog if eaten since they can cause intestinal damage and tear the stomach
lining.
There are many good commercial foods on the market that are
nutritionally complete for your American Mastiff. Most of them contain the
ingredients listed on the packages. Remember that providing a variety of
meats and cereal grains is very important in maintaining a balanced diet
for your pet. Your dog should get the daily requirements of protein,
carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, minerals, and water from its diet to develop
properly. You may need to make some dietary changes depending on your
dog’s age, growth, and activity level; your veterinarian can assist you
in making these adjustments, if necessary. If your American Mastiff
becomes pregnant or sick, the nutritional needs will change. Consult with
your veterinarian to make the proper dietary adjustments; vitamin and
mineral supplements can also be given.
There are a variety of feeding dishes to choose from hard plastic,
stainless steel, and earthenware dishes, available in many shapes and
sizes. Choose one that is large enough to hold each meal, but will not tip
over or spill as your dog eats. It is very important to keep your dog’s
feeding and watering dishes clean on a daily basis. Once the dog has
finished it meal, throw away any uneaten food and clean the dishes. They
should be washed using hot water and soap, and then rinsed and dried.
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Housing
Before considering housing accommodations, determine the environment
which is best suited for you. If your American Mastiff will be kept
indoors, provide it a permanent place, away from the flow of traffic. A
garage or basement could make a suitable home for your pet, or you may
arrange for your dog to have a room of it own.
A dog crate can be utilized as a bed or an indoor doghouse. It should be
large enough for your dog, providing sufficient room for standing and
moving about. A crate can also be a very effective method in house
training. Your American Mastiff will become familiar with the crate by
keeping the door open, allowing it to come and go. If your dog will be
outdoors, provide it with a well-built house that will ensure protection
from the weather. It should be made of water-proof materials and be well
insulated. In order to maximize warmth and provide protection from drafts
and cold temperatures, your dog’s sleeping area should be away from the
entrance of the doghouse. The house should be cleaned on a regular basis;
floor must be swept and bedding changed as needed. If you have a fenced-in yard, your American Mastiff should have plenty
of exercise space if given access to roam about freely. Of course, the
yard must be maintained and excrement removed daily. If cleanup is a
problem, you can fence off a smaller portion of the yard surrounding the
doghouse. This will provide exercise space while minimizing yard
maintenance. If the doghouse is not within the confines of a fence, you
should provide your dog with additional room for mobility by attaching
a run to the doghouse. This would enable your dog to get the additional
space needed for play and exercise.
When purchasing a bed, look for one that will provide enough room for
your American Mastiff. The bed should be replaced as the dog grows. It is
important to clean and disinfect the sleeping area to prevent parasites
such as fleas, lice, and mites; so choose bedding that facilitates
cleanup. When a bed has been purchased, place it in a warm and dry,
draft-free location, away from the feeding and toilet area. Keeping it
near family activity will allow your dog to become accustomed to the
everyday routine of your household.
Some dogs, especially puppies, like to chew apart bedding. Chew toys
can be purchased to alleviate this problem. A blanket or towel can also be
placed over the bedding to further protect the bedding and provide a soft
surface for your dog to snuggle.
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Housebreaking
Housebreaking is an area that will take consistency and
much patience. If your American Mastiff puppy has not been trained prior
to your ownership, it is important to begin immediately. A puppy needs to
relieve itself approximately six times per day. Since a full stomach puts
pressure on the bladder and colon, begin training your dog to eliminate
after each meal.
One method of training your American Mastiff puppy is by using its
kennel crate. At night, place the puppy in it crate; most young pups will
wake up barking or whining early the next morning, indicating a need to
relieve itself. Take the puppy outside to the area where you want it to
eliminate. If successful, provide the puppy with plenty of praise; and
then allow it to play inside while preparing its breakfast. Carefully
supervise the puppy when indoors; do not allow it to run in the house
until fully trained. After playtime, take the puppy outside again, and
repeat the elimination process; then put the puppy back into it crate.
Wait one hour and repeat the process. By the end of the day, the puppy
will realize that when taken out of the crate, it should eliminate.
However, if the puppy is not successful after 10-15 minutes, bring it back
inside and place it in the crate. After 30 minutes try again. This
sequence can be repeated until the puppy is fully housebroken.
