There are various large dog breeds with varying physical characteristics and temperaments. The Mastiffs are gentle giants, but often, they are feared for their massive sizes. On the other hand, Pit bulls are muscular and strong. They are stereotyped as an aggressive breed. Combining these two creatures yields one of the sweetest, gentlest, and biggest dogs you can get for your family – the Pitbull Mastiff.
They look tough and scary, but their intelligence makes them easy to train. Also called the American Masti-Bull or a Mix Pitbull Mastiff, these hybrids are protective and loyal; thus, they make excellent guard dogs. Would you like to know more about this mixed breed? Then read on for our in-depth guide about the Pitbull Mastiff dogs.
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What is Pitbull Mastiff Mix?
A Pitbull Mastiff is a massive, tough-looking yet gentle and protective, which makes them a good family pet. They are a combination of the Mastiff breed and the American Pitbull Terrier dogs. Many pet owners wish for guard dogs that are also gentle around kids; thus, breeders came up with this mixed breed. Its traits are why most dog lovers prefer the Pitbull Mastiff mix as their pet companion.
History Of Pitbull Mastiff
A Mastiff Pitbull cross dog is a combination of a Pitbull breed and a Mastiff breed. The crossbreeding of the two dog breeds results in Pitbull Mastiff puppies having the traits of one or both breeds. The forebears of the Pitbull Mastiff mixes have their history that relates to the Pitbull Mastiff‘s current status as pets.
The Pitbull is a dog bred for blood sports like a bull and bear-baiting. Because of these blood sports, the first Pitbull breed is aggressive, tenacious, and brave.
On the other hand, these dogs do not bite their handlers, thus removing the danger of Pitbull biting humans. Pitbulls in America tend to hunt games, guard their family’s homes and farms. Today a Pitbull is a larger yet friendly, affectionate, loyal and courageous dog that protects it, family
The Mastiff breed came from the Molosser type of dog breed. The term “Mastiff” covers a wide variety of breeds such as the English Mastiff, Bullmastiff, Boxer, Great Dane, Rottweiler, and the Tibetan Mastiffs. They are some of the oldest dog breeds with roots tracing back to the ancient Gaul.
Throughout the years, the Mastiff is everywhere in the world. Like the Pitbull, this dog is used for blood sports, guarding property, hunting dogs, and being a war dog. During the 1800s, the Mastiff was famous, but it disappeared in England due to the breakout of two World Wars. Thanks to Mastiff puppies from Canada, the breed was revived.
Physical Attributes of the Pitbull Mastiff Dog Breed
Both Mastiff breeds and Pitbulls are big and muscular. Thus, you can expect their offspring to have muscular physiques that are either boxy or rectangular.
It has a body that is longer than its height, broad shoulders, and thick neck. This dog’s muzzle will be short and thick. They typically have floppy ears and soulful expression. Looking at their eyes will surely melt your heart.
Most of these hybrid dogs have short coats in varying colors. Some of the common ones are red, black, white, or brindle patterns. In rare cases, there is blue colored mixed Pit Mastiff too.
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Temperament Of Pit Mastiff
The Pitbull Mastiff mix has different personalities, unlike its ancestors. The Pitbull dog is affectionate from a fighting and hunting dog, seeks attention, loyal, and obedient. The breed still has its guard dog instincts, so it makes for an excellent protector of its family. With the right kind of household, the dog gets along with them, though it is wary of strangers.
A Pitbull possesses intelligence and lots of energy; it needs a family to play or interact actively. Please do not leave the dog alone for extended periods since it will suffer separation anxiety. Hence the Pitbull needs a companion to play and interact. Make sure to read our collections of names for pit bulls.
The dog can socialize with children though it needs some supervision when playing with them. The Pitbull does not get along with other dogs though lots of socialization training will solve that issue. Due to the breed’s hunting instinct, other animals and pets must not be near the dog.
Exercises, like walking, playing, and running, are suitable for the dog’s physical health. Exercises are the best way for Pitbull’s owner to establish a bond between them.
Health Problems
Dog breeds of any type always have some health problems, and the Pitbull Mastiff is no exception. Most of these problems are hereditary. Other health problems show up when the dog reaches old age. The rest of the health problems are the results of neglect and improper care. Here is a list of those health issues:
- Obesity – Dogs often accumulate body fat to the point that it affects their physical health. Causes of obesity are a lack of exercise and too much food during meals.
- Hip dysplasia – usually the result of the hip joint’s malformation. Hip dysplasia can reduce the dog’s level of activity and will suffer pain. Osteoarthritis is the result of hip dysplasia.
- Hypothyroidism – The Pitbull Mastiff’s thyroid gland produces insufficient hormones that lead to loss of metabolic organ functions.
