Amstiff Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & More

The post Amstiff Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & More by Jessica Kim appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

The Amstiff is a rare crossbreed of an American Staffordshire Terrier and a Mastiff. Because they’re so uncommon, Amstiffs can vary significantly in size and color, and their temperaments can vary depending on whether they take after an American Staffordshire Terrier or Mastiff more.

What we do know about Amstiffs is that they’re usually active and versatile dogs. They love to run around and explore, but they can also be relaxed couch potatoes. When they’re matched with the right owner and receive proper training, they have the potential to become some of the most loyal and loving companions.

Breed Overview

Amstiffs usually grow up to be large or giant-sized dogs. They may be intimidating in size, but they’re gentle giants at heart. They usually love to play and run around, and they’ll equally enjoy lounging on the couch with their favorite people. Amstiffs are calm and confident, and they’ll love nothing more than hanging out with their family and enjoying new experiences together.

Amstiff Characteristics

Amstiff Puppies

Because Amstiffs are so uncommon, it’s unlikely you’ll find a breeder who breeds them consistently. You’re more likely to find Amstiffs at an animal rescue or adoption organization. Even then, you’ll probably find a mixed-breed dog with some American Staffordshire Terrier or Mastiff in their pedigree.

Amstiff puppies tend to be very playful and have a lot of energy. American Staffordshire Terriers in particular are high-energy dogs, so you can expect to spend a lot of time exercising your puppy. Amstiff puppies also bond through play, so it’s vital for them to spend time playing games and engaging in a variety of fun activities with their owners.

When raising an Amstiff puppy, puppy-proofing your home is a must. Amstiff puppies are inquisitive and can easily find their way into hard-to-reach places. They also grow quickly and can easily jump onto tables or reach food left on countertops. Because they have the potential to grow to a large size, they must start obedience training as early as possible. A misbehaving Amstiff puppy can cause significant damage to your home and possessions and must be trained to keep themselves and those around them safe.

Amstiff Origin & History

It’s unclear when the first Amstiff appeared. There are no Amstiff dog clubs, and Amstiffs aren’t officially recognized by any breed clubs or organizations. Therefore, very little is known about them. However, their parent breeds have been around for much longer. Mastiffs are an ancient dog breed with records of their existence predating the Roman Empire, while American Staffordshire Terriers started appearing in the 18^th century. Much of our information about Amstiffs comes from the information we already know about American Staffordshire Terriers and Mastiffs.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Amstiff

Amstiffs can grow to an intimidating size, but they’re actually good-natured, affectionate dogs. They’re extremely devoted and loyal to their families and usually form strong bonds with one or two of their primary caretakers.

When living with an Amstiff, you can expect to maintain an active lifestyle. Amstiffs have a lot of energy and are powerful dogs. They usually make excellent running and hiking companions, and they require adequate amounts of daily exercise to help them maintain a healthy body weight and prevent obesity.

While Amstiffs are usually easy going, they’re usually a better fit for experienced dog owners rather than first-time dog owners. Living with large dogs often requires significant lifestyle changes, and they require strong and firm owners who won’t back down or lose control when handling their dog.

Fortunately, Amstiffs are relatively easy to train. They’re intelligent and intuitive dogs that usually catch onto obedience training quickly. Amstiffs grow to become very loyal and are eager to please their owners after they’ve fully gained their trust.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? Read Original