American Mastiff (Panja) Dog Breed Caring and Family, Social Life, Physical Traits, Diet Information

American Mastiff (Panja) dog is Bred from the crossbreeding of several large breed dogs such as the Pitbull and Rottweiler, the American Mastiff (Panja) is a powerful and muscular dog developed in the United States and initially raised to protect the homes and properties of people.
Due to the environment and the difficult training techniques used on these dogs, they were initially utilized by drug lords and people associated with crime to intimidate their enemies and protect their properties. This earned the Panja its reputation as excellent personal protection and guard dog.
Although originally known as rock dogs, this formidable breed was recognized by the Dog Registry of America (DRA) in 1996 under the name American Mastiff (Panja) and has since been used as a guard dog, protection dog, and a household companion.
The American Mastiff (Panja) is very loyal and devoted to their families and will protect them to death if need be. They are also very friendly to children, especially when raised with them from puppyhood or when properly socialized. However, these dogs are stubborn and require an assertive owner who knows how to display his authority over the dog.
This powerful dog is considered among the largest breeds in the world with males having a weight of up to 100 pounds while females weighing up to 80 pounds. It has a muscular and athletic body.
View Table of Contents
- What are the Breed Traits and Characteristics of American Mastiff (Panja)?
- What are the American Mastiff (Panja) Physical Traits?
- What are the Social Traits of the American Mastiff (Panja) Breed?
- How Does an American Mastiff (Panja) Interact with Strangers?
- Is American Mastiff (Panja) Playful?
- Is American Mastiff (Panja) Protective?
- What is the Adaptability Level of American Mastiff (Panja)?
- Do American Mastiff (Panja)s cope with being left alone?
- How to Train an American Mastiff (Panja)?
- How Frequently does an American Mastiff (Panja) Bark?
- What is the need for Mental Stimulation of an American Mastiff (Panja)?
- What are the Breed Standards of American Mastiff (Panja)?
- What is the General Information about American Mastiff (Panja)?
- What are the Different Types of American Mastiff (Panja)s?
- What are the Similar Dog Breeds for American Mastiff (Panja)?
What are the Breed Traits and Characteristics of American Mastiff (Panja)?
The American Mastiff (Panja) is a powerful dog with a massive size. The dog has a muscular and athletic structure standing at 22-26 inches in height and with a weight between 80-100 pounds. It has a wide chest, straight, muscular, and well-boned limbs, slightly-angled hocks, and well-sprung, slightly tucked-up ribs.
This dog also comes with minute, almond-shaped eyes with an alert and curious expression plus cropped ears. Its tail is docked and its dewclaws removed. The coat of this dog is flat and medium in length.
Additionally, the Panja has a thick neck with a slight arch that fades into its deep chest plus a set of enormous padded paws that complete its long straight back and sturdy powerful legs. With a variety of colors and tones that include fawn, brindle, apricot as well as complementing white marks, this dog will give you a mysterious, almost threatening appearance at first glance.
The American Mastiff Panja has a laid-back attitude. It’s incredibly dedicated and extremely protective of its human family. When properly trained or socialized in their early puppyhood stage, this dog is great with children. It takes its protective responsibility very seriously and will keep an eye on everything they believe needs to be protected.
This dog breed can be very dominating and needs obedience training and an owner who knows how to exhibit authority over them in order to effectively harness their protective tendencies. These dogs are also highly energetic and enjoy playing. However, just like many other highly intelligent dogs, Panjas easily get bored and result in pining and excessive chewing. When bored, these dogs will pine and chew on everything and anything.
These dogs are naturally born to be guards. Their strong will makes them excellent guard dogs. They are capable of identifying the guests that are welcome in your home and treating them like family.
The table below summarizes the characteristics of this dog breed.
American Mastiff (Panja) Dog |
Breed Information |
Height |
22-26 inches |
Weight |
80-100 pounds |
Relation with family |
Loyal, loving, devoted, and extremely protective of its family |
Relation with children |
Great with children especially if raised with them from puppyhood |
Relation with other dogs |
Friendly with other dogs |
Shedding level |
Minimal but heavy during the shedding season which is twice a year |
Drooling level |
Low |
Coat type |
Flat coat |
Coat length |
Medium |
Coat grooming frequency |
Daily brushing during the shedding season, brushing twice a week during the offseason Bathing once a month |
Relation with strangers |
Stranger-wary |
Trainability level |
High, learns commands easily |
Energy level |
High |
Barking level |
Low |
Playfulness level |
High |
Openness to strangers |
Stranger-wary |
Adaptability |
Highly adaptable, can cope well with changes in lifestyle and environment |
Mental stimulation needs level |
High |
Lifespan |
10-12 years |
How Does an American Mastiff (Panja) Interact with Family?
The American Mastiff (Panja) is very devoted and protective of its family. These dogs are loyal, friendly, and loving and they build tight ties with their human family. In fact, they tend to be clingy to anyone they consider their family. Panjas take their protective responsibility very seriously and would protect their family from death whenever they sense any threat.
These dogs don’t usually favor one member over the others but rather get along very well with everyone in the family regardless of their age. They love being with their family and get easily bored if left alone. This breed has a natural instinct to protect and as such believe it’s their duty to protect everyone in the household. The American Mastiff has a massive love for its family and expects them to love it back.
