Are you thinking of getting a crossbreed dog? While there are so many mixed breeds to choose from, there is one particular mix that will surely blow you away with its charm, wit, and energy.
The Pointer Pit is one of the several Pittie mixes growing popular in the canine world. You can expect this combination of a Pitbull and a Pointer to be nothing short of fun and spirited.
So, if you are looking for a companion that can tickle your soft and carefree side, a Pointer Pitbull mix might just be for you.
To learn more about the origin, appearance, temperament, health, and other aspects of this designer breed, keep scrolling.
After reading this article, you might just be convinced to buy or adopt one for you and the family.
What Is a Pointer Pitbull Mix?
Photo by @honi_honi (IG)
A Pointer Pit or a Pitbull Pointer mix is a crossbreed between a Pointer and a Pitbull dog. Because of this combination, this hybrid exhibits tremendous energy and hunting instincts. They love the outdoors and would surely enjoy a walk at the park or any large space to play and run in.
This convenient package of an energetic and loving dog is one of the best family companions there is.
Their friendly nature is a blessing to owners, adding to their lovable persona. As intelligent dogs, you will also be surprised by the tricks they have up their sleeves.
Aside from their sensible breed name, Pointer Pits are also called English Pointer Pitbull mix.
However, they also come in another variety called the German Shorthaired Pointer Pitbull mix which is a combination of a German Shorthaired Pointer and a Pitbull.
Pointer Pitbull Mix History and Origin: Where Does the Pointer Pit Come From?
Pointer Pits are a convenient mix between a Pointer and Pitbull. Because of the negative stigma surrounding Pitbulls and crossbreeding in general, Pointer Pit mixes might not have been prevalent before.
Although there are no accounts of how these crossbreeds started, they are growing in popularity nowadays due to the known benefits of breeding these two purebreds.
Pointers were first bred in England around the year 1650 when they assisted hunters alongside Greyhounds.
They were popular hunting dogs throughout the 17th century but when the rifle was invented, they quickly transitioned to being gun dogs.
Pitbulls, on the other hand, have quite a complicated history. First of all, the term ‘Pitbull’ refers to a broad classification of Bull Terrier dog breeds.
These include the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
They were originally bred to become fighting dogs in illegal dog sport events. Luckily, this was outlawed in 1835. However, the stereotype towards Pitbulls as aggressive dogs remained.
With the crossbreeding of Pointers and Pitbulls, the controversy around Pitbulls can be proven wrong and people can be more accepting of mixed breeds. Pointer Pits can finally create their own history in the dog world.
Pointer Pitbull Mix Appearance: What Does a Pointer Pit Look Like?
Pointer Pits are expected to have both the features of a Pointer and Pitbull dog.
Generally, a Pointer Pitbull mix has an athletic yet graceful appearance regardless if they are bigger or smaller in size. They are muscular dogs with wide-set eyes and floppy ears that are quite irresistible.
In some cases, the more dominant gene will be exhibited by the puppy. For instance, if they take on the genes of their Pitbull parent, they will be shorter and have a more muscular build when they mature.
Some may find Pointer Pits scary-looking, but when they flash that big, bright smile, you will surely think otherwise.
Photo by @sedinasaurus (IG)
A Pointer Pit that appears more like a Pitbull is shown in the photo above. The dog has a brown and white coat combination but they can also have red, buckskin, black, and brindle coat colors with or without markings.
Photo by @pepper_the_pitbull_pointer (IG)
On the other hand, when a Pointer Pit has a more dominant Pointer gene like the dog in the photo above, they will appear taller and have a less muscular stance.
Their short, dense coats can also come in many colors including liver, lemon, black, orange in combination with white.
Photo by @cali_rooooo (IG)
Moreover, when you have a German Shorthaired Pointer Pitbull mix, you can also expect a more distinct appearance like the Pointer Pit in the photo above.
They tend to be a bit smaller and weigh less than English Pointer Pits. Usually, these dogs also have black or liver markings or ticks across their coat while English Pointer Pits often have solid markings.
