People’s first impression of a Bully Pit would usually be dangerous. This crossbreed’s lineage, after all, carries a reputation for being such.
There are a lot of misconceptions about this Pitbull and Bulldog mix. However, beneath the hard and tough exterior is a fun-loving darling that is great for family life.
Read on as I share with you all the truth about this Bully Pit and why you should consider getting one.
What Is a Bully Pit? What Are Pitbull Bullies Mixed With?
The Bully Pit is one of the many designer dog breeds that come as a result of mixing two purebred dogs. As a crossbreed of the American Bulldog and American Pit Bull Terrier, the Bully Pit is a large dog with a robust build and muscular frame.
Opposite to what most people think, Bully Pit is actually kind and playful. If you are not familiar with the Bully Pit, let us talk about its parent breeds to give you an idea of what this designer dog is like.
American Bulldog
The American Bulldog is one half of the lineage of this Pitbull Bully mix. This breed is known for its solid and muscular appearance standing 20 to 25 inches tall.
As a heavily built dog, the American Bulldog is great with physical activities because of its superb athletic capacity.
If you have come across American Bulldogs, you may have wondered why they vary in appearance. This American Kennel Club (AKC)-recognized breed has different types which explain this.
There is the Bully or Classic type which some refer to as Johnson Bulldog. You can distinguish this type because it is larger than the other and usually comes in white with red, brown, or black patches.
The other type is the Standard/Performance or popularly known as the Scott Bulldog. This relatively smaller and sleeker Bulldog usually has a white coat.
Here’s an interesting fact! Both types are named after the men who saved this breed from extinction during the mid-20th century – John D. Johnson and Allen Scott.
American Pit Bull Terrier
Completing the Pitbull Bulldog mix is the American Pit Bull Terrier which stands 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder. This athletic breed is competitive and great for participating in agility and weight-pulling sports.
Part of the bully breeds, the American Pit Bull Terrier is often mistaken as the American Staffordshire Terrier. The two are alike in a lot of characteristics which sparks the debate whether they are the same or two different breeds.
In the 1930s, AKC gave the American Pit Bull Terrier a new name which is the American Staffordshire Terrier. This is to separate the breed from the negative reputation that comes with the Pit Bull name.
Some still consider them different, though, with the latter being the smaller version of the former. To date, AKC recognizes the American Staffordshire Terrier, but not the American Pit Bull Terrier.
Like the American Bulldog, the American Pit Bull Terrier has two types based on coat color.
The Blue Nose Pitbull has a nose and coat that ranges from gray to charcoal. On the other hand, the Red Nose Pitbull has a pink nose and fur that is copper.
3 Awesome and Little-Known Facts About Bully Pit
You may have heard of rumors or myths about this American Bulldog Pitbull mix. While this breed may come off as intimidating, there is actually more to it than its tough, muscular look. Here are some interesting facts about the Bully Pit.
1. Bully Pit has high pain tolerance
This breed looks tough – and they really are especially when it comes to pain. You will be surprised to know that this breed has a good threshold or tolerance for pain.
This means that if you pull their ears or tail, Bully Pits won’t aggressively attack you right away. Their playful nature paired with this pain threshold makes them good playmates for kids.
They have the patience to deal with energetic kids who sometimes tend to push and pull dogs. However, you still need to remind your kids to be gentle to your Bully Pit, or any dog for that matter.
2. Bully Pit can be your protector
More often than not, the Bully Pit is portrayed as an attacker that is aggressive and dangerous. Quite the opposite is true. Your Bully Pit can actually be your protector.
It is innate for this breed to be protective. When properly trained and taken care of, your pup can defend and protect you especially in times of need.
Constant socialization with children will help them understand that the young ones are the top priority, thus, must be protected at all cost.
3. Bully Pit can jump high
When I say the Bully Pit can jump high, I literally mean it! One of its parents, the American Pit Bull Terrier, is known for being an accomplished jumper. This breed can really jump high thanks to its athletic body.