How Does an American Mastiff (Panja) Interact with Other Dogs?
American Mastiffs (Panja) have a natural pack instinct and hence get along well with other dogs and pets. Because of their lack of natural prey drive and their playful nature, these dogs do not attack other dogs. Although they are very friendly to other dogs, you must take the other dog’s size into consideration as Mastiffs (Panja) could end up injuring them while playing.
New dogs should be introduced to the American Mastiff (Panja) as soon as possible for them to get well socialized and for great results. This gives them more time to get familiar with each other before they mature.
American Mastiffs (Panja) are not averse to sharing their food with other canines. They are also not jealous of other dogs around their family. This makes them excellent for families with multiple dogs or those who aspire to have a number of pets. Although they relate well with all dogs, Panjas are better with other large breed dogs such as the American Bulldogs and Rottweilers.
How are American Mastiffs (Panja) with Elder People?
American Mastiffs (Panjas) make wonderful companions to the elderly. They are loving and very friendly to the old. Despite their large size, these dogs are highly recommended for senior people as they make excellent companions if given enough room. However, since young Panjas can be boisterous while they are puppies, an older, calmer Mastiff (Panja) is recommended for the aged people.
Due to their huge size, old people should be very careful while dealing with these dogs as they may injure them albeit unintentionally. Panjas love human company and spending time with the elderly can keep them from becoming bored and destructive.
How are American Mastiff (Panja) with Children?
The American Mastiffs (Panja) interact well with children. These dogs have a pleasant and friendly nature which makes them ideal for families with young children. Besides, Panjas are very playful, and being with children gives them more playtime.
However, very young children should never be left unsupervised with these dogs as they may get accidentally injured. Mastiffs (Panjas) make good playmates for older children, especially when raised with them from puppyhood or if socialized early enough.
It’s crucial to teach children how to interact with, as well as supervise any dealings with these dogs to avoid ear or tail pulling that could make the dog aggressive and bite them.
How are American Mastiff (Panja) with Neighbors or Guests?
American Mastiffs (Panja) are generally fairly friendly to neighbors or guests. However, they are smart enough to quickly sense when the neighbors or guests pose a threat to their family. This will prompt these dogs to protect their family until they no longer see them as a threat. If they engage with friendly neighbors or guests frequently, the Mastiff (Panja) may regard them as family and treat them as such.
If the owners of an American Mastiff (Panja) have very close relations with the neighbors or visitors, the dog will be calm with them and may even play with them.
Are American Mastiff Panja good house dogs?
Yes, the American Mastiff (Panja) can make a good house dog provided they are given enough exercise. These dogs enjoy being in the company of their human family and won’t mind living in the house. They also tend to be couch potatoes and lazy. It’s therefore important for the owners to ensure they stay sufficiently exercised for optimal health.
However, these dogs are highly playful and have high energy levels, and do best in large spaces where they can run around.
What are the American Mastiff (Panja) Physical Traits?
The American Mastiff (Panja) is a huge, working dog with a powerful, muscular, and athletic body. It has a slightly inclined hock, broad chest, and well-muscled extremities, as well as straight lines for strong bones. It also has small, almond-shaped eyes, short ears, a large head, and an alert and curious expression. This dog breed has slightly tucked-up and well-sprung ribs plus a thick neck that’s slightly arched.
The dog’s slightly angled hocks, straight, heavy-boned front legs, and significantly-muscular hindquarters give the expression of a dog that’s ready for action. Its coat is flat and of medium length and comes in either black or brown color. This dog’s dewclaws are always removed to ensure the dog’s safety and health.
Unlike other Mastiffs, the American Mastiff Panja is dry-mouthed and its flews are not protruded. This makes them less drool-worthy than the other Mastiff varieties.
Standing at a height of between 22-26 inches and with a weight of 80-100 pounds, the American Mastiff Panja is considered among the largest dog breeds in existence. Although this dog is considered generally healthy, it is prone to hip dysplasia due to its gigantic size. The average lifespan of a Panja is between 10-12 years.
The physical characteristics of an American Mastiff Panja are summarized below:
American Mastiff Panja physical characteristics
Type |
Working dog |
Size |
Large |
Weight Range |
80-100 pounds |
Height at the Withers |
22-26 inches |
Features |
|
Exercise |
They need moderate exercises to keep healthy, long daily walks |
Life expectancy |
10 to 12 years |
Litter size |
4-6 puppies |
Coat type |
Flat, shiny, coat of medium length |
Coat Color |
Brown, black |
How to Feed an American Mastiff (Panja)?
It’s essential to understand the nutritional needs and dietary requirements of an American Mastiff Panja while feeding it. Given this dog’s high energy levels, a high-quality, well-balanced diet that’s protein and calorie-rich is necessary. Additionally, the diet should be formulated with all the essential nutrients such as proteins, fats, vitamins, carbohydrates plus other important minerals and veggies.
As an owner of a Panja, ensure its diet includes at least the recommended 22% proteins that are essential for building healthy muscles and joints and moderate fat content. It’s important to portion the daily food into 2 meals.
The American Mastiff Panja, being a large dog, needs a lot of food to supply its daily calorie requirement of between 1500-2000 calories for optimal health.
