The Bull Terrier Pitbull mix is an intriguing hybrid resulting from crossing a Pitbull-type dog with a Bull Terrier. Just like its parent breeds, this designer dog has a lot to offer.
However, the controversy surrounding both Bull Terriers and Pitbulls has given rise to the assumption that their offspring are inherently aggressive and dangerous.
To contradict these misconceptions, I’ve prepared this article to help you understand their personality and behavior, as well as other aspects, including their history, appearance, major health problems, and puppy price.
What Is a Bull Terrier Pitbull Mix?
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The Bull Terrier Pitbull mix is a cross between the Bull Terrier and one of the Pitbull-type breeds. This designer pooch combines the distinctive appearance, strong-willed traits, and strength of its parent breeds. Bull Terrier Pitbull mixes are known as tenacious, protective, and active.
As a relatively new mix, you might not know that it can be brought about by combining the Bull Terrier with an American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT), American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff), or the American Bulldog.
Although this hybrid canine’s lineage may seem intimidating to some people, you can expect to deal with a fun-loving, affectionate, and loyal pet with a hint of mischief and stubbornness.
Unfortunately, even with the growing fan base of mixed breeds, these pooches are not yet recognized by many well-known dog clubs.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) and the United Kennel Club (UKC) don’t permit registering them because of their mixed ancestry.
However, if the Bull Terrier is crossed with an American Bulldog, you can register it in the Designer Breed Registry (DBR) and American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC).
Bull Terrier Pitbull Mix Origin and History
Researching the origins of the Bull Terrier Pitbull mix will reveal only limited information. Nonetheless, we can still talk about the history of our furry friend’s purebred parents to understand how they came about.
Let’s start with the Bull Terrier parent.
Initially bred in England for fighting other dogs and baiting bulls, the Bull Terrier is a result of crossing the white English Terrier with an Old English Bulldog. These dogs were allegedly bred in the 13th century. However, the breed was not recognized by the AKC until 1885.
Meanwhile, Pitbulls are the offspring of the British Bulldog and a terrier breed. Nowadays, Pitbull-type dogs include the American Bulldog, American Pit Bull Terrier, AmStaff, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Similarly, these Pit-type canines descended from the same lineage and were used by the Brits for the same blood sports in the 1800s — a cruel practice that was thankfully outlawed in 1976.
Even with a long history of fighting bears and bulls, both Bull Terriers and Pits are now considered loyal and affectionate companions. They make great pets for people with an active lifestyle or families with children.
Bull Terrier Pitbull Mix Appearance
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Bull Terrier Pitbull mixes are medium-sized pooches that combine the striking appearance of both parent breeds. Generally, they may take after the unique egg-shaped head of the Bull Terrier with the muscular build of the Pitbulls.
The short, smooth coat of this mix may come in various colors and markings like their Pitbull parent, including brindle, white and black, fawn, champagne, tri-color, merle, or grey.
Like with their coats, the eye color of the Pitbull Bull Terrier mix may appear in different shades such as green, brown, blue, and hazel.
In addition, these hybrid dogs may inherit the rosebud-like ears of the Pits or the erect, triangular ears of the Bull Terriers. If your pup takes after the former, you might want to know more about the controversial ear cropping procedure.
However, as you can see in the two pictures included, the inherited appearance of this mix varies depending on which parent’s genes are more dominant.
If you’re curious to know what a Bull Terrier Pitbull mix puppy looks like, watch this short video:
Bull Terrier/Pitbull Mix Puppy 9 Weeks Old Cute<a href="https://youtu.be/fCCHzZvRRrg" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FfCCHzZvRRrg%2F0.jpg" alt="Bull Terrier/Pitbull Mix Puppy 9 Weeks Old Cute" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Bull Terrier Pitbull Mix Size and Weight
An adult Bull Terrier mixed with a Pitbull can grow from 17 to 22 inches tall and weigh between 40 and 70 pounds. These are average numbers based on what their parent breeds tend to show.
Furthermore, the average Pit Bull can weigh between 30 and 65 pounds and stand from 17 to 21 inches tall at a shoulder. But if your mix has an American Bully parent, it could weigh up to 130 pounds.
