And some info on the both...
The English Mastiff vs. The American MastiffDr. William R. Newman
107 South Broad Street
Bedford, Pa. 15522
The MCOA is dedicated to the health and welfare of the English Mastiff breed conserving its unique breed function as a gentle giant companion and family guardian.
A pure bred dog of this type offers to his owners that he will be of a specific size, shape, color and temperament.
The predictability of a breed comes from years of selection for traits that are desirable and away from those that are undesirable. However, when a breed standard or type is set, those animals within that set have less heterozygosity than animals in a random population.
A so called “American Mastiff” is nothing but a mixed breed when the English Mastiff is crossed with an Anatolian Shepherd or whatever, the resultant first generation offspring, because it is a gamble, the offspring become an unpredictable mix. Coat, body shape, height, color, head etc become a veritable crap shoot. Behavior and temperament, the most essential character of an English Mastiff, varies and centuries of breeding for predictable behavior is lost when breeding to a dog of questionable temperament.
The MCOA is opposed to the cross breeding of pure bred dogs for the purpose of whim and fancy. These mixed breed dogs are not exempt from but more prone to the known genetic diseases of both breeds. They offer none of the advantages that owning a pure bred has to offer.
We urge you to avoid this temptation to purchase a “designer Mastiff”. Be a prudent and informed buyer – search for reputable English Mastiff web sites and most importantly the web site of the Mastiff Club of America..
Remember that buying a dog is not buying the latest electronic equipment, designer handbag or item of in style fancy. Rather it is a long term commitment to a living animal and with prudent selection, should result in wonderful long term relationship..
by:
Dr. William R. Newman
Delegate of the Mastiff Club of America