Last Updated on July 2, 2021 by Fumipets
The Pitbull Mastiff Mix may have a rough appearance, but he is one of the kindest and gentlest dogs you could ever want to have as a family member.
This crossbred dog, which is also known as a Pit Mastiff or an American Masti-Bull, makes a wonderful canine companion. Protective and loyal, with a high level of intellect that makes him simple to teach.
What exactly is a Pitbull Mastiff cross?
A Mastiff Pitbull cross, in contrast to many other crossbreds nowadays, is not simply one dog. It is possible to have various crosses, mostly because to the fact that the Pitbull and the Mastiff are not particular breeds.
Here’s some information on the probable parents of this hybrid dog, including some additional information.
Pitbull breeds
Pit bulls are a kind of dog that is bred from terriers and bulldogs. Breeds such as the American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and the American Bully are examples of what is known today as Pitbulls in the United States.
American Bully
They have a shared history: they were bred from bull-baiting dogs and terriers to be employed in blood sports, which is why they look so similar. Once the use of dogs in these violent acts was prohibited, Pitbulls were able to find use hunting and herding animals, as well as capturing semi-wild pigs and calves, among other things.
Despite the fact that Pitbulls were originally bred for dog fighting, they have gained appeal as household pets in recent years. They are well-known for their devotion and compassion, especially when it comes to children.
Mastiff-type dogs
Breeds included in the term “Mastiff” include the Bullmastiff (also known as the English Mastiff), the Great Dane (also known as the Boxer), the Rottweiler, as well as the Neapolitan and Tibetan Mastiffs.
These dogs are among of the oldest breeds on the planet, with origins dating back to ancient Gaulish times. In the same vein as Pitbulls, the majority of these dogs are bred for guarding, protection, and fighting.
Bullmastiff
One breed in particular, the Bullmastiff, can be traced back to the mid-1800s in Great Britain, when they were employed to protect estates and game preserves against poachers and robbers.
While they may seem to be violent or dangerous, Mastiffs are really very gentle and loving when it comes to their owners’ children and other members of the family, similar to Pitbulls.
Appearance of a Pitbull Mastiff mix
Mastiff Pitbull crossbreds tend to have a strong build that may be boxy or rectangular in shape, since they are the progeny of guard dogs and combat dogs respectively.
He has a physique that is longer than it is tall, and he has wide shoulders and a strong neck to go with his long legs. His muzzle is short and broad, and he has drooping ears and a soulful expression, which complete the image of a powerful but sweet-looking dog with a soulful face.
The majority of these crossbreds have short coats that may be found in a range of hues, including white, black, brown, red, and even blue, depending on the breed. A brindle pattern may also be seen on the coat.
Size Pit Mastiffs may grow to be 25 to 29 inches (63 to 73 cm) tall and weigh anything from 100 to 140 pounds (63 to 73 kg) (45 to 63 kg).
Female Mastiff Pitbulls will be smaller and lighter than male Mastiff Pitbulls, but they will still be much larger than the majority of canines.
Because of their enormous size and low levels of activity, these hybrids need a great deal of room to move about in their environment. Their comfort level in apartments or condos may be lower than that of adults, and they will be most content in a large home with a large yard to play in.
Is this crossbreed hypoallergenic?
Although he has a short coat, the Pitbull Mastiff mix is not hypoallergenic, despite his short coat. Pitbulls and Mastiffs are renowned for shedding a large quantity of fur on a regular basis.
Because this mix sheds at a low to moderate rate, allergic reactions will be triggered in breeds sensitive to dander. Although the amount of shedding may increase as the seasons change, these dogs will typically shed all year round.
A regular grooming regimen, which includes brushing and bathing, can assist to limit the shedding to a manageable amount.
Even though the Pitbull Mastiff seems to be threatening, he is one of the most loving dogs you will ever meet.
He enjoys spending time with his family, so don’t be shocked if your American Masti-bull attempts to get onto your lap for a snuggle.
The majority of them are quite quiet at home, happy to relax on the sofa after getting their daily dose of exercise.
Despite their affectionate personalities, these crossbreds take their ‘guard dog’ responsibilities very seriously.
The majority of the time, they are reserved and cautious with strangers, but they will not hesitate to use their power to defend you from dangers.
If this strong protective tendency is not reined in, it may become a source of contention. Socialization will assist in teaching your Mastiff Pitbull mix that not everyone who approaches him or your family intends to harm him or them.
While your children are playing, you will need to keep an eye on him, not because he is harmful, but rather because of his size. Using just one paw, this dog can easily knock down a young kid who is playing on the street. Pit Mastiffs may be a better fit for older children (those over the age of ten years old).
Training
This crossbreed is not only clever, but he is also stubborn. He requires an owner who will take the reins as the alpha and be strong and constant in his instructions in order for him to thrive.
Any hesitancy or weakness on the part of his owner will be seen right through by the Pitbull Mastiff mix.
If you don’t establish your dominance as the alpha, he’ll attempt to take over your training sessions.
As is usually the case, positive reinforcement is very effective in correcting your dog’s behaviour. Punishing him may result in aggressiveness, which is particularly troublesome considering the size and strength of this crossbred.