On the flip side, the Bull Terrier parent can weigh as much as 70 pounds, with the average height ranging from 21 to 22 inches.
Unfortunately, it’s quite difficult to predict how big this mix will get. There’s no way of knowing for sure what size your puppy will be until it reaches adulthood.
Moreover, factors such as their gender and genes can affect their growth.
Bull Terrier Pitbull Mix Temperament and Personality
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Because both lineages are known for their clownish and sweet temperaments, expect that the Bull Terrier Pit Bull mix will be as goofy and charming as its parents.
However, the key to raising a well-adjusted, happy pup is to provide it with opportunities to explore its environment and interact with various stimuli.
With their alertness and protective trait, they can be territorial when approached by strangers or other animals. That’s why it’s essential to give them obedience training and mental stimulation.
You’ll want to guarantee that it won’t become destructive or show aggression toward other people, especially children. Besides, it will allow them to have a calmer disposition as they grow older.
READ NEXT: Male vs. Female Pitbull: Which Is Better?
Bull Terrier Pitbull Mix Lifespan and Health Issues
The lifespan of a Bull Terrier Pitbull mix can be anywhere from 8 to 15 years. Some dogs live longer than that, while others are gone well before their time because of health-related problems.
Even if both parent breeds are healthy and free from diseases, you should still be aware of the number of health issues that may affect your furry friend.
Here are some common health issues in Bull Terrier Pitbull mixes:
Hemangiosarcoma: Hemangiosarcoma is an aggressive form of cancer that affects blood vessels and causes bleeding throughout a canine’s body. Bull Terrier Pitbull mixes with this kind of cancer might experience symptoms like weight loss, fatigue, fever, and weakness.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): It is a condition that occurs when the heart muscle of a Bull Terrier Pitbull mix becomes enlarged or weakened. DCM can lead to arrhythmia and other complications. The cause of this disease is not known, but it has been linked to genetics and diet.
Cataracts: This condition is when the lens of your Bull Terrier Pitbull mix’s eye is clouded. It usually develops in older dogs, but cataracts can also appear in young ones suffering from diabetes or thyroid disease.
Glaucoma: Glaucoma increases pressure inside the Pitbull Bull Terrier mix’s eye, damaging the optic nerve that can lead to blindness. However, early diagnosis and natural treatments can help reduce symptoms and prevent further damage.
Aside from the health issues listed above, the life expectancy of its Pitbull parent will most likely affect this designer dog’s vitality.
It’s also worth considering getting a pet insurance plan for your Bull Terrier Pitbull mix. It will help you cover the costs of expensive medical treatments for your pooch if it gets sick or injured.
How to Take Care of Your Pitbull Bull Terrier Mix
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As a prospective owner of a Pitbull Bull Terrier mix, you must familiarize yourself with the proper way to care for this hybrid breed.
In this section, we’ll discuss how you can ensure the well-being of this pup by providing it with the proper diet and grooming. Aside from that, this canine will also need the proper exercise and stimulation to keep its mind sharp.
So, keep on reading as we delve into these topics that can make sure your Bull Terrier Pitbull mix stays happy and healthy!
Food and Diet
Depending on this crossbreed’s age and activity level, it’s best to feed your fur baby a minimum of two to three cups of high-quality dog food per day.
Protein-rich meals should also be part of the dietary requirements of your Bull Terrier Pitbull mix, as this can help them build muscle mass and keep them lean.
In addition to a balanced diet, you can supplement it with healthy treats and snacks. If you’re still in doubt, you can read our complete guide about how much to feed a Pitbull.
I’d recommend that you stick to a feeding schedule to ensure that your Pitbull Bull Terrier mix gets all of the needed vitamins and nutrients for its growth.
Cleaning and Grooming
Fortunately, the Bull Terrier Pitbull mix has a short, smooth-textured coat that’s easy to maintain.
Still, a grooming routine is worthwhile to make sure that your dog doesn’t get a bad case of doggy dandruff or other skin conditions.
First, this designer breed’s coat needs to be brushed every other day to keep it neat and clean.
It’s also necessary to bathe them once or twice a month, depending on how dirty they get from playing outside or rolling in the dirt. Use a gentle shampoo to avoid irritating your pet’s skin.
