The American Bulldog-American Pitbull Terrier mix is a unique hybrid of sorts. Loving, gentle, and caring, this is a dog that everyone must have at least once in their lifetime.
Not A Barker
The American Bulldog-APBT mix, also known as the Bullypit, is a quiet dog that is not prone to barking a lot. It only barks when it sees something suspicious, or if it is alerting its family about something.
Coming from a powerful parentage, the American Bulldog-American Pitbull Terrier hybrid is an all-rounder dog. It has all the traits of a loving pet, and also the protective instincts that it inherits from its parents. This combination of characteristics makes it a wonderful pet. Being part APBT, this dog is what is known as a ‘Bully’ breed. Don’t worry, it doesn’t mean a ‘bullying dog’; the term actually traces back to its origins. Breeds like the APBT, Staffordshire terrier, Bull terrier, etc. originated from Molosser dogs, which were crossed with breeds like Mastiffs. Soon, these new breeds were used in violent sports like bull baiting, which earned them the title ‘Bully breeds’.
Around the 20th century, such sports were banned, and these breeds began to gain popularity as family pets. This again took a turn for the worse when, around the ’70s, gangsters and criminals began using these dogs for protection, breeding them to be aggressive. Then began a downward trend for the reputation of these breeds, creating undesirable notions in the minds of people about their ‘personalities’. However, now, times have changed and these misunderstood breeds are receiving their share of just defense, with people spreading awareness about the truth.
The following paragraphs provide some information about the American Bulldog-American Pitbull Terrier mix breed so that you can discern whether it is the right choice of pet for you. Read on.
The Folks
Appearance
This hybrid typically takes its body structure from the Pitbull terrier, and its muscular look from the Bulldog. Its average height and weight are between 17 and 20 inches and 60 and 100 pounds respectively. It is not a small dog by any means, but it is not a giant breed either; it is medium-sized.
It has a longer muzzle and leaner body, like the Pitbull terrier, but is sturdy and muscular like the Bulldog. It has small ears that can be floppy, small eyes, and a long and tapering tail. The coat of the Bulldog-Pitbull mix is short, glossy, and single-layered. The coat colors can range from white to black, with anything in between. The colors that are found in both the parents will be found in this hybrid, including the patterns.
Temperament
The parent breeds of this mix have received a bad reputation because of unethical breeding and irresponsible owners. The truth is that the Pitbull terrier and the Bulldog are loving, loyal, and caring breeds. The Bulldog-Pitbull mix is also just as sweet, affectionate, courageous, and loyal. It is good with children, and also a wonderful guard and watchdog.
One thing to keep in mind as with all dogs, is that socialization is extremely important. One reason is that, due to its original breeding purpose, the Pitbull terrier is bound to be inherently intolerant of other animals. The other reason is that each dog is different, and whether it is a rescued pet or a new puppy, every individual pooch has varying levels of tolerance towards others. Some are too friendly, while some prefer to be aloof.
Taking all this into consideration, socialize your dog with people, any pets that you may have, and other dogs. You can even join dog groups that are formed for this very purpose. It will also help you understand the nature of your dog and help you grow closer. Oh and one more thing, this pooch loves to cuddle!
Training
Training a Bulldog-Pitbull mix is not very difficult, although it does require a fair amount of patience. Praises and positive reinforcement will help make the process easier. This kind of dog requires a firm and consistent owner, who will love and pamper it, but will also lay down the rules of the house and the consequences for breaking them. This is not a preferable breed for first-time owners, but it is not entirely impossible to handle. Read up on as much information as you can before getting your new family member home.
Remember that if your dog ever misbehaves or does not follow orders at any time, to NEVER HIT him/her! It is wrong and cruel. Abused dogs can get angry and irritated. So if your pet does something you don’t like, handle it without hitting. If you are finding training difficult, consult a professional trainer for advice; he/she will definitely be able to help you. Also, this dog does not like being left alone for a long time, so make sure that you can spare time and attention for your pet.
Exercise
If you are someone who enjoys outdoor activities greatly and are always on the go, then a Bulldog-Pitbull mix will be a very good companion. This breed is very energetic and agile; it needs two walks or jogs a day, along with 30 to 40 minutes of extra exercise. This can be a game of fetch, just running around, or even walking on the treadmill!
If you have a yard where your dog can play, then ensure that the space is fenced up, because true to the Pitbull nature, this mix will also be a jumper; also be sure that the fence is made of strong material, because if your powerful dog starts running and doesn’t stop, then there is a chance it might go THROUGH the fence and out the other side.
Health
This is a generally healthy breed, and being relatively new, it does not have any serious or genetic health issues that are currently known of. However, owing to its short coat, the breed’s skin receives very little protection from the weather. Hence, while going out in winter, cover your dog with a coat, while for the summer months, occasional sunscreen protection might be needed. The average lifespan of this breed is 10 to 15 years.
Grooming
This is another perk of owning a Bulldog-Pitbull mix. This breed barely sheds, does not require regular combing, and can be bathed just once a month! If your pooch tends to get dirty often, then give him/her a wipe down with a clean and soft cloth soaked in water, and you’re both good to go!
Living Conditions
Although it does fine in an apartment in an urban setting, a dog like this usually needs space. However, if it gets its daily dose of required exercise, then an apartment is not an issue. Ideally, it does best in a sufficiently spacious house, preferably with a yard.
Adoption and BSL
Given the prejudicial reputation the Pitbull and Bulldog have received owing to a few bad apples, these breeds, along with other Bully breeds and their mixes, have been subjected to BSL, or Breed Specific Legislation, that require the owners of these dogs to follow certain rules while taking their pets out in public. Hence, check if any BSL prevail in your area of residence before deciding to get your mix home.
If you are planning on adopting a Bully breed or any of its mixes, there is a possibility that you will have to go through a lengthy and detailed screening process, undertaken by the shelter. Given the breeds’ infamous history of dog fighting and blood sports, the shelter will ask you your purpose for adopting this dog, may ask for references, your pet history, and may even pay a visit to your home. This will also make it easier for the shelter to connect you with a dog that will be just right for you. All these efforts will be worth it when you get your bag of love home.
If you are buying a puppy, make sure that the breeder is responsible and cares for his/her dogs. If you find him/her suspicious or see any signs of animal abuse, then alert the authorities immediately. It is time everyone realized that a dog is a naturally pure animal, and that it is the bad owners that give a breed a bad name.
The American Bulldog-APBT mix is an amazing dog with a golden heart. It will never cease to amaze you, and will love you with all it has. Get this dog home, and you will have memories to cherish for a long time.
