American Bulldog Pitbull Mix: Everything You Need to Know

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Written by: Celestine Gomez
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Pitbull Bulldog Mixes are usually a cross between an American Bulldog and an American Pitbull Terrier, though they can also be crossed with other Bulldog and Pitbull breeds.

These mixes may appear frightening because of their bulky physique and negative reputation, but when properly trained, they are simply puppies at heart.

These dogs are ideal companions for busy families who are familiar with wild dog training and are seeking a scary dog that loves like a dove. However, because of its more aggressive nature, this dog will require extensive socialization and training from a young age.

It’s crucial to know that Bully Pits demand a lot of attention and care. They not only expect to be by your company 24 hours a day, but they also have a number of health issues that can be pricey to cure.

So, before you buy this high-maintenance yet lovable breed, do some research on your own talents and limitations.

Luckily, we have all the information that you need about the American Bulldog Pitbull in this article. You’ll know more about its origin, appearance, personality, traits, grooming requirements, possible health problems, food requirements, and training requirements.

American Bulldog Pitbull Mix Origins

Although designer dogs have been around for a long time, some believe the American Bulldog Pitbull combination was created during the last 30 years or more.

So, in order to learn a little more about the mixed breed and to know what to expect in terms of appearance and disposition, we must examine each of the purebred parents more closely.

American Bulldog

American Bulldog

However, most bully hybrids have a tumultuous history, and the American Bulldog is no exception. These wretched dogs’ English forebears were raised to lure bulls and bears until the practice was abolished in 1835.

They were still doomed, though, because the ban only shifted the attention to breeding these canines for dogfighting. They were pushed to be vicious, and their brave character made the Bulldog ideal for the job.

Immigrants later took these dogs to America, and they were put to work guarding homes and hunting wildlife on fields because of their loyal and tenacious temperament. The American Bulldog breed was nearly extinct during WWII.

The American Bulldog is a stocky and strong dog with exceptional athletic qualities, capable of jumping six feet or more high. They are usually 20 to 28 inches tall (50 to 70 cm) and weigh 60 to 120 pounds (27 to 54 kg).

The Johnson variety (also known as the Bully or Classic) of American Bulldog is huge, heavy, and muscular with a broad breast.

The Scott type (also known as the Standard or Performance) is more athletic and has a longer, slimmer build. Hybrids of the two breeds of American Bulldogs are also available.

American Pitbull Terrier

American Pitbull Terrier

Unfortunately, the American Pitbull Terrier shares a history with the American Bulldog. This breed was also employed for bull and bear baiting, as well as dogfighting in the latter years.

As a result, this purebred has a record for being violent, and owning one is outlawed in several locations, not only in the United States, but all throughout the world.

The American Pitbull and the American Staffordshire Terrier are frequently confused. In the 1930s, the American Kennel Club (AKC) gave the dog this moniker in an attempt to distance the breed from its pit-fighting heritage.

As a result, the AKC does not recognize this Pittie as a distinct breed. Most people believe, however, that the two dogs are not the same as the Staffordshire Terrier, which is a smaller dog.

These muscular dogs stand between 30 and 85 pounds and stand 17 to 19 inches (43 to 48 cm) height at the shoulder (14 to 38 kg). Their head is big and flat, with small ears, a robust, wide mouth, and a short, pointed tail.

Their short, smooth coat comes in a variety of colors, but the Red Nose Pitbull and the Blue Nose Pitbull are the most common. The blue-nosed Pitbull has a bluish or charcoal-colored nose and coat, whereas the red-nosed Pitbull has a pinkish nose with copper-colored fur, as the name suggests.

American Bulldog Pitbull Mix

The Bulldog Pitbull mix is a crossbreed between an American Pitbull Terrier and an American Bulldog, two dogs that some people find frightening. They are, on the other hand, hardworking, bright, loyal, and loving.

Their unmistakable energy and excitement are guaranteed to catch the attention of any dog enthusiast or owner wishing to expand their household. The offspring inherits the best qualities from both parents while keeping a healthy body and strong features.

Moreover, good traits come with bad traits, but the Bulldog crossed with Pitbull’s superb characteristics and talents clearly exceed the disadvantages.

American Bulldog Pitbull Mix Appearance

When an American Bulldog and an American Pitbull Terrier are crossed, the result is a medium to big dog that stands 20 to 24 inches (50 to 60 cm) weighs approximately between 40 and 80 pounds (18 and 36 kg).

The American Bulldog Pitbull mix is not well-adapted to apartment living because to its big size; instead, it would be better suited to life on a ranch or, at the very minimum, a home with a huge, fenced backyard where the dog can run around.