If your Bully Pit inherits that jumping gene from its parent, expect to have an energetic pup who enjoys going up and down. Better prepare a fence that’s at least six feet tall if you want to keep your dog safe inside your yard.
Wanna see how high a Bully Pit can jump? Watch this video of a pup of this breed playing.
American bulldog pitbull mix<a href="https://youtu.be/yuGy1TpGS9g" 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%2FyuGy1TpGS9g%2F0.jpg" alt="American bulldog pitbull mix" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
History and Origin: Where Does the Bully Pit Come From?
The Bully Pit is a designer dog which means it is born out of crossbreeding. As I mentioned earlier, it is the offspring of the American Bulldog and American Pit Bull Terrier.
Before we go into the Bully Pit history, let me first share the history of its parents.
American Bulldog History
The American Bulldog’s ancestry traces back to the Old English Bulldog used as a working dog. As they lived on farms and were mostly owned by farmers, they did tasks such as guarding the land and controlling livestock.
Centuries passed and the American Bulldog came to be, though their story is quite a sad one.
As a breed naturally born with protective instincts, these dogs were brave and tough. This toughness was used in a dangerous way as they were bred to be aggressive dogs so they can bait bears and bulls.
Bull-baiting is a sport where bulls are pitted against other animals. The American Bulldogs that time were raised as fighting dogs which gained them the reputation of being dangerous.
Luckily, these activities were banned. However, the bad reputation of this dog breed remained.
American Pit Bull Terrier History
The history of the other half of this mix, the American Pit Bull Terrier, is no different. Like the American Bulldog, the American Pit Bull Terriers were also bred before for bear and bull-baiting.
After animal welfare laws were passed, some breeders shifted to illegal dogfighting as they pitted one against the other. Because of these past breeding conditions, the American Pit Bull Terrier was known as a dangerous breed.
Several kennel clubs and organizations have tried to separate this breed from its pitting past by changing its name.
However, there is still the common misconception of it being dangerous. In fact, some cities and areas have made it illegal to own a dog of this breed.
American Bulldog Pitbull Mix History
Designer dogs exist because of the interest of breeders and dog-owners alike to have dogs that are a mix of the breeds they like. The American Pit Bull Terrier was one of the many dogs chosen as the foundation of crossbreed pups.
As the foundation, the American Pit Bull Terrier was crossbred with different breeds, one of which was the American Bulldog. The mixed-breed offspring from the bully group are collectively called Pitties. This is how the Bully Pit came to be.
Though not recognized by AKC, different hybrid clubs recognize the Bully Pit. Among these are:
American Canine Hybrid Club – A club dedicated to mixed breeds, the American Canine Hybrid Club has a database of recognized mixed pups with their parent breeds and hybrid name.
International Designer Canine Registry – This dog registry recognizes a number of designer breeds intending to give a chance for crossbreeds to be recognized, something that kennel clubs do for purebreds.
Bully Pit Appearance: What Does the Pitbull Bulldog Mix Look Like?
Photo from @athenas_adventuressss (IG)
This Bully Pitbull mix inherits the different physical characteristics of its parents. However, not all look alike because of canine genetics.
In general, the Bullypit is medium in size with a robust and heavy body structure. Thanks to its two athletic parents, this mix has a muscular build that is great for physical activities.
When it comes to its face, the Bully Pit has a flat and broad head. It has a short muzzle, though sometimes longer because of its Pit Bull genes. Ears are pointed and floppy while its mouth is large.
This large mouth may seem scary and dangerous for some, but it actually looks cute especially when the dog is smiling because of its energetic and playful disposition.
Tails of this breed are usually long and narrow though sometimes they may be short and fine. Unfortunately for people with allergies, this dog is not hypoallergenic so it may trigger a sneezing fit.
Coats of Bullypits, though in the same litter, may come in different colors. These are black, white, cream, yellow, tan, golden, red, and grey.
How Big Do Bully Pits Get When Fully Grown?