Full-grown American Mastiff Panjas need about 6-10 cups of dry food. However, the precise amount for your dog will depend on factors such as the sort of food it takes and other health conditions. Growing puppies and nursing mothers may require significantly more food, whilst senior mastiffs need much less. To avoid bloat, the food for a Panja should be divided into 2 or 3 meals per day.
The following classes of Mastiffs (Panjas) will need different amounts of food as follows:
- Nursing Mastiffs Panja: An American Mastiff Panja who is nursing babies needs more food to enable optimal milk production for feeding its litters. As such, they should feed between 9-12 cups of high-quality kibble.
- Unspayed/ unneutered Mastiffs (Panja): American Mastiffs Panja who are still intact have higher metabolisms than spayed or neutered ones. They, as such, require 8-10 cups for males and 7-9 cups of food for females.
- Senior Mastiffs Panja: It’s crucial to make changes to an American Mastiff’ Panja’s nutrition as it advances in age. You’ll hence need to switch to an appropriate senior-specific diet. 5-7 cups of food are ideal for these dogs.
- Neutered Mastiff Panjas: These are prone to obesity and hence require controlled feeding. As such they should be fed up to 8 cups of food for males and a maximum of 7 cups for females daily.
How Much Should an American Mastiff (Panja) Puppy Eat?
For optimal growth, an American Mastiff (Panja) puppy requires a diet specifically tailored for large breed puppies. Its diet should be high-quality and well-balanced.
The table below is a guide on the approximate amount of food that Panja puppies should eat:
Dog’s age |
Amount of food |
8-12 weeks |
2-4 cups |
3-4 months |
3-6 cups |
5-6 months |
5-8 cups |
7-10 months |
6-9 cups |
11 months and over |
6-10 cups, |
However, this is just a guide as different dog food brands utilize different ingredients and have varied calorie values. It’s therefore important to check with your vet on a regular basis for the best approach. What are the Health Tests that an American Mastiff (Panja) Should Take?
The American Mastiff (Panja) is considered a healthy dog breed. However, just like other breeds, these dogs are prone to some health issues. As such, it’s important to undergo some tests in order to detect problems early enough. This will help prevent adverse consequences.
The following tests are necessary for an American Mastiff (Panja):
- Bloat: Also referred to as gastric torsion, this is a potentially fatal condition that commonly occurs in huge, deep-chested dogs. This usually occurs if dogs are fed on a single meal all at once when dogs quickly gulp down their food without chewing properly, or they exercise too vigorously after eating. This causes the stomach to expand with gas or air. As a result, the dog’s blood pressure goes down causing shock. The symptoms of bloat include a distended stomach, lethargy, body weakness, and fast heart rate.
- Hip dysplasia: This is a hereditary condition that occurs when the thigh bone doesn’t fit well in the hip socket causing pain and lameness to the dog. Although it’s a hereditary disease, certain environmental factors such as rapid growth resulting from feeding a calorie-dense diet or injuries from jumping on steep stairs. This condition highly limits the movement and mobility of dogs.
- Cancer: The American Mastiffs are prone to bone cancer also referred to as osteosarcoma. This is initially marked by lameness. This condition needs aggressive treatment methods such as amputation
What are the common problems of American Mastiff (Panja)?
Just like other dog breeds, American Mastiffs Panja has some problems that are common to them. First, these dogs have heavy skin folds which makes them not only smelly but also prone to skin diseases. The pockets in between skin folds are a perfect breeding spot for bacteria and yeast which cause skin dermatitis or intertrigo if they overgrow.
Additionally, American Mastiffs Panja is prone to obesity. Being large dogs, they have high-calorie needs and need a lot of food. However, it’s important to exercise caution as too many calories can cause unhealthy weight gain in Mastiffs Panja. Obesity in return can lead to a host of other health problems including enhanced risk of injuries, diabetes, or worse still, pancreatitis. Due to their massive size, American Mastiffs are prone to injuries.
What is the Exercise Need of an American Mastiff (Panja)?
The American Mastiff (Panja) is an athletic dog with high energy levels. As such it requires moderate exercise including long walks for about 30 minutes daily. They also love to run around and would do best in large fenced environments. If kept in small yards, daily trips are recommended.
The Mastiff Panja is highly flexible and can adapt very well to any rural or urban setting as long as it has access to a fenced yard with sufficient space for physical activity. It’s best to take an American Mastiff Panja dog for a walk in the mornings or evenings when the weather is cool to avoid the dog overheating.
Daily exercises will not only keep your dog in optimal health but will also keep your dog from becoming bored and engaging in destructive behavior.
What are the Nutritional Needs of an American Mastiff (Panja)?
The American Mastiff (Panja) is a large dog with high energy levels and hence requires many calories for optimal health. The daily calorie requirement for these dogs is between 1500-2000 calories on average.
A Mastiff Panja’s diet should be high in protein in order to meet its energy requirements. It should also be well-balanced with all the necessary nutrients essential for optimal health.
The nutrients below are necessary for an American Mastiff Panja:
- Proteins: Proteins are essential building blocks for healthy tissues and muscles in all dogs Mastiffs included. They are important sources of crucial amino acids that help in building and maintaining muscles, cartilage, cells, and tissues. Proteins also make good sources of energy for dogs.
- Carbohydrates: These are important sources of energy although they are not essential nutrients. Besides providing energy to the American Mastiff Panja, carbohydrates will also encourage its body to absorb protein allowing it to build lean muscles. However, feeding excessive carbohydrates to Mastiffs Panja can make them pile up unhealthy weight leading to obesity.
