What do you get when we mix a soft and cuddly goofball of a dog with giant bat ears and a lean, mean dog that is energetic and intelligent? The French Bulldog Pitbull mix is one of the most adorable, loving, and insanely friendly breeds. This hybrid dog might be the perfect dog for you and your family.
You may be in luck if you struggle to decide between a French Bulldog and a Pitbull. Purebred dogs are great, but mixed breed dogs combine all the best features of your favorite breeds and deliver something that could be even better. Join me as we uncover all the best information about the French bulldog Pitbull mix.
French Bulldog Pitbull Mix Lineage
To learn all you can about French Pitbulls, it is vital to look into their history. The two dogs that make up a French Pitbull seem vastly different at first glance but bear with us as we explain how they come together to create such a stunning mix. Hold onto your hat; we’re taking a trip down memory lane!
French Bulldog History
French Bulldogs were originally English Bulldogs. They were bred to compete in a game called Bull-Baiting. The game worked by tying a bull up and blowing pepper into its nose before letting a dog into the arena. (source)
The dog’s aim was to immobilize the bull without getting hurt. Since not many dogs could succeed against the angered bull, a new breed was created to beat all the others. The English Bulldog was perfectly made to get close enough to the bull and strike its blow without getting hurt.
In the mid-1800s, a new law was passed in England that banned animal cruelty. The new law stopped Bull-Baiting, dog fighting, and other barbaric sports of the time. An unexpected side-effect of the ban was the English Bulldogs that were left without a purpose.
Breeders decided to work with the vicious dog to create a toy version that was more likely to work as a pet. The Toy English Bulldog was tiny, adorable, and a perfect lap-dog companion dog for many people during that time.
They were trendy amongst the lace workers and would sit on their laps for hours. During the Industrial Revolution, many ladies who had been lace workers lost their jobs. There was a mass exodus from England to France, and the Toy English Bulldogs were among the migrants.
Once spotted in France, the Toy English Bulldog was in high demand. Breeders adapted it further, and the end result is the French Bulldog we know and love today. French Bulldogs have always been expensive dogs but have been owned and adored by people from royalty, to ladies of the night, to the regular man on the street.
French Bulldogs have appeared in paintings and sketches by famous artists like Degas and Toulouse-Lautrec and continue to be coveted and loved today.
American Pit Bull Terrier History
Pitbulls are also called American Pitbull Terriers or Pitbull Terriers. They were initially bred in England, Ireland, and Scotland for use with livestock. When livestock escaped, these dogs were sent to capture and restrain the animals until farmers could get to them. (source)
Would you believe that they are a version of English Bulldog? They were explicitly bred for bull-baiting, just like the steady English Bulldog.
Pitbulls were later used in dog fighting and were bred and trained to show aggression to other dogs. The intention was not for them to show aggression to humans. Unfortunately, through bad breeding training practices over the years, they have received a bad reputation.
Though illegal in many countries, dog fighting continued underground, and breeders mixed particularly aggressive dogs. Dog fighters were known to mistreat Pitbulls to make them more aggressive. This is a sad situation for any animal, especially for the Pitbull that can be so loving and loyal to the right owner.
Because of their bad publicity, Pitbulls were banned in some areas, and specific organizations put them down instead of trying to get them adopted. For those who own Pitbulls, this probably seems an unfair practice, and for a good reason.
Pitbulls are desperately loyal and loving to their owners. They are playful and energetic and will go to great lengths to please you and make you laugh. They are good with children and do not require much grooming.
Are French Bulldogs Related To Pitbulls?
If you’ve been reading from the start, you may have read that amazingly, American Pitbulls actually came from the English Bulldog. The English Bulldog was bred to fight bulls, and the Pitbull was the leaner, more robust version produced after.
The English Bulldog was made smaller to create the French Bulldog, a sweet and loveable companion. So, Pitbulls and French Bulldogs are related, though their breeding took somewhat different paths along the way.
It is fascinating that their lines are crossing once again in the French Bulldog Pitbull mixes.
French Bulldog X Pitbull
French Pitbulls are a mix between the French Bulldog and the Pitbull. They combine the best of both breeds and make wonderful family pets. Let us dive into the loyal, loving world of the French Pitbull and learn what we can about this hybrid dog breed.
The French Bulldog and Pit Bull were brought to the United States in the late 1800s. Though we cannot say how or when the first French Pitbull came about, we can assume that breeders experimented with combinations of the two wildly popular breeds at the time. Perhaps, like the
French Bulldog breeders attempted to secure a future for the Pit Bull in a world sans dogfighting.
Today, the French Pitbull is not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club, though it is recognized by the Designer Dogs Kennel Club in the United States.
French Pitbull Appearance
The appearance of the French Pitbull varies depending on the dominant traits passed through breeding.
The two main types of appearance you may encounter can be divided as such:
Dominant French Bulldog Appearance
Dominant Pit Bull Appearance
Let us look at the details of both.
Dominant French Bulldog Appearance
If your French Pitbull has dominant Frenchie traits, you can expect to see a small to medium-sized dog with short, easily groomed fur. They have short legs and are muscular. Their face is a square shape, and the muzzle is flat.
These dogs have prominent pointed ears. Their eyes can be blue, brown, or black. French Pitbulls’ fur is typically white, cream, or fawn, though other color combinations can be found. (source)
Dominant Pit Bull Appearance
French Pitbulls with dominant Pit Bull traits look much like those with dominant French Bulldog traits; however, there is one significant noticeable difference.
Dogs with dominant Pit Bull traits have the square-shaped face of the other variety, but their muzzles are longer. This benefits the dog since French Bulldogs typically struggle with sinuses and breathing.
These dogs may be slightly taller than the other variety, but other significant differences have not been noted.
