Pitbull Bulldog mixes, often a cross between the American Pitbull Terrier and the American Bulldog, are impressive dogs with muscular builds. Despite their tough appearance and the stereotypes surrounding them, these dogs are affectionate and gentle when well-trained. Learn more about their characteristics, temperament, intelligence, diet, exercise needs, health, training, grooming, and some fun facts.
Breed Overview
Height: 20–24 inches
Weight: 40–80 pounds
Lifespan: 10–13 years
Colors: Brown, black, white, or a mix of these colors
Suitable for: Active families with experience training dogs
Temperament: Loyal, overprotective, intelligent
Pitbull Bulldog mixes, also known as Bully Pits, are ideal for active families who are experienced in training dogs. These dogs may look intimidating, but with proper socialization and training from an early age, they can be gentle and loving pets. However, their more aggressive nature means they need careful handling and consistent training.
Caring for a Pitbull Bulldog Mix
Pitbull Bulldog mix puppies inherit traits from both parent breeds, so their exact appearance can vary. To ensure these dogs thrive, they need proper training, socialization, and exercise.
Taking care of a Pitbull Bulldog mix takes time, patience, and effort but can be very rewarding. Here are some key points to consider:
Exercise: This breed needs daily walks, playtime, and training sessions to stay healthy and happy.
Training: Start training early and be consistent. These dogs can be stubborn, so use patience and positive reinforcement techniques.
Socialization: Early socialization is important to prevent behavioral issues. Expose them to different people, animals, and environments to help them become well-rounded pets.
Choosing a Breeder: Make sure to buy your puppy from a reputable breeder who treats their dogs well and has no intention of fighting them. This ensures you get a healthy puppy that hasn’t been subjected to abuse or inbreeding.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Pitbull Bulldog Mix
Pitbulls and Bulldogs have a reputation for being aggressive, but a well-socialized and trained Pitbull Bulldog mix, or Bully Pit, won’t be outright aggressive. While they might not be as friendly as a Golden Retriever, they won’t scare people away either.
Are These Dogs Good for Families?
Bully Pits can be good for families with older children. Though they are unlikely to attack, they can play rough, which might be dangerous for young kids. Families with children aged 10 and older are more suitable for Bully Pits. Despite their tough appearance, these dogs are affectionate and love attention from their family.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?
Bully Pits generally do not get along well with other pets. Even with proper socialization, they can be territorial and may not tolerate other animals in the home. It’s best to keep a Bully Pit as the only pet, although pets that stay in cages or tanks, like lizards or fish, are usually fine. Avoid getting another dog or cat.
Things to Know When Owning a Pitbull Mix with American Bulldog
Owning a Pitbull mix with an American Bulldog can be challenging, especially if you’re not familiar with bully breeds. These dogs need a specific diet, plenty of exercise, and regular medical attention. On the bright side, they require less grooming, but you still need to watch for skin infections.
Food & Diet Requirements
Bully Pits have specific health needs, so a proper diet is essential. They usually need 2.5 to 4 cups of high-quality dry dog food daily, depending on their age and size. Choose food rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, chondroitin, and glucosamine to support their bone and overall health. As your dog grows, switch to food that suits their life stage, like puppy food for young dogs and senior blends for older ones.
Exercise
A Pitbull mix with an American Bulldog needs lots of exercise and stimulation. Aim for about 90 minutes of activity each day to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. This exercise doesn’t have to be intense—daily walks and indoor playtime are sufficient. However, if you’re active, you can include runs or games of fetch, as these dogs are agile but also enjoy some downtime.
Training
Training a Bully Pit is straightforward because they’re intelligent and eager to please. Consistency and firmness are key to earning their respect and obedience. Positive reinforcement works best—use treats and praise to reinforce good behavior. Avoid being aggressive, as it can lead to unwanted reactions from your dog. With patience and positive reinforcement, your Bully Pit will respond well to training.
Grooming
Bully Pits have short coats that shed moderately, making grooming relatively easy. Brush their coat once or twice a week to keep it healthy, especially during shedding season. Bathing should only be done as needed, typically once a month, unless they get into something messy. Wipe their eye area frequently to prevent irritation, and brush their teeth daily. Be gentle during grooming and introduce tools gradually to ensure your dog feels comfortable.
Health and Conditions
Bully Pits are prone to health issues inherited from their Bulldog parent, such as breathing difficulties, heart disease, and skin problems. Those resembling Bulldogs may need more medical attention. Both Bulldogs and Pitbulls are susceptible to hip dysplasia, a serious condition to watch for in Bully Pits. Minor conditions like allergies and skin irritations are also common. Regular vet check-ups and proper care can help manage these conditions.
Male vs Female
There’s little difference between male and female Bully Pits in terms of temperament and size. Both are loving, playful, and overprotective at times. Females may be more cautious and make better watchdogs, while males may be more playful. Size-wise, they’re similar, so choose based on individual personality rather than gender.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Pitbull Bulldog Mix
- Often Mistaken for Pitbulls: Despite being a mix, Pitbull Bulldog mixes are frequently mistaken for purebred Pitbulls. This confusion arises because many people associate Pitbulls with muscular bodies and wide heads, traits that are more consistent in Bully Pits than in actual Pitbulls. The classic Pitbull, such as the Pitbull Terrier, tends to have a smaller head compared to Bully Pits.
- Super Loving: Despite their potential for overprotectiveness, properly socialized and trained Bully Pits are known for their affectionate and friendly nature. Around their owners, they exhibit kitten-like behavior, craving attention, lap time, and petting. While this loving demeanor can be endearing, it also means they require constant validation and attention, which may be overwhelming for some owners.
- Easy to Train: Contrary to common misconceptions, Bully Pits are often some of the easiest dogs to train. Their high intelligence and eagerness to please make them quick learners. Despite their intimidating appearance, they are cooperative and responsive to training efforts. With consistent effort and positive reinforcement, Bully Pits can quickly pick up commands and behaviors.
In conclusion, Pitbull Bulldog mixes, or Bully Pits, are impressive and affectionate dogs with unique characteristics. Despite their intimidating appearance, they thrive in active families with proper training and care. While they may have health issues inherited from their Bulldog parent, regular vet check-ups and attention to grooming can help manage these conditions. With their loving nature and eagerness to please, Bully Pits are great companions for families with older children. Remember, with consistent training and socialization, these dogs can be gentle and loyal pets, making them a rewarding addition to any loving home.
what is a pitbull and American Bulldog mix called?
A pitbull and American Bulldog mix is commonly referred to as an American Bully, Bully Pitbull, or Pitbull Bully. It’s a combination of the American Bulldog and the American Pit Bull Terrier, resulting in a Bullypit.
Are pitbull and Bulldog mixes good dogs?
Yes, they can make great pets for active families who are experienced in training dogs. However, their potentially more aggressive temperament requires thorough socialization and training from an early age.
What two breeds make a pitbull?
Most pitbull-type dogs descend from crosses between the Old English Bulldog and the Old English Terrier, known as the British bull and terrier. This resulted in the development of the pit bull-type dogs.
Are pit bull mixes good dogs?
Yes, pitbull mixes can be good dogs! Their behavior largely depends on training and socialization. Pitbulls have become popular in the United States, and with proper care, they can be loving and loyal companions.
Is American Bully a pitbull mix?
American Bullies are a newer breed developed in the 1990s in the United States. They are a mix of various breeds, including Pitbulls, American Staffordshire Terriers, and English Bull Terriers. While Pitbulls are an older breed originally from England in the 1800s.
