Pit bulls are some of the most controversial dogs in the world. They’re often feared because of a stigma that follows them, typically in regards to their jaw power; after all, they are one of the dogs with the strongest bite force. However, the breed gets a really bad reputation because of this.
Pit bulls are some of the goofiest, most loyal, loving dogs a person can own and were also known as nanny dogs. They just need a bit of discipline and training along the way to help them be the best dogs they can be and outrun the typical pitbull statistics. That’s true of any dog breed, though.
So, what is a pitbull? To answer this question, it’s important to point out that pitbull is not a breed but rather a title for a dog that’s mixed with terrier and bulldog breeds. The most commonly known is the American Pit Bull Terrier.
This dog is recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) but not the American Kennel Club (AKC). The only types of pit bulls to be recognized by the AKC are the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Staffy).
Pitbull Mixes
There are many different types of pit bulls. People mix pitbulls, like the Blue Nose pitbull, with several other breeds to get the best of both worlds, too. While some can be a result of unintentional crossbreeding, many have been purposely crossbred to exhibit the best traits of the parent breeds. Here are some of the top pit-mix dog breeds you’re likely to encounter.
1. Bull Boxer (Boxer x Pitbull Mix)
A pitbull-boxer mix is undoubtedly one of the most playful mixed breeds there is. Parents of both are goofy and loving; therefore, they make great pets. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind with this combination.
First, they need active families. Boxers, on their own, are known for their high physical activity levels. Because of this, they’re not really recommended for apartment dwellers unless you have a large space and/or take them out to the park daily to run around.
Most boxer pitbull mix dogs stand between 16 to 20 inches tall and weigh approximately 50 to 80 pounds. The pit bull boxer may suffer from cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia, and demodectic mange and are prone to gaining weight from overeating.
2. Beagle Bull (Beagle x Pitbull Mix)
Mixing a beagle and a pitbull will yield you one of the most outgoing and loyal pups. They’re highly intelligent, but that also means they get bored quickly. A beagle pit mix will need lots of training and lots of activities to keep them from getting bored.
Additionally, a beagle pit is prone to separation anxiety, which can make them both loud — think barking and howling — and destructive. The great news is because they’re smart, a beagle bull takes quickly to training.
They range from 18 to 20 inches tall and will weigh between an average of 30 to 40 pounds. Hip dysplasia, kneecap dislocation, and epilepsy are some health issues to watch out for.
3. Pit Chow (Chow Chow x Pitbull Mix)
A pit bull mixed with a Chow Chow is a dog that you’ll enjoy having around the home if you need extra security. The breed tends to be suspicious and guarded around people they don’t know but very friendly and playful with their family.
Pit chows are typically not graceful around smaller children, but proper socialization, especially raising the dog from a pup, can help them develop tolerance.
They range from 17 to 21 inches tall and weigh between 30 and 70 pounds. When it comes to health concerns, entropion, hip dysplasia, and gastric dilation volvulus are three medical conditions to watch for.
4. Pitsky (Husky x Pitbull Mix)
If you’re looking for high-energy dogs, look no further than the Pitsky. This pit bull and Husky hybrid breed brings the animal’s playfulness to the forefront. This is not a pup for apartment dwellers due to its energy level.
Rather, it’s a good idea to have a fenced-in yard or a GPS dog fence installed to give the Pitsky room to run and exercise. Early socialization and training are key to raising this mixed breed dog right, and so is daily activity to keep them from becoming bored and destructive.
Pitsky pups are powerful dogs that can range in size from 20 to 25 inches tall and weigh anywhere from 30 to 80 pounds. They can inherit health issues from either parent, and hyperthyroidism and hip dysplasia are at the top of the list of health problems to be on the lookout for.
5. Dox Bull (Dachshund x Pitbull Mix)
The Dox Bull, a dachshund and pit bull mix, is on the smaller side of the breeds listed on this page. They are very loving creatures, getting their amiable nature from parents on both sides.
