Turnspit Dog vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison

American Mastiff is originated from United States but Turnspit Dog is originated from United Kingdom. American Mastiff may grow 61 cm / 25 inches higher than Turnspit Dog. American Mastiff may weigh 76 kg / 168 pounds more than Turnspit Dog. American Mastiff may live 3 years less than Turnspit Dog. Both American Mastiff and Turnspit Dog has almost same litter size. Both American Mastiff and Turnspit Dog requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Molosser dogs
Working dog
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United States
United Kingdom
Height Male:
65 - 91 cm
25 - 36 inches
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
Height Female:
65 - 89 cm
25 - 36 inches
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
72 - 90 kg
158 - 199 pounds
9 - 14 kg
19 - 31 pounds
Weight Female:
63 - 81 kg
138 - 179 pounds
9 - 14 kg
19 - 31 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
10 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 5
1 - 4
Size:
Giant
Small
Other Names:
AM Mastiff
Vernepator cur, kitchen dog
Colors Available:
Fawn, Apricot, Brindle
White, gray or black., reddish-brown
Coat:
Smooth, shorthair
Shortish
Shedding:
Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Friendly, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Quiet
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

american mastiffThe history of the American Mastiff is entirely tied to the old European Mastiffs but in particular the English Mastiff. The developers of the American Mastiff crossed the English Mastiff with the Anatolian Mastiff at the Ohio kennel, Flying W Farms. The founder of this breed is Fredricka Wagner. Because of this the English Mastiff and the American Mastiff look very much alike. The difference between the two is that the American Mastiff was bred to have less health concerns than the English Mastiff and without the drooling. In 2000 the CKC acknowledged that the American Mastiff and the English Mastiff were separate breeds.

It is amazing that this small dog’s popularity comes from him being used in the kitchens to roast meat. The British enjoyed eating their meat which they roasted on a fire.

These dogs were essentially regarded as a tool – a means to an end, and when kitchens were modernized, they were no longer needed, and they became extinct.

Referred to as the kitchen dog or cooking dog, the first mention of these little dogs was made in 1576. By 1850 the dogs had become scarce and by 1900 it seemed as though there were none left.

Description

american mastiff puppy - descriptionThis crossing of the English Mastiff and the Anatolian Mastiff resulted in a Mastiff with a much drier, less drooling mouth than the other Mastiffs. This is a giant, massive dog – powerful and muscular. With a wide head that is rectangular rather than square. Their eyes are dark amber, and their ears are high on their head and rounded. With a medium size muzzle, black mask and heavy head, the American Mastiff is a handsome dog.

Their chest is broad, deep with ribs that extended backward. He has strong legs that are parallel and wide set. He also has a long tail. Puppies of the American Mastiff are born almost black and as they grow their coat color lightens. In addition, it is important that they have a wrinkled forehead as well and a scissors bite is preferred.

The Turnspit was a small long-bodied dog, standing at between 20 to 30cm in height and probably weighed anything between 9 and 14kg in height.

The legs were somewhat crooked or bandy and Edward Jesse, who wrote ‘Anecdote of Dogs’ in 1846 described them as ugly dogs with a miserable look to them. That was probably due to him having to fit into the hamster-like wheel contraption that turned the meat being roasted in the kitchens.

They were low-bodied dogs, similar to a Dachshund or a Corgi with short, stocky legs, short floppy ears, and a short coat. The long tail curled over its back. It is believed that the coats were white, reddish-brown, gray or black.

Temperament:

The dog was certainly feisty, energetic and hard-working with not much being written about his temperament. He was a working dog, but given the chance, he would no doubt have been loving and loyal, longing for the chance just to be part of a human family and to be loved.

Characteristics

american mastiff dog - characteristicsA love of children and devotion to his pack (family) is bred into the American Mastiff. He is non-aggressive unless you threaten his family or his children. Then he becomes courageous, protective and defensive. This is a gentle giant most of the time, however due to size and the need for strong leadership, the American Mastiff should be socialized and trained early. If they are socialized and trained they will be calm, gentle dogs. They will remain protective and alert, but they will be friendly with strangers. They love to please their people and being highly intelligent they learn fast.

The Turnspit dog had a tough life, but would no doubt have made a wonderful little pet had he just been allowed to be a companion dog.

When he was no longer needed, he was discarded.

Make sure that when you buy a dog, you don't just put him in your backyard and forget about him. Give him the love and care he deserves.

Health Problems

american mastiff puppies - health problemsAmerican Mastiffs seem to have fewer health issues than other larger giant breed dogs. However, they can experience allergies as many large, wrinkled dogs do. They also might have a tendency toward eye issues, hip dysplasia, cancer and heart disease. Bloat might be the most life-threatening issue many American Mastiffs experience.