If your American Mastiff puppy will be an indoor pet, you may prefer to
use newspaper in the training process rather than the crate method. In
this case, newspaper should be layered and placed in a corner away from it
feeding and watering dishes. Take the puppy to the newspaper after meals;
and be sure to encourage and praise it when it does its
"business." Change the newspaper sheets each time, putting the
bottom sheets on the top with new ones underneath. This helps reinforce
the purpose of the newspaper by sight and smell, and will increase the
possibility of it using that same area again.
It is important to remain consistent when house-training your American
Mastiff. Since your dog wants to please you, do not confuse it by letting
it do something one day and then punishing it for doing the same thing on
another day. Remember, no form of physical punishment is as effective as
praise and encouragement.
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Training
your American Mastiff
The training of your American Mastiff, you should begin
as soon as you acquire the dog. You can do the training yourself, or you
can hire a professional trainer to do the work. Local dog training classes
are usually available; they will be listed in the newspaper, or your
veterinarian can recommend a trainer.
There are two types of training behavioral and obedience. Behavioral
training corrects bad habits that your American Mastiff may have developed
such as begging, chasing cars, jumping on people, and so on. It is
important to be consistent during the training process.
Obedience training sessions should be short, but frequent; ten to
fifteen minute sessions, two or three times a day will be sufficient. If
your training sessions are too long, your American Mastiff will become
bored. The best training time is before meals. If you work with your dog
before it eats, it will begin to associate it meal as a reward for the
training sessions.
Before giving a word command to your dog, speak its name to get its
attention; then speak a one-word command such as sit, stay, or heel. Do
not get impatient, you will probably have to repeat the command many
times. Never use negative reinforcement; do not call your dog to come to
you for punishment because this will teach your dog not to come on
command.
Some of the specific commands are "sit," "stay,"
"heel," and "come." When speaking the commands, say
them loudly and clearly, repeating them often. The dog may have to hear
the commands over and over, but will soon begin to associate the word with
its meaning. When your dog responds correctly, remember to praise it; this
will provoke your dog to perform correctly the next time.
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Exercise
Exercise is an essential element in your American Mastiff’s
development, both physically and mentally. While it is important to
monitor your dog’s dietary habits and provide the proper medical
attention, it is equally imperative to provide your dog with adequate
exercise.
This is especially important if your dog is confined during the day,
while you are at work or school. An allotted time should be set aside each
day for exercise. A walk around the block or a game of fetch would be
ideal; you can also jog or bicycle with your dog. Indoor dogs can be taken
outdoors for exercise after meals; a housebroken dog will be accustomed to
this arrangement and can gain some exercise time while taking care of its
"business."
Familiarize your dog with a collar and leash as soon as possible. You
might even allow your American Mastiff puppy to wear the collar a few days
before attaching a leash. If you take your dog on a long walk through
the park or playground, keep it on the leash; the leash should be long
enough to allow your dog sufficient room to run and jump. Also, make sure
that your dog is wearing a tag or collar which identifies its name and
address in case it were to become separated from you.
Always allow your dog some warm-up time before engaging in heavy play.
Since most American Mastiffs are enthusiastic about exercise, you should
provide ample time for activity and exertion. This enables a dog to look
its best by staying in shape, and is a great form of stress or tension
release.
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Grooming
Grooming can be a special time of bonding between a pet
and its owner. Some areas of grooming include bathing, coat care, eye/ear
care, and nail/teeth care.
Your American Mastiff should be bathed only when needed; too frequent
bathing will dry out the skin and coat. Use a good shampoo which is
veterinarian approved. Dry bathing your dog is another option. These
products are sold at most pet stores and are applied by rubbing into the
dog’s coat; afterward they are brushed out. If you give your dog a wet
bath, keep it indoors and protect it from any drafts until it coat is
fully dry.
Most American Mastiffs love having their coats brushed and combed. They
are usually easy to handle if you are gentle, taking care to not pull the
hair. During the shedding season, it’s a good idea to give your dog a
hand massage in order to remove the excess hair; this should be done
outdoors.
Check your American Mastiff’s eyes and ears during the grooming
process; the eyes should be clear and bright, and the ears should be
clean. It may be necessary to clip some hair within the ears if there is
not a clear air passage. Pay close attention to the ears; if you notice
any redness, swelling, or sensitivity to touch, contact your veterinarian
immediately.