Pointer Pitbull Mix Size and Weight: How Big Will a Pointer Pit Mix Get When Fully Grown?
Like any other dog owner, you must be curious about the size of a fully grown Pointer Pit. Knowing this can help you decide if your house can accommodate a large breed or not.
You can also easily purchase items such as crates and beddings if you know their adult size.
A Pointer Pit can stand between 17 and 28 inches in height and weigh around 30 to 75 pounds when they become adult dogs.
As you can see, they can grow to be very large dogs so you need to have enough space for them to roam around.
You also may have noticed the wide gap between the height and weight of a Pointer Pitbull mix. This is because Pitbulls and Pointers have different sizes.
A Pointer dog’s height varies between 23 and 28 inches while their weight is around 45 to 75 pounds. Pitbulls, on the other hand, stand between 17 and 21 inches tall and weigh anywhere between 30 and 60 pounds.
Pointer Pitbull Mix Temperament: Do Pointer Pits Make Good Family Dogs?
Because of the Pitbull’s reputation for being aggressive dogs, it’s easy to attribute this behavior to the Pointer Pitbull mix.
However, in 2011, the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) reported that American Pit Bull Terriers belong to the top five most stable breeds. They got an 87.4% passing rate in the ATTS breed statistics.
With this information about Pitbulls coupled with the fact that Pointers are friendly and good-mannered dogs, a Pointer Pit is most likely to have a combination of these temperaments.
They make good family dogs because of their loyalty and friendly nature. Big as they are, they have soft personalities. They are affectionate and wouldn’t hesitate to have a good cuddling session.
They are generally good with children, but they can accidentally bump into them and cause them to fall because of their size.
For families with smaller kids, it’s best to monitor their interactions or install a room barrier to limit your dog’s access to certain areas of the house.
Moreover, due to their energetic side, they need a lot of active playtimes and mental stimulation. Destructive behavior like chewing is highly possible so it’s best to supervise them.
Here is a video of an adorable Pointer Pit in a rescue:
A4992286 Yammi | Pit Bull/Pointer Puppy<a href="https://youtu.be/oJp2MF-FTDE" 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%2FoJp2MF-FTDE%2F0.jpg" alt="A4992286 Yammi | Pit Bull/Pointer Puppy" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Pointer Pitbull Mix Lifespan and Health Issues: Are Pointer Pits Healthy Dogs?
Pointers typically live around 12 to 14 years while Pitbulls can live anywhere between 8 and 16 years.
A healthy Pointer Pitbull mix will most likely have the same lifespan as their parents, ranging from 8 to 16 years. Nonetheless, they are prone to some diseases and health conditions.
Here are some common health issues associated with Pointer Pits:
Hip Dysplasia: When you notice that your dog is limping, this might be a sign that it has hip dysplasia. This is a genetic condition marked by the deformity of the hip joint, causing pain on the hind legs. Over time, it can worsen and develop into arthritis.
Cataracts: This is a hereditary condition that causes the lens of the eyes to become opaque or cloudy, impairing your dog’s vision. Cataracts can progress after some years and even cause blindness.
Allergies: Your Pointer Pit can experience allergies when exposed to certain allergens from plants, insects, and food. This can result in itching in one area or even the whole body. Other indications include coughing, wheezing, and watery discharge from the eyes and nose.
Heart Disease: Aortic stenosis is the most common heart disease experienced by Pitbulls. There is a chance that your Pointer Pit is predisposed to this condition. In most cases, there are no evident signs to tell if they have this disease or not but it can be detected through a series of physical examinations.
Hypothyroidism: The thyroid gland is responsible for regulating your pup’s metabolic rate. If it becomes underactive, the condition is called hypothyroidism. Some common symptoms include sudden weight gain, lethargy, and excessive shedding.
