Original Article: https://www.dogster.com/dog-breeds/american-french-bull-terrier

It seems there are designer dog breeds everywhere you turn these days. But none might be quite as cute as the American French Bull Terrier. With a tongue twister like that, it might be hard for you to first detect exactly what breeds go into this mix.

This hybrid consists of the American Pitbull Terrier and French Bulldog. These are two of the most popular favorites in America today. If one of these pups caught your eye on the page of a rescue or shelter, or you saw someone advertise an accidental litter of puppies, you probably want to know exactly what they’re all about.

In this article, we aim to explain exactly what you can expect when you cross paths with this hybrid.

Breed Overview

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The American Pitbull Terrier has a poor reputation that has really started to change over the past several years. Many people have begun to advocate for these dogs and started showing them for the lovable, goofy companion animals they are.

The French Bulldog is a favorite for a variety of reasons, from their comical nature to their adorable appearance. When you combine these two together, you certainly get a vibrant, personable dog, but certainly not one for the faint of heart.

We will explain exactly what to expect when you cross these two breeds so you can make an informed decision on whether they’re right for your family.

American French Bull Terrier Characteristics

American French Bull Terrier Puppies

When you see the American French Bull Terrier, your heart is going to melt. These two parent breeds make some of the cutest puppies imaginable. From their blocky heads, to their perky ears, to their stout bodies, these little tiny puppies certainly get a lot of positive reaction from onlookers.

Since these dogs come from two very different sized breeds, it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly how much they will grow and how big they will be as adults. Puppies from even the same litter can be drastically different in size as adults.

When you are selecting your puppy, their size at the time might not indicate how big you can expect them to be in the future. As far as temperament is concerned, this particular breed will keep you in stitches with their funny antics and amazing personalities.

Both parent breeds are known for being very goofy and fun loving. These puppies will likely have a moderate to high energy level initially that should plateau as they get a little older.

Because these dogs might be brachycephalic, meaning they have a shortened snout and bulging eyes, they might be heat or cold sensitive. That is why it is so important to monitor them during exercise and keep them away from conditions that might create breathing issues early in life.

American French Bull Terrier Origin & History

The American Pitbull Terrier has had a pretty rough go at life. Originally, these dogs were used as fighters, meaning they have a violent and checkered past. Throughout the years, people have continued to taint their names by putting them in situations that have compromised their overall health and wellness.

However, thanks to big-hearted people, their reputation is slowly starting to change, as are the breeding practices. These dogs are giant love bugs and have been nannies, companion animals, and even service dogs throughout history.

French Bulldogs, unlike many other bulldog breeds, were bred for the strict purpose of being a companion dog. Their history can be traced all the way back to England, as they were the result of bull-baiting Bulldogs mixed with other dogs in the 1830s. They were then brought to France where they became popular as companion animals, particularly among society ladies.

Temperament & Intelligence of the American French Bull Terrier

The American French Bull Terrier will definitely impress you with their intelligence. These dogs tend to be incredibly people oriented, which makes training semi-easy despite their stubborn streak.

Both the Pitbull and the French Bulldog are quite easy to potty train, permitting you work with them correctly. Other concepts are pretty easy for them to pick up as well. At times, there’s a stubborn nature or specific personality eccentricities can create a lot of barriers in training.

These dogs might be a little bit complicated to manage, especially for novice owners. This combination should really only go to homes that have a firm understanding of each specific breed so that you can tackle issues as they arise.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

This particular dog breed can get along very well with a variety of different folks. Whether you are starting your family or you are retired, you can find companionship in this combination.

However, these dogs don’t make the best pets for novice owners, as they can be a little challenging to train and hard to pin down. Both the French Bulldog and American Pitbull Terrier have certain quirks and characteristics that make them difficult for some people to manage.

However, if you’re an experienced owner, or you’ve had either of these breeds before, you might find that it’s a breeze for you. We highly suggest that you research each parent breed to find out if you can take on the challenge.

These dogs are known for being a little bit territorial, so they might not be as accepting of company or strangers on outings. However, on the flipside, some of them might absolutely love new faces and situations! Remember, socialization is key.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

These dogs can be a hit or miss with other pets. Some of them prefer being the center of attention, wanting their owners all to themselves, while others are a bit more tolerant of other dogs and smaller pets. It all depends on the individual dog, but early training and socialization should help most American French Bull Terriers get along well with other pets.

Things to Know When Owning a American French Bull Terrier

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

The American French Bulldog Terrier will require a controlled diet. Both of these parent breeds can gain weight really easily and tend to have voracious appetites. To prevent this from happening, it is very important to start portioning their meals very early on.