You should keep your puppy’s nails clipped to ensure good foot
development. Let your veterinarian show you how to do this so you do not
clip too much. If you clip too far back, you may cut a vein and make the
nail bleed. Be sure to have a good, sharp nail clipper to do this job. If
it makes you uncomfortable or your dog will not cooperate, you can pay a
professional groomer to clip the nails.
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Caring for your American Mastiff's Teeth
American Mastiff puppies need to chew while their teeth
and jaws are developing for a variety of reasons. Chewing helps cut the
baby teeth, makes sure they are shed at the right time, and helps cut and
settle the permanent teeth in the jaws. It also helps the development of
the jaws. Most dogs have all 42 permanent teeth by the time they
reach seven months old. When an adult dog chews it is for different
reasons. It may be cleaning his teeth or perhaps just exercising its jaws.
It is a good idea to have some chew toys available for your dog, otherwise
it may begin chewing on some valuable items. Make sure that there is
nothing dangerous that it can chew on.
Dental care is an area of a American Mastiff’s care that should not
be overlooked. You may want to have your veterinarian show you how to do
this the first time. Your dogs teeth should be brushed daily, although
some flossing "toys" are just as effective. Unlike humans,
cavities are practically unheard of in dogs; however, they have a more
rapid accumulation of tartar, which can result in infection or a loss of
teeth.
Your butcher or pet store will be a good source for strong natural
bones. However, natural bones may wear down the dog’s teeth; so they
should be used periodically. Also, avoid feeding your dog small bones;
they could swallow the broken pieces which could result in surgery or
death. Some rawhide chews contain lead, insecticides, or other foreign
matter that may contribute to constipation in your dog. Consult your
veterinarian before introducing rawhides to your dog.
One of the safest and complete solutions to your dog’s chewing needs
is the nylon chews. Some are enhanced with bone and natural meat flavors.
While chewing on the nylon bone, the dog’s gums get massaged and teeth
get cleaned. If tiny portions are swallowed, they usually pass through the
intestine without disturbing the digestive process. Nylon chews should be
kept indoors because they may become brittle and may splinter when exposed
to freezing temperatures. They are not abrasive like natural bones;
therefore, they do to break down the enamel on the teeth. Nylon chews can
also be sterilized; boil it for 30 minutes and allow it to cool completely
before giving it to your dog. Be aware of imitations; ask your
veterinarian to recommend a good quality nylon chew.
Consistent maintenance and prevention are the keys to promoting healthy
teeth and gums. Your American Mastiff should be checked and its teeth
cleaned by a veterinarian at least once a year.
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Health
American Mastiff puppies rely on their mother’s milk
to provide protective antibodies. Approximately two weeks after weaning,
their natural immunity begins to diminish; therefore, it is important to
bring your puppy to the veterinarian for a check up and vaccination
schedule. Vaccines stimulate puppies into producing their own antibodies;
so all puppies must be vaccinated in order to protect them from certain
diseases. Common diseases include distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis,
parainfluenza, parvovirus, rabies, and coronavirus. Your veterinarian
should be notified if you notice a loss in your puppy’s appetite, any
vomiting or diarrhea, or persistent coughing.
Parasites can also pose a problem for puppies; they can be either
internal or external. Most of the internal parasites live in the puppy’s
intestine. Their eggs are usually transmitted through the soil from other
infected feces. Some indications of internal parasites include vomiting,
diarrhea, blood in the stool, poor appetite, lethargy, or weight loss.
Thin spaghetti-like or short rice-like worms are also indications of
internal parasites. A veterinarian can examine a sample of the puppy’s
feces to detect parasites. External parasites such as fleas, lice, and ticks, can cause skin
damage and can infect a puppy with disease. Lice are small insects that
cling to the dog; infection is usually made by contact with other animals
or an infected environment. Once a flea is swallowed, it can cause tapeworms. Ticks can
transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever as well as lyme disease. Ear mites
can also pose a problem for your puppy; signs include scratching of the
ears, shaking of the head, or dark earwax. It is best to seek the advice
of your veterinarian to treat parasites, both internal and external.
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References:
De Prisco, Andrew and James B. Johnson. Canine
Lexicon. TFH Publications, Inc.: 1993.
Hart, Ernest H. Encyclopedia
of Dog Breeds. TFH Publications, Inc.: 1975.
Walkowicz, Chris and Bonnie Wilcox, DVM. Atlas
of Dog Breeds of the World. TFH Publications, Inc.: 1991
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