If you prioritize your Pointer Pit’s health starting from day one, you won’t have to deal with any of the listed health conditions above. When they live a healthy life, they can happily reach old age with you by their side.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Breeding Pitbulls and Pointers Together
Even though designer breeds have been around for years, crossbreeding is still a frowned-upon practice in the dog world. While some claim that this causes more harm than good, others insist that it has a lot of benefits.
Breeding Pitbulls and Pointers together has its own advantages and disadvantages. Knowing these points can help you decide if having a Pointer Pit is a good idea or not.
Here are some of the known advantages of breeding a Pointer Pitbull mix:
Unique appearance: Since you are mixing two different gene pools, your Pointer Pit will have features from both parents. But sometimes, they will take on the most dominant gene of one of the parent breeds. In any case, you can expect a unique-looking dog that will leave a lot of people curious.
Improved temperament: Both Pointers and Pitbulls exhibit energetic personalities. However, the Pointer’s even-tempered nature can balance the stubbornness and strong-willed temperament of the Pitbull.
Lowered risk for congenital disease: For purebred dogs, there’s a higher chance of puppies inheriting common diseases. With careful crossbreeding, the chances of passing on a specific condition are lessened, especially if only one parent is a carrier.
On the other hand, there are several disadvantages that you need to watch out for:
Unpredictability in terms of size: Because Pointers and Pitbulls differ in height and weight, their mix can have a wide range for these measurements. You can have a tall, muscular dog or a shorter version of a Pointer.
High-risk deliveries: If the female dog is a Pitbull, then it may have a hard time delivering large puppies. In some cases, a C-section is required to deliver them successfully.
Expensive to breed: Unlike purebreds, designer breeds can be much more expensive. This is because of the more selective breeding process that breeders do to produce these mixed breeds.
Having mixed breeds like Pointer Pits has its own benefits and drawbacks like with any other mixes or purebreds.
Future dog owners should recognize these facts to assess if owning a particular breed will suit them or not.
READ NEXT: Male vs. Female Pitbull: Which Is Better?
How to Take Care of Your Pitbull Pointer Mix?
Dogs are companions for life. To make their life happy and worthwhile, you need to fulfill their basic needs like food, water, grooming, and exercise.
Apart from that, they need to know that you truly care for them by showering them with the love and affection they deserve.
Feeding and Diet
To ensure that your Pitbull Pointer is getting enough nutrients, choose a high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age. Make sure to look at the ingredient list to ensure that it doesn’t contain any food allergens.
Being large dogs, you need to feed them three cups of dry food each day once they reach around 3 months old. Set a strict feeding schedule to make sure that they get the proper amount of food at the right time.
It’s also important to replace fatty treats with vegetables to prevent your dog from becoming overweight. Also, remember to fill their water bowl every day to keep them hydrated.
Cleaning and Grooming
When it comes to cleaning your Pointer Pit, make sure to remove any dirt and discharge from the eyes and ears weekly.
Since they have floppy ears, they are more prone to infections. In this case, you have to treat them following your vet’s advice.
Weekly brushing is enough to maintain their short coats. If they stay outside frequently, it’s best to give them a bath at least once a week. Their nails should also be trimmed at least once every few weeks.
To maintain their oral hygiene, daily toothbrushing is needed. Dental chews are also beneficial if your dog doesn’t respond well to brushing.
Training and Exercise
Pointer Pits are intelligent dogs that respond well to firm training by using positive reinforcement. However, they can also have a stubborn streak that can test your patience.
Since they are active dogs, they require a lot of quality exercise per day. They typically need 30 to 60 minutes of walking each day, divided into two sessions.
If they don’t get enough stimulation, they can exhibit destructive behavior such as gnawing. You also need to give them a lot of attention so that they won’t develop separation anxiety.
Pointer Pitbull Mix Puppy Prices & Expenses: How Much Does a Pointer Pit Cost?
Photo by @oakley_10262015 (IG)
If you want to purchase a Pointer Pit puppy, you might need to double-check your funds because the average price range for this designer breed is $800 to $1,800.