- Tumors and cancer – A common problem in older dogs. There are various types of such diseases like cell tumors, lymph node tumor, bone cancer, and breast cancer. Cancer and tumor are treatable via immunotherapy, but severe cases require surgery or chemotherapy.
- Kidney failure – Toxins, tainted foods, dental diseases, and certain medications are the kidney’s causes. The kidney filters toxins in the blood, and when it fails, toxins will build-up, thus poisoning the Pitbull.
- Skin diseases – There are at least 160 different types of skin conditions affecting Pitbull Mastiffs. Some skin diseases are curable, while others are not. The most common skin conditions are itchy skin, allergies, sores, hair loss, and dull coats.
- Cardiovascular disease – It comes in three types: myocardial, valvular, or heartworm. There is no prevention for the first two types of cardiovascular; however, medication will mitigate them.
- Bloat – This problem occurs when food or gas stretch and distend the stomach of a dog. This situation results in cutting off the blood supply to the stomach. Dog bloat can eventually be fatal to its victim.
- Allergies – Symptoms of allergies are constant sneezing, itchy skin, ear infections, and runny eyes. There are many causes of allergies, but they can be prevented by cleaning the dog or changing their diet.
If you suspect that your Pitbull has one of these diseases, then a veterinarian visit is necessary. The sooner a veterinarian can diagnose the problem, the quicker he or she can treat it. Treatments will cost you money, but preventing or stopping your pet’s pain will be worth it.
Weight/Height/Size Of Pitbull Mastiff Mix
Pitbull Mastiff mix-breeds are 25 to 29 inches tall thanks to their large frame and muscular bodies. The dog is a big animal since it weighs at 100 to 140 lbs. A female Pitbull Mastiff is a little bit lighter in weight and less short in height. Though the female Pitbull is smaller than a male, it is still more significant than average.
Life Expectancy
A healthy Mastiff Pitbull mix has a lifespan of up to 8 and 12 years. The breed can have a life span beyond its average life expectancy. Knowing that some health issues will reduce the dog’s lifespan, keeping them healthy and fit is paramount. Remember to provide them with nutritious food, lots of exercise, and schedule a regular check-up with your veterinarian to prevent the onset of diseases.
Other Names of Pitbull Mastiff
Some people refer to the dog as “Pit Mastiff,” “Bullmastiff Pitbull mix,” or “American Masti-Bull.” Suppose someone calls the dog “American Bandogge,” then is free to correct them. That term describes a dog that is the mix of an American Bulldog and Mastiff.
Giant Dogs Means Big Appetite
A healthy and nutritious diet is necessary for a Mastiff Pitbull mix to maintain its health and physical well-being. The dog needs 4 ½ to 6 cups of food daily, and it must be dry and high-quality dog food. Spread out the dog food in two or three meals at a minimum.
There are three types of food that you can serve to the Pitbull and Mastiff mix:
- Raw dog foods – these are organic and natural foods that are a healthy alternative to other foods. As the name suggests, there is no cooking or preservatives in this product. The result is that the food’s nutrients and minerals are abundant in raw dog food. E.coli and Salmonella infecting the Pitbull are the risks of this food type. But the bacteria are only a problem if a person poorly makes or prepares the food.
- Homemade dog foods – This particular type of food for dog is made from scratch using any available ingredients at hand. You can either choose to cook the food or serve it raw. Good hygiene and correct food preparation will reduce the risk of harmful bacterias. The advantage of homemade dog foods is that you can control the inclusion or exclusion of the ingredients.
- Premium dog foods – Digesting their food with ease is necessary for Pitbull Mastiff mix breeds, and premium dog meal makes digestion easy. Premium products are available at groceries and stores. Due to their standard of high quality, premium dog foods contain proteins, vitamins, and antioxidants. Be careful of buying economy brand types since they have low-quality standards, making them unsuitable for your dog. Make sure you read our pitbull dog food review.
Regardless of what food you choose to serve your Mastiff mix dog, make sure that the food is fresh, has plenty of minerals, and is not toxic to its body.
Pitbull Mastiff Training Tips
Training a Pitbull Mastiff mix dog requires time, effort, and firmness on its owner’s part. Training should start while the Pitbull Mastiff mix puppy is still young. Because of the dog’s strong personality, it may think that it is the pack leader. So the dog’s owner must establish to the dog that he or she is the leader. Socialization and training will remove the Pitbull’s aggressive tendencies, thus making it docile.
Anyone trying to show themselves as the leader to the dog must show no weakness or hesitation. Due to the pit bull’s nature, it will try to take control. Hence its domineering personality should be under control by training and socialization. A Pitbull Mastiff mix puppy is more comfortable to train since its habits are not yet set, unlike adult Pitbull Mastiff mix.
