All You Need to Know about the Powerful Pitbull Mastiff Mix

Last Updated on April 20, 2023

The Pitbull Mastiff Mix is a crossbreed between the Mastiff and the Pitbull, also known as Pit Mastiff or American Masti-Bull.

It’s characterized as medium to large in size, measuring 25 to 29 inches (64 to 74 cm) tall and weighing around 100 to 140 pounds (45 to 64 kg). The average lifespan of the Mastiff Pitbull is around 8 to 12 years.

Pit Mastiffs are excellent guard dogs because of their intimidating appearance and protective instincts. They can also be gentle, loyal and affectionate dogs if they’re properly trained and socialized at an early age. However, they need an experienced owner who will be firm and consistent in his commands.

If you’re planning to own a Pitbull Mastiff mix puppy, you can get it between $350 to $2,000 from a reputable breeder.

We will cover everything you need to know about the Pit Mastiff. From its origin, temperament, diet, exercise, and grooming needs, to its common health issues. Read our complete guide and see if this powerful dog is right for you!

What is a Pitbull Mastiff mix?

Unlike many crossbreeds today, a Mastiff Pitbull cross is not just one dog. It can be different crosses, mostly because the Pitbull and the Mastiff are not specific breeds.

Here’s some background info on the possible parents of this hybrid dog.

Pitbull breeds

A “Pit bull” is a type of dog that are the descendants of terriers and bulldogs. The American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and the American Bully are a few of the breeds referred to as Pitbulls.

These dogs share a common history: they were bred from bull-baiting dogs and terriers to be used in blood sports. Once the use of dogs in these violent activities was banned, Pitbulls found work hunting and herding livestock and catching semi-wild hogs and cattle.

Despite the fact that they were developed for dog-fighting, Pitbulls have also enjoyed popularity as family pets. They’re known for their loyalty and gentleness, particularly around kids.

Mastiff-type dogs

The term “Mastiff” encompasses a wide range of breeds, including the Bullmastiff, English Mastiff, Great Dane, Boxer, Rottweiler, as well as Neapolitan and Tibetan Mastiffs.

These dogs are some of the oldest breeds, having roots as far back as ancient Gaul. Most of these canines are bred for guarding, protection, and fighting, much like Pitbulls.

The Bullmastiff, for instance, can be traced back to mid-1800s Britain, where they were used to guard estates and game preserves against poachers.

However, that doesn’t mean they’re inherently aggressive or dangerous; in fact, just like Pitbulls, Mastiffs tend to be docile and affectionate around their family.

What does a Pitbull Mastiff mix look like?

As the offspring of guard dogs and fighting dogs, a Mastiff Pitbull crossbreed usually has a muscular physique that may look boxy or rectangular.

He has a body that’s longer than its height, and he has broad shoulders and a thick neck. His muzzle tends to be short and thick, with droopy ears and a soulful expression completing the picture of a strong yet sweet-looking dog.

Most of these crossbreeds have short coats that come in a wide variety of colors, including white, black, brown, red, or even blue. The coat may also have a brindle pattern.

Check out this video to get a better idea of the Pit Mastiff’s appearance:

How big does a Pitbull Mastiff mix get?

The Pitbull Mastiff mix classifies as a large-to-giant-sized dog. Full-grown Pit Mastiffs can reach a height of 25 to 29 inches (64 to 74 cm) tall and can weigh between 100 to 140 lbs (45 to 64 kg). Female Mastiff Pitbulls will be smaller and lighter, but they’ll still be considerably bigger than most dogs.

Given their huge size and their moderate activity levels, Pitbull Mastiff mixes need a lot of space to move around. They may not be comfortable in apartments or condominiums, and they’ll be happiest in a spacious house with a backyard to run around in.

Is this crossbreed hypoallergenic?

He does have a short coat, but the Pitbull Mastiff mix is not hypoallergenic. Pitbulls and Mastiffs are known to shed a considerable amount of fur.

This hybrid regularly experiences low to moderate shedding, so he will still trigger allergies to dander. The shedding may worsen when the seasons change, but these dogs will usually shed all year round.

A regular grooming routine including brushing and baths will help keep the shedding under control.

A giant with a gentle personality

The Pitbull Mastiff may look intimidating, but he’s one of the most affectionate dogs you’ll meet.