As far as the type of food to feed them, this will be up to you or your veterinarian. People still go to dry kibble and wet dog food as a prime choice for their pets. There are several selections on the market that can be suitable options, but many parents are switching to more species-friendly options instead.

Fresh, raw, and homemade options are becoming more prevalent in pet parents’ lives. These dietary options are generally more nutritious in benefits than others that are filled with preservatives and potentially harmful ingredients.

Ultimately, you should only give your dog the correct diet based on your vet’s guidance to ensure that you’re meeting all nutritional profiles and catering to any potential issues your dog might have.

American Pitbull Terriers and French Bulldogs are both prone to food allergies, so it is a good idea to start on the right foot by offering a nutritious recipe without a lot of harmful additives that could trigger their issues. The cleaner the recipe, the clearer the skin. If you have any questions about your dog’s diet, it’s best to speak to your vet for recommendations.

Exercise 🐕

Exercise will be important for the breed, but there are also precautions you need to take. Because of the overall structure of the French Bulldog, strenuous exercise or time spent in extreme temperatures can cause major issues.

The American Pitbull Terrier tends to be very boisterous and fun-loving, ready to take on any adventure on their path. So, you can expect the activity levels of an American French Bull Terrier to be somewhere in the middle.

While you have to take safety precautions, you will find that these dogs absolutely love getting out in the sunshine and taking walks. They can even make decent candidates for dog parks and other public outings, permitting they’re properly socialized and trained.

Training 🎾

Training can be pretty simple or very challenging with a particular hybrid. While both parent breeds are receptive and eager to please owners, they also have a goofy and stubborn streak, which can make them extremely challenging to manage.

While things like potty training can come pretty easy to this particular dog, other things can be a little bit more difficult to learn. They might put up a little bit of a power struggle, thinking they know better than you.

While this can be really easy for experienced dog owners to navigate, it might be quite a challenge for someone who’s never had a dog before. Opting for professional training can really help in these scenarios so that you give them a good foundational base and you learn something yourself.

Grooming ✂️

Grooming the American French Bulldog Terrier can be a little bit of a challenge for some. While they both have short coats that require minimal brushing, they do shed continually year-round.

Frenchies tend to be extremely wrinkly, which is part of the reason we love them. However, with these folds and wrinkles on their face and body that can trap dirt and bacteria, they require routine wipe-downs and regular cleaning.

Health and Conditions ❤️

The American Pitbull Terrier and French Bulldog both have their own set of health issues. It’s hard to tell exactly what you’re going to get when you combine these two breeds.

The French Bulldog has a laundry list of health issues due to their overall structure, potential complications, and poor breeding. The American Pitbull Terrier is a highly unregulated dog breed that tends to fall victim to a number of health ailments and irregularities.

When you combine these two, you can probably expect vet bills to be pretty high. However, it is extremely important that you keep up with routine visits. In your pet’s first year of life, they will go to the vet quite frequently to have their health monitored, receive vaccinations, get spayed or neutered, and receive a microchip if you choose.

Male vs Female

Both of these dogs are very prone to dog aggression, particularly same-sex dog aggression. Since it can affect both males and females, early socialization is very important.

We will say that many times, the females have this trait more so than the males. However, it truly just depends on the individual dog.

As far as size is concerned, you will not be able to tell the sex based on size alone. The American Pitbull Terrier and French Bulldog mix will vary in size.

3 Little-Known Facts About the American French Bull Terrier

1. This hybrid can make an excellent watch dog.

Pitbulls and French Bulldogs both tend to be very alert dogs, so they are sure to bark at anything out of the ordinary. They may not be the best at guarding though, since the size can vary and they generally won’t be super large dogs.

2. This hybrid can be great with kids if they are raised alongside them.

Pitbulls and French Bulldogs are some of the most loyal family dogs you can get, but it is important to teach kids how to interact with dogs properly. If you don’t, children may accidentally play too rough and hurt your dog, which could cause the children to get hurt as well.

3. This hybrid makes for one entertaining, goofy pooch that will make you laugh and keep you on your toes.

Pitbulls are known for being goofballs, and French Bulldogs can have some crazy antics as well. A combination of the two is sure to be hilarious, crazy fun.

Final Thoughts

Based on all the information we’ve given you, what do you think about the American French Bull Terrier? Does this sound like a dog that you would love to bring home? They certainly are adorable, but are you up for the challenge of training and the quirks that come with them?

Remember not to purchase one of these dogs from someone who is breeding them intentionally unless they can provide you with health records and will show you the living conditions and parent dogs. Often, dogs like these are the result of backyard breeding or puppy mill situations, which can lead to poor health and bad genetics. So, it’s important to do your research and adopt one from a shelter or rescue if possible.

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

Source: Dogster