- Minerals: American Mastiffs Panja also need various essential minerals to boost their health. Minerals such as potassium and potassium will greatly help Mastiffs build healthy bones. Other minerals like manganese, iron, phosphorus, zinc, and selenium aid in improving various organs’ health. Iron is essential in the formation of red blood cells which help in transporting oxygen throughout the body of dogs.
- Micronutrients: Mastiffs Panjas need micronutrients such as taurine which helps enhance heart health. Since the American Mastiff dogs are prone to joint issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia, including chondroitin and glucosamine in their diet will help in promoting their joint health.
- Fat: Fats serve as extra sources of energy for the American Mastiff Panja dogs. However, caution you need to be cautious on these as there is a very thin line between enough and excessive. Excessive fats in the dog’s regular food may lead to weight gain and eventually obesity. This in turn will result in various health issues for the dog. Adult and elderly Mastiffs Panja require lower fat levels than puppies.
- DHA: This is an important omega-3 fatty acid component. It’s necessary for enhancing eye and brain health in American Mastiff Panja puppies as well as promoting cognitive function in aging dogs. Omega fatty acids are excellent anti-inflammatories and can help reduce pain and symptoms associated with canine arthritis and renal arthritis.
What is the Shedding Level of American Mastiff (Panja)?
Shedding is a normal part of all dogs’ hair growth cycles. All dogs, irrespective of the breed have some level of shedding with some dogs having higher levels than others.
The American Mastiff Panja has a medium-length coat with minimal shedding. However, during the shedding season, which usually occurs twice per year, American Mastiffs may shed a little more.
Daily brushing can go a long way in keeping loose hairs at bay and keeping it from spreading all over the furniture. Additionally, brushing is one way that helps in forming a strong bond between you and your dog. It also helps keep the dog’s coat healthy and shiny. Brushing will also provide the American Mastiff Panja with the attention that they crave.
What is the Coat Grooming Frequency of American Mastiff (Panja)?
The American Mastiff (Panja) has a flat, medium-length coat and has minimal shedding. They may shed slightly more during the shedding season in summer and winter. This dog grows a new coat in winter. During this period, daily brushing will help keep loose hairs at bay.
Grooming for this dog breed is easy as no part requires special attention during cleaning. A monthly bath and a good rub-down are enough to keep a Mastiff Panja’s coat in optimal condition. It’s important to give flea and tick treatment to Mastiff dogs during the shedding season.
Regular grooming will not only foster a powerful relationship between you and your dog but also promotes the health and smell of your dog, makes the skin and coat glossier, and help you detect parasitic and skin infections early enough for prompt action.
A Mastiff Panja should never be shaven as this can interfere with the dog’s ability to regulate its body temperature making it prone to sunburns.
What is the Drooling Level of American Mastiff (Panja)?
Some level of drooling is natural in all dogs irrespective of their breed. The American Mastiffs Panja have an unbelievably low drooling level. Due to their structure, these dogs are considered to be dry-mouthed hence drool less than other Mastiff varieties. To maintain hygiene and keep the drool in control, you can keep a piece of cloth nearby to wipe your dog whenever it drools.
However, if your American Mastiff (Panja) is drooling excessively, it could be an indication of an underlying health issue. It may be an indication that the dog is suffering from anxiety, digestive issues, or dental problems.
The following are the most common reasons for drooling in American Mastiff dogs:
- Excitement: Being highly intelligent dogs, American Mastiff Panjas are able to sense an imminent walk, game, or trip. This makes them over-excited leading to drooling.
- Feeding-related: The aroma of food or seeing the owner handling the food package can arouse drooling in American Mastiffs ( Panjas). This is what is commonly referred to as Pavlov reflex.
- Anxiety-related drooling: Strange and unfamiliar sounds such as thunderstorms can make an American Mastiff drool.
- Sexual: Seeing a female Mastiff gets a male dog drooling. A female Mastiff on heat can in a similar way drool on seeing a male dog.
What is the Coat Type of American Mastiff (Panja)?
The American Mastiff (Panja) has a flat double coat of medium length. The outer coat is flat and short, while the undercoat is thicker and softer. Although this dog breed adapts well to changing climates, it’s best as an indoor dog unless you live in temperate climates
What is the Coat Length of American Mastiff (Panja)?
The American Mastiff (Panja) has a medium-length coat usually about ½ an inch. This lies close to their body. Due to its coat length, grooming this dog’s coat is easy and fast. The Mastiff is also capable of adapting well to all climates and tolerates changing weather conditions pretty well. The coat of a Mastiff Panja should never be cut to avoid interfering with the body’s ability to regulate its body temperatures.
Do American Mastiff (Panja)s Smell?
An American Mastiff Panja has a high propensity to smell. Despite it being a less drool-worthy dog, when it drools, the drool settles on the dog’s skin folds. This, when not regularly brushed or wiped with a wet cloth, makes the dog very smelly.
Additionally, Panjas are prone to gassiness and skin infections which also contribute significantly to the dogs’ smell. It is hence important to regularly wipe these dogs with a cloth to reduce the smell.