He loves being around his family, so don’t be surprised to find your American Masti-bull trying to climb into your lap for a cuddle.

Most of them tend to be calm around the house, content to chill on the couch once they get their daily fix of exercise.

Despite their loving nature, though, these crossbreeds take their ‘guard dog’ job extremely seriously.

They tend to be shy or aloof around strangers and they won’t hesitate to use their strength to protect you from threats.

This strong protective instinct may prove to be a problem if not kept in check, though. Socialization will help teach your Mastiff Pitbull mix that not everyone who tries to approach him or your family mean harm.

You’ll also have to watch him during playtime with your kids, not because he’s dangerous but because of his size. It’s easy for this dog to accidentally knock down a small child with just a paw. Older kids (more than 10 years old) may be a better match for the Pit Mastiff.

How to train a Pitbull Mastiff mix puppy

This crossbreed is intelligent, but he’s stubborn, too.

He needs an owner who will step up as the alpha and be firm and consistent in his commands.

The Pitbull Mastiff mix will see through any hesitation or weakness from his owner.

He’ll try to take over your training sessions if you don’t assert your authority as the alpha.

As always, positive reinforcement goes a long way in correcting your dog’s behavior. Punishing him may cause aggression, which is more problematic given this crossbreed’s size and power.

Since he’s such a large dog, you’ll want him to master obedience training. The ‘heel’ command, in particular, will come in handy in controlling him if he tries to get away from you when you’re out for a walk.

Aside from obedience training, socialization is essential for the Mastiff Pitbull mix. These will help in preventing any aggressive tendencies that can stem from their protective instincts.

Take the time to introduce your dog to other people and animals. Take him to the dog park whenever possible or even to puppy classes. Let him spend as much time as possible around dogs of all breeds.

This works best when he’s still a puppy, so he can learn how to properly react to new environments and situations when he’s grown up. With proper socialization, you can nip this crossbreed’s potential overprotectiveness in the bud.

How much care does a Pit Mastiff mix need?

With its size, the Pitbull Mastiff cross requires a little bit more care than other dogs. His coat doesn’t need much grooming, but he’ll need more food.

He also has a moderate to high energy level, so you’ll need to put in the time to give him the exercise he needs.

Short coat, low maintenance

Pitbull Mastiff mixes have coats that don’t require a lot of maintenance. Brushing his short coat once a week is enough.

If you find that your dog’s shedding worsens as the seasons change, brush his coat daily to keep the shedding under control.

Bathing is not a simple feat for a dog this size. Fortunately, he doesn’t need frequent baths; one bath every couple of months should be enough, unless his coat is visibly filthy. Frequent bathing can dry out your dog’s skin.

Regular grooming also includes brushing your dog’s teeth at least two to three times a week.

Don’t forget to check his ears once a week, as his dropped ears are more prone to accumulating moisture and getting infected.

The Pit Mastiff will get you moving

The Mastiff Pitbull mix is an active dog with moderate to high energy levels. He needs at least an hour of vigorous exercise daily.

Take your dog on a couple of long, brisk walks around the neighborhood every day. He will enjoy visits to the dog park, where he can enjoy off-leash playtime. His strong body can also keep up with canine sports such as agility training.

If you have a spacious backyard, you can also have some fun with him at home. Fetch is a great activity that gets this active dog moving if you’d rather not leave the house after a tiring day at work.

Exercise should be limited to short and controlled sessions while your Pit Mastiff is a pup. Before they’re a year old, jogging and rough play should be discouraged to avoid injuring his hips.

Mental stimulation is a must as the breed is highly intelligent. Teaching your dog tricks, for instance, is a good way to keep his mind sharp and hone his obedience to your commands.

These activities will also prevent boredom and anxiety in your pet.

A giant dog with a big appetite

You need to give your American Masti-bull a lot of food to keep it healthy and happy. In adulthood, these crossbreeds need 4 ½ to 6 cups of kibble daily.

This is a large amount of food, so make sure to divide it into 2 or 3 meals. This will help reduce the risk of bloat, which can be fatal without immediate treatment.

Make sure to give your dog food that’s especially made for large breeds. Given their size and activity level, Pit Mastiff hybrids need more high-quality protein in their diet. Try to find kibble that has 25% to 28% protein, as the nutrient helps strengthen bones and joints.

