Last Updated on September 7, 2021 by Marco C.
Crossing two pedigree breeds to make a designer dog isn’t a new thing, but in recent years there are some very unusual breed combinations occurring! However, when it comes to Bulldogs you might wonder what happens when you cross two types together. Let’s take a look at what an American Bulldog mix with a Pitbull might turn out like!
Physical Characteristics Of An American Bulldog And Pitbull Mixed
To understand what an American Bulldog mix with a Pitbull will look like, we need to know a bit more about these two breeds.
The American Bulldog is a stocky and muscular dog. They are a medium-large-sized breed, standing 20 to 28 inches tall and weighing in at 60 to 120 pounds. The American Bulldog is renowned for its athletic ability, particularly its skill at jumping a great height!
American Bulldogs are fierce in appearance, but in reality, they are gentle and loyal. They are energetic dogs with high exercise needs. American Bulldogs can make a good family pet but need careful training to counteract their hunting and fighting instincts.
The American Pitbull Terrier is the smaller of the two breeds, but no less powerful. Pitbulls are around 17 to 19 inches tall and weigh between 30 and 85 pounds.
Pitbulls suffer from a bad reputation, as in the past they were used as fighting dogs. With careful training, they can make great family pets, and many people fall in love with their comical smiling face.
So, what happens when these two breeds are crossed? This process is called creating a hybrid – a dog which is half one breed and half another. The aim is to keep the most desirable characteristics of each breed, although the dog may not always turn out as hoped.
The American Bulldog mix with a Pitbull will result in a dog which is muscular and strong. It will fall midway between the two breeds in size and will be stocky in stature. Most Bulldog-Pitbull hybrids retain the wide mouth of the Pitbull.
The best thing about breeding hybrids is the names they are given. An American Bulldog and Pitbull mixed is often referred to as a Bullypit!
Learn more about: Bull Mastiff English Bulldog Mix – Double The Bull, Double The Fun
Is A Pitbull-Bulldog A Good Pet?
What we need to remember here is that we are crossing two Bulldogs which were historically used for hunting and fighting. Although many decades of breeding have aimed to remove these instincts, they still require careful handling and training.
If this is your first experience in owning and training a Bulldog, it is a good idea to have someone on hand to advise you. Look for a dog trainer with experience with these breeds to help you understand the best training methods. Putting the time and effort in from the start will give you the best chance of avoiding any aggression problems.
However, in the right hands, a Bullypit can make a fabulous family pet! These are good-natured dogs which are loyal and eager to please. They can be quite protective, so need to be well socialized as puppies to prevent any problems later in life.
With good training, your Pitbull-Bulldog will become an integral part of the family. It will want to share in all family activities, so be prepared to take him camping, hiking, and even on holiday!
Bullypits have moderately high exercise needs, so are not best suited to apartment living. They need at least one hour’s exercise per day, ideally split into two sessions. This exercise could be a walk on the leash or playtime in the park or a secure yard or garden.
How Much Does A Bully-Pit Cost?
Before buying an American Bulldog mix with a Pitbull, it is important to do your research first. Look for a reputable breeder who selects the best parents to breed from. The cheapest Bullypit is not always the best one, as you may end up with a puppy with multiple health problems.
Bully-pit puppies can cost between $250 and $2000. The price will vary according to the quality of the puppy and the health status of the parents. It is vital to research the health problems of both breeds before buying a hybrid puppy.
Once you have brought your Bullypit puppy home, there are other costs to take into account. Your puppy will need vaccinations and a microchip, and it is also worth investing in a good pet insurance policy. Puppy training classes are vital if you want to ensure that your Bullypit is well trained and socialized.
American Bulldog Mix With A Pitbull Health Problems
Some health problems are common to all Bulldogs, and you need to be aware that these could occur in your Bullypit.
- Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is relatively common in Bulldogs due to their wide set hind limbs and broad pelvis. This is a hereditary condition which causes the hip joints to form improperly. This leads to weakness of the hindlimbs and arthritis of the hip joints.
- Breathing Difficulties
Although Bullypits are longer nosed than many other types of Bulldogs, they are still classed as brachycephalic dogs. This means that they will sometimes struggle to inhale enough air, due to the short stubby nose and other obstructions in the respiratory tract. This condition is called Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS).
- Heatstroke
Any type of Bulldog is, unfortunately, a prime candidate for heatstroke, due to their large body mass and limited breathing ability.
Bulldog owners must be aware of the risk factors for heat stroke, and what to do if the dog becomes overheated. It is essential not to exercise a Bullypit in hot weather. Your dog must always have access to shade and water and must not be left out in hot sun.
Summary
So, as we have learned, an American Bulldog mix with a Pitbull can give you a fun-loving dog which makes a great family pet. However, as with all Bulldog mixes, they need careful handling and training to avoid any aggressive tendencies.
We would love to hear about your experiences with Bullypits – have you ever owned one? Perhaps you are thinking of buying a Bulldog-Pitbull puppy but have a few questions you’d like us to answer? Add a comment below this post and we’ll get back to you!
