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Are you a fan of Bulldogs and Pitbulls? Then you may be happy to learn about Bullypits! These lovely dogs are affectionate, funny, and amazing dogs.
We’ve created this guide with information so you can learn whether this is the right dog for you!
What is a Bullypit?
The Bullypit is a hybrid dog that is a combination of the American Bulldog and the American Pitbull Terrier. These are large dogs with a short, shiny coat that comes in a wide range of colors.
Bullypits usually stand between 21-25 inches and weigh between 75 to 100 lbs. These hybrid dogs have a life expectancy of 8 to 13 years.
Each of the Bullypit’s parents is considered to be true Pitbulls. For this reason, the Bullypit is also classified as a Pitbull. What’s the significance of this? Well, in some locations and regions, Pitbulls are illegal to own. So, if you’d like to adopt a Bullypit, check the laws in your area first. It would be a tragedy to adopt a dog only to have him taken away by the authorities.
It’s thought these hybrid dogs were first bred sometime in the 1990s when it was fashionable to breed hybrid dogs (also called designer dogs). However, no one knows who first bred these dogs.
Because Bullypits are hybrid dogs, they may inherit good or bad qualities from their parents. There’s really no way to determine how a puppy will turn out. Even puppies in the same litter can have different characteristics and personalities. It depends on the genetics each unique puppy inherits from the parents.
However, we can take a look at both parents to see what qualities a puppy might inherit from each one!
The American Bulldog is an athletic dog that is very strong and has great endurance. They’re also very friendly. These dogs are descendants of English Bulldogs, which were bred to be working dogs. They were used for farm work and as guardians. After being brought to the US, the American Bulldog became prized by ranchers and farmers for their ability to work and protect.
American Bulldogs are usually between 22 and 25 inches tall and weigh between 75 to 100 lbs. They have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years.
The Bullypit’s other parent is the American Pit Bull Terrier. These are the dogs that have the worst reputation between the two. They were originally bred for bear and bull-baiting in England; however, these games were made illegal around 1835. Even so, the dogs were then used for dogfighting. Over time, the dogs have gained a reputation for being viciously aggressive. However, most of these dogs are gentle, loving dogs.
Like the American Bulldogs, the American Pit Bull Terrier was eventually brought to the US. They were used by farmers and ranchers to protect farm animals and property, as well as their families. They also were used for hunting games and were also beloved companion dogs. The American Pit Bull Terrier usually stands between 17 to 19 inches tall and weighs between 30 to 85 lbs. They have a life expectancy of 8 to 15 years.
American Bulldogs love people and don’t realize their size isn’t really great for being a lap dog! These dogs are confident, strong, and aware of their environment. However, they don’t make wonderful guard dogs. This is because the dogs are very friendly and would like to greet everyone who comes to visit, even an intruder!
When it comes to the Bullypit, this hybrid dog can inherit any of the characteristics of their parents. However, once you understand the parents, you have a better idea of what a hybrid puppy could be like!
Bullypit Characteristics
Bullypits are large dogs that have a strong, sturdy build. They’re somewhat muscular and lean. The Bullypit’s facial features entirely depend on which parent he most resembles. For instance, if he takes after his Pitbull parent, then the Bullypit could have a large head with small, wide-set eyes and upright ears.
On the other hand, if the Bullypit strongly resembles their American Bulldog parent, they might have a proportionally-sized head with a flat nose. These dogs may also be brachycephalic, which means they can have difficulty breathing and regulating body heat.
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Ask a Vet Live NowBullypit Coat
The Bullypit’s coat is usually straight and has only one layer. It’s short, too, and could be a bicolor or single color. Their coat colors can include black, red, or brown. Bicolored dogs usually have white markings with their two colors.
It’s also possible the Bullypit may inherit the gene that causes merle or a brindle coat from either of their parents.
Bullypit Temperament
The Bullypit looks fierce to some people; however, they are gentle and snuggly with their families. However, these dogs need to be socialized from a young age in order to make them friendly, well-balanced dogs.
The Bullypit is very intelligent and maybe on the stubborn side. However, they will usually respect a pet parent who understands these dogs and knows how to handle them properly. Once the Bullypit has learned you’re the boss, they will acknowledge you as the pack leader.
Luckily, these dogs are trainable, as long as they recognize you as the boss. They respond best to positive reinforcement training methods, so be sure to have plenty of treats and praise for rewards! It’s best not to be too strict with these dogs, as this may make them aggressive toward you.
In addition, these dogs are very attached to their families. They don’t do well when left home alone for long periods. They can become depressed, anxious, stressed and may develop destructive behaviors. Keep in mind these are large, strong dogs. They have the ability to chew up almost anything and everything!
These hybrid dogs are also known to be very loyal and devoted to their families. They tend to form very loving, deep bonds with their humans. However, they can be somewhat aloof and mistrustful, especially of strangers. Even so, they love to be the center of attention!
