Since the beginning of history, people have been fascinated with breeding animals. Dogs, in particular, have offered a wide scope to inveterate animal breeders. Their relatively short time to sexual maturity and regular reproductive seasons allows breeders to start producing ‘new’ dog breeds quickly. Although dog purists frown upon mixing breeds, the trend to produce designer dogs is growing. A recently developing bully breed is the Bull Terrier Pitbull Mix.
A Bull Terrier Pitbull Mix is the offspring produced by mating English Bull Terriers with Pitbulls. Usually, American Pitbulls are used, but sometimes American Bullies or American Staffordshire Terriers may also be used. They are chunky, muscular dogs with temperaments inherited from their parents.
I am a veterinarian that owns a rescued Pitbull. My interest in the breed has grown over the years, and I follow new developments in breeding practices. The Bull Terrier Pitbull Mix came to my attention recently, and I thought it would be appropriate to look at this hybrid dog more closely.
What Is a Bull Terrier Pitbull Mix?
A Bull Terrier Pitbull Mix is a dog produced by breeding American Pitbulls and English Bull Terriers. Generally, American Pitbulls are used, but some breeders use American Bullies, American Staffordshire Terriers, or other Pitbull-type dogs to breed with Bull Terriers.
This hybrid dog is so new that it has no official name yet.
What Is A Pitbull Bulldog Mix Called?
The puppies resulting from breeding an American Pitbull to an American Bulldog are called Bullypits. Sometimes this name is also used for American Bully Dogs.
What Is The Bull Terrier Pitbull Mix Origin and History?
There is limited information available on the origins and history of the Bull Terrier Pitbull Mix. The hybrid created by mixing these breeds has no official breed title or standards.
The Pitbull Mix Bull Terrier is still informal and unofficial. The best option we have is to look at the history of the parent breeds.
Bull Terrier History
Bull Terriers were bred in England in approximately 1835. They were initially bred from two parent breeds, the English Bulldog and the Old English Terrier.
At a later stage, James Hinks of Birmingham used White English Terriers, Dalmatians, and Spanish Pointers to refine the breed.
Bull TerrierPitbull Terrier
Pitbull History
Pitbulls had a similar heritage as Bull Terriers. They were also bred for blood sports, mostly bull and bear baiting and later dog fighting or catching rats in a pit. The English Bulldogs were not considered agile enough and were mixed with Old English Terriers.
In America, Pitbulls took on the role of homestead guardians, herders, and draft animals. Breeders selected dogs that were accomplished in these roles, and the breed became refined into the American Pitbull.
Bull Terrier Pitbull Mix Characteristics
It is challenging to say what prompts breeders to mix Bull Terriers and Pitbulls. It is difficult to find breeders of this hybrid dog as there seems to be limited advertising on official web pages.
Size and Weight
Bull Terrier Pitbull Mixes are 17 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 40 to 70 pounds. There is some broad variation around this depending on the parents’ size and whether the offspring have more of the Bull Terrier or Pitbull Traits.
Bull Terrier Pittie Mix Temperament
The temperament of this hybrid bully is usually loyal and loving towards family members while being protective if trouble arises.
They can be stubborn and territorial, which makes it essential to do obedience training with them. Bull Terrier Pitbull Mixes are often dog-aggressive and are best kept with a dog of the other sex.
Lifespan
Due to the recent emergence of the breed, it is difficult to accurately predict their lifespan. Pitbulls generally live 10-14 years. his hyprid breed can be expected to live 8 to 15 years.
Coat Color And Grooming
Bull Terrier Pitbull Mixes can show all the colors in their parent breeds. Brindle and white will probably be standard colors in this hybrid.
They have a single short coat that is not difficult to groom.
Does This Hybrid Breed Shed a Lot?
Although Bull Terrier Pitbull Mixes have short coats, they shed throughout the year with heavier sheds during spring. Regular brushing will prevent hair fall in the house. I have an article on shedding you can check out here.
Activity Level Of Bull Terrier Pitbull Mixes
The Bull Terrier Pitbull Mix is a very active dog with high energy levels. These hybrid dogs are happiest when they have a job or can participate in a dog sport.
Owners should be prepared to enable their dogs to have two hours of energetic exercise a day, especially when they are young adults.
Bull Terrier Pitbull Mixes – Children And Other Pets
Bull Terriers and Pitbulls can be good dogs with children, but this is influenced by bloodline and handling. It is essential to socialize these dogs with children from an early age and ensure the child knows how to behave appropriately around the dog.
Both breeds and, consequently, the hybrid dog tend to be aggressive to other dogs and pets. It is best to keep them with a dog of the opposite sex and reinforce socialization early.
