Amstiff

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80-130 lbs
20-30"
United States
American Stafforshire Terrier
Mastiff
Bandogge

The Amstiff is a cross between the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Mastiff. The nickname Bandogge refers to a Mastiff cross with any of the Bulldog family. This hybrid breed is easy to maintain as far as grooming. They are large dogs who are great guardians and who need a moderate amount of exercise, which can be done by walking or jogging with him on a leash. It can also take place in a fenced-in yard. While the Amstiff can be an apartment dog, he will require a good bit of exercise in order to keep him from the mischief that can be caused simply because he is bored. The Amstiff is considered a great family dog; however, they must be socialized with children at an early age. 
purpose Purpose
Companion, Guarding
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
American Staffordshire Terrier, Mastiff

Amstiff Health

Average Size
Male Amstiff size stats
Height: 20-30 inches Weight: 90-150 lbs
Female Amstiff size stats
Height: 20-30 inches Weight: 80-130 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Gastric Torsion
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Hip Dysplasia
Minor Concerns
  • Entropion
Occasional Tests
  • Hip And Eyes
  • Heart
  • Skeletal
  • X-Rays
  • Physical Examination

Amstiff Breed History

The Amstiff’s name is a mixture of the parent breed names – the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Mastiff. The American Staffordshire Terrier originated in the early nineteenth century and was created as a smaller, faster fighting dog (when compared with the Bulldog). Ironically, the American Staffordshire Terrier was bred to be friendly with people. Most experts believe the Staffordshire is a mix of the Manchester Terrier and the Bulldog. The American Staffordshire Terrier is generally a family companion, smaller than an American Pit Bull Terrier, and a good watchdog, but not highly aggressive. The Mastiff is a descendent of the molosser which is believed to originate in the mountains of Asia. Mastiffs are depicted in ancient Greek and Egyptian artwork. The Mastiff has been a herding dog and was also used during warfare by Kubla Khan. Unfortunately, the Mastiff has also been used as a fighting dog. However, the Mastiff is quite gentle. This makes the Amstiff a great companion, watchdog, and all-around family dog.

Amstiff Breed Appearance

You can expect an Amstiff to display characteristics of both its parent breeds. The American Staffordshire Terrier comes in variety of colors: red, fawn, white, black, or blue; they may also have any of these colors with white markings. The Mastiff has a short, straight fawn or apricot outer coat, often with black markings. Most Amstiffs look like the American Staffordshire Terrier only larger; however, there are a few Amstiffs that have a Mastiff-type head. The American Staffordshire Terrier has a coat that is short and straight; the Mastiff has an undercoat that is short and dense. Expect a mixture of the two in your Amstiff. 

Amstiff Breed Maintenance

Both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Mastiff have a short, straight coat, so grooming an Amstiff should be rather easy. Weekly brushing with a rubber hound glove is recommended. Mastiffs have a tendency to shed more than American Staffordshire Terriers, so it is possible you may need to brush more than once a week. If your Amstiff puppy inherits the Mastiff wrinkles, you will need to clean the wrinkles daily to prevent bacterial infections. To clean, use a damp washcloth to wipe between the wrinkles. Be sure not to leave the area moist as this could promote bacterial growth. You should brush your Amstiff’s teeth at least three times a week; however, if you want to prevent gum disease, brush the dog’s teeth daily. Trim your dog’s nails every other week. The rule of thumb is if you can hear your dog’s nails clicking on the floor, it is time to cut them. 

Amstiff Temperament

Although the American Staffordshire Terrier and Mastiffs were used as fighting dogs in the past, the big dogs are actually gentle giants. They are great with children; however, it is recommended that they are socialized from an early age. Mastiffs are leery of strangers and are known to step between their human family and strangers if they feel a threat is present. Mastiffs are more stubborn than American Staffordshire Terriers, and while your puppy may have the American Staffordshire’s personality, it may be best to enroll your Amstiff in obedience classes. Working with an Amstiff will require patience, firmness, consistency, and loving correction. 

Amstiff Activity Requirements

The Amstiff is a mixture of a large-breed and a giant-breed dog, so you can expect the Amstiff to grow to be rather large himself. However, both Mastiffs and American Staffordshire Terriers can live in an apartment dwelling if they are given ample exercise, although they will thrive in a home that has a fenced-in yard available. Both parent breeds need a fairly moderate amount of exercise and activity. Neither the Mastiff nor the American Staffordshire Terrier tolerate heat well, so be sure that the Amstiff  has access to water during playtime. Mastiffs especially tend to be destructive when they are bored, so daily exercise is a must for the Amstiff. 
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Written by Darlene Stott

Published: 10/09/2017, edited: 02/24/2021

More articles by Darlene Stott

Amstiff Owner Experiences

Knavery
1 Year
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Knavery is a great dog when she was just a little puppy that me and my husband found her but she was a great dog and reliable companion to my children
3 years, 1 month ago
Paris
8 Months
3 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Paris is a very well behaved dog by nature. She is very cautious of her surroundings and of peoples and other animals temperaments, she does not ever fight back when others get aggressive. She’s great with children and is very protective of her family and property. She pulls when leashed and forever will as her breed is known to be untrainable to not pull. And for a medium sized dog I tell ya she’ll pull you like a tow truck when she wants to. Very easy to train as they’re very smart, however they are known to be stubborn as well so don’t expect them to come every time you call them. Just deal with it and love them :)
5 years, 5 months ago
Tank
9 Months
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Tank is extremely smart. Very obedient and very strong. He was easy to train. He is great with my 3 year old. He is very protective of the two of us but uses his loud bark as a warning. He is a digger. He is a chewer. He has the zoomies a lot. He has no boundaries at night and usually steals the covers. He sleeps upside down with his paws in the air. He snores. He is terrible at drinking water and leaves a trail every time. Tank is an awesome dog. This is my first experience with an Amstiff and I was apprehensive at first. He has definitely taught me to judge the deed, not the breed. I’d rescue another one again in a heart beat!
5 years ago
Dude
5 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
The wife wanted a fish tank.......so I got Her a dog! Dude’s classic Amstiff. He’s off his chops during puppy hour playing zooming and digging in his sand pit. He likes to share the sofa with us and this 6 cushions.
4 years, 9 months ago
Zissou
9 Months
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He was supposed to be a Newfoundland mix puppy, dna test proved him different. He is a great puppy and wouldn't trade him in. He is super sweet with a big personality. Happy to know he has an official mix breed name.
4 years, 8 months ago
Bougee
10 Weeks
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Great dog , very intelligent
3 years, 9 months ago
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