However, this breed also has a stubborn streak, which can make training a bit more on the exasperating side, but the plus side is that they are very intelligent and do catch on quickly.
The Dachshund is a smaller dog than the typical pit bull, so this hybrid breed tends to be a bit shorter, standing at 8 to 13 inches tall and weighing only 20 to 30 pounds. They may be prone to hip dysplasia, Cushing’s disease, intervertebral disc disease, or epilepsy.
6. Pitador (Labrador Retriever x Pitbull Mix)
Also known as a Labrabull, the Pitador combines a pit bull with a labrador retriever. This mix is the perfect combination of loving and loyal. They make excellent guard dogs but are genuinely sweet. The Labrador pit bull mix is great with its family, though they may be slightly aloof with strangers.
With proper training, they exhibit the best traits of both breeds. Labradors, like pit bulls, can become depressed without companionship, so it’s important to make sure they get adequate attention.
Labrador pit bull mixes tend to be medium-sized dogs, though this can fluctuate. They stand 17 to 28 inches tall with a weight between 45 and 90 pounds. While both breeds are typically healthy, be aware that they can suffer from elbow and hip dysplasia.
7. Corgi Pit (Corgi x Pitbull Mix)
Take one look at the Corgi Pit bull hybrid and avoid saying, “aww,” I dare you. This mix is so cute, with a disposition to match. It’s a friendly breed that loves its family, and its charming nature is likely to see it escape trouble.
Early socialization is a must for the breed, but they are eager to please, so it should be easygoing. This breed also needs quite a bit of grooming.
This Corgi mix, like the Dachshund mix, tends to be on the smaller side. They run 17 to 19 inches tall with an average weight between 30 and 50 pounds. The mixes can be prone to hip dysplasia and allergies, as well as sensitive skin.
8. Pitweiler (Rottweiler x Pitbull Mix)
If you’re looking for a bigger dog, you’ll love the Pitweiler. It has a sturdy build and well-defined muscles and is commonly used as a guard dog. This pit bull and Rottweiler mix is a devoted companion, displaying extreme admiration toward its owner.
Because of this, they are very sensitive souls and may be prone to separation anxiety, so it’s not a hybrid that should be left to its own devices often.
The Pit Bull Rottweiler mix stands 20 to 22 inches tall and can weigh between 65 to 100 pounds, though some may be larger. Dog owners of this breed should be on the lookout for demodectic mange, hip and elbow dysplasia, subaortic stenosis, and cerebellar abiotrophy (ataxia).
9. German Pitbull (German Shepherd x Pitbull Mix)
German pit bulls make great working dogs. They have a strong work ethic and make excellent therapy or seeing eye dogs. The Shepherd pit mix is extremely intelligent and catches onto training very quickly.
A German pit bull needs handling from experienced dog owners in order to live to their full potential.
This hybrid stands between 17 to 26 inches tall, and its weight can vastly vary from 20 to 90 pounds. Some of the afflictions that a German Shepherd pit bull hybrid may experience are heart disease, sensitive skin, hip dysplasia, and allergies.
10. Pithuahua (Chihuahua x Pitbull Mix)
Don’t let the size of a Pithuahua — a cross between a pit bull and a chihuahua — fool you. Their personalities are larger than life.
In terms of personality, they’re spunky dogs but can be irritable at times; just ask anyone who has been on the wrong side of a chihuahua’s nip. That said, proper training and socialization can help curb negative behaviors.
This pit bull blend tends to be on a smaller scale, with most falling between 12 to 18 inches tall and 15 to 45 pounds. Typical health issues may involve pregnancy problems, hip dysplasia, an open fontanel, and patellar luxation.
11. Bull Pitbull (BullMastiff x Pitbull Mix)
The Bull Pitbull is also known as the American Bandogge, a cross between the Bullmastiff and the American Pit Bull Terrier. Both parents are excellent with their families, including children, and the hybrid is a loving, loyal dog.
They do need to be properly trained and exercised for their high energy level, typically around an hour a day. The mix also makes a great working dog.
