Like many other Mastiff breeders, I am often "accused" by the AmMa community of being afraid that I may lose a puppy sale to an AmMa Breeder. Believe me, that is not why I object to the breeding of designer dogs. In order to present an objective view of the questions and inquiries I receive, I have begun posting some of the e-mail/inquires I get on a monthly from AmMa owners and the problems they have experienced with their dog.
As I have stated before, breeders in the Mastiff community are often approached by AmMA owners who have dogs with "issues". At this time, the AmMa community still has not stepped up to the plate and assumed 100% responsibility for the dogs that they have bred. I have a problem with that approach.
A very important part of being a breeder is taking responsibility for what you have bred. Since so many of these AmMa breeders consider themselves on the "cutting edge" of developing a new breed, you would think that they would follow up on the dogs they have produced--What did it look like as an adult? Did it meet the breed standard in conformation? What kind of temperament did it have? Did the owner experience any behavioral problems? But most importantly, are the owners happy with the dog? Was it easy to train? DID IT HAVE ANY HEALTH PROBLEMS? At this time there is still no follow through with the AmMa breeders as to breeder responsibility.
Look at the owner testimonials on some of the AmMa breeder websites--you see a lot of references to dogs that have died young or those with health issues. This alone is enough to debunk the "improved overall health" myth. Sadly, most of these owners are going back for a second dog from the same source!
Many of these AmMa breeders are asking puppy prices that are the same as most Mastiff breeders who are breeding from multiple generations of health testing. When you spend $1800 for a puppy--you should be entitled to some degree of health and temperament guarantee. Thankfully, most states now have puppy "lemon" laws that can address this problem.
Here is a recent inquiry I was sent by an AmMa owner and my response.
Hi, my name is Abby and I have been reading your posts on the American Mastiff breed. I bought my AmMa from Flying W Farms and have had issues with my dog ever since I became pregnant 2 years ago. My loyal, loving female very suddenly became overly protective and started showing signs of aggression. I now have a 21 month old and a 5 month old and while she is good with my children, she no longer tolerates our other dog! We have a min-pin, they were raised together since pups (both now 4 years old) and my AmMa who was once protective of our min-pin now growls at him and has bitten him once. She is loving towards him while playing outside, but the minute she comes back into the house she starts to growl and wants him no where near my children. I am at a loss with my situation. And, to boot, when I called Flying W, she told me that I never should have gotten my mastiff until AFTER I had children!! She said my mastiff is taking her dislike of my children out on my min-pin and that she will probably kill him. I did not know it made a difference when you had kids with dogs, especially a Mastiff. Have you ever heard of a dog suddenly not getting along with the other pet after kids come into the picture? I am wondering if my kids are safe around her... do you have any suggestions? Would a dog trainer be able to help the situation, or will I have to find another home for her??
-- Abby _____________
Abby,
Your girl is demonstrating her "guarding" instincts--she feels the need to protect your children from the other dog. It makes no difference that they were raised together--she has assumed the Alpha role in your "pack" and feels it's her job to protect your kids.
She will also act this way toward other adults and children whom she views as a "danger" to your children. No Play dates for your kids at your home, please. If some other child made one of your kids squeal, cry, or fall--they could get bit. NEVER leave this dog unsupervised with visitors--esp. children.
As far as the opinion that the dog is taking her dislike of your kids out on the other dog--horseapples. That is a totally accusatory statement made to relieve the breeder of any responsibility. In other words--she wants you to feel as if it's all your fault because you had kids! I place Mastiffs with families all the time--before and after they have kids should not make any difference if the dog has a stable temperament.
Working with a trainer may give you better control over her, and help make her follow your commands better--but, no--you will not be able to "train" her out of this behavior--because it's an instinct. Your AmMa may look like a mastiff, but it definitely thinks and acts much differently--it is wired more like a "guarding Breed" and unfortunately your girl has now matured and these instincts have come forward. This presents a management problem for you and your family--and a possible liability.
Abby,
Your girl is demonstrating her "guarding" instincts--she feels the need to protect your children from the other dog. It makes no difference that they were raised together--she has assumed the Alpha role in your "pack" and feels it's her job to protect your kids.
She will also act this way toward other adults and children whom she views as a "danger" to your children. No Play dates for your kids at your home, please. If some other child made one of your kids squeal, cry, or fall--they could get bit. NEVER leave this dog unsupervised with visitors--esp. children.
As far as the opinion that the dog is taking her dislike of your kids out on the other dog--horseapples. That is a totally accusatory statement made to aleve the breeder of any responsibility. In other words--she wants you to feel as if it's all your fault because you had kids! I place Mastiffs with families all the time--before and after they have kids should not make any difference if the dog has a stable temperament.
