The English Mastiff Pitbull Mix is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the English Mastiff and the Pitbull. They are also called a Pitbull English Mastiff Mix. This is going to be a large, full-bodied dog. It will more than likely have very strong protective instincts and be a confident and bold dog. This will no doubt make a great guard dog. They are obviously both very strong, powerful, and at times aggressive dogs. This is probably not the best mixed breed dog for a first time dog owner. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful English Mastiff Pitbull Mix. Note that this hybrid can consist of the brindle or other iterations.
While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a English Mastiff Pitbull Mix rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their English Mastiff Pitbull Mix puppy, if they have any English Mastiff Pitbull Mix puppies for sale.
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All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. Please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.
Pitbull History:
So, pitbulls in general have kind of a complex background and no one's entirely sure what to do with it. There are three major breeds of pits:
American Pitbull Terrier
American Staffordshire Terrier
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
They are all working dogs that hail from the same ancestors. They are known to come from the terrier group and were originally bred for baiting bulls. Their stocky, low profile makes them stand out as dogs that would be good for aggressive hunting.
English Mastiff History:
English Mastiffs are a large working breed that are literally thousands of years old. This is of course skeptical, but there is evidence depicting them going back as far as 6 thousand years ago. They were bred by gamekeepers for strength, size and speed using a cross of the tough, heavy and aggressive Bulldog of the 19th century with the large, strong, less aggressive Mastiff. They were used in “baiting sports” to kill bulls and bears, many times in the arena. Fortunately, this was put to an end in Britain in the 1830’s.English Mastiff
Height: 28-36 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 120 - 240 lb.
Lifespan: 10 - 12 years
American Pitbull Terrier
Height: 17 - 19 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 30 - 85 lb.
Lifespan: 8 - 15 years
English Mastiff Pitbull Mix Temperament
Like all hybrids, you have to look to the parents to get a good read on how they will likely behave. Yes, both of these dogs can have bad reputations - and rightfully so - but with the right owners and care and socialization given they can be great companions. With training it will be an obedient dog who is loyal and makes a very good guard dog. They are not going to be too warm to strangers and will act to protect you. They are an alpha with a strong personality and needs a strong owner with experience who can set themselves as pack leader. They should get along well with other animals if exposed and socialized properly as well. They are somewhat capable of independence, or alone time when the house is noisy or full. She responds well to positive reinforcement, like all dogs. She should be rather affectionate and enjoy spending lots of time with you. Don’t plan on leaving her alone for long periods as he won’t do well alone. She wants to be with the “pack.”
All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.
The English Mastiff mixed with the Pitbull might be prone to Eye problems, seizures, kidney problems, bloat, cancer, hypothyroidism, heart disease trachea among others.
What are the grooming requirements?
The one really good thing about this breed is that they really don’t shed that much. They do both shed as all dogs do and will need a little bit of maintenance, but they both have shorter hair and are really not prone to shedding. They are pretty easy keepers in this department. Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.
What are the exercise requirements?
This is a moderate energy dog and is not good for someone that is a couch potato. They are rather mellow but want to be out doing things. There are more hyper dogs out there and this guy will fall somewhere in the middle. If you are worried about their temperament, the best way to tame their aggression and to tame their energy is by simply burning it off of them. A tired dog is a good dog. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him. Also, never leave them outside when you are not home.
What are the training requirements?
This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.
A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible.
Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.
I good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.