French Pitbull Size
French Pitbulls are typically larger than French Bulldogs. Male and female adults can weigh up to forty pounds. Females generally are slightly lighter and smaller than males. The French Pitbull can reach a height of between fourteen to nineteen inches.
Certain varieties are petite, reaching weight and height similar to a French Bulldog. These mixed breed dogs will weigh around eighteen pounds at maturity and reach about thirteen inches high.
The size of the French Pitbull makes it suitable for families or single people living in small, medium, or large homes.
French Pitbull Health and Lifespan
Designer dogs are bred to look and behave a certain way. While breeders typically mix the strongest of both breeds, there are almost always consequences to this type of breeding.
In the case of the French Pitbull mix, these dogs inherit possible health concerns from both ancestral lines.
Here are a few health issues you could find in your French Pitbull:
Skin diseases like allergies, eczema, bacterial infections, and tumors
Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome, resulting in breathing problems
Cherry eye, a condition of the tear duct and third eyelid, or cataracts, which cause blindness
Heart disease, murmurs, or the thinning of the heart valve
Hip Dysplasia results from an irregular growth rate, leading to possible difficulty of movement or lameness.
When in good health, a French Pitbull will live between twelve and fourteen years. It is best to research your breeder to ensure the validity of the mix and the strength of the dog you will welcome to your family.
French Bulldog Pitbull Temperament
Both Bulldogs and Pit Bulls are feared by some. This is likely because of past breeding and training practices that raised these dogs to be fighters and hunters. Today, both breeds are gentle and loving, and the mix of the two creates a loveable pet. (source)
French Bulldog Pitbull crosses are energetic. They love to play and exercise with you and the children. Although they are having fun, they should be supervised when playing with children. French Pitbulls are strong and could accidentally knock children over in an exuberant game.
If you have a French Bulldog Pitbull in your family, you can expect to be the center of attention. They love and adore their owners and desire nothing more than to make you proud. Be sure to give your dog as much attention as possible.
Early socialization is vital for French Pitbulls. Showing your new pup the ropes of their new home and introducing them to other animals will help them to quickly adapt.
The french pitbull mix has a super high energy level and desire to hunt. Take the time and effort to train them from a young age to channel their energy into positive pursuits like a daily walk or run, rather than destroying your furniture.
French Pitbulls are intelligent and can be trained from a young age. Keep training activities fun, and provide treats along the way. This breed wants to please you and keep you happy and loving towards them.
French Bulldog American Pitbull Mix
The American French Bull Terrier is a mix of the American Pit bull Terrier and the French Bulldog.
If you are confused about what the difference is between the Pitbull and the American Pit bull terrier, you are not alone. It can be somewhat difficult to keep up with all the terminology, so let us lay it out clearly.
The word “Pit Bull” is used to describe a dog type. Under the term “Pit Bull,” we find dogs like the American Staffordshire Terrier, the American Bulldog, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
All dogs that fall under the bulldog breed can be considered pit bulls, but not all are recognized by the American Kennel Club. The American Pit Bull, for example, is not recognized as a breed, though its close relative, the Staffordshire Terrier, is. (source)
The French Bulldog and the American Pitbull mix results in the American French Bull Terrier. This lively, friendly, intelligent dog is excellent for energetic families and loving owners.
French Bulldog Pitbull Mini Care Guide
Daily care for your French Pitbull is as essential as for any other animal. Read on as we uncover what care your dog needs.
A limited diet. Ensure your dog does not get overweight, which could cause health issues. Check with your vet exactly how much you should feed your French Pitbull daily, though medium-sized dogs typically require two or three cups of food throughout the day.
A diet that is rich in bone and eyesight enhancing nutrients. Consider including fats, proteins, carbohydrates, and minerals in each meal.
A weekly brush. Remove excess fur and help stimulate oil glands by using a bristle brush to groom your dog at least once a week. French Pitbulls shed more during Spring and Fall.
A regular bath. Use a dog shampoo for sensitive or dry skin when bathing your dog. Also, remember to wash between skin folds and dry it effectively to avoid skin irritation or infections.
Clean your dog’s ears and teeth regularly to maintain their hygiene and health.
Nail trimming. Your French Pitbull’s nails should be trimmed every three months or so. You can purchase a good quality nail trimmer and do this yourself, or ask a vet or groomer to trim the nails for you.
Daily exercise. French Pitbull puppies require fifteen to twenty minutes of exercise a day. Mature French Pitbulls need thirty to sixty minutes per day. Your French Pitbull will love to join you on runs, walks, play “fetch,” frisbee, or be challenged by agility exercises. (source)
Training A French Pitbull
It is vital to train your French Pitbull from as young as possible. This breed is loving, loyal, and energetic, so their energy needs to be channeled and used positively.
When training your French Pitbull, keep your voice and mood positive and provide treats and praise for well-done jobs. Remember that French Bulldogs, one of the French Pitbull’s ancestors, had a stubborn streak. This trait could rear its head during training if you do not keep it fun.
When training your puppy, start with simple commands. Your French Pitbull pup should learn quickly, so you will soon find yourself incorporating tricks and more complex instructions into your repertoire.
Pit Bulls, the other ancestor of your French Pitbull puppy, were once farm helpers. Use this unique trait to your advantage as you encourage your dog to perform tasks for high praise.
Conclusion
French Pitbulls are loving, loyal, energetic, fun, and beautiful dogs. These mixed breed dogs may experience health issues associated with both ancestral breeds, but they should live between twelve and fourteen years with reasonable care.
This hybrid makes a wonderful family pet and willingly plays with children and adults alike. They relish affection and attention and will perform antics to make you laugh. They require daily exercise and grooming, similar to most dogs; however, dog shampoo for sensitive skin should be used, and you should take care of their skin folds.
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.
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