The dogs are also gentle, despite their size and reputation. However, they can be volatile, which may mean this is not the right dog for certain families. They can sometimes be reactive and may become aggressive if they believe an interaction is somehow threatening.
Even so, Bullypits are known for being somewhat funny and mischievous. They’re sometimes called natural clowns because of their antics! They love to make you laugh and will do whatever it takes to get you to smile and laugh.
Bullypits are best for families who are home most of the time and have plenty of time and love for these amazing dogs.
Bullypit Health Issues
Even though hybrid dog breeds are thought to be healthier than purebreds, they can still inherit certain genetic health issues from their parents. Bullypits can be prone to the following health issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Allergies
- Skin infections
- Respiratory problems
- Exercise-induced collapse
- Bloat
- Heat intolerance
One way to keep your dog healthy is to take him to the vet for regular checkups. During a checkup, the vet may find a health issue that’s only started. At this stage, some issues can be treated early and cured quickly. However, the longer a health problem is left untreated, the harder it is to cure it. Sometimes the health condition may even lead to death if the dog doesn’t receive timely treatment.
In addition, make sure your dog receives all the required vaccinations. These can also help keep your Bullypit happy and healthy!
If you’re worried your Bullypit developing a serious health issue, then you may also want to consider purchasing pet health insurance. There are pet policies available that pay for almost everything, including regular checkups, lab tests, vaccinations, routine, and emergency care, and more.
Grooming Bullypits
Bullypit hybrids do shed quite a bit, even though they do have short hair. They’re not hypoallergenic dogs; however, regular brushing can help remove dead fur. Doing so means there’s less dander in your home. Frequent vacuuming can also work wonders to keep your home free of dander and dog fur.
Having said that, they don’t usually shed as much as other dogs. And their coat is easy to care for. Just brush them at least twice a week (more during periods of heavier shedding). And bathe your fur baby about once a month or when he becomes dirty and smelly!
Because these dogs can suffer from skin allergies, it’s a good idea to buy a dog shampoo that helps a dog’s skin feel better. You might consider an oatmeal pet shampoo, for instance. If you’re not sure which dog shampoo is best for your fur baby, then check with the vet for their recommendations.
Training a Bullypit
We’ve talked a little bit about the need to train and socialize your Bullypit. But we’d like to share a few more details on this subject.
There’s no question that these dogs can sometimes be stubborn. So, it’s necessary these dogs receive positive reinforcement training and socialization from the time they’re puppies. These methods ensure that dogs are well-rounded and can interact safely with the world.
The key to successful training and socialization is consistency. These dogs require consistent efforts. You also need to have a healthy dose of patience and understand how to handle these dogs.
Bullypits are very sensitive dogs and have been known to shut down when scolded emotionally. This can inhibit the dog and keep him from responding in a positive manner. So, never use negative training methods with your Bullypit. Always use positive reinforcement training methods. This way, you’ll establish a loving, trusting bond between you and your dog.
When Bullypit dogs are socialized, they should be exposed to a wide range of people, animals, and experiences. This helps them to have good associations with these experiences. It also teaches him not to react with aggressive behavior.
Bullypit Exercise Requirements
When it comes to exercise, your Bullypit has a ton of energy. You can probably guess what that means! They need a lot of exercise every day. These dogs need a regular exercise routine to wear off all that excess energy. Bullypits also need a large backyard to play in, which has a fence. Bullypits can be escape artists, so it’s a good idea to have a fence at least six feet high and once that is buried into the ground for about three feet.
Bullypits need at least 35 to 45 minutes of exercise daily; however, more would be appreciated! Their exercise routine can include walks, playtime, hikes (nothing too strenuous), and games of fetch.
How to Find a Bullypit
If you’d like to adopt a Bullypit, then congratulations! These dogs are full of love and can make wonderful family companions.
It’s possible to adopt your Bullypit directly from a reputable breeder. Here, the dogs may cost between $500 to $900. However, if you’d like to adopt from a shelter, then the adoption fees can vary between $100 to $300.
No matter what, avoid adopting your fur baby from a puppy mill or a backyard breeder. These individuals are only interested in the money they make. They don’t care for their dogs’ welfare. The dogs coming from these sources could be sick, have genetic issues that lead to serious illness, and more. In addition, they will not have been trained and socialized. Whereas a reputable breeder ensures these are done for each and every puppy.
So, make every effort to adopt from a reputable breeder or a shelter. You’ll be happy you did!
Summing It Up
Bullypit hybrid dogs can make wonderful family companions for the right family. They do need a pet parent who understands how to properly train and socialize these dogs. The dogs also need a family that’s dedicated to spending time and giving these precious dogs the love and care they need and deserve.
If you’ve decided to adopt a Bullypit, we’re very happy for you and your new fur baby!
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Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
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