The health and lifespan of a dog is influenced by quite a few things such as food, care, love, exercise and the type of breed it is. Generally smaller dogs live longer than big dogs, and mixed breed dogs live longer than pure breeds.

The Turnspit dog, if he had received the proper care, could have lived to between 10 and 15 years of age.

Some of the health issues facing small dogs like these would include -

Hypoglycemia:

Stress can bring on a sudden drop in blood sugar. The Turnspit had reason to be stressed, working hard in horrible conditions. Dogs become weak and lethargic and can scarcely maintain an even gait. A sudden drop in blood sugar can cause a small dog to go into a fatal coma.

Pancreatitis:

This ailment seems to occur more often with smaller dogs. The pancreas becomes inflamed and your dog has vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and dehydration. Pancreatitis can come about because of trauma, metabolic disorders or infection.

Caring The Pet

american mastiff dogs - caringGiant breeds like the American Mastiff are known for growing rapidly as a puppy and therefore proper feeding and nutrition is essential. The slower your American Mastiff grows, the better. Make sure your puppies get enough phosphorous and calcium in their high calorie diet. Free feeding is not recommended. Feed puppies up to 4 small meals per day and feed adults twice a day.

Health issues

As previously mentioned this breed is a fairly healthy one, There, are however, certain evaluations you should do with your American Mastiff puppy to be sure she is in good health. These tests would include an elbow and hip evaluation to check for dysplasia. He should have an ophthalmologist and cardiologist examine him as well. Most American Mastiffs will not have any problems, but these evaluations will help to prepare you if they do. The wrinkles in your dogs; face, around the eyes and muzzle must be kept clean as they can become infected if you don’t.

Exercise and games

Unlike the way he looks, the American Mastiff is not a couch potato, but neither are they a high energy, exercise machine. They do well living in apartments or homes, with or without a fenced in yard. They need a long walk every day. They need mental stimulation through exercise and games. Make sure they learn to love to play so that they don’t become lazy as they age.

A dog is man's best friend, but the Turnspit was essentially just a working dog and most likely didn’t receive the proper care he deserved.

Small dogs like these would have had basic needs. Their owners would have had to pay attention to the dog's health, because he needed to work.

We look at ways in which a small dog like the Turnspit should have been cared for -

Diet:

One wonders if the Turnspit was allowed to eat any of the roast meat he worked so hard on to get ready. Every dog should have a regular meal.

Most adult dogs should be fed 2 meals of kibble a day. If the Turnspit wasn’t extinct he would have required a high quality ‘small dog breed’ commercial dog food. Home-made food would also be a requirement – some boiled chicken, brown rice and vegetables. Dogs want and appreciate simple, wholesome foods that won’t upset their digestive systems.

Along with good food, dogs need cool, fresh water constantly available to stay healthy.

Provide your dog with a warm dry, quiet, comfortable place to sleep.

Make sure he gets to the veterinarian if he is sick, but also for his vaccines to prevent him from getting some of the worst dog diseases there are.

Spay or neuter your dog if you don’t intend to breed your dog,

Groom your small dog regularly. The Turnspit had a shortish coat and would have required a brush twice a week. Other grooming procedures for a small dog like the Turnspit would have been keeping his nails trimmed and checking the inside of his ears and his mouth for ear infections and dental disease.

Exercise for a small dog is important – walks and ball games.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Turnspit Dog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Turnspit Dog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Turnspit Dog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Turnspit Dog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Turnspit Dog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Turnspit Dog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Turnspit Dog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Turnspit Dog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Turnspit Dog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Turnspit Dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Turnspit Dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Turnspit Dog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Turnspit Dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Turnspit Dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Turnspit Dog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Turnspit Dog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Turnspit Dog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Turnspit Dog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Turnspit Dog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Turnspit Dog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Turnspit Dog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Turnspit Dog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Turnspit Dog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Turnspit Dog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Turnspit Dog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. American Mastiff vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. American Mastiff vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. American Mastiff vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. American Mastiff vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. American Mastiff vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. American Mastiff vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. American Mastiff vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. American Mastiff vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. American Mastiff vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. American Mastiff vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. American Mastiff vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. American Mastiff vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. American Mastiff vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. American Mastiff vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. American Mastiff vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. American Mastiff vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. American Mastiff vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. American Mastiff vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. American Mastiff vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. American Mastiff vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. American Mastiff vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. American Mastiff vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. American Mastiff vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. American Mastiff vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. American Mastiff vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison