Pitbulls and American Bulldogs are often confused with each other, which is easy to understand considering how similar the two can sometimes look. However, they are two very distinct breeds with different physical traits and temperaments. This is why the Bullypit mix from the two is such an interesting doggy.
A Bullypit is a mixed breed dog from a combination of the American Bulldog and any of the Pitbull dog breeds. The Pitbull most commonly used in this pairing is the American Pitbull Terrier, but any of the other members of the Pitbull group can be used.
Due to the subtle similarities in aesthetics between these two dogs, it is possible to predict some of the physical features the Bullypit will have. The temperament, however, is a bit harder to predict as the two parents are very different.
In the sections below, we will look at all you need to know about Bullypit doggies, from their health needs to their maintenance. But first, let’s dive into what they look like.
What Is A Bullypit?
Contrary to popular misconception, a Bullypit is a cross between an American Pitbull Terrier and the American Bulldog.
Many people confuse these dogs for mixes between American Bully and American Pitbull dog breeds which are completely different pairings.
While there are some similarities between Bulldogs and Pitbulls in terms of aesthetics, they are distinct breeds with unique features that get passed down to the Bullypit mix. Let’s take a look at the most important physical features of the Bulldog Pitbull mix that you should know about.
Size
Bullypits are large dogs that weigh between 70 to 120 lbs and measure 17 to 25 inches in height. This is closer in a size range to the American Bulldog, whose influence in terms of size is strongly felt with this mix.
As a result, the Bulldogs are used as the females to carry the pups that may otherwise be too large for the smaller Pitbull.
Build
When it comes to the build, there is not much to choose from as both the Bulldog and the Pitbull have a pretty similar aesthetic.
However, Bulldogs are slightly more muscular and compact, while Pitbulls may appear lean and more proportional. The traits that the Bullypit may inherit are purely determined by genetics.
Head And Facial Features
This is another set of traits that differ a lot. The Pitbull has a distinctly large head with small, wide-set eyes and semi-upright or fully upright ears.
The American Bulldog, on the other hand, has a proportionally-sized head with a flat nose bridge. This brachycephalic trait is problematic and is often associated with difficulties breathing and regulating heat.
Coat Traits
The coat is usually short, straight, and single-layered. It may come in single colors like black, red, or brown. It could also be bicolor combinations of these main colors with white markings. Finally, the Bullypit may also inherit coat marking mutations like Merle or Brindle from either parent.
How Long Do Pitbull Bulldog Mixes Live?
Bulldog Pitbull mixes can live for 10 to 13 years or even longer when they are healthy and taken care of properly.
They are usually very healthy doggies, especially if breeders practice selective breeding to get rid of unwanted traits. However, there are still a few common health problems that may slip through the cracks even with the most meticulous breeding processes. Here are some of these health issues.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia in Bullypits occurs when the doggies have an abnormal hip joint socket which means that the hip bone does not get to join properly and in a stable manner. At first, this will only affect the dog’s mobility slightly. However, with time the condition worsens and results in complications like arthritis.
Heart Defects
Heart defects do not occur too often in Bullypits but they tend to be devastating when they do. Some of the signs and symptoms you may notice include a blue tinge to their tongue and paw pads, breathlessness, and even fainting spells. With congenital heart defects, these symptoms mostly manifest when the Bullypit is a pup.
Allergies
Bulldog Pitbull mixes are also prone to developing allergic reactions. The irritation can be triggered by a number of things, including some foods, pollen, dust, mites, and fleas, just to name a few. These allergies seriously impact the quality of life of the dog. Luckily, a good diet and good grooming practices should help matters for the Bullypit.
Respiratory Distress
In cases where the Bullypit takes after the Bulldog’s flat-faced features, breathing difficulties are almost inevitable. This also makes the mixed dogs poor at tolerating long periods of exercise, which could further lead to issues like obesity.
How To Take Care Of Pitbull Bulldog Mixes?
Bullypits are low maintenance dogs and this makes them great for busy dog owners who still want the company without a mountain of responsibility.
However, this does not mean that you get to put less emphasis on the dog’s care. They have very specific needs to keep them healthy and content in your home. Here are some of these needs, as well as a few pointers on how to fulfill them for a happy Bullypit.
Feed The Dog High-Quality Food
Bullypits have all sorts of diet and lifestyle-associated illnesses, as you have seen. It, therefore, goes without saying that a healthy diet should be one of your main points of focus when figuring out how to properly take care of your Pitbull Bully mix.
We recommend Pet Plate, which is a brand that, in addition to offering high-quality dog food, customized meal plans based on your dog’s needs.
Supplement The Diet With Crucial Micros And Healthy Compounds
In addition to high-quality ingredients and balance between macronutrients, you have to make sure that your Bullypit is getting enough micronutrients as well as compounds like probiotics, fiber, antioxidants, and bone-friendly supplements like chondroitin and glucosamine.
Multivitamin Treats Supplement – Zesty Paws Probiotics are a great place to start with their soft chew formulation making it very easy to administer to the sometimes picky Bullypit.
Make Playtime Fun And Challenging For Them
Bullypits are generally very active dogs. However, they can very easily get bored with playtime, especially when it is indoors.
A great way to ensure that your Bullypit gets the recommended 60 to 90 minutes of daily exercise without ever leaving the house is to get them the iFetch Interactive Ball Launchers for dogs.
This automated ball launcher has a compact design that allows you to set it up pretty much anywhere in the house to keep things interesting for the Bullypit.
Are Bully Pits Good Dogs? Temperaments Of Pitbull Bulldog Mixes
Pitbulls, in general, have a bad reputation as being very aggressive and volatile dogs. Bulldogs, on the other hand, are known for their sweet nature and gentle predisposition.
That is the case with Bullypits, which makes them a great compromise for Pitbull fans who want a dog with a more manageable personality. Here are a few other ways you could describe a Bullypit in terms of personality traits.
Loyal
Bullypits tend to form very strong bonds with their human contacts and will remain loyal for life as long as they are treated well. They are also not very likely to attach to their human companions, which is worth celebrating.
Sociable
Despite most Pitbull dogs and their mixes displaying aloofness and mistrust, especially towards strangers, Bullypits are little social doggies who love to be the life of the party.
However, they still need socialization training from an early age to teach them how to be tolerant of handling and interactions with other pets.
Gentle
Bullypits are also surprisingly gentle. However, they are still sometimes volatile, and this alone may not be enough to make them a family-friendly mixed dog breed.
Vocal
Something you will either have to live with or train out of your Bullypit is their vocal nature. These dogs have major opinions and are not afraid to share them.
Whether it is whining because you are taking too long with their food or barking in excitement after seeing you, you will have a very vocal dog on your hands.
Reactive
Bullypits may not be the most aggressive of the bunch, but they still have a volatile side to them. They are not very patient and may react violently if they perceive an interaction as potentially threatening.
Does Bully Pit Shed? Grooming Tips For Pitbull Bulldog Mixes
Bullypit mixes usually have short and smooth coats.
Many dog owners think that this means that the dog does not shed as much as long-haired pooches. This is actually the opposite of the truth. Bullypits actually shed quite a bit and are not great if you are looking for a hypoallergenic dog breed.
Fortunately, the single-layered nature of the coat means that the shedding is uniform throughout the year and is actually not very heavy. Therefore, you do not have to work too hard to maintain coat health and aesthetics.
In fact, here are two key grooming care tips to keep your beloved Bullypit looking great.
Establish A Deshedding Routine And Invest In Good Products
With the amount of shedding that a Bullypit does, you will be okay brushing their coats once every other day or two. You just have to make sure that you have a grooming tool that actually gets the job done right.
We recommend the FURminator Undercoat Tool, which works really well even on the single-layered coat of a Bullypit. The self-cleaning feature is also awesome for easy cleanup after your grooming session.
You could also get yourself the iRobot Roomba i3+ automated vacuum designed for pet dander and fur that you may not manage to fully deshed.
Wash Your Bullypit Every 6 To 8 Weeks With High-Quality Shampoo
Considering how sensitive a Bullypit’s skin can be, you will have to make your choice of shampoo very carefully.
We recommend the Pro Pet Works All Natural Organic 6 In 1 Oatmeal Pet Shampoo, whose hypoallergenic formula and soothing properties are just what your Bullypit needs.
The shampoo also helps deodorize the dog leaving them with a pleasantly mild scent.
Related Questions
How Much Is A Bullypit? A Bullypit can cost somewhere within the $250 to $2,500 range. This is quite the range for a mix, and at their most expensive, Bullypits can be pricier than popular purebreds. One of the main reasons why Bullypits are so expensive is the fact that the two contributing parent dog breeds are tightly regulated and thus not easy to come across.
Are American Bulldogs Stronger Than Pitbulls? It is difficult to tell which is stronger between American Bulldogs and Pitbulls. This is largely due to the differences in build. Bulldogs may be much taller and leaner than Pitties, thereby giving them somewhat of an agility advantage. Pitbulls, on the other hand, are compact, muscular dogs that are capable of great feats of strength.
Can You Breed A Bully With A Pitbull? You can breed a Bully with other members of the Pitbull family, including the best known, which is the American Pitbull Terrier. The dogs are usually very similar in aesthetic to the similar-looking parents and have the typical muscular body, large head, and short coat. The temperament is what may vary, but resulting mixes from Bullies and Pitties mostly have an aggressive side.