Working with a trainer may give you better control over her, and help make her follow your commands better--but, no--you will not be able to "train" her out of this behavior--because it's an instinct. Your AmMa may look like a mastiff, but it definitely thinks and acts much differently--it is wired more like a "guarding Breed" and unfortunately your girl has now matured and these instincts have come forward. This presents a management problem for you and your family--and a possible liability.
Yes, there is a very good chance she may injure or kill your toy dog--or any other dog you bring into the home. Neighborhood cats who come into your yard are taking a chance. On a walk, She could go after a smaller dog and injure it if it trespassed to close to you and your children. Even with you standing there--you may not be able to stop her.
Anatolian Shepherds (AS) were breed to catch and kill wolves that threatened their flocks--these dogs were developed to be independent dogs not dependant on humans for guidance or direction. Many of these original working herd dogs may go for days without ever seeing a human--or needing one. They are bred to be a solitary dogs.
Mastiffs were bred in a much different manner--Mastiffs need to company of their humans and thrive in a group or "pack" arrangement. They are a true "working" breed--developed to be Man's helpmate and companion.
The Flying W had corrupted both these breeds--this "designer" dog is not an improved Mastiff but a bargain basement mutt with more health and temperament issues than any dog needs. It simply is not a Mastiff--I don't care what they claim. A few may favor and act more like the Mastiff--but then some (like your dog) will have more of the solitary guarding instincts of the AS.
Spaying her will not help--in fact it may make her more aggressive toward other dogs. Working with a trainer will simply make her behave better when you are around.
As a parent and a grandparent--I have always had Mastiffs with my family. As my kids were growing up, every kid in the neighborhood played with my kids and dogs at our house. Someone might have gotten bumped occasionally when a game of chase was in process--but never would one of my dogs have harmed any child. I place lots of Mastiffs with families, and many of these families have other pets--and get other pets after they get their Mastiff.
Would I keep her? No. As someone who has worked with rescue for many years and who had worked with dogs with temperament issues--I do not see this as a fixable situation.
First choice-I would return her to the Flying W--BTW she will not refund any of your money and she will just re-sell the dog to someone else--and make her take responsibility for it. As the breeder, she should take responsibility for the dogs she breeds. My guess is that she will refuse to take it back.
Second choice--The responsible thing would be take her to your vet and put her down. Giving her away to someone else would be just passing the problem on--she will not be "better" with a different family. She truly can't stop herself from being the way she is and as time goes by--it will accelerate and become more pronounced.
Putting her to sleep is the most humane thing you can do--yes, it will be hard for you and your family but it is a decision that some do have to make as responsible dog owners. Let her leave this world knowing that she was loved.
If your vet refuses to put her down--then take her to animal control and explain about her temperament and aggression.. Make sure they do not place her up for adoption. If it was me--I would stay with her until they put her down.
The solution is not pretty. She will eventually bite someone or go after your smaller dog and kill it. That would not be a situation you would want your kids to witness. Putting her to sleep is the lessor evil.
Good luck. I am so sorry your are faced with this decision. I hate to say it--but I and other Mastiff Breeders hear this story all the time. You are not the first and you will not be the last.
Your story is just one of the reasons why Myself and other Mastiff Breeders have stepped up to try and educate the public on the huge differences between our breed and the AmMa. Please do tell and share your experience with others. You may save another family a lot of heartache.
Catie Arney Kiokee mastiffs
Unfortunately, this owner expected a different demeanor and temperament with her "mastiff". She has experienced the ownership of a dog with an unpredictable temperament due to the mixing of two very different dog breeds bred originally for very different purposes.
Once again, I would like to point out--An American Mastiff is not a "MASTIFF". She was expecting an "improved mastiff" that drooled less, lived longer, and had less health problems--at least that the major claims made by the breeder. Instead she now owns a dog that may become a liability to her and her family.
TO the person looking to buy a"mastiff"-- Please go to a breeder that is knowledgeable in this breed and who works to breed the best possible dog. Look for breeders who health test their dogs before breeding and who consistently produce dogs that are long live with few to no health issues; who breed only dogs with exceptional stable temperaments and who can assist you in choosing the puppy with the correct personality for you and your family; and for a breeder who will be there for you when you have questions or need advice about your dog.
Don't fall into the trap of buying a "designer mutt"--that is the dog equivalent of this season's high fashion design. Many local dog shelters and animal resuces have mixed breeds who would love to be adopted. If you are not interested in a purebred--then please adopt from your local animal shelter.
Please look for a dog that fits your lifestyle and can be a part of your family for many years. Look for a dog that has the ability to grow and adapt with you and your family.
Remember- a dog is a lifetime commitment not a disposable possession.
Catie Arney, Kiokee Mastiffs kiokeemastiffs@embarqmail.com