The following are the most common reasons why your American Mastiff Panja may smell;
- Skin folds and face wrinkles: Mastiffs are heavily folded and wrinkled. These skin folds and wrinkles are a perfect breeding spot for bacterias that cause skin diseases. The folds also hold saliva when the dogs drool making them smelly.
- Dental health issues: An American Mastiff Panja can have bad breath if it suffers from dental problems such as gum and teeth infection or periodontal disease.
- Paw pads: The warm dark spaces between a Mastiff’s paw pads make an ideal environment for yeast and bacteria to thrive and overgrow causing infections that make the dog smell.
What are the Social Traits of the American Mastiff (Panja) Breed?
The American Mastiff (Panja) is a passionate, lovable, and affectionate dog breed. They are extremely loyal and protective of their human family. These dogs will not hesitate to defend everyone and everything they consider part of their family when they sense a threat.
Panjas are devoted to their families. They are also very playful making them excellent with children especially when socialized at an early age. These dogs love being around people and crave constant attention from their families. It’s not unusual for these dogs to jump on their owner’s lap disregarding their size.
These dogs are also very intelligent, alert, and compassionate making them excellent family dogs.
Other social traits of American Mastiffs (Panjas) include:
- Friendly to seniors: Mastiff Panja makes excellent companions for aging people. Spending time with old people can help curb boredom by providing the interaction that these dogs need from humans. However, in their show of love, these dogs may injure very old and frail people due to their huge size.
- Family-friendly: American Mastiff Panja is extremely loyal, passionate, protective, and devoted to their families making them excellent family pets.
- Stranger-friendly: Although Panjas are friendly, they are wary of strangers. However, if they get used to them, they may even play with them. These dogs will not hesitate to protect their family if they perceive a stranger as a threat.
- Friendly to children: Mastiffs Panja is great with children especially if they are raised with them from puppyhood. They are also very playful making them wonderful companions and playmates to children.
- Other dogs-friendly: Panjas are not only friendly to other dogs but also any other pet in the household.
How Does an American Mastiff (Panja) Interact with Strangers?
American Mastiffs (Panjas) are very wary of strangers. They bark to notify their owners of the presence of strangers and if they think the strangers are a threat to the family. Proper and early socialization can help these dogs feel comfortable and confident around strangers. This wariness makes these dogs excellent watch/guard dogs.
Is American Mastiff (Panja) Playful?
Yes, American Mastiff Panja is playful. However, these dogs are very lazy and are happy being couch potatoes, hence they need a great deal of convincing to get them playing. Although they love being outdoors, Panjas do not play by themselves without being prompted. They can however delight in having a rambunctious play with older children.
Because of their playfulness, Mastiff Panja is better off in large fenced yards. Playtime for these dogs includes taking walks, solving puzzles, and going for hikes. Providing innovative toys is a great way to keep these dogs mentally stimulated and active.
Is American Mastiff (Panja) Protective?
Yes, American Mastiff Panja is extremely protective of everyone they consider part of their family and everything in the household. They will not hesitate to use their muscular bodies and strength to protect their families in case of any threat.
It is because of their protective trait that makes these dogs excellent as guard dogs. Besides, Mastiff Panjas were naturally bred to offer protection to people and their properties. However, an owner of a mastiff should reinforce the members and territories that the dog needs to protect. Additionally, these dogs use their imposing structures and size to intimidate and keep off trespassers.
What is the Adaptability Level of American Mastiff (Panja)?
The American Mastiffs (Panjas) have high adaptability levels. They cope well in different environments and can tolerate changing climates without much problem. They are sufficiently capable of coping with change as long as the change is accompanied by love and affection from the people it considers family.
Whether lifestyle or environmental changes, including movement from one place to another or from a spacious home to an apartment, or even from an urban to a rural setting, the Panjas adapt rapidly and without any problems.
What Age Do Mastiff (Panja) Calm Down?
The American Mastiff Panja has high-energy levels. Although these dogs have a laid-back attitude, they too, just like other large breed dogs, can be overwhelming. Unlike other dog breeds, Mastiff Panja takes very long to mature. As such, they only calm down when they attain full growth at three years of age. It is at this stage that these dogs reach their laidback stage and perceive themselves as big lapdogs, despite the fact that only their heads can fit on the owners’ laps.
Are American Mastiff (Panja)s Cuddly?
Yes, the American Mastiff Panja is cuddly. These dogs love spending time with their human family. They always seek to please their owners and can do anything to have their attention.
The Mastiff Panja is extremely passionate and often jumps on their owners’ laps, totally forgetting their large size as a show of love. These dogs are known for developing very powerful bonds with their human families. They are also extremely devoted and may even seem to idolize their owners. Since Panjas love to be cuddled, they can even beg for hugs from their family.
Can American Mastiff (Panja)s be Aggressive?
No, the American Mastiff Panjas are unlikely to be aggressive. These dogs have very massive body structures and use their giant size to intimidate potential threats and trespassers. However, these dogs can be imposing and like to have their way. As such, they need an owner who is able to show his authority and who has experience in handling dogs to bring out their best. They will not hesitate to protect whoever they consider part of their human family. Although they are not aggressive, these dogs can be very stubborn and like to have their way.
Can American Mastiff (Panja)s be Dangerous?
No, American Mastiff Panja is not dangerous. In fact, these dogs are renowned for their gentle and loving dispositions. They are exceptionally loving and understanding to humans, especially their families and owners.
