Have you wondered how incredible be a cross between the supreme dogs of the mastiff family and the bulldog family? You do not have to keep wondering much longer because a breed by the name Amstiff exists, and it will satisfy your curiosity.
Amstiff is an American Staffordshire Terrier and the Mastiff. This breed is incredibly new, and there is not much known about it. However, what we do know is that Amstiffs are great family dogs. The breed is not recognized by most clubs and registries, adding fuel to the lack of information on Amstiffs.
Amstiff History
The Amstiff only came into being by accident in recent years. However, the American Staffordshire has been around since the 19th century. Even though the breed is considered to be a pure one, they might have originated as a mix between the Bulldog and the Manchester Terrier. The mastiff, on the other hand, originated from the Asian mountains. They have rich historical references in the Egyptian and Greek artwork.
The Amstiff adapts all the good qualities of both the parent breeds. Since both the breeds are typically fighting dogs, the Amstiff is a very energetic and muscular dog. He is also a wonderful watchdog, companion dog, and an all-rounder family guy.
Amstiff Characteristics
The Amstiff is a large dog who has a large reserved of energy. They have short-staight apricot or fawn coat with black markings. You can also find Amstiffs with fawn, red, black, white, or blue coats with white markings. They sometimes seem to be the larger variant of the American Staffordshire Terrier due to their similarities in appearance and temperament.
How Big do Amstiff Get
Owing to their large parents, Amstiffs are large dogs on average. There is hardly any height difference between the male and the female Amstiff since both can get as tall as 20 – 30 inches. The male Amstiff adults generally grow up to weight 90 – 150 lbs while the females weigh 80 – 130 lbs.
How Long do Amstiff Live
The typical life expectancy of an Amstiff is not well known to experts due to their recent development. However, owing to their general health concerns, Amstiffs might not lead an extraordinarily long life. A non-obese healthy Amstiff can go on to live for about 10-12 years, but any more than that is unusual.
How Much does an Amstiff Cost
As mentioned earlier, Amstiffs are not yet recognized by most kennel clubs and registries. Therefore, even though they are rare, they do not cost much. You might have to get an Amstiff through personal connections because getting one in a rescue house or doghouse is unusual. The average cost of adopting an Amstiff might be anything between $400 and $1000, depending on the breeder and the parent breeds’ quality.
Amstiff Temperament/ Personality
Since the Amstiff is the cross between two fighting dogs, there is no doubt that the breed is gigantic and energetic. However, don’t get fooled by their size because both the parent breeds and the Amstiff are considered to be gentle giants.
Amsiffs are perfect for living with a family with kids. However, the dog will require early socialization to understand that young kids are not threats. This is because, much like the American Staffordshire Terrier, the Amstiff is known for standing in between their family and strangers when they sense a threat.
These dogs are gentle towards other dogs as long as they don’t attack their family. They do well with dog siblings and can be very playful if they have company. Amstiffs prefer living in large houses where they can jump around, but if they live in an apartment, they will require a lot of activity to prevent from getting destructive.
Training an Amstiff requires a lot of consistency, firmness, and patience due to their Mastiff parentage. Therefore, they are not the best pet for first-time dog owners. However, with the right training, positive reinforcement, and obedience sessions, they are not all that difficult to train.
Caring for Amstiff
Amstiff’s parent breeds are huge shedders are require hours of weekly grooming to stay in their prime. Even though the child and both the parents have a short and straight coat, they require considerable grooming and taking care of. The Amstiff’s health issues are also noteworthy.
Amstiff Nutrition
The Amstiff is a large dog. Therefore, it is natural that they require a lot of nutrients in their body. They require frequent meat and blood in their meals to get the perfect balance of animal proteins. Consulting a vet to prepare a meal plan is highly recommended because you have to feed the dog a lot, but you have to keep them from getting obese,
How to Groom an Amstiff
Amstiffs require weekly rubber glove brushing to maintain their silky, short, and straight coat. Unfortunately, Amstiffs take after Mastiffs, who have a tendency to shred massively. Therefore, depending on your dog’s personal requirements, you might have to brush more often. It is advisable to not bathe an Amstiff more than once a month t prevent them from getting itchy skin.
Amstiff Activity Levels
Both the American Staffordshire terrier and the Mastiff require a lot of exercise if they’re going to be living in apartments. The Amstiff tends to get destructive and stubborn with pent up energy. Therefore, it is best to walk them for at least one hour twice a day. Amstiffs might also develop into heavy barkers for fun and diggers. They do not tolerate heat well, so they should have access to water and cooling mats at all times, especially when active outside in summer.
Caring for Amstiff
Amstiffs require their ears to be cleaned at least twice a week. You should be sure to clip their nails and clean their pawn at least once a month to prevent bleeding and cracking. You should take an Amstiff to a vet for regular check-ups once every two months.
Amstiff Health
Without proper exercise, Amstiffs can become very unhealthy dogs. Even though they are mixed breeds, they tend to have health issues such as Cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia, gastric torsion, and progressive retinal atrophy, along with entropion. Therefore, they require regular eye, hip, heart, and skeletal tests.
