Pitbull Mastiff Dog Breed

Pitbull Mastiffs are guard dogs, although there are people who produce these dogs for unscrupulous and even illegal purposes. Properly trained and patiently socialized, however, these giant dogs are great companions and can even be nanny dogs in the right household. You should be sure to know the laws and perhaps local ordinances and rules regarding "pitbull-type" dogs. There are some places that forbid and even outlaw these and similar dogs.

Here are some Pitbull Mastiff facts you should know:

PROS

• Do not bark much
• Superb guard dogs
• High pain tolerance
• Few grooming needs
• Can be good with kids
• Great for highly active lifestyles

CONS

• Sheds a lot
• Not hypoallergenic
• Not good with other pets
• Not good for apartments
• Prone to separation anxiety
• Can have low tolerance to extreme weather

These hybrid dogs are big and strong, and their reputation precedes them to the point of being illegal to possess in some places. They do look fearsome, but if raised properly, they will be great guardians of the family and home. If they are aggressive, you can bet it's because of a present or prior owner who made them that way.

Mastiffs and Pitbulls are smart dogs, and their crossbred litters bear smart dogs too. It is trust that is exploited by people who don't mean well that turns dogs violent. These dogs are intelligent enough, however, to be turned around later in life. While you will need the patience to build their trust, it can be done.

These dogs are cutest when they are happy, and when they are happy, watch out! They shimmy all over the place, and their big bodies will accidentally knock over tables, young children, and frail people. It's not intentional; it's just that Pitbull Mastiffs can be so over-the-top exuberant when they see you. They may also drool a lot, regardless of your presence.

Mastiffs are hunting dogs and Pitbulls are guard dogs. This means their hybrid offspring need a lot of exercise and attention. They'll love to wrestle with ropes and run freely, so indulge them. And be sure to have lots of chew toys for when you don't have the time to play with them.

Most mixed breed dogs come from two specific purebred parents, and some come from a particular pure breed and perhaps another hybrid. The Pitbull Mastiff, however, comes from a Mastiff (which is purebred) and a Pitbull, a type of dog that includes many pure and mixed breeds. As such, there are very few things that can be set in stone regarding the appearance of a Pitbull Mastiff.

They will be big dogs. They may have huge paws, or small ones no wider than their legs. They may have a firm, rectangular and tight-skinned skull or they may have round, wrinkly, and jowly heads. They may have a black mouth and nose, or they may be a red nose Pitbull Mastiff mix. They might be long and lean in body or barrel-shaped. They may be muscular or have a wooly coat that covers their physique.

While you won't know for sure what an adult Pitbull Mastiff will grow up to look like by looking at a puppy, you can have some idea if you know and view the dogs from which they come as well as the rest of the litter.

The Pitbull Mastiff is a type of dog that is crossbred from yet another type of dog, the Pitbull, with a Mastiff and this means there may be a very long list of so-called variations. As such, there are no real Pit bull Mastiff breeds. These varieties are informal, they are not the typical variations such as most hybrid dogs, and they are not really recognized. It basically comes down to which dogs are used to produce a particular Pitbull Mastiff. Even then, they are all lumped together. For instance, if an American Staffordshire Terrier is crossed with a Mastiff, it's a Pitbull Mastiff just like when an American Bulldog is used.

Some people may want to distinguish their "variation" by modifying the type of dog they call it, and there's nothing wrong with that. It simply isn't something recognized by any club or registry, and the term "pit mastiff breeds" will often be met with swift corrections regarding the hybridization of these dogs.

Mastiffs and Pitbulls are, like many dogs, pack-driven by nature. As they tend to have a history of blood sport and exploitative abuse by humans, the Mastiff Pitbull mix temperament is highly dominant. If neglected, these dogs can too easily slip into survival mode. On the other hand, they are too happy to have responsible, hardy and firm owners who will always be there for these dogs. With the right people, these dogs are reliable, trustworthy and extremely loyal. They have a high tolerance for pain but they should be watched around children, small pets, and other dogs, especially if they were rescue dogs adopted in their adult years. Training should not be difficult, but their legendary toughness does not mean you should be harsh. Understanding that the Pitbull Mastiff mix temperament is primarily tender at heart, patience and a gentle voice should be used when training and socializing.

Cross-breeding dogs of any breed or type will grant benefits such as contributing to better health of the puppies. This is called hybrid vigor. Still, there are some problems that will persist depending on the dog's size and other factors. Massive dogs such as Mastiffs and the larger Pitbull types tend to have weight and hip problems, for instance. They may have some features that contribute to health issues, such as jowly mouths invite infections if not cleaned properly.

Here are some of the health problems that can affect Pitbull Mastiffs:

• Bloat
• Obesity
• Tumors
• Cancer
• Allergies
• Hip dysplasia
• Kidney failure
• Skin diseases
• Hypothyroidism
• Cardiovascular disease

Because they can come from any of the many Pitbull types of dogs, the average Pitbull Mastiff lifespan can be anywhere from 8 to 12 years.