In the event these dogs perceive any danger to anyone in their human families, they will not hesitate to defend them although they will hardly attack. Although they are extremely friendly, it’s best to socialize an American Mastiff puppy early in its puppyhood. This will enable them to adjust well and settle with their human families well.
Does American Mastiff (Panja)s Ever Attack?
No, American Mastiff Panja hardly attacks. However, it’s unsafe to assume that all American Mastiff Panja will behave in a gentle manner. This will depend on how the Panja is raised. If the dog is well socialized from an early age, it’s highly unlikely to show aggression towards humans.
However, if they perceive any kind of threat to any of its human family, they will not hesitate to defend them by any means. But still, they will hardly attack but rather use their giant size to protect them. Despite their friendly nature, Mastiff Panja is very skittish with strangers. Unless they are really provoked, Panjas are unlikely to display an aggressive temperament.
It’s the responsibility of an American Mastiff Panja’s dog to ensure that the dog is properly trained and socialized early enough to make sure it doesn’t pose any danger to others.
Do American Mastiff (Panja)s cope with being left alone?
Yes, American Mastiffs (Panjas) can cope with being left alone for short periods of time. However, these dogs love being around people and interacting with them. As such, they get easily bored and can engage in destructive behaviors if left alone for extended periods of time. These dogs can chew everything and anything on their way when bored.
It’s important to keep Mastiff Panja entertained even when you are not around to prevent them from chewing. Providing these dogs with innovative, fun, and interactive toys is a great way of keeping these dogs occupied and helping them cope with solitude.
Can I leave my American Mastiff (Panja) at home?
Yes, you can leave your American Mastiff Panja dog at home. However, it may not like it at first as these dogs have a tendency of getting extremely clingy to their favorite person. However, if other family members are present, the dog can quickly adapt and be at ease.
Panjas can whine and cry loudly if you left at home. To avoid this, they need proper training to cope with this. To do this, you can begin by going out, closing the door, and coming back after a few minutes. Then, lengthen the period so that the dog can learn that you will eventually come back. Without proper training, Mastiff Panja can develop separation anxiety.
Can an American Mastiff (Panja) be left alone for 8 hours?
No, Mastiffs should not be left alone for 8 hours. Depending on their age, these dogs should not be left alone for more than 1 hour per their age. As such, a Mastiff puppy at the age of two months should be left alone for a maximum of two hours only.
It’s important to follow this rule until the puppy attains the age of eight months. At this point, they are fully potty trained and capable of surviving the day. Therefore, Panjas should not be left alone for more than 8 hours.
If you can’t avoid leaving your Mastiff for 8 hours or more, you should consider bringing in a family member, friend, or pet caregiver to look after the dog while you are away. Taking the dog for a walk is a great way of giving them the much-needed break from day-long loneliness which can enhance their wellbeing.
How to Train an American Mastiff (Panja)?
American Mastiffs (Panjas) are extremely intelligent and can quickly learn various commands. However, due to their dominating nature, training this dog can be quite challenging, most especially to inexperienced, or novice dog owners. It’s very difficult to get an American Mastiff to do something it doesn’t want to. As such, it requires an assertive owner who is capable of displaying his authority over this dog. Treats will come in handy when training an American Mastiff.
The training of an American Mastiff ( Panja) should begin immediately after the puppy is brought home. This is because as puppies, Mastiffs can quickly pick up commands. Waiting until they are adults will make training incredibly difficult. At two months of age, Mastiff puppies can begin their training.
While training an American Mastiff, the owner must be firm and establish himself as the pack leader over these dogs from the start. Otherwise, unassured or weak leaders may find it very difficult to get these dogs to accept their directions. The training must also be consistent to prevent the Mastiff from establishing itself as the leader.
The Mastiff owner should begin by teaching his puppy that he’s the leader, then introduce between 2-4 new orders. It should begin with simple gesture-activated clues before gradually advancing to more complex word-driven directives.
It will take a Mastiff puppy up to seven months of training to fully learn basic commands. Learning and responding to advanced commands, will, on the other hand, take an extra three to six months. These dogs should have mastered a suitable level of training at this point.
The training of American Mastiffs is important as it will allow them to adapt to human culture and lifestyle. It will also help safeguard the safety of dog owners, other pets, and other nearby people. It will also aid in the prevention of trouble caused by an untrained and excited dog.
Is an American Mastiff (Panja) a Good Guard Dog?
Yes, an American Mastiff Panja makes excellent guard dogs. This dog breed is natural-born guard dogs. They are alert, attentive, and keen on their environment, and great at alerting their owners of any suspicious activity. They are fiercely loyal and dedicated to protecting their family.
These dogs see the human family as part of their pack needing their protection. They as such view themselves responsible for taking care of anyone and everything they consider part of their pack.
It’s due to their unwavering commitment and fierce loyalty which makes these dogs great guard dogs.
How Frequently does an American Mastiff (Panja) Bark?
American Mastiff Panja dogs rarely bark. Barking is uncommon for this dog breed. However, just like other dogs, Mastiffs may bark at times as a way of communication. Dogs use barking to express their feelings to their families and other dogs. As such, an American Mastiff will bark once in a while but for a good reason. A mastiff will bark as a way of greeting, due to excitement, happiness, fear, anxiety, boredom, or when it wants to seek attention from its owners.