Of course, regularly monitor your dog’s ears, teeth, and nails for any signs of infection or damage.
If you notice redness or anything unusual in the said areas, bring your Pitbull Bull Terrier mix to your vet for an immediate examination.
Training and Exercise
As with any other breed, appropriate training is required to help ensure that your Pitbull Bull Terrier mix will become a wonderful family dog.
This pup may initially show signs of resistance to training because of its stubborn and mischievous personality, but don’t give up.
Consistency and positive reinforcement techniques can help your furry companion get accustomed to it.
Furthermore, moderately exposing them to other animals at an early age can prevent the development of territorial and aggressive behavior.
In terms of exercise, devote at least 60 minutes of your time to your Bull Terrier Pitbull mix every day.
A daily walk is great for their health and mental well-being, but don’t forget about physical activity. Try playing fetch or agility training to keep this pooch stimulated throughout the day.
How Much Does a Bull Terrier Pitbull Mix Cost? Puppy Prices and Expenses
The price of a Bull Terrier Pitbull mix can range between $400 and $3,000. Depending on the breeder of your choice, this hybrid can either cost more or less compared to its Pitbull and Bull Terrier parent.
While this is already a large sum of money, there are other items you need to buy for your fur baby. It includes high-quality dog food, a durable bed, grooming supplies, and other stuff.
The following table summarizes the initial expenses of owning a Pitbull Bull Terrier mix puppy:
On top of the expenses above, you’ll need to set aside money for possible expenses like pet sitter and doggy daycare services, health treatments, and other unplanned costs.
Despite that, your canine deserves nothing but the best care throughout its life. To ensure that you can be a responsible owner, I suggest you start saving now.
Places to Find Bull Terrier Pitbull Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
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It’s no wonder that people who love mixed breeds say the trickiest step is finding a reputable breeder. This will require you to put in the effort in researching and asking the right questions, but it will be worth it in the end.
Additionally, you need to verify that you can get your hands on a well-rounded pup.
Although backyard breeders and puppy mills offer low-priced dogs, they operate illegally without the appropriate licenses and certifications. To help you avoid such scams, read our ultimate guide to buying a puppy.
Once you’re ready to bring home a puppy, check out these reputable sources to look for Bull Terrier Pitbull mix puppies for sale:
Lancaster Puppies – As one of those easy-to-use classified websites, Lancaster Puppies is your go-to when searching for mixed breeds. However, be sure to validate your chosen Bull Terrier Pitbull mix breeder from this site.
AKC Marketplace – The American Kennel Club (AKC) certifies all of the listed breeders on this website, so you can be assured that all are trustworthy sources. You can contact any breeders here, and if they do not offer Bull Terrier Pitbull mixes, ask them for referrals instead.
Greenfield Puppies – With hundreds of puppy listings on their website, Greenfield Puppies can also be another place to look for a Bull Terrier mixed with a Pitbull. They keep track of all breeders that want to advertise their pups to avoid being infiltrated by puppy mills. Make sure that you visit their site from time to time because you might find your future pup here.
If you can’t find a Bull Terrier Pitbull mix puppy from the sources I’ve listed, you can check out our best breeders of Pitbulls and Bull Terriers.
Other than buying a pup, you can also choose to adopt one. Designer dogs are often bred for the wrong reasons and end up being surrendered in shelters.
Below are some rescues where you may find a Pitbull Bull Terrier mix for adoption:
Blue Ridge Bull Terrier Club Rescue (BRBTC) – A foster-based shelter located in Virginia, BRBTC aims to save surrendered and abandoned Bull Terriers. Visit their website to see all the emails and phone numbers you can contact to ask about the Bull Terrier Pitbull mix.
Born Again Pit Bull Rescue (BAPBR) – Since 2007, BAPBR has rehomed 639 uncared purebred and Pit mixes. Its advocacy is to eliminate myths about this breed that lead people to abandon them. However, they require an adoption fee, but the cost includes many essentials such as microchipping, blood tests, and many more.
Petfinder – Their partnership with thousands of rescue groups and shelters only means that you’ll find Bull Terrier Pitbull mixes for adoption on their website. You can search for specific breeds and narrow down your search by location.
