Original Article: https://www.dogster.com/dog-breeds/boston-terrier-pit-mix

The Boston Terrier Pit mix isn’t always going to look like the same dog. The first parent of the hybrid is easy to discern, but the second parent breed is the conundrum. The term “Pitbull” doesn’t describe a specific breed. Instead, people use it as an umbrella term to describe dogs with a certain look including the American Bully, American Staffordshire Terrier, and others since they all have some similar characteristics. Let’s learn a bit more about this unique hybrid below. Also, for simplicity, we are going to use the American Pit Bull Terrier as the second parent breed in this mix.

Breed Overview

The Boston Terrier Pit mix is a wild card because it’s hard to know what you’re getting. It can make a significant difference with health concerns, the size of the pup, and your pet’s behavior. While genetics isn’t the only factor affecting this, it’s critical for prospective owners to realize the potential health risks of many hereditary and congenital conditions.

The Boston Terrier is a sweetheart and a friendly pup, but the term “Pitbull” can apply to many breeds with varying personalities. They can include traits such as protective, active, and courageous. Like one parent breed, the hybrid may be a brachycephalic dog with all the health risks that entails. Some can affect the animal’s quality of life, like exercise intolerance. Others, such as heart disease, can shorten the dog’s lifespan.

Boston Terrier Pit Mix Characteristics

Boston Terrier Pit Mix Puppies

Boston Terriers are a popular breed, ranking 23rd on the American Kennel Club (AKC) list of favorites.¹ That can make finding the mixed breed challenging since sellers undoubtedly could get a better price for the purebred dogs. We mentioned the confusion about the term “Pitbull.” Getting a true mixed breed adds another level to the complications.

The AKC recognizes the Bull Terrier. The United Kennel Club (UKC) has given official status to the American Pit Bull Terrier. They are not the same breed, although they have a similar sad history. We strongly urge you to verify the pedigree of a puppy before the purchase. The AKC dog is larger than the UKC pup if size is a consideration. This mix is risky on any score.

A reputable seller should inseminate a female American Pit Bull Terrier instead of the opposite to help prevent birthing complications. Nevertheless, puppies taking after the Boston Terrier are equally at risk of being unable to compete against their larger littermates. We recommend requesting to see the mother and other puppies first for your peace of mind.

The seller should provide a complete medical history of the animal, with information about vaccinations and deworming. The individual should also offer a health guarantee, as many hereditary and congenital conditions don’t develop until later in a dog’s life.

Boston Terrier Pit Mix Breed Origin & History

Enthusiasts developed the Boston Terrier in the United States. They used several dogs to selectively breed what would become this cutie, including the English Bulldog. The AKC formally recognized the Boston Terrier in 1893. The pup has come a long way from their unfortunate bullbaiting history. They still have a strong build but with a sweeter and friendlier temperament.

The American Pit Bull Terrier has a similar lineage to Bulldogs and their sad history. However, when immigrants brought this dog to the United States, they found other jobs for this muscular pooch. Instead of bullbaiting, they drove livestock and became all-purpose farm dogs. Favoritism undoubtedly played a role in getting the UKC to recognize the breed, with the organization’s founder’s dog being the first one.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Boston Terrier Pit Mix

The temperaments of the parent breeds are opposite. The Boston Terrier is an affectionate and playful dog that easily makes friends with people and other canines. The American Pit Bull Terrier is a hard-working and athletic pup, although they can certainly be equally affectionate. It’s worth noting that the UKC official standard states, “…some level of dog aggression is characteristic of this breed.” We can’t recommend this pup for novice pet owners.

Both parent breeds are eager to please and somewhat protective of their family. The American Pit Bull Terrier is highly intelligent and competes in many trials, including weight pulls, lure coursing, and tracking. This versatility made them excellent farm dogs. They could do it all! Meanwhile, the Boston Terrier is a companion animal with an adorable face you can’t help but love.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

The history of the American Pit Bull Terrier makes it hard for us to recommend the Boston Terrier Pit mix for families with small children. While both parent breeds are affectionate with their families, we strongly urge you to supervise playtime with the kids. Ensure they know to leave the dog alone when they’re eating or sleeping. However, they can make excellent family pets with proper training and socialization.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Again, the American Pit Bull Terrier gives us pause when recommending this dog for households with other pets. This mixed breed requires an experienced owner who will socialize the dog early to make it a non-issue. However, instincts run deep, and the American Pit Bull Terrier has a strong prey drive. They are also muscular and athletic animals that could outrun a fleeing cat or pup. But again, early socialization can help with this.

Things to Know When Owning a Boston Terrier Pit Mix

We don’t mean to malign the American Pit Bull Terrier and this mixed breed. However, knowing the score upfront is best to avoid any nasty surprises. This parent breed is an outstanding climber, making a fenced-in yard a must. It may not be a problem if the Boston Terrier is the dominant breed. This pup would rather cuddle up on the couch with you than chase other animals.