A Bulldog with a Pitbull cross usually has a huge head and jaws, large feet relative to a muscular frame, and a smooth, glossy coat.

Similarly, some people have a large breast and a strong back. Its goofy lips and tough grin, which makes it appear as if it’s smiling at the owner, have also been recognized by owners.

The Bullypit’s coat comes in a variety of hues, including black and brown, and is influenced by both of its multi-colored parents.

American Bulldog Pitbull Mix Coat

Although the American Bulldog Pitbull hybrid has a short, fine, and sleek coat, it is not hypoallergenic, thus it is not recommended for allergy sufferers.

The appearance and color of a Bullypit pup will be influenced by the type of Pitbull, whether blue-nosed or red-nosed.

The American Bulldog Pitbull hybrid puppy can be any color, depending on its parents, including tan, black, yellow, red, gray, cream, golden, and white.

American Bulldog Pitbull Mix Temperament

The American Bulldog Pitbull mix is a fiercely defensive dog, but properly socialized and taught as a puppy, it can develop a happy attitude. 

Bullypit puppy training can start as soon as eight weeks old. This will encourage the dog to adopt excellent habits. Be ready for difficult training sessions. They will need a firm hand and a dedicated owner due to their domineering, impatient tendencies.

When working with this breed, it is best to have some prior experience because the Bullypit may detect if this is your first dog. When training any dog, whether purebred or crossbreed, remember that positive reinforcement is essential.

Other dogs and strangers might make American Bulldog Pitbull mixes apprehensive. However, they may be prone to hostility, especially when it comes to smaller pets. The history of this dog’s parents could potentially be a factor.

Bullypits, like any good watchdog, like barking and are well-suited to the job. This breed may be an incredibly nice fur friend if properly trained and treated. They’re also bright dogs who enjoy being petted and having fun.

American Bulldog Pitbull Mix Grooming Requirements

American Bulldog Pitbull Mix Grooming Requirements

The American Bulldog Pitbull mix, like the American Bulldog, does not shed excessively. As a result, it’s no surprise that the Bullypit’s smooth and lustrous coat sheds little and requires little upkeep.

Because of their short fur, the crossbreed’s coat does not need to be brushed daily. Use a soft bristle brush once or twice per week, but no more than four times every week.

During the shedding period, however, the Bulldog crossed with Pitbull’s fur sheds quite a bit. When this happens, brushing their hair and coat on a daily basis is recommended.

Shampooing your American Bulldog Pitbull mix isn’t necessary because too much can dry out the pup’s coat. Instead, wipe the dog with a damp washcloth occasionally. This procedure can assist in the removal of loose fur and the maintenance of clean surfaces.

Because their coat requires all of the natural oils on the skin, a thorough bath should be provided just once a month. Whether you’re petting them down or washing them, the following critical areas must be handled:

  • Paws and foot pads
  • Eyelids and other eye regions
  • Tail and other parts of the anus

Teeth brushing is a frequent grooming technique for dogs, and it is necessary not just for proper oral hygiene but also to avoid nagging dental disorders.

The ears must be the focal point of attention. Check your ears for irritation, wax accumulation, and nasties like ear mites on a regular basis.

To keep their claws and scrapes off your belongings, the nails should be clipped. To avoid complications and illness, however, pruning should be done with caution and precision.

American Bulldog Pitbull Mix Possible Health Problems

All dog breeders are aware that all crossbreed pups of purebred dog parents acquire their parents’ health issues. Nonetheless, the vulnerability of the Bulldog crossed with Pitbull is sensitive to a variety of conditions that must be considered.

In any situation, a review of the dog parents’ medical history and related illnesses is required to establish the overall health of their puppy.

With a life expectancy of 6-8 years, the English Bulldog faces more health issues than most purebred dogs. For example, its snorting may appear amusing, but it is the result of a genetic mismatch known as brachycephaly, which causes major respiratory problems. Screw tail, hip dysplasia, and red eye are among the additional problems.

In comparison, the English Pitbull Terrier is the healthier dog parent. This breed has also been known to suffer from mange, allergies, and skin diseases, and may be at risk for hip dysplasia.

As a result, the Bulldog mixed with Pitbull requires extensive medical attention and a significant amount of money to cover vet bills. It’s impossible to say whether the crossbreed would have more or fewer health problems depending on the preferred parent. In any event, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for any disease.

Here are some of the most prevalent Pitbull combined with Bulldog illnesses:

  • Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia, a frequent condition in short-legged dogs, haunts the crossbreed’s later years. A strong emphasis on nutrition and exercise is sufficient to help prevent uncomfortable joint displacement.

  • Skin Problems

The Pitbull coupled with Bulldog inherits the Pitbull parent’s skin problem, making it prone to allergies. Regular towel wiping and avoiding allergen-containing and gritty foods are two ways to avoid these disorders.