The Bull Pitbull is quite large, ranging from 25 to 29 inches tall, with a weight that’s an astonishing 100 to 150 pounds. They have a few disorders it’s necessary to keep an eye out for, such as demodectic mange, gastric torsion, heart disease, and hip and elbow dysplasia.
12. Aussie Cattle Pit (Australian Cattle Dog x PitBull Mix)
When you mix an Australian cattle dog, also referred to as an Aussie cattle dog or a Blue Heeler, with a pit bull, you get a pup that’s a hard worker. They’re extremely easy to train and are very eager to please their owner.
Because of a strong prey drive, they need supervision around smaller animals but do extremely well with people. Because they’re energetic, they need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. This is not a dog for an apartment.
The Aussie Cattle pitbull mix ranges between 17 and 24 inches in height and can weigh between 35 and 60 pounds. They can suffer from some serious afflictions, including hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and congenital hereditary sensorineural deafness.
13. Akita Pit (Akita Inu x Pitbull Mix)
The Akita Inu, or just Akita, mixed with a pit bull, is likely to produce an intelligent, independent dog with a stubborn streak. The mixed breed is very athletic and needs a lot of exercise, so a fenced-in backyard or regular trips to a dog park is a necessity.
Training is necessary because the Akita pit pup tends to be dominant, and early socialization is the key to eliminating this type of behavior.
This pit bull Akita mix is a relatively medium-sized dog that is around 16 to 22 inches tall and typically weighs between 30 and 65 pounds. In addition to hip dysplasia, the mixed breed may also suffer from heart disease and progressive retinal atrophy.
14. Pit Collie (Border Collie x Pitbull Mix)
The Pit Collie is an energetic blend of the Border Collie and the pit bull. They like to stay active, so they do best with dog owners who like to hike, run, or spend time outdoors playing fetch. They’re great with kids and are very intelligent, which means they can get into mischief if left unattended for long periods of time.
The Border Collie pit mix is a small to medium-sized pup that typically stands 15 to 16 inches tall and weighs around 25 to 50 pounds.
Since the Border Collie is a very healthy breed, the hybrid doesn’t typically experience many health issues, though the common hip dysplasia of the pit bull should remain in consideration.
15. Golden Pit (Golden Retriever x PitBull Mix)
The Golden Pit, or Godlenbull, is a blend of the pit bull and Golden Retriever. The Golden Retriever mixed breed has a ton of energy and is a fantastic family dog that has nothing but an abundance of love to spare.
That said, the hybrid breed requires a lot of attention and care and may not be for those who live busy lifestyles.
The Golden Retriever pit mix is a medium dog that typically stands 17 to 24 inches tall and may weigh between 35 and 75 pounds. Bloat, cancer, and heart disease are among the common health issues the hybrid faces.
16. Pug Pit (Pug x Pitbull Mix)
If you love the scrunched-up face of a pug, you’ll love the pug pit mix. It has a sweet personality and is very affectionate and loyal.
The loyalty can cause them to be on guard with strangers, and because they’re sensitive, they don’t typically handle loud noises well. Training can help with the alpha-dog tendencies of the pug-pit mix.
The pug pitbull mix is more on the smaller side, with a height of 14 to 20 inches tall and a weight that ranges between 20 and 50 pounds. Common health concerns with pug pitbull mixes include epilepsy, patellar luxation, and Legg-Calve Perthes Disease.
17. Australian Pitbull (Australian Shepherd x Pitbull Mix)
Combining the Australian Shepherd with a pittie creates a highly energetic breed with a loving temperament, a dog that would be content to travel with you wherever you go rather than stay home.
The Australian Shepherd pit bull mix can become aggressive, but with training and socialization, this can be corrected. Exercise is necessary to curb aggressive tendencies and destructive behaviors, such as chewing.
This pup is a medium to large-size pup that stands 17 to 23 inches tall and weighs 30 to 85 pounds. The Australian Shepherd pit mix can develop cataracts, collie eye anomalies, and epilepsy.