Breeds Similar to Amstiff
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Mastiff
- Dogue de Bordeaux
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- American Bulldog
- Presa Canario
- Cane Corso
- Boxer
- Dogo Argentino
Best Dog Food For Amstiffs
For the complete nourishment of Amstiffs, the Taste of The Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is an appropriate choice. Its protein content from salmon and other vegetables helps in easy digestion and ensures enough energy for the day. A sufficient amount of minerals and amino acids helps absorb the food faster and encourages them to look forward to their next meal.
- It is a grain-free meal that is light on the digestive system.
- The inclusion of fruits and vegetables helps in strengthening immunity.
- It also contains omega fatty acids, which promote maintenance of skin and coat.
Best Puppy Food For Amstiffs
To suit the health of little Amstiffs, the Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Healthy Development Small Bites Dry Dog Food is ideal. Due to special ingredients like chicken and barley, there is the complete development of the brain and vision. It also helps in strengthening the bones and teeth, along with a stronger immune system.
- It is easy to digest by their delicate digestive system.
- It also includes fish oil, which helps in developing learning skills and mental ability.
- It is safe to consume and does not contain any harmful chemicals or preservatives.
Best Dog Crate For Amstiffs
With its sturdy and durable structure, the MidWest LifeStages Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate is apt for Amstiffs. It’s easy to assemble, lightweight, and compact size, making it ideal for traveling and ensuring a comfortable space to stay. There are secured locks on the doors, which help minimize their destructive behavior and prevent them from hurting themselves.
- It has two doors, which makes entry and exit quite convenient.
- There is a divider panel which provides sufficient space while growing.
- A removable tray beneath helps in easy cleaning of urine or excreta.
Best Dog Bed For Amstiffs
A relaxing space to Amstiffs is the Best Friends by Sheri The Original Calming Shag Fur Donut Cuddler Cat & Dog Bed. Its round shape gives them a sense of protection and allows them to snuggle while sleeping. It also has a raised edge, which acts as a headrest and prevents from falling while turning.
- The fur layer on the top keeps the body warm during the winters.
- The bottom is waterproof and prevents the floor from being messy.
- It has a sufficient amount of stuffing, which helps in relieving pain from joints.
Best Dog Harness For Amstiffs
The Mighty Paw Padded Sports Reflective No Pull Dog Harness is useful while traveling with Amstiffs as it ensures extra protection. There are different rings for attaching leashes, which makes outdoor walks more manageable. The adjustable straps and buckles help achieve a customized fit and support the body while running or hiking.
- It is useful during any weather and does not restrict the body from regular activities.
- It is relaxing on the skin and does not cause any rash or itching.
- It is easy to wear and remove, and the handle’s padding helps control their movement.
Best Dog Collar For Amstiffs
For minimizing the unnatural actions of Amstiffs, the PetSafe Gentle Leader Padded No Pull Dog Headcollar helps in controlling their movement. The padding near the nose and throat keeps the area protected and prevents it from hurting while pulling the leash. There are adjustable straps to ensure a customized fit during the growing age.
- It helps in controlling sudden pull and gives more authority to reduce anxiety.
- The loop near the nose makes it easier to wear and remove.
- It is gentle on the skin and does not pose any choking hazard.
Best Dog Muzzle For Amstiffs
The Baskerville Ultra Dog Muzzle is the best choice for Amstiffs during their aggressive or destructive behavior. It fits in properly, and a small opening allows them to eat or drink naturally. Its use restricts Amstiffs from biting or barking at others but is convenient in removing when they calm down.
- The material is soft and smooth on the skin, especially near the nose.
- It is ideal to use it during behavior correction programs or while training.
- The attachment straps help in adjusting the fit to prevent it from falling.
Best Dog Toy For Amstiffs
Since loneliness can make Amstiffs crazy, the KONG Cozie Marvin the Moose Plush Dog Toy helps distract them for long hours. It is quite soft and ideal for cuddling while sleeping and calming down during anxiety. Its sturdiness and durability make it perfect for fetching and thus involving in some indoor activities.
- Multiple layers of fabric make them stronger and tougher.
- It does not have extra stuffing and minimizes the chances of creating a mess.
- There are squeakers, whose noise adds extra fun during playtime.
Best Dog Brush For Amstiffs
The Hertzko Self-Cleaning Dog & Cat Slicker Brush is apt while indulging Amstiffs in regular grooming sessions. It gently removes all the dead and loose hair from the deep coat without hurting or irritating their skin. The specially designed bristles make the skin release natural oils and promote a healthier and shinier coat.
- Cleaning the brush is easier with just a press of a button.
- It does cause cuts or abrasions on the skin during application.
- The non-slipping handle prevents wrist pain for the user.
Best Dog Shampoo For Amstiffs
Deep cleansing Amstiffs’ body is possible with Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Shampoo with Colloidal Oat Flour & Honey for Dogs. It deeply conditions the skin and prevents dryness, and thus promotes healthier skin and coat. It doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals and therefore is safe to use.
- Oats and honey are the primary ingredients and provides a natural shine to the coat.
- It helps in reducing itching from skin infections like eczema.
- Regular usage helps in retaining skin moisture and enhances hair growth.
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