Are Pit Bull Terrier Mix Good Dogs?
Pitbull Terrier Mixes can be good dogs. The choice of bloodline and the temperament of the parent dogs influence the temperament of the offspring. Good handling with positive reinforcement while maintaining boundaries is crucial for these hybrids.
Health Issues Of Bull Terrier Pitbull Mixes
Bull Terrier Pitbull Mixes are prone to some diseases. These include:
Arthritis: This is common in many breeds.
Hemangiosarcoma, which is cancer affecting the blood vessels and are often found in the spleen.
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia occurs when there is a malformation in the hip or elbow joints.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) leads to an enlarged heart and shortened life span.
Allergies most commonly to the environment but sometimes are food related.
Cataracts in young dogs. Cataracts are usually seen in older dogs, but in this hybrid, there may be early cataract development.
Polycystic kidney disease. This is relatively rare but can occur through the Bull Terrier lineage
Deafness in all white dogs is relatively common so be extra vigilant when choosing a white puppy.
Glaucoma, which is increased pressure in the eye and damages the eye structures.
Food and Diet Of Bull Terrier Pitbull Mix
When it comes to food and diet, the Bull Terrier Pitbull Mix is a relatively easy-going pup – they only need a special diet if they have any allergies. If this is the case, it’s best for pet owners to consult with their vet to identify the allergen and find something that works for them both.
Other than that, Bull Terrier Pitbull Mix puppies will benefit from food that supports healthy growth during their formative years, and adults of this breed need a quality adult maintenance diet to help maintain their general health. You can also consider a mobility diet which can help support their bones and joints since they are fairly susceptible to arthritis as they get older.
How Much Does a Bull Terrier Pitbull Mix Cost?
You can expect to pay anywhere between $400 to $3,000 for a Bull Terrier Pitbull Mix. There are plenty available for adoption in shelters at around $200 adoption fee.
Should You Be Breeding Pitbull Bull Terrier Mixes?
It always raises ethical questions when new dog breeds are developing. I believe dogs should be bred with a clear purpose and definite aim.
Breeding a mix of a Bull Terrier and Pitbull just to develop a new breed or see what the offspring look like is a poor reason.
Breeding is a complicated endeavor that requires genetic knowledge and the correct choice of bloodlines for physical health and good temperament.
There are many Bull Terriers and Pitbull type dogs in shelters. It would be better to adopt these than breed an entirely new hybrid which may add to the problem of abandoned and unwanted dogs.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Pitbull Bull Terrier Mix
Pros
Loyal loveable dog.
Protective of family.
Easy coat to manage.
Cons
Uncertain inheritance from parent dogs.
Dog and other pet aggression.
High energy levels,
A stubborn, strong-willed dog that needs training.
Health problems
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Bull Terrier Pitbull Mix A Good Choice For A First-time Dog Owner?
Due to their dominant, strong characters, these dogs are not good for first-time dog owners.
Are Bull Terrier Pitbull Mixes Aggressive?
They should not be aggressive toward people, but bloodlines and handling play a large role in temperament. They will probably be aggressive to other dogs and pets.
Are Bull Terrier Pitbull Mixes Hypoallergenic?
Bull Terrier Pitbull Mixes are not hypoallergenic. They shed throughout the year and will trigger allergies in people allergic to dogs.
My Final Thoughts
The Bull Terrier Pitbull Mix is an attractive and powerful combination of two breeds known to have strong and dominant personalities. They can be loyal and loving dogs, but their strong characters mean that they need a confident handler who knows how to train them in order to get the best out of them.
It is also important for potential owners to be aware of the possible health problems and make sure they source a puppy from a reputable breeder. It is also much better for potential owners to consider adopting an adult dog from a shelter as opposed to breeding this combination.
If you found this article informative, please share it.
Hi everyone, I’m Emily Andrews and I can’t wait to explain why Bullypaw.org means so much to me.
For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to be a veterinarian. I loved every dog, horse, bird, and squirrel. But from an early age, I noticed that bully dogs like Pitbulls and Staffordshire Terriers were given a different treatment than their friends.
Everyone said they were prone to aggression, but I didn’t believe it. They seemed just as friendly as my family Labrador. Turns out I was right. These dogs are loyal and were once considered the perfect nanny dogs.
My love for animals wasn’t just a childhood fantasy. In 2002 I graduated from my veterinary school in New Zealand with a BVSc. I wanted to travel the world and help rejected animals as I went, but to do that I needed to pass the American Exams. It didn’t take long for me to earn a DVM, and soon I was heading to Florida.
We want to show everyone why bully dogs can be amazing pets. If you like any of our work, share it among your friends and help reduce decades of misinformation.