Neither parent breed tolerates extreme cold or hot well. It can be dangerous for some pets. The Boston Terrier Pit mix does best in an active household. They don’t like being left alone. This pup wants to be part of the action, so we don’t recommend this dog for individuals away from home often. It can set the stage for separation anxiety and destructive behavior.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

The Boston Terrier Pit mix can be with a small or medium-sized dog, depending on which parent breed is dominant. The difference is pretty dramatic, from 12 pounds for a little Boston Terrier to 60 pounds for a robust male American Pit Bull Terrier. Remember that hybrids aren’t necessarily a 50-50 mix of the parents. Puppies from the same litter can vary widely.

This information comes into play with your pet’s diet. You should give your pup high-quality commercial food appropriate for the animal’s size and life stage. Your vet can recommend a product to fulfill your pup’s nutritional needs. Puppies should get a diet with at least 22.5% protein and 8.5% fat. Put your pet on a schedule of three to four meals daily.

You can reduce the feedings to twice daily once your dog is an adult. Since the American Pit Bull Terrier is susceptible to bloat, using puzzle-feeding bowls can slow your dog’s eating to prevent swallowing air that can distort the animal’s stomach. That can lead to the organ twisting upon itself, creating a life-threatening condition. Twice-daily feedings can also help prevent this from happening.

Exercise 🐕

Both parent breeds are active dogs who are playful and full of energy. We mentioned the necessity of a fenced-in yard. That also means daily walks for socializing and introducing your pup to novel experiences. It’ll provide welcome mental stimulation and enrichment for this intelligent animal. Pets with an active social life are less likely to be fearful, after all, which can spur aggression.

Training 🎾

The Boston Terrier Pit mix is best suited for an experienced pet owner, particularly for pups with the American Pit Bull Terrier as the dominant breed. You should begin training as soon as your puppy has acclimated to their new home. Consistency and positive reinforcement are the best approaches for this sometimes-sensitive pooch.

Grooming ✂️

The short, smooth coat of the Boston Terrier Pit mix makes grooming a breeze. Going over their coat with a hound glove or curry brush will increase circulation and remove excess hair. It’s a good time to examine your dog’s skin for any signs of allergies, such as redness and hair loss. We recommend getting your pet used to being handled. Also, be sure to clip your dog’s nails and clean their ears as needed.

Health and Conditions ❤️

The potential health issues of the Boston Terrier Pit mix make researching this mixed breed imperative. The Boston Terrier is a brachycephalic dog because of the animal’s short muzzle. Scientists classify canines based on their cephalic index or the ratio of the skull’s width to its length. This dog’s snout is much shorter compared to a German Shepherd or Greyhound.

Enthusiasts selectively bred Bulldogs and Mastiffs to encourage the short muzzle because it increased their bite force. That was desirable in the days of bullbaiting and dog fighting. However, it also comes at a price. This anatomy also makes it more difficult for the animal to breathe, setting them up for respiratory conditions like brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS).

The effects are cascading. Brachycephalic dogs are exercise intolerant, making obesity more likely. That, in turn, can lead to other health problems, like diabetes and joint disease. The Boston Terrier falls into this category. The American Pit Bull Terrier is on the cusp. However, many unreputable sellers selectively breed these dogs for this trait because it appears cuter to some.

We suggest discussing these issues with your vet. However, don’t be offended if they try to dissuade you from getting a Boston Terrier Pit mix puppy. Sadly, supply and demand have fueled irresponsible breeding practices, perpetuating these problems.

Male vs. Female

The glaring issue with getting a male versus female Boston Terrier Pit mix is size. The range is broad, which can be a deal-breaker for some people. However, the pet’s temperament is largely influenced by the environment and upbringing, with genetics also a part of the mix.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Boston Terrier Pit Mix

1. The Boston Terrier Is the Mascot of Boston University

The pup is also the Massachusetts state dog, in addition to the academic honor.

2. The Nickname of the Boston Terrier Describes the Dog’s Temperament

The Boston Terrier parent is affectionately known as the American Gentleman.

3. The Ancestors of the American Pit Bull Terrier Fought Off Bears and Badgers on Farms

The American Pit Bull Terrier embodies courage and loyalty. That’s evident in the dangerous work they undertook to protect their families.

Does the Boston Terrier Pit Mix Make a Good Pet?

The Boston Terrier Pit mix has many desirable qualities as a pet. They are loyal and affectionate animals with their family. They are also protective and courageous. Yet, they have a gentle and sweet side that many appreciate. However, some issues exist. This pup needs an experienced owner who understands their unique needs. This individual should also recognize the commitment to training and socialization required.

Nevertheless, health problems remain at the forefront, making this aspect of pet ownership just as demanding. Many mixed breeds and so-called designer dogs don’t have this baggage. We recommend carefully researching the parent breeds and the prospective seller if you choose to get a Boston Terrier Pit mix. Discuss your decision with your vet.

Conclusion

There’s no denying that the Boston Terrier Pit mix is a sweetie. They look adorable and can make a good pet. However, problems exist on the health and behavioral fronts. We suggest finding a reputable breeder if you decide to move forward. You can rest assured you get what you want in a pet. Reputable sellers conduct pre-breeding health screenings to avoid passing on unwanted traits. Too often, people relinquish dogs because of unexpected circumstances. Unfortunately, this mixed breed carries many of those risks if you don’t train and socialize them properly. However, the mix between the two can truly make a sweet, fun, and affectionate dog.

Source: Dogster