18. Great Danebull (Pit Bull x Great Dane Mix)
If massive dogs are your jam, the pit bull Great Dane hybrid is your go-to dog. This mix is the very definition of a gentle giant. They tend to think they’re lap dogs, and are content to rest near their owners.
Great Danebulls do also suffer from separation anxiety, so make sure you have the time and dedication to give them the attention they need.
The Great Danebull is one of the larger breeds on this list and stands 24 to 30 inches tall and can weigh around 60 to 100 pounds, though some undoubtedly get larger.
19. Pyrenees Pit (Great Pyrenees x Pitbull Mix)
Great Pyrenees and pit bulls make an excellent combo, and like the Great Dane, they top the list when it comes to size. However, these dogs may be huge, but they don’t need a lot of high-level exercise. Taking them for constant walks is enough to appease them.
Because of their size, they deserve a fenced-in yard. The Great Pyrenees and pitbull hybrid needs a lot of socialization, but they’re extremely kid-friendly, so they make excellent family dogs. It’ll also need a bit of grooming.
This hybrid mix is rather large, with a height of 24 to 32 inches, and can weigh 50 to 100 pounds, though some do weigh more. If you adopt a Great Pyrenees and pit bull mix, make sure you look out for hip dysplasia and allergies.
20. Bull Spaniel (Cocker Spaniel x Pitbull Mix)
Add a bit of fun and feistiness to your home with a Bull Spaniel, the perfect blend of a Cocker Spaniel and a pit bull. They make excellent working dogs and have an easygoing nature. They have floppy ears and are a unique breed with a smooth coat.
You can expect the Cocker Spaniel and pitbull hybrid to stand 12 to 16 inches tall and weigh between 25 and 45 pounds.
21. Sharpull (PitBull x Shar Pei Mix)
The Sharpull, also called Pit Pei, is a blend of the pitbull and the Shar Pei to create an oftentimes boisterous yet fiercely loyal breed that does better with adults. Training is an absolute must with this hybrid, as they have a stubborn streak.
The Shar Pei pit mix is medium in size, with a height of 17 to 21 inches and a weight that falls between 30 to 60 pounds.
The Shar Pei hybrid may suffer the afflictions a Shar Pei does, notably gastrointestinal issues and heart and breathing problems.
22. Springer Pit (Springer Spaniel x Pitbull Mix)
The Springer Pit combines the Springer Spaniel with the pitbull for a breed that’s fun to have around. They have high energy levels and love to play with their owners. Because they’re super affectionate, leaving this Springer Spaniel pit hybrid alone is likely to induce anxiety.
The Springer Pit is a medium dog that is 19 to 21 inches tall on average and weighs between 35 and 50 pounds. Eye problems and allergies are typical health issues.
23. American Pitbull (American Bulldog x Pitbull Mix)
Loyal and loving are two qualities you’ll find in an American Bulldog (American Bully) and pit bull mix. They’re great with families but need consistent exercise.
Their personality makes them a headstrong dog, but with exercise and training, it’s easy to keep them contained.
The American Pitbull Terrier mix ranges from medium to large in size, from 19 to 26 inches tall and 40 to 90 pounds. The American Pitbull Terrier has a few different health issues, including skin problems, hip dysplasia, and heart disease.
24. Boston Pit (PitBull x Boston Terrier Mix)
The Boston Pit is an adorable blend of the Boston Terrier and pit bull. Its personality is that of a loving, calm dog that is ready to play at a moment’s notice. They’re great with kids, which makes them family dogs, but supervision is always required.
They’re likely to be small to medium size, ranging from 17 to 20 inches tall and weighing 30 to 60 pounds. Some of the health issues you might experience with this hybrid are skin allergies, respiratory issues, and eye disorders.
25. Greybull Pit (Greyhound x Pitbull Mix)
Greyhounds are very well-known for their running capability, so it makes sense that a Greyhound pit bull mix, known as a Greybull Pit, is a very active dog. They can be stubborn, but they make up for it with loyalty and bravery.
