Original Article: https://www.dogster.com/dog-breeds/french-bulldog-pitbull-mix

Considering how popular French Bulldogs are, it’s no surprise that we’re starting to see more French Bulldog mixes appear. The French Bulldog Pitbull Mix is a relatively new mixed-breed dog that’s a cross between a French Bulldog and a Pitbull. Since they’re so new, there’s still so much to learn about them. However, we do know that they often become loving and loyal companion dogs when they meet the right owner.

Even though a dog’s breed won’t guarantee a particular temperament, researching breeds can help you get a good idea of what to expect if you bring home a dog. Here’s what you need to know about French Bulldog Pitbull Mixes and if they’re the right dog for you.

Breed Overview

French Bulldog Pitbull Mixes like being around people, and they’re known to form strong bonds with their owners. They become very loyal and devoted to their families, and they have a lot of love to give. However, French Bulldog Pitbull mixes can also have a strong protective instinct, which often makes people feel safe when they’re around. So, don’t be fooled by their playfulness and goofy personalities. There’s a brave protector inside of them, and you certainly don’t want to get on their bad side.

French Bulldog Pitbull Mix Characteristics

French Bulldog Pitbull Mix Puppies

French Bulldog Pitbull Mixes aren’t a common mixed breed dog, so it’s expected to be difficult finding a breeder. It’s much more likely for you to find a French Bulldog Pitbull Mix through a Pitbull rescue organization.

French Bulldog Pitbull Mix puppies tend to have a lot of energy and love to play. They’ll enjoy going on walks, but they’re usually more enthusiastic about playing games like tug-of-war and chasing tennis balls.

It’s important to note that French Bulldog Pitbull Mixes can be a bit mouthy and like chewing on things. So, puppy-proofing your home is essential, and make sure to keep your valuables in a safe and unreachable place. Provide plenty of chew toys and chews to prevent them from developing a habit of chewing household items.

French Bulldog Pitbull Mix Origin & History

There’s no definitive date for when French Bulldog Pitbull Mixes were first bred. However, we do know that French Bulldogs started making an appearance in the mid-1800s. They were selectively bred from Bulldogs and became popular small companion dogs in France.

Pitbulls have a more varied history. This is because the word “Pitbull” doesn’t describe a purebred dog. It’s an umbrella term used to describe various Bulldog and Terrier breeds that share similar appearances. The American Staffordshire Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and American Bulldog are all dogs that are usually categorized as Pitbulls.

The reason for breeding French Bulldogs and Pitbulls is also unclear. It’s possible that they were bred in order to create a smaller looking Pitbull, but the breed could have also started as the result of an accidental litter.

Temperament & Intelligence of the French Bulldog Pitbull Mix 🧠

French Bulldog Pitbull Mixes are wonderful companion dogs that are extremely affectionate with their families. They’re generally friendly with everyone they meet, but they definitely have their favorites and usually form strong bonds with their close family members.

You’ll find that French Bulldog Pitbull Mixes are very playful and have a great sense of humor. They have bright and sweet personalities that can light up a room, and they can bring much joy and laughter into someone’s life.

French Bulldog Pitbull Mixes are smart dogs, but they can have a mind of their own. They may not excel in obedience training, but this certainly doesn’t mean that they’re unintelligent dogs. They’re simply fun-loving dogs who usually prefer hanging out with their friends and playing a game than attending rigid training sessions. Therefore, you usually see the best results when you approach obedience training like a fun game.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

French Bulldog Pitbull Mixes are good family dogs and can form strong bonds with children in the family. They often become a fun playmate and protector and are patient with child family members. However, they can be a little intense for younger children due their energy and stocky build. So, it’s important to take the time to teach both French Bulldog Pitbull Mixes and children how to interact and play together respectfully.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

While French Bulldog Pitbull Mixes can get along with other dogs, they don’t mind being the only dog in the family. They love receiving attention and like it when they don’t have to share the spotlight with another dog.

It’s possible for French Bulldog Pitbull Mixes to live with other kinds of pets, but this will require significant time with socialization and training. However, they can have a strong prey drive, especially if their temperament more closely matches with a Pitbull. So, owners must be prepared to face the reality that their French Bulldog Pitbull Mix may not ever be fully trusted to be unsupervised with other pets in the home.

Things to Know When Owning a French Bulldog Pitbull Mix

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

It’s important to pay close attention to a French Bulldog Pitbull Mix’s diet and nutrition because they’re prone to becoming overweight and obese. They require a high-quality diet that contains nutritious foods and omits filler ingredients that only add empty calories.

Along with choosing healthy food, it’s important for French Bulldog Pitbull Mixes to follow a healthy meal routine. Try to schedule two to three meals per day rather than letting your French Bulldog Pitbull Mix free graze throughout the day. Scheduled meals will ensure your dog is eating the right amount of food and can help curb hunger.