The final price of your Pointer Pit puppy is affected by many factors including your location, the breeder’s reputation, the dog’s bloodline, and health.
To save a couple of hundred dollars, you can choose to adopt a Pointer Pitbull mix from a rescue organization. Adoption fees typically cost between $300 and $500.
Once you decide to buy or adopt a Pointer Pit mix, you should prepare your bank account for the other expenses that will come along. Several items need to be purchased for your pup to make themselves feel right at home.
The table below shows the list of items you need to buy before bringing your puppy home and their average cost:
The total initial cost of owning an English Pointer Pitbull mix is estimated to be $280. While this amount is considered reasonable, you can lower the expenses even more by buying dog food and bulk or making your own toys.
Places to Find Pointer Pitbull Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Many websites claim to sell Pointer Pit puppies but most of the time, these are online scams that either take your money or give you an unhealthy puppy for a high price.
For safe transactions, you should reach out to a reputable breeder in your area.
You can contact breeders from places to know if they have Pointer Pit puppies for sale:
Lancaster Puppies – This is an advertising website that promotes different designer breeds including Pointer Pitbull mixes. You can find puppies from various states and easily contact the breeder on the puppy’s profile.
Liebmeister Kennels – This is a breeder from Alabama that specializes in producing healthy German Shorthair Pointers. They also breed puppies with champion bloodlines. You can send them a message if they have any Pointer Pit mixes available in their upcoming litters.
Dark Dynasty K9s – Founded in 2004, this family-owned kennel is known for breeding and training Pitbulls. They follow a special training program to ensure that their dogs will be the best companions. They may have Pointer Pit mixes from time to time.
If you see adoption as a better alternative, you can contact rescues or shelters to know if they have Pointer Pitbull mix puppies in their facility.
Here are some websites where you can find Pointer Pit mixes for adoption:
Petfinder – This is an online platform where you can find different rescue centers and shelters for adopting purebreds and mixes. All you have to do is toggle the filter to your location and type in Pointer or Pit Bull to see a list of dogs. It will be indicated if the pups are a mix or not.
Adopt a Pit Rescue, Inc. – Founded in 2013, this rescue has been able to rehome over 2,600 Pitbulls and mixed breeds. Since they don’t have a physical facility, all of their newly rescued pups are taken in by foster families within Ohio.
Out of the Pits – This rescue organization has rehomed over 3,000 Pitbulls and mixes for the last 25 years. They are also focused on educating the public about the breed and have partnered with different institutions for their in-school programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Pointer Pitbull Mixes Dangerous?
Pointer Pitbull mixes are not dangerous dogs. Combining the temperament of both parents will result in a friendly, active, and loyal dog.
With proper training, they can be more sociable with people and fellow animals.
Are Pointer Pitbull Mixes High Maintenance Dogs?
The Pointer Pitbull mix is generally a low-maintenance dog. In terms of grooming, they only require weekly brushing and one or two trips to the grooming salon each month.
When it comes to exercise, you should make an effort to keep them active and stimulated. This can be done by engaging in playtime or even dog sports.
Do Pointer Pitbull Mixes Shed a Lot?
Even though they have single coats with short hair, Pointer Pits are moderate shedders.
They will consistently shed the same amount of fur all year round. With a regular brushing routine, you can reduce the frequency of shedding.
Final Thoughts: Is the Pointer Pitbull Mix the Right Dog for You?
If you want a vigorous dog that will remain loyal and affectionate with you until its senior years, then you should definitely get a Pointer Pit.
While there are many controversies regarding its Pitbull parent’s temperament, their behavior will still depend on their environment and how you treat them.
Since they are prone to several health issues, it’s important to purchase a Pointer Pitbull mix from a breeder that provides health testing and guarantee for congenital diseases. Proper feeding and care can lessen the risk of having any health issues.
With this mix, you can get an intelligent, friendly, and courageous dog in one package. And that’s all you can ever ask for a dog companion.
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