In addition to the places I’ve detailed above, you may want to try your luck by contacting other organizations from our list of best Pitbull rescues.
Accordingly, you’ll be assisted throughout the whole adoption process, but we’ve put together an ultimate adoption guide to help you out even more.
If you’re still unable to locate a shelter or breeder that offers the Pitbull Bull Terrier mix, don’t worry. By typing its name on the Facebook search bar, you’ll find groups and pages dedicated to this mixed breed.
You can also learn about ways to find free puppies for adoption in your area.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Pitbull Bull Terrier Mix
Essentially, it’s better to weigh the pros and cons before bringing home a Pitbull Bull Terrier mix. No breed is perfect, and you should know that what you’re getting into is a big responsibility.
Here are some advantages of owning a Bull Terrier Pitbull mix:
Have a distinctive appearance: If you’re looking for something different, you may want to take note of the Bull Terrier Pitbull mix. With its parent breeds having unique looks, this hybrid pup is sure to be one-of-a-kind.
Can be fiercely protective: The Pitbull Bull Terrier mix is perfect for you and your family if you want a pooch that can be an excellent watchdog. Their alertness when it comes to danger and threats is outstanding.
Highly energetic: With its high spirit and love for adventures, this designer canine will surely bring loads of fun and entertainment into your home once you get it. Consequently, they’re most likely compatible with experienced fur parents or persons that have an active lifestyle.
When you’re opting to adopt or buy a Bull Terrier Pitbull mix, make sure that you’re aware of the following disadvantages:
May develop separation anxiety: If you’re the type of owner who’s always away from home, the Pitbull Bull Terrier mix is not suited for you. This mixed breed may develop behavioral problems or separation anxiety if left alone for too long.
Prone to inherit health problems: Like other crossbreeds, Bull Terrier Pitbull mixes will most probably suffer from genetic health issues. Aside from the crucial health concerns I’ve listed in the previous sections, be sure to do an in-depth search about other diseases as well.
Gets easily bored: As I’ve mentioned, the Bull Terrier Pit Bull mix have lots of energy that needs to be released through physical activities. If you don’t give these dogs enough attention and exercise, or if you don’t stimulate their minds, they can become destructive.
Choosing a dog to share your life with is an incredibly important decision, and it’s one that you shouldn’t take lightly. Moreover, matching your personality and lifestyle with the right breed will definitely help prevent future regrets.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are Bull Terrier Pitbull Mixes Aggressive?
With Pitbulls and Bull Terriers having a shared history as fighting dogs, it’s not surprising that many people are worried about the behavior of their offspring.
A Bull Terrier mixed with a Pitbull won’t result in an aggressive dog. Whether you choose to go for a mixed breed or not, its personality will rely on how you train and raise them.
Do Bull Terrier Pitbull Mixes Shed a Lot?
Luckily, the parent breeds of the Pitbull Bull Terrier mix are both low-maintenance.
As a result, this designer pooch won’t require too much upkeeping, and you won’t have to put aside a ton of money just for its grooming services. However, they will still experience minimal to moderate shedding twice a year.
Are Bull Terrier Pitbull Mixes Hypoallergenic?
Both the Bull Terrier and Pitbull are known to trigger an allergic reaction in people with sensitivity to canine fur.
Unfortunately, when you combine these two breeds in one, you get a Bull Terrier Pitbull mix that will have the same effect and is not hypoallergenic. So if you have allergies or asthma, it’s best to look for other breeds.
Final Thoughts: Is a Bull Terrier Pitbull Mix the Right Dog for You?
Regardless of the debatable history of their purebred parents, the Pitbull Bull Terrier mixes are one of the sweetest and most devoted crossbreeds today.
With its fun-loving temperament and funny antics, this furry companion will always keep you on your toes. However, be prepared to sacrifice your time because they will need your constant attention.
Nevertheless, that’s nothing compared to the loyalty and affection you’ll get from them.
Hopefully, this guide helped you learn everything there is to know about this mischievous yet lovely designer pooch.
Let us know in the comment section below if you think this mix would make a great addition to your family. We’d love to know your thoughts about the Bull Terrier Pitbull mix!
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