As a Pitbull and Bulldog mix, Bully Pits are typically medium-sized when they are fully grown.
However, there is a chance that they may turn out to be large-sized depending on their parents. Full-grown or adult Bully Pits stand at an average of 20 to 24 inches and weigh around 40 to 80 pounds.
This size may intimidate you and give you second thoughts especially when you live in a relatively smaller space. Though a vast area is great for this stocky mix, you can still consider it for apartment life but with limitations.
Bully Pit Temperament: Do Bully Pitbull Mixes Make Good Family Dogs?
Yes, Bully Pits and their parents are known to be dangerous dogs. However, they are not as dangerous as some make them out to be.
Putting together two breeds with great guardian instincts and playful personalities results in a highly protective but energetic and happy pup. Bully Pits are brimming with energy and love to play and move around.
For your Bully Pit to turn out into a well-behaved dog, investments must be made. By investments, I don’t mean a big amount for school and training. You, as the Bully Pit parent, must invest and give time, effort, and attention to your dog.
Start ‘em young! As early as eight weeks old, you can already start training so your pup can develop a pleasant behavior.
This breed can get dominant and impatient so you have to assert yourself and be firm as the owner and trainer. Bullypits can notice if you are hesitant or are not sure of yourself.
Aside from physical activities such as running and jumping, they also enjoy training challenges that are tricky and put their instincts to the test.
Here’s a secret for fur parents: positive reinforcement is key! Learn to reward your dog for good behavior regardless of breed.
The Bullypit’s protectiveness makes these mixed dogs wary of strangers. They may bark a lot especially when they feel threatened.
To prevent aggressive tendencies, make sure that your Bully Pit socializes even at an early age. The more they mingle with humans and other dogs, the more they are used to having others around.
I mentioned before that they are tolerant of pain which makes them good with kids. They also are energetic so they can definitely match the energy of little ones.
One conclusion which debunks myths about this breed is that Bully Pits are great for family life. They can bond with any member of the family, even playful children.
Check out this quick peek into the life of a Bully Pit during playtime.
Kountry, 1 Year Old, Pitbull/American Bulldog Mix, Jumping, Pulling<a href="https://youtu.be/OqzKwSl51kM" 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%2FOqzKwSl51kM%2F0.jpg" alt="Kountry, 1 Year Old, Pitbull/American Bulldog Mix, Jumping, Pulling" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Bully Pit Lifespan and Health Issues: Are Bully Pitbulls Healthy Dogs?
Though the Bully Pit’s build makes it look tough and indestructible, the breed is still prone to illnesses and health conditions.
They are generally healthy dogs that have a good lifespan of 10 to 13 years. However, no matter how strongly built they are, health issues may still arise.
It is best that you come prepared as a Bully Pit parent by reading all about these health problems which you may encounter in the future.
Hip Dysplasia: Common to Bulldogs, hip dysplasia is a bone problem where the dog’s thigh bone does not fit the hip joint. Dogs with hip dysplasia may experience pain in their limbs and may start limping.
Brachycephaly Airway Obstructive Syndrome: Usually occurs in short-nosed dogs, Brachycephaly Airway Obstructive Syndrome affects the airways. Signs to look out for are difficulty in breathing, vomiting, and loud snoring, to name a few.
Hypothyroidism: When your dog does not make enough thyroid hormone in its body, it may have hypothyroidism. Symptoms of this illness include fearfulness, weight gain, hair loss, and behavioral changes such as aggression.
Allergies: Pitbulls have a one-layer coat that Bully Pits may inherit. This makes them prone to allergies.
Reverse Sneezing: Reverse sneezing is a common respiratory problem where dogs inhale and exhale rapidly due to irritation or inflammation in their nose or airways. Some may cause snorting and gagging sounds.
How to Take Care of Your American Bulldog and Pitbull Mix?
Photo from @gretavontankenhauser (IG)
Not all dogs are the same which means you have to know what kind of care your pup needs. Continue reading to find out what your Bully Pit deserves to receive from you.