  • Heart Disease

Any bull breed is known to have cardiac problems, such as congenital heart disease and other heart conditions. Other than early discovery and treatment, there is no guaranteed way to prevent it.

American Bulldog Pitbull Mix Food Requirements

American Bulldog Pitbull Mix Food Requirements

The American Pitbull Bulldog mix has to eat at least 2 12 to 4 cups of dry dog food every day because it barks regularly throughout the day, leaving it fatigued.

To create strong bones and minimize hip dysplasia issues, look for diets abundant in Glucosamine, Omega 3 fatty acids, and “meat.” Once you’ve found the meal amounts, divide them into at least two equal-serving meals per day.

Feed your American Bulldog Pitbull mix with high-quality protein and meat dog food to keep an eye on its diet.

You can also include incentives and planned feedings, which should be alternated with free meals at least once a week to keep things interesting for the pup.

This is to prevent your dog from becoming obese, which can lead to hip dysplasia complications.

Similarly, the veterinarian should be contacted about the proper mineral and vitamin balance. Incorporate the consumption of these supplements into your diet or medicine prescription on an as-needed basis, depending on their advice.

Owners of American Bulldog Pitbull mix should look for dog food that is high in chondroitin or glucosamine.

These vitamins and minerals are essential for preventing hip dysplasia issues. Fortunately, there is a wide variety of high-quality dog food available on the market. You can even inquire about goods that meet these requirements at your dog food supplier or pet store.

To keep your dog in tip-top shape, avoid feeding them the worst dry dog food and instead choose the best dry dog meal options.

These best puppy food products will help your mixed puppy grow, while the finest senior dry dog food will provide all the nutritional benefits your senior dog requires for a happy existence.

It doesn’t matter how large or small your Bitbull Bulldog is; their completely opposite parents have equally diametrically opposed palates. Your dog may have inherited one of their parents’ food preferences. 

So, give them one of our top selections for best dry dog food for tiny dogs or finest dry dog food for large breeds and keep an eye on their enthusiasm.

Stick with it once you’ve figured out what they prefer. Before you transfer your dog to a new diet regimen, consult with their veterinarian to be safe.

American Bulldog Pitbull Mix Exercise Requirements

The American Bulldog Pitbull needs exercise, mobility, and activities that stimulate the bones and muscles like an energetic dog. As a result, it is necessary for the owner to be equally engaged.

The American Bulldog Pitbull demands 90 minutes of moderate activity every day on average. If the crossbreed isn’t exposed to these activities, they may become restless and impatient, biting furniture or clawing the squeaking floor tiles.

For the less active individuals, other less demanding hobbies such as walking about the neighborhood are encouraged. Jogging, sprinting, running, and fetching are all high-intensity activities that are advised.

This dog’s agility is practically unrivaled, and mastering it would be beneficial to the crossbreed. To keep the speed up, incorporate obstacles to jump on while running.

American Bulldog Pitbull Mix Training Requirements

With its powerful and uncompromising visage, the Pitbull Bulldog mix may appear difficult to train at first glance, but the opposite is true: the crossbreed is relatively easy to train given the correct circumstances.

A positive reinforcement approach is highly recommended while training the Pitbull crossbreed. The dog would be less obedient and more likely to be bored and unenthusiastic if this strategy was not applied.

The goodies given should not be used to replace food; rather, they should be used as a training snack. Begin with the most simple directions, such as sit and lie down, then work your way up to the more challenging ones.

It’s critical, though, to notice when the Pitbull and Bulldog combination is either fatigued from the training or bloating from the excess of rewards. With great caution and attention, practice and train the mixed breed offspring.

Should You Get an American Bulldog Pitbull Mix?

While this mixed breed is not suitable for everyone, it is extremely faithful to its owners.

The Bullypit’s protective, robust, and energetic personality makes them ideal for active and seasoned dog owners who are ready to put in the effort to train, exercise, and socialize their dog.

Kids who play with the Pitbull Bulldog mix have a fun time until the Pitbull Bulldog mix loses calm and turns aggressive.

The bark of the crossbreed would send shivers through the room during parties, which is why it’s critical to socialize and educate the dog to be polite and less aggressive from a young age.

If you’re a first-time dog owner, you might find this mix breed to be stubborn, assertive, and difficult to handle.

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Celestine Gomez

I'm Celestine Gomez, worked for 5 years in an animal shelter in Los Angeles, California. Having noticed the inherent passion and zeal in me to care for pets, I took a step further to create a team of I and like-minded individuals to provide an informative resource in order to broaden the knowledge base of a regular pet owners.