Because he is such a big dog, you will want him to be able to perform well in obedience training. Particularly useful while you’re out for a walk is the “heel” order, which will help you to keep him under control in case he decides to run away from you.
The Mastiff Pitbull mix requires extensive socializing in addition to obedience training. As a result, any violent inclinations that may arise as a result of their protective instincts will be reduced or eliminated.
Give your dog the opportunity to meet and interact with other people and animals. Make frequent trips to the dog park or even puppy courses for him if at all feasible. Allow him to spend as much time as possible with dogs of various shapes and sizes.
This is most effective when done when he is still a puppy, so that he may learn how to respond appropriately to different surroundings and circumstances when he is an adult. You can prevent this crossbreed from being overprotective if you socialize him properly from an early age.
Caring for the Pit Mastiff mix
Because of its large size, the Pitbull Mastiff hybrid needs a little more attention than other breeds. His coat doesn’t need much attention, but he will require extra nutrition.
His energy level ranges between medium and high, so you’ll have to put in the effort to ensure that he gets the exercise he need.
Pitbull Mastiff mixes have coats that are easy to care for and don’t need much grooming. Once a week brushing is sufficient for his short coat.
For dogs whose shedding becomes more severe as the seasons change, brushing his coat on a regular basis will help keep the shedding under control.
For a dog of this size, bathing is a difficult task to do. However, unless his coat is obviously dirty, he should only need one wash every couple of months; otherwise, one bath every couple of months should enough. Bathing your dog on a regular basis may cause his skin to become dry.
Teeth brushing should be done twice or three times a week at the very least for your dog as part of regular maintenance.
Don’t forget to examine his ears once a week since his dropped ears are more susceptible to collecting moisture and becoming infected than his normal ears.
The Mastiff Pitbull hybrid is a high-energy dog with a moderate to high degree of stamina and endurance. He should get at least one hour of strenuous exercise every day.
Daily walks around the neighbourhood with your dog should be at least two hours long and vigorous in pace. He will love going to the dog park, where he will be able to engage in some off-leash fun. The strength of his physique allows him to keep up with canine activities like as agility training as well.
It’s also possible to have some fun with him in your backyard if you have a large enough space. If you don’t want to leave the home after a long day at work, fetch is a wonderful exercise to keep your energetic dog moving.
As long as your Pit Mastiff is a pup, it should only be allowed to engage in brief and regulated sessions. Jogging and rough play should be avoided until they are a year old in order to prevent hip injuries in the future.
Because of the breed’s high level of intelligence, it is essential to provide mental stimulation. Teaching your dog tricks, for example, is a wonderful way to keep his mind active while also improving his loyalty to your orders and those from other people.
These activities will also help to keep your pet from becoming bored or anxious.
Nutrition and Diet
You must provide enough of food for your American Masti-bull in order to keep it healthy and happy. When they reach maturity, these crossbreds need 4½ to 6 cups of kibble each day.
This is a substantial quantity of food, so be careful to split it into two or three servings. This will assist in reducing the danger of bloat, which may be deadly if not treated immediately after occurrence.
Make certain to feed your dog food that is specifically formulated for big breeds of dogs. Pit Mastiff hybrids need a higher proportion of high-quality protein in their diet because of their size and activity level. Look for kibble that has 25 percent to 28 percent protein, since this nutrient aids in the strengthening of bones and joints in your dog.
Mastiff Pitbull mixes are voracious eaters, so be sure to keep a careful check on their nutritional needs. Avoid giving your dog high-calorie goodies outside of training sessions to assist him avoid becoming overweight.
What kinds of health problems may the Pitbull Mastiff mix develop?
Large canines, such as the Pit Mastiff, have shorter life spans than smaller dogs, and this is no exception. The life expectancy of these hybrids ranges from 8 to 12 years on average.
A variety of health issues may shorten this dog’s life expectancy, since he is predisposed to the same illnesses that afflicted his parents. Some of these illnesses are as follows: Hip dysplasia, Diabetes, Epilepsy, Kidney failure, Hypothyroidism, Cancer, Subaortic stenosis, Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), Persistent pupillary membranes as well as Eye problems like juvenile cataracts and cherry eye
We’ve already mentioned that this dog, like his parents, has a tendency to gain weight quickly. In addition to potential long-term consequences, excessive fat puts extra stress on your Pit Mastiff’s joints.
Cost of owning a Mastiff Pitbull mix?
A Pitbull Mastiff hybrid puppy from a good breeder may cost anywhere from $350 and $2000 per dog.
You don’t want to sacrifice quality in the sake of saving money. Keep clear from backyard breeders if you want to get your money’s worth out of your purchase.
Finding responsible and trustworthy breeders may be accomplished by requesting recommendations from your veterinarian and/or by contacting local breed groups.
Keep in mind that a reputable breeder will not sell puppies to the first person who approaches him or her with an offer to purchase the dog in cash.
A reputable breeder will want to see you in person to ensure that a puppy is a suitable match for you and your family and that you would be responsible enough to give a permanent home for the dog in question.
If you inquire about the location of the pup’s birth, reputable breeders will be happy to show you the facility, which will demonstrate that the pup was born in a clean and roomy setting.
It is possible that American Masti-bulls do not have the same level of popularity as Doodles (Poodle mixtures), making it harder to identify breeders that specialize in these crossbreds.