Feeding and Diet
Muscles make up a good amount of your Bully Pit’s body structure so you have to ensure that its diet meets its nutritional needs. The recommended feeding for this breed is at least 2 ½ to 4 cups of dog food daily.
Larger breeds are prone to gastric torsion or what is commonly known as bloat. To avoid this, don’t give your pup its daily meal requirement in one go. Rather, divide it into three to four meals.
Speaking of dog food, be sure that what you are giving is a high-quality dry dog food with minimal grain content. Grain is an ingredient that may trigger your dog’s allergies.
The most important thing to remember when feeding your dog is to give enough nutrition based on your dog’s age, size, and regular activity.
Cleaning and Grooming
A good thing about Bully Pits in terms of grooming is that you don’t need to do much. It only requires low to moderate maintenance which includes brushing at least twice a week.
Bathtime is a problem most fur parents face as it may be a challenge to keep your dog in place. Luckily for Bully Pit owners, this breed only needs to bathe when necessary like when it gets dirty and starts to smell.
You can simply wipe off your dog’s coat with a damp washcloth to keep it clean from time to time.
Make tooth brushing a habit with your dog which you should do two to three times a week. Inspect your dog’s nails regularly to see if they are too long already and require a trim.
Training and Exercise
You should include playtime in your Bully Pit’s daily schedule as this active breed needs at least 90 minutes of walk and exercise.
Because they have so much energy, you should give your dog enough space for it to release all this energy.
Having a big backyard is great because you can play chase, treasure hunts, or hide and seek with your Bully Pits. If you don’t have that much space, a visit to the park or a daily walk will do.
They are also easy to train as they are intelligent and athletic. If you want your Bully Pit to be well-behaved, you should give it attention and enough playtime.
To see how other Bully Pit owners are training their dogs, watch this video:
Best Dog Training Toledo, Ohio! 1.5 Year Old Pit Bull American Bulldog Mix, Rocco!<a href="https://youtu.be/ErjkNHRsO78" 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%2FErjkNHRsO78%2F0.jpg" alt="Best Dog Training Toledo, Ohio! 1.5 Year Old Pit Bull American Bulldog Mix, Rocco!" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Health and Wellness
The Bully Pit only has one layer of fur which does not give them enough protection from both the heat and the cold.
Sunscreen especially made for dogs may help prevent your dogs from getting sunburn. In colder seasons, keep them warm by giving them clothing or a blanket.
Allergies are common to this breed so take note of possible allergens such as food or other elements. If not addressed right away, allergies may develop into respiratory illnesses which may be costly and a hassle.
Bully Pit Puppy Prices & Expenses: How Much Does an American Bulldog Pitbull Mix Cost?
Planning to get a Bully Pit? The cost of a pup starts at $250 and may go as high as $2,000. Factors such as the breeder’s reputation, the bloodline of both parents, and the location may affect the pricing. This is just the cost for the dog alone.
You also have to prepare yourself for additional expenses both one-time and regular. One-time expenses include vaccinations and basic needs such as a bed, collar, and leash. Regular expenses to consider are dog food, vitamins, and treats.
Should your dog encounter health problems, prepare to shoulder vet bills which may cost hundreds of dollars.
An estimated cost in taking care of a Bully Pit would probably be $1,500 to $2,000 a year.
Places to Find Bully Pit Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Bully Pit puppies are not uncommon so you can easily find one online with the help of these organizations:
Greenfield Puppies – Greenfield Puppies has been connecting breeders with potential fur parents since 2000. They highly discourage puppy mills so expect to find good breeders on this site.
Lancaster Puppies – Find breeders of American Bulldog mixes such as Bully Pits through this platform.
If you are open to taking care of an older Bully Pit, another option you can take is to adopt through these rescue groups:
Bulldog Club of America Rescue Network – This rescue group has members around the country who are committed to giving rescue bulldogs a furever home. Their rescue list can help you find a Bully Pit in your area.