Exercise 🐕

One of the specific challenges of caring for a French Bulldog Pitbull Mix is providing the right amount of exercise. These dogs can have breathing issues and overheat if they exercise too hard. However, they’re also prone to gaining excessive weight. It’ll take some time to find the right balance for exercising a French Bulldog Pitbull Mix, but it’s absolutely essential for them to engage in daily exercise.

French Bulldog Pitbull Mixes need about 30 minutes of exercise per day. Going on daily walks is an excellent form of low-impact exercise that also provides mental stimulation. If you have a fenced backyard, your French Bulldog Pitbull Mix will enjoy sniffing around, but they’re not likely to run and romp around. They’ll probably sunbathe after they’ve done their rounds of snooping through the yard.

Another low-impact exercise that many French Bulldog Pitbull Mixes enjoy is playing with treat dispenser toys. These types of dog toys are excellent enrichment activities, and you can also fill them up with kibble if your dog has a habit of eating too quickly.

Training 🎾

French Bulldog Pitbull Mixes are smart dogs, but they can be strong-willed. Obedience training can be challenging in the beginning, but it becomes easier with consistency and using positive training techniques. French Bulldog Pitbull Mixes are usually food-motivated and respond well to praise, so it’s important to keep training sessions fun and encouraging. They also respond well to training sessions that are kept short and scheduled frequently throughout the day.

Grooming ✂️

French Bulldog Pitbull Mixes have relatively minimal grooming needs. They’ll benefit from getting brushed weekly with a bristle brush. Bristle brushes help pick up debris and loose and dead hair from their coat and distribute natural oils throughout their skin.

These dogs don’t require frequent bathing, and too much bathing will dry out their skin and coat. They really just need baths when they start to smell or when their coat starts to feel greasy.

One particular grooming need that French Bulldog Pitbull Mixes have is checking and cleaning between their face wrinkles regularly. It’s easy for food to get stuck between the folds, which can end up causing a skin infection if it’s not wiped up.

Health and Conditions 🏥

French Bulldog Pitbull Mixes are susceptible to specific health issues, especially as they age. They’re prone to obesity, so it’s important to ensure they’re eating a healthy diet and the correct proportions while getting enough exercise.

As French Bulldog Pitbull Mixes are brachycephalic dogs, they have particular health care needs. They’re at higher risk of breathing issues, digestive issues, and eye diseases. They’re also more likely to overheat, which can put them at risk of heat stroke. Therefore, a common challenge for French Bulldog Pitbull Mix owners is finding the right balance of getting their dogs to exercise without overexerting themselves.

Male vs Female

There are few notable differences between female and male French Bulldog Pitbull Mixes. Males can grow a little larger and heavier than females. However, their size can still vary significantly due to genetics, and dogs are likely to grow to a size that’s similar to their parents.

When it comes to temperament, there aren’t any consistent differentiations between female and male French Bulldog Pitbull Mixes. However, you may find that unneutered males can act more territorial and urine mark more frequently, and unspayed females will display mating behaviors when they’re in heat.

3 Little-Known Facts About the French Bulldog Pitbull Mix

1. French Bulldog Pitbull Mixes can be difficult to breed.

Part of the reason why French Bulldog Pitbull Mixes are so rare is because it’s difficult to breed French Bulldogs. Their anatomy makes it difficult for them to mate naturally, so it requires an expert breeder to produce a healthy litter of puppies. Many French Bulldog breeders will use artificial insemination, and C-sections are considered to be the safest way for a French Bulldog to deliver her puppies.

2. French Bulldog Pitbull Mixes vary significantly in size and appearance.

French Bulldog Pitbull Mixes often look very different from each other because of the different Pitbull breeds that can be used to breed them. Therefore, one French Bulldog Pitbull Mix may look stockier and have shorter legs if they have an American Bully parent. Another one may have a leaner build if they have an American Staffordshire Terrier parent.

3. French Bulldog Pitbull Mixes are recommended for experienced dog owners.

While French Bulldog Pitbull Mixes have wonderful personalities, they’re commonly recommended for experienced dog owners because of their particular health concerns. Along with paying attention to their diet and nutrition, owners must be prepared to closely monitor their health as their dog ages because they’re prone to developing significant health conditions. French Bulldogs in particular have higher pet insurance rates because they can rack up expensive vet bills.

Final Thoughts

French Bulldog Pitbull Mixes are affectionate and playful dogs who become very loyal to their families. They’re people-oriented and will love nothing more than to be included in all family activities. Due to their particular set of needs, French Bulldog Pitbull Mixes are generally recommended for experienced dog owners who understand canine behavior and can care for their health needs. When matched with the right owners, French Bulldog Pitbull Mixes will thrive and brighten up the lives of everyone around them.

Featured Image Credit: (L) Eric Isselee, Shutterstock | (R) J. A. Dunbar, Shutterstock

Source: Dogster