The mix between an American Pitbull Terrier and a Bulldog is known as a Bullypit.
This dog combines a lot of the benefits that Pitbulls and Bulldogs provide, to create a pet that is loyal, obedient, energetic, and agile.
Despite the fear that some people may, unfortunately, have of American Pitbulls, this mixed offspring is anything but ferocious.
Bullypits can be some of the most loving, affectionate, and friendly dogs you can add to your family if you’re willing to invest in socializing and training them properly.
If you are interested in bringing a Bullypit into your home, here is everything that you need to know about this amazing breed.
The History of Bullypits
Bullypits have originated within the last 30 years, and they are the result of selectively breeding the American Pitbull Terrier with the American Bulldog.
Both of these parent breeds have unfortunate origins of being used in fighting in England.
Bulldogs were used to bait bears and bulls, before being used to fight other dogs once baiting was banned.
The Pitbull saw a similar beginning, and when dogfighting was eventually banned in the Isles, these dogs were brought to America where they were bred into the breeds we have today.
Once in America, Bulldogs were used primarily to guard properties and hunt game.
Breeders also selectively bred them to become larger than what they originally were.
Similarly, the American Pitbull was used for hunting and guarding, while also being bred into a larger size.
Because of the origins of these two parent breeds, you can expect a Bullypit to be extremely protective once they bond with you, and they can be quite courageous, especially if something is putting their owner at risk.
However, they are also sweet, affectionate, and loving dogs that can be both surprisingly gentle and family-friendly.
Temperament
The American Pitbull has a reputation for ferocity, despite these behaviors being the result of poor ownership and no fault of the dog itself.
Regardless, this leads many people to be scared of the temperament of Pitbulls and breeds mixed with them.
However, this shouldn’t be something to worry about.
When a Bullypit is well trained and socialized, they are protective, loving, and relatively reserved when it comes to strangers and other animals.
They should not be aggressive, and instead should be surprisingly sweet and well-behaved.
While they do love a lot of attention, they pay back this need by being attentive, brave, and loyal towards their humans.
What Do Bullypits Look Like?
Bullypits are medium-sized dogs that can weigh between 40 and 80 lbs while standing between 20 to 24 inches in height.
They tend to have short muzzles, broad heads, and floppy ears.
They inherit a muscular body with a long tapered tail and can be found in many colors including yellow, grey, gold, red, tan, and white.
Grooming
Bullypits have short sleek hair and shed low to average amounts, increasing during shedding seasons.
You should try to brush them at least every two or three weeks to ensure that they aren’t shedding too much.
Because they have such short hair, you can even wipe them down with a damp cloth as needed, giving them baths a couple of times a year or when they get into a mess.
You should make sure and watch their nails to ensure that they don’t grow too long and try to trim them down if they do.
If you feel uncomfortable doing this, a groomer can take care of it for you.
One thing to watch for when grooming them is skin sensitivity and skin allergies which can be inherited from their American Pitbull parent.
Usually, these allergies aren’t very severe, and a regular wash with formulated shampoo can keep their skin and coat healthy.
Aside from these requirements, grooming is exceptionally easy when it comes to Bullypits.
Health Concerns
Bullypits have thin coats, and because of this, they can be susceptible to ultraviolet rays, just like humans are.
Too much exposure can cause sunburns and increase the risk of skin cancer.
Canine sunscreen can be used if they are going to be in the sun for long periods, and it can help keep them protected.
Additionally, there are a few other health concerns that can be inherited from their parents, including hip dysplasia, heart disease, reverse sneezing, allergies, eye problems, and hypothyroidism.
If you’re buying a Bullypit from a breeder, you should ask to be made aware of any issues that the parents may have so that you can be aware of them as your dog starts to age.
As a Family Dog
People looking to adopt a Bullypit may be uncertain as to how they will act around other pets or children.
Thankfully, when socialized and trained early, these dogs can get on great with other animals and they can be very gentle with kids.
However, it is important to instruct and supervise young children while around them, as hard petting, pulling, or hitting can eventually aggravate them, as with any other dog breed.
If you have other smaller pets, there is also an instinct to chase them. However, with training and socialization, this can be overcome.
Training and Activities
Bullypits are very active and they require exercise every day.
This makes them great for owners who love spending time outside, and your Bullypit would enjoy going with you for walks and jogs.
After they have been socialized and trained, they can also enjoy playing at dog parks as well.
When it comes to training, a firm but praise heavy approach is best.
Bullypits can be a bit stubborn and dominant, so you’ll need to be consistent and firm in your training, and you should never skip a day.
Training and socialization should be started as soon as you get your dog so that they can learn as quickly as possible before falling into a habit.
You’ll want to show your Bullypit that you are the pack leader, to avoid them thinking that they are in control.
A Strong and Loving Breed
Bullypits are some of the most loyal, brave, and loving dogs that you will find.
While they can take time to train and socialize, once they are, they will quickly become completely devoted to you.
If you are thinking about adding a Bullypit to your family, make sure that you have the time to dedicate to them, and that you’re willing to train them properly.
By doing this, you can ensure that you have a steadfast companion for many years to come.