Just remember that training a Pitbull requires time and patience, so try not to rush it. Slow and steady training of the dog is the surest way to train it.
Price
A Pitbull Mastiff mix puppy may cost:
- $350
- $2000
Other expenses like deworming, blood tests, neutering, shots, or doggie equipment are not included in the dog’s price tag.
Care and Exercise Needs
Short coats mean low maintenance needs. For Pitbull Mastiff mix dogs, brushing once a week is enough for their short coats. They do not shed much; however, you may notice that the shedding worsens as the season changes. You may brush them daily during this period to keep the shedding under control.
For the size of the Pitbull Mastiff mix, bathing is always a challenge. Fortunately, bathing them every couple of months is enough. Unless they are visibly dirty, these dogs don’t need frequent bathing.
Additionally, these dogs require regular brushing to maintain healthy oral health. Once a week, you should also check and clean their ears to prevent moisture accumulation and possible infections.
When it comes to exercising, these hybrid dogs require at least one hour of vigorous exercise every day. It means that you will be forced to move and take them out for long, brisk walks around town or at the dog park. Depending on their temperament and behavior, you can let them play off-leash with a game of fetch or Frisbee.
Since they are active dogs with moderate to high energy needs, their strong bodies can keep up with agility sports training for canines. But while they are puppies, a Pitbull Mastiff mix puppy should have exercises limited to short and controlled sessions. Before they turn one year old, avoid taking them for jogs or rough play. Their joints are not yet strong, and may get injured.
Additionally, Pitbull Mastiff mix needs activities that stimulate their mind. Keep them happy, tired, and content to prevent boredom and the development of undesirable traits. Engage them in learning dog tricks to keep up their minds sharp and stay obedient to your commands.
Is Mastiff Pitbull Dangerous?
Some people are wary of Pitbull Mastiff mix dogs due to the canine’s large size and aggressive looks. But training and socialization play a part in the mixed breed’s docile nature to make them good family companions.
A Pitbull Mastiff mixes can be dangerous to small children but differently. Due to the dog’s size, it can knock down kids quickly. The action could lead to some injuries on the affected children. Therefore an adult must supervise the interactions between the Pitbull and kids. Note that the dog will not intentionally harm children.
The Pitbull will not naturally get along with other dogs, but socialization and training will mitigate that problem. On the other hand, other pets and animals should not be near the dog. The Pitbull Mastiff mix breed still has their hunting instincts. From the dog’s point of view, other pets and animals are their prey and will chase them.
Can The Pit Mastiff Mix Be A Guard Dog?
Both of the mixed breeds’ ancestors were excellent guard dogs, and this trait is present in the Pitbull Mastiff mixes. This protective nature of the dog ensures that it will protect its family or people it loves. This trait of the Pitbull is why strangers or people the dog is familiar with should be careful in interacting with it.
Pitbulls don’t like strangers, and they won’t quickly make friends with them. Interestingly enough, those characteristics are the marks of a good guard dog.
For their part, Pitbulls don’t bark, and while they make for excellent guards, the same can’t be said for them being watchdogs.
Is Mastiff Pitbull It Is Safe For Children?
Of course, the Pitbull Mastiff mix breed is safe for children, but supervision is a must here. A Pitbull will not intentionally harm a child, but it can accidentally hurt the kid due to its size and being very active.
Most of the time, the dog can knock down a small child with ease. This action, in turn, can cause an injury to the child. However, the bottom line is that the Pitbull Mastiff is safe for children, and you have to keep an eye on their interactions.
That’s all the necessary information concerning the mastiff pitbull mix. If you still can’t decide if a Pitbull is a pet that suits you most, this article will help you choose. Remember that the important thing is to love your pet and take good care of its health. Pitbull Mastiff mixes are not just a pet companion, but an excellent member of your family.
Wrap Up
If you love giant dogs who are always up for a cuddle, then look no further! The Pit bull and Mastiff combination yield a hybrid mix that is gentle and affectionate to its family. And even with its intimidating appearance, these dogs make great playmates for bigger kids.
Their massive physique and protective instinct make them excellent guard dogs for your home. On the other hand, having giant dogs like these hybrids means that you need a big space in your home. They require lots of exercises and physical stimulation to keep them happy and content. As pet owners of big dogs, it is also your responsibility to socialize and train them starting young to ensure that they grow to become well-behaved Pitbull Mastiff mix adults.
Do you like huge and cuddly canines? Is the Pitbull Mastiff dog your paw-mate? Let us know what you think about this giant mix breed by leaving a comment down below.
CHECK OUR OTHER PIT BULL MIXES GUIDE