Mid-America Bully Breed Rescue – Originally named Kansas Pit Bull Rescue, this organization has been around since 2003. They have American Bulldog mixes that are looking for fur parents.
Fresno Bully Rescue – Over 2,500 dogs have been rescued by Fresno Bully Rescue since 2008. Find what you are looking for here and give a rescued bully a new home.
BADRAP – Potential dog owners can find a bull-type companion in the organization’s online gallery of adoptables.
It doesn’t really matter if your Bully Pit is bought or rescued. They will give you and your family the same love and happiness.
Dog Mixes and Breeds Similar to Bully Pitbull Mix
There are several other mixes that are similar to the Bully Pit in terms of physical appearance and temperament.
Pointerbull
Photo from @zebandlayla (IG)
A crossbreed of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the German Shorthaired Pointer, the Pointerbull is a very active and energetic dog that loves running, playing, and moving around. Its Pointer parent is a natural hunter so you can find a hunting buddy in the Pointerbull.
Appearance-wise, this hybrid has an athletic body and may come with or without markings. It typically inherits the medium size of either parent.
American Bull Staffy
Photo from @cocoabean728 (IG)
The American Bull Staffy resembles the Bully Pit as its parents are the American Bulldog and American Staffordshire Terrier, the breed that is often mixed up with the American Pit Bull Terrier. Bred as a working dog, this mix is great at being the guardian of the house.
Standing at 17 to 19 inches, the American Bull Staffy has a muscular and athletic body like the Bully Pit. It also has the same medium size and broad head.
Bulloxer
Photo from @teamivyleague (IG)
The Bulloxer is another crossbreed that has similarities with the Bully Pit thanks to the parent breed they share.
This hybrid is a cross between the American Bulldog and Boxer. Playful and sporty best describe this mix. It loves long walks and games such as fetch and chase.
Its stature is muscular like that of the Bully Pit. It has a square-looking head and wide chest which makes it look proud and confident.
Commonly Asked Questions
Are Bully Pits Dangerous?
Bully Pits have a reputation for being dangerous but this is likely because of their bull-baiting past. This is a misconception as the American Bulldog Pitbull mix is actually very affectionate, playful, and protective.
For as long as you treat your Bully Pit with love and kindness, you can expect it to be a loyal guardian to you. You just need to give it the attention and socialization it needs to be a well-behaved family dog.
What Is the Difference Between a Bully and a Pit Bull?
Bully is a term that describes a group of dog breeds. The main difference between the two is that a Bully refers to different kinds of breeds while a Pit Bull is a specific breed.
Bully dogs include English Bulldogs, Bull Mastiffs, American Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Pugs, and of course, the American Pit Bull Terrier. With this, it is safe to say that a Pit Bull is a Bully.
Are American Bullies Stronger than Pitbulls?
American Bullies are a mix of the American PIt Bull Terrier and other bull type breeds.
They have a muscular body that is tough, robust, and athletic. In terms of their physique, the American Bully is noticeably more muscular and strong-looking than the Pit Bull.
However, there are no studies or evidence which shows one is stronger than the other. It still depends on the age, size, and health of the dogs involved.
Final Thoughts: Is the Bully Pit the Right Dog for You?
The Bully Pit breed is often seen as a dangerous breed because of the depiction that it is aggressive. There is no truth to this as the Bully Pit is a fun-loving dog that loves to play.
If you are looking for a dog that is strong, medium-sized, and protective but also playful, energetic, and loyal, then this Pitbull American Bulldog mix is for you. There is definitely more to the Bully Pit than its muscular frame.
You may want to get a big space with a yard so your dog has enough space to run around in. If this is not feasible, though, you can still live with your Bully Pit in a smaller space for as long as you take it out on walks and let it enjoy the outdoors.
There is more than meets the eye with the Bully Pit. Beneath the layers of muscle is a good companion that will brighten up your day and keep you moving.
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