A mastiff Panja may also bark to alert its owners of potential threats, incoming dangers, or the presence of intruders. On very rare occasions, these dogs may engage in compulsive barking.
American Mastiff Panjas also uses various body languages and a wide range of vocalizations to communicate. They may howl, pine, growl, or whine to express themselves. These dogs will make these sounds if they are trying to communicate something to their owners and will only stop when the issue is addressed.
In order to discourage your American Mastiff from barking, you’ll need to get to the root cause of its barking. You’ll only be able to effectively address this problem when you fully understand what the barking implies. If it’s out of loneliness or boredom, try keeping your dog engaged and occupied.
You can also give your Mastiff command training. To do this, you’ll need to ignore your dog and only attend to it when it ceases to bark. Then, let it bark and command it to stop, then give it a treat when it stops barking on command. This method requires some patience to be effective.
What is the need for Mental Stimulation of an American Mastiff (Panja)?
The American Mastiffs (Panjas) are highly intelligent dogs that need a lot of mental and neurological stimulation. This will help enrich these cabins’ lives by providing them with something useful to engage in. It will also prevent boredom and any resultant destructive behavior from these dogs.
Mental stimulation for the American Mastiffs can be external using the environment or internal in the form of thoughts. Interactive toys, puzzles, and games such as scenting games, in which the dog is tasked with finding the hidden treats are some great ways of mentally stimulating an American Mastiff dog.
Panjas are incredibly smart and capable of easily solving puzzles. This keeps their mind active and helps curb boredom. Mental stimulation is helpful in promoting Mastiff’s mental health and improving their overall wellness. It’s helpful for the optimal functioning of these dogs.
Exercises and physical activity are essential for maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of developing resultant medical problems. Mental stimulation is, on the other hand, vital for Mastiff’s optimal functioning.
What are the Breed Standards of American Mastiff (Panja)?
The breed standards of American Mastiff (Panja) are listed below.
- Color: The American Mastiffs come in only two colors, either black or brown.
- Size: Mastiffs are considered large dogs with their massive, athletic, and muscular bodies.
- Eye color: Panjas have round eyes that can come in any color but not blue
- Average weight: The average Panjas have an average weight of between 80-100 pounds.
- Average height: Mastiffs stand at 22-26 inches in height on average.
- Average lifespan: Panjas have relatively short lifespans and live only for 10-12 years on average.
What is the General Information about American Mastiff (Panja)?
The most common facts about the American Mastiff (Panja) should be given.
The American Mastiff (Panja) has been existing since 1966 and was originally bred as a protection dog. This dog breed is renowned for its massive size, loyalty, passion, and affection for its family. Due to their immense size, these dogs are better off in large fenced yards.
These dogs have a flat, shiny, medium-length coat and hence have limited grooming needs. Although Mastiffs are generally not aggressive but are rather naturally imposing in nature and require an authoritative owner capable of displaying his authority over these dogs. Otherwise, the dog will establish itself as the pack leader.
Panjas have a laid-back demeanor and make wonderful family dogs. They are extremely loyal and protective of their family. They have a natural inclination to take care of everything and everyone in their household as they believe it’s their responsibility. They also make wonderful companions to children especially if raised with them from puppyhood. Due to their extreme loyalty and devotion, these dogs make wonderful family pets.
Mastiff dogs get easily bored. It is thus essential to keep them occupied to prevent them from engaging in destructive chewing. The dogs are natural guards as they are alert and attentive. Additionally, these dogs need proper obedience training and early socialization to bring out their best.
American Mastiffs (Panja) are strong-willed and like to dominate, this is what makes them excellent guard dogs. Their owners should thus be capable of showing strong leadership. Anyone considering adopting this breed should be experienced in handling other large, dominant breeds as these dogs are not for the meek.
Where to Buy or Adopt an American Mastiff (Panjas)?
It’s vital to pick a reputable breeder when trying to purchase or adopt an American Mastiff (Panja). This is crucial in ensuring that you receive a healthy dog who will not acquire any future health issues.
An American Mastiff Panja puppy costs between $1,000-$1,500. It’s best to follow the guidance of the American Mastiff Breeders Council (AMBC) when choosing a breeder. This will ensure that you go for a breeder who is ready to abide by the prescribed code of ethics.
These are some of the reliable Mastiff breeders from whom you can purchase or adopt a dog;
- Titus kennels-Florida
- Amber Pines Farm-Michigan
- Flying W farms- Ohio
- Deepwood Mastiffs-Maryland
What are the Rescue Clubs for American Mastiffs (Panja)?
Rescue clubs are institutions that help American Mastiffs get new homes. Some of these include;
- Mastiff to Mutts Rescue Inc-Chambersburg, PA
- Great Lakes Mastiff Rescue- Chicago, IL
- Mastiff Rescue Oregon-McMinnville, OR
- Sugarland Ranch-Reno, NV
What is the American Mastiff (Panja) History?
The American Mastiff Panja was developed in Detroit’s Metro area by cross-breeding Pitbulls and Rottweilers. These dogs have a shady past as they were originally used by drug dealers to guard their territories, properties, and drugs. They were meant to intimidate trespassers with their size. They were also trained to never allow access to the property they were assigned to guard.
The dogs were recognized by the Dog Registry of America (DRA) in 1996 and were registered as Panja. Since then, these dogs have become a popular breed as wonderful family dogs and companions.
