Last Updated on June 13, 2021 by Dogs Vets
What mix of dog breeds created the pit bull?
The American Pitbull Terrier would potentially be one of the most beloved but also the most controversial breeds out there. The statistics are definitely against the Pitbull when it comes to bite statistics, although many breed enthusiasts would argue that these statistics represent many different breeds classified as Pitbulls but they are not.
Every year, 1.2 million dogs are euthanized and 40% of them are some sort of Pitbull mix. In an effort to show some of the different types of cross-breeds you might see at your local shelter, we’ve created a fairly comprehensive list of puppies waiting for you to rescue.
Well, the Pit Bull is actually several breeds. Each one has its own particular blend, which is largely shrouded in mystery.
The American Pit Bull terrier
The American Staffordshire Terrier
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The Pit Bull Terrier
These are not all Pitbull Breeds, but they are the main ones developed in the United States. However, these dogs themselves were bred specifically as Game Bred Match Dogs.
As of today, the American Pit Bull Terrier is the dominant breed bred for gentility today. Breeders simply call them Bull Dogs. The others are reserved for show only.
However, there is the possibility that the American Staffordshire Terrier is actually the same thing as the APBT in some cases. It’s a bit confusing.
However, the breeds were created by combining larger Mastiffs, called Bull Dogs with smaller faster Terriers.
History and Facts About The Pitbull Dog
Pitbull is a commonly used term in the United States for a type of dog derived from bulldogs and terriers, while in other countries such as the United Kingdom the terminology is used as an abbreviation for the American pit bull terrier breed.
The term was first used in 1927. In the United States, the pit bull is usually considered a heterogeneous group that includes the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bully, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and occasionally the American Bulldog, along with any cross-breed dog that shares certain physical characteristics with these breeds.
In other foreign countries, including Great Britain, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is not considered a pit bull.
Most pit bull-type dogs are derived from the British Bull and Terrier, a 19th-century type of fighting dog that developed from crosses between the Old English Bulldog and the Old English Terrier.
Pit bull-type dogs have a controversial reputation as pets both in the United States and internationally due to their history of dogfighting, the number of high-profile attacks documented in the media over decades, and their dexterity to latch on while biting.
Breed advocates and proponents of regulation have engaged in a nature-versus-nurture debate over whether the apparent aggressive tendencies in pit bulls can be appropriately attributed to owners’ care for the dog or inherent traits.
Many advocacy organizations have erupted in defense of the pit bull. Some controlled studies have argued that the type is not disproportionately dangerous, offering competing interpretations on the statistics for dog biting.
Independent organizations have published statistics based on hospital records showing that bulls are responsible for more than half of dog bite incidents across breeds despite comprising 6% of domestic dogs.
Pit bull-type dogs are widely used in the United States for dogfighting, a practice that has continued despite being illegal.
Some nations and jurisdictions restrict ownership of pit bull-type dogs through breed-specific legislation.
Identification
Studies have found that when individuals involved in dog rescue, adoption, and regulation identify the breed of a dog of mixed ancestry, this identification has not always correlated with DNA analysis of that dog.
Mixed-breed dogs are often identified as bulls if they have certain physical characteristics, such as a square-shaped head or bulky body
Risk of a dog attack
Bulls were Originally bred for bull-baiting and dogfighting, because of this heritage, they often demonstrate a tendency to attack other animals with a remarkable ferocity that can potentially contribute to public stigma against the breed.
In dog fights with dogs of other breeds like bulls, German Shepherds, Great Danes and Rottweilers were often the aggressors, and more than 20% of the Akitas, Jack Russell Terriers, and bulls showed severe aggression towards other dogs.
Although there may be a link between certain dog species and aggression against humans, the difficulty of classifying dog attacks into any particular breed after