The Greyhound pit mix doesn’t tend to be aggressive, but they do have a high prey drive, so it’s something to keep in mind.
The size of a Greyhound pit mix is between 17 to 30 inches tall and 30 to 80 pounds. It is prone to patella luxation, diabetes, gastric torsion, and hypothyroidism.
26. Pointerbull (German Shorthaired Pointer x Pitbull Mix)
If you’re looking for hunting dogs to take with you, the Pointerbull, a mix between the German Shorthaired Pointer and pit bull, is your perfect match. They are very diligent when working, but afterward are very mellow.
Training can be a bit hard since they tend to be stubborn, but they are a smart breed and can even make great guard dogs. They have a short coat that’s easy to maintain.
The German Shorthaired Pointer mix is a taller breed, standing 23 to 28 inches high, and can weigh 35 to 55 pounds. Health concerns include deafness, eye issues, hypothyroidism, and cardiac issues.
27. Corso Bull (Cane Corso x Pitbull Mix)
The Corso Bull, or Pit Corso, a hybrid of the Cane Corso and pit bull, is a big dog that can have quite a stubborn streak. However, they are excellent family dogs, and this includes their enormous love for children. They tend to be wary of other pets, so early socialization is key.
The Cane Corso pit mix stands 20 to 24 inches tall and can weigh between 50 and 90 pounds, though some weigh over 100. It’s important to look for and know the signs of bloat, as well as idiopathic epilepsy and eyelid abnormalities.
28. Pitmation (PitBull x Dalmatian Mix)
Combining a pit bull with a Dalmatian is sure to give you a pup with spots! This hybrid creates a high-spirited pup that loves to run around and has very high energy levels.
The mixed breed makes a very hard-working, intelligent dog that’s great with its family and may show a bit of aloofness to strangers.
The Pitmation tends to be medium to large-sized, running in height from 17 to 24 inches and weighing 40 to 70 pounds. Deafness (the Dalmatian) and hip dysplasia (the pit bull) aren’t out of the question.
29. Doberpit (Doberman Pinscher x Pitbull Mix)
The Doberman Pinscher and pit bull mix is a very intuitive pup. The Doberman is often sociable but may need training and coaching in order to accept strangers. They have gentle dispositions and are very sensitive pups who truly love their families. The Doberman pit makes for a confident dog.
Mixing a pit bull with a Doberman will give you a pup that stands between 22 and 28 inches tall, with a typical weight that falls between 35 and 80 pounds. Cardiomyopathy, aortic stenosis, and CVI are some health issues that may crop up.
FAQs
Which Is the Best Breed to Mix with Pitbull?
This is a very subjective question, but in terms of popularity, many like the combination of a pitbull and labrador retrievers, as they’re both of typically sweet natures and good with families.
Are Pitbull Mixes Safe?
People regularly ask: are pit bulls dangerous? Like any other dog breed, pitbull mixes are safe when they are raised properly and given the discipline they need to be the best possible dog. Like other breeds, they need training and socialization.
What Is a French Bulldog Mix Called?
A French bulldog mixed with a pitbull is often referred to as a French Bully or French Bulldog Bully. They’re stable, confident dogs that tend to be very outgoing and loving creatures.
What Is the Most Famous Pitbull Mix?
The most famous pitbull mix tends to change based on trends. At the time of writing, the labrabull, or pit bull labrador mixed breed, is the most popular.
Conclusion
As with any dog breed you’re considering, it’s important to pay attention to the characteristics of the pups that make up the hybrid. Because DNA is a roulette, you can end up with any of the traits the two exhibit on their own, and it might not always be a good thing, particularly when it comes to health issues. Many have a long lifespan, though.
However, the pit bull on its own is a loving, sweet companion, leading it to be one of the most popular dog breeds. These traits tend to blend very well with other breeds, even though dog fighting statistics happen to paint them in a bad picture.
Just make sure, as you would with any adoption, that you research both of the breeds and make an educated decision. Make sure you research all breed-specific legislation to ensure you’re allowed to own one.
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