What is the American Mastiff (Panja) origin?
The American Mastiff Panja originates from the Metro area of Detroit. They were originally bred to protect drug dealers and other criminals plus their properties.
What is the Average Maintenance for American Mastiff (Panja)?
When calculating the cost of owning an American Mastiff, a number of considerations must be taken into account. This includes, among others, the dog’s cost price, feeding charges, veterinary care costs, insurance, grooming, licenses, training, and supplies. However, there are the averages you can make use of.
The cost of owning a Mastiff dog ranges between $88-$833per month or $1060-$5000 per year. During the first year of a Mastiff’s life, the costs may be more because of veterinary care expenses. However, vet care costs will always be higher than the rest of the expenses throughout a Mastiff’s life.
The list below shows the main costs of owning a Mastiff on average:
- General veterinarian expenses for a Panja are between $45-$85 monthly. This is inclusive of a once-off neutering or spaying cost of $50-$400.
- Food costs range between $27-$100 per month
- Vet bills including vaccination costs are about $15-$30
- Training costs for an American Mastiff Panja can range from $240-$600 for private lessons and $50-$125 for group training. These costs are in reference to a 4-6 week course.
Food Costs for an American Mastiff (Panja)
The daily food consumption costs for a Mastiff dog are determined by factors such as the size, age, and health condition of the dog. Additionally, the brand and variety of the food also play an essential role in these costs.
Consider the following:
An adult panja requires between 1500-2200 calories per day on average. It should therefore consume about 400 pounds of food per year. An American Mastiff puppy on the other hand can consume up to 300 pounds of kibble annually.
Average to Premium Quality |
Average Annual Cost |
Average Daily Cost |
|
Adult Dog |
$180 – $500 |
$300 |
.90c |
Puppy |
$200 – $450 |
$280 |
.80c |
Treats |
$150 – $750 |
$360 |
.99c |
How to Name an American Mastiff (Panja)?
The naming formula for an American Mastiff Panja is not as easy as how new parents perceive it to be. The dog’s response is dependent on the sound and manner in which it’s called rather than on the actual name.
The basis for naming a Panja, including the tone and the syllables is shown below;
- Two-syllable names are better for Mastiffs because they are not brief enough to be confused with one-syllable directive words like come and sit. They are also not long enough to puzzle. Names such as selly, buddy, and Maxxie are perfect examples.
- Panjas are likely to respond better to high-pitched, energetic, and cheerful sounds when calling or soothing them, and quiet sounds if they are anxious or nervous.
- For single-syllable names, owners should come up with ways of stretching the name and making it sound double-syllable. A good example can be saa-haa instead of Saha.
- Calling a Panja’s name in a sing-songy manner can make it more likely to respond
Some of the most popular names for female American Mastiff Panjas include:
- Nalla: Successful
- Ella: which means fairy maiden
- Luna: moon
- Lulu: Precious
- Layla: Dark beauty
- Eira: Snow
- Bailey: Steward
- Dolly: Gift of God
- Daisy: Beauty
- Ellie: Shining light
- Ruby: Precious
- Abella: Breath of life
Some of the most popular names for male American Mastiff Panjas include:
- Saber: Sword
- Andrea: Defender
- Marcel: As strong as a hammer
- Bruno: King
- Draco: Dragon
- Duke: Leader
- Bruce: Brown
- Chase: Hunter
- Liam: strong will
- Cesar: Beautiful hair
What are the Different Types of American Mastiff (Panja)s?
There are different types of American Mastiffs all characterized by huge bodies. These dogs can be found all over the world. All these breeds have an average lifespan of between 9-12 years and a maximum weight of 200 pounds.
The following is a list of some common Mastiff breeds available;
- Anatolian Mastiff
- Bull Mastiff
- Cane Corso
- Tibetan Mastiff
- Dogo Argentino
- Neapolitan Mastiff
Generally, all mastiff types share most traits and behaviors. They also have an average lifespan of between 9-12 years and a maximum weight of 200 pounds.
What are the Similar Dog Breeds for American Mastiff (Panja)?
The following are some of the dog breeds that are similar to the American Mastiff (Panja) in various aspects such as size, structure, type, and nutritional needs of the dogs.
- Golden Retriever: These dogs make excellent family dogs just like the American Mastiffs. Besides being friendly and passionate dogs, both dogs make great guard dogs.
- Rottweiler: similar to Panjas, these dogs are massive in size and boast muscular bodies. They are all classified as large breed and working dogs. Their intelligence levels, protectiveness, and playfulness also match these dogs.
- German Shepherd: These dogs are similar to American Mastiffs because they are very sociable and love spending quality time with their human families. They also have high mental stimulation needs similar to those of Panjas.
- Beagle: Both the Beagle and Panja dogs are extremely passionate and loving to their families. They are also both unlikely to be aggressive but would do anything to protect their families.
- Doberman: With their deep chests and wide heads, these dogs have similar body structures. They are also both extremely keen and attentive to their environment and are quick to alert their owners if they perceive a threat. This makes them excellent watchdogs. more about Doberman.
- Labradoodle: This dog’s loving nature and their need for constant attention from their owners make them similar to Panjas. Their energy and nutritional needs are also comparable to those of Panjas. more about Labradoodle.