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American Mastiff Discussions & Pictures / Re: HUNTING FOR AMERICAN MASTIFF BREEDER
« on: August 18, 2005, 01:42:05 pm »
Sometimes it's absolutely **shocking** how much misinformation there is about AMs -- or the desperate measure certain OEM owners will stoop to, in order to malign a breed they're unfamiliar with.
AMs are bred in the States, have been around for about 20-years, and were started by experienced OEM breeders -- to correct certain problems that many OEMs have: excessive drool, joint problems, shorter lifespans, etc. AMs tend to live pretty long for such a large breed; 12+ years (or even 15-years) aren't uncommon, and they have a tighter mouth to avoid those slobber woes.
One of the factors that led **my** family to deciding that an AM -- rather than an OEM -- was the right choice for my household was certainly the positive health improvements.. . but just as important was the care & kindness exhibited by the breeders. They were screening me as much as I was screening them! They've even set up an online forum to answer all our AM questions, from birth through the inevitable. And that was very important to us.
My AM -- Leon -- just turned 30-weeks today, and has been even BETTER than we expected! In addition to him having perfect health, he was housebroken at just 10-weeks, doesn't drool (except during excessive heat, or right after attacking the water bowl!), and has the size you'd associate with a traditional OEM (he's pushing 120-pounds now, is expected to reach 180-pounds at one year, and should max-out at around 220 - 260). I couldn't be more pleased!
On top of that, the AM breeders have helped us stay in touch with other AM owners from around the country, to consult with, share stories, etc. It's great! And out of the numerous AM owners I know, I've NEVER met someone who had an aggression problem -- or had to return their puppy because of health problems. NEVER. EVER. Furthermore, I'm deeply skeptical of any AM-bashing OEM booster who has a distant friend with something critical to say -- particularly when they won't even name which AM breeder they went to! Sounds a bit too self-serving -- and since I know FAR more AM breeders, AM dogs, etc. than this other party -- and since those "problems" just haven't come up -- it makes me question their motives.
I love OEMs, along with loving AMs; OEMs are beautiful, wonderful dogs. It's just a shame that certain OEM boosters would show such bizarre animosity towards such a similar breed...
AMs are bred in the States, have been around for about 20-years, and were started by experienced OEM breeders -- to correct certain problems that many OEMs have: excessive drool, joint problems, shorter lifespans, etc. AMs tend to live pretty long for such a large breed; 12+ years (or even 15-years) aren't uncommon, and they have a tighter mouth to avoid those slobber woes.
One of the factors that led **my** family to deciding that an AM -- rather than an OEM -- was the right choice for my household was certainly the positive health improvements.. . but just as important was the care & kindness exhibited by the breeders. They were screening me as much as I was screening them! They've even set up an online forum to answer all our AM questions, from birth through the inevitable. And that was very important to us.
My AM -- Leon -- just turned 30-weeks today, and has been even BETTER than we expected! In addition to him having perfect health, he was housebroken at just 10-weeks, doesn't drool (except during excessive heat, or right after attacking the water bowl!), and has the size you'd associate with a traditional OEM (he's pushing 120-pounds now, is expected to reach 180-pounds at one year, and should max-out at around 220 - 260). I couldn't be more pleased!
On top of that, the AM breeders have helped us stay in touch with other AM owners from around the country, to consult with, share stories, etc. It's great! And out of the numerous AM owners I know, I've NEVER met someone who had an aggression problem -- or had to return their puppy because of health problems. NEVER. EVER. Furthermore, I'm deeply skeptical of any AM-bashing OEM booster who has a distant friend with something critical to say -- particularly when they won't even name which AM breeder they went to! Sounds a bit too self-serving -- and since I know FAR more AM breeders, AM dogs, etc. than this other party -- and since those "problems" just haven't come up -- it makes me question their motives.
I love OEMs, along with loving AMs; OEMs are beautiful, wonderful dogs. It's just a shame that certain OEM boosters would show such bizarre animosity towards such a similar breed...