Mastiff Pitbull mixes enjoy eating, so make sure to keep a close eye on their diet. Outside of training sessions, go easy on calorie-dense treats to help your dog avoid obesity.

What health issues can the Pitbull Mastiff mix have?

Large dogs typically have shorter lifespans, and the Pit Mastiff is not an exception. These hybrids has an average life expectancy of 8 to 12 years.

Several health problems can affect this lifespan, as this dog is prone to the health conditions that affect his parents. Some of these diseases are:

• Hip dysplasia
• Diabetes
• Epilepsy
• Kidney failure
• Hypothyroidism
• Cancer
• Subaortic stenosis
• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
• Persistent pupillary membranes
• Eye problems like juvenile cataracts and cherry eye

As we said before, this dog also easily puts on weight, just like his parents. Too much fat puts additional stress on your Pit Mastiff’s joints, among other long-term effects.

How much will it cost to own a Mastiff Pitbull mix?

A Pitbull Mastiff mix puppy can cost around $350 to $2,000 each from a reputable breeder.

You don’t want to compromise quality for cost. Make sure to stay away from backyard breeders so you’ll get your money’s worth.

You can find responsible and reputable breeders by asking for referrals from your veterinarian or through local breed clubs.

Remember that a responsible breeder won’t sell dogs to the first person who offers to buy the dog with cash in hand.

A trustworthy breeder would want to meet you to be sure that a puppy is a good fit for you and your family and that you will be responsible enough to provide a permanent home for it.

Reputable breeders will also willingly show you where the Mastiff Pitbull mix pup was born to prove that he was born in a well-maintained and spacious environment.

American Masti-bulls don’t enjoy the same popularity as Doodles (Poodle mixes), so you may find it difficult to locate breeders dedicated to these crossbreeds.

Try getting in touch with these Pit bull and Mastiff breeders to see if they have any mixes for sale.

• Mountain Top Mastiffs – (Alabama) – This breeder uses only the best bloodlines for its English Mastiff breeding program. Their goal is to give families Mastiff dogs that are not only healthy but also well-socialized.
• Manmade Kennels – (Delaware) – They offer extra-large Pitbull puppies as well as rare-colored English Bulldog puppies. Their Pitbulls range in size from 95 to 170 pounds. This breeder also has a pet adoption program in case their pups need to be rehomed.
• Clase Pitbulls – (New York) – This breeder has been producing high-quality Blue Nose Pitties since 2003. Their pups come from trusted bloodlines like Razors Edge, Gangis Kon, and Gotti and are properly socialized as early as possible.

Pitbull Mastiff mix rescue and adoption organizations

Adopting an older dog has many benefits, not the least of which is it lower cost. For one, they are a good fit for novice dog owners who don’t have the experience to train a puppy correctly.

Older dogs also tend to be more well-mannered. Most are less destructive than their younger counterparts, and their behavior has already settled.

If you decide on adopting an adult Pitbull Mastiff mix instead, here are a few rescues and adoption organizations to consider:

• AZ Mastiff Rescue – (Arizona and California) – This organization is focused on rescuing English Mastiffs, Neapolitan Mastiffs, and other Mastiff and giant dogs and rehoming them with the right families throughout the Southwest US.
• Alamo City PitBull Rescue & Rehabilitation – (Texas) – This organization’s mission is to rescue abandoned and abused Pitbull and bully breeds. They’re also working towards removing the negative stigma around these dogs.
• Big Dogs – Huge Paws Rescue – (Colorado) – Rather than focus on specific breeds, this organization rescues big dogs like Great Danes, Newfoundlands, and Mastiffs. They ensure that these dogs are placed in homes that can accommodate their special needs.

The pros and cons of owning the Pit Mastiff hybrid

If you’re a sucker for huge dogs who love cuddles, then look no further than this crossbreed.

He’s affectionate to his family members and he’ll make a great playmate for older kids.

The Pitbull Mastiff has an intimidating appearance to match his protective instinct, which serves him well as a guard dog for your property.

However, his large size means that he needs a lot of space to move around, so he’ll be happiest in a house with a yard.

What do you think of this gentle giant? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

Reference

• https://www.aspca.org/about-us/aspca-policy-and-position-statements/position-statement-pit-bulls
• https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/evr_multi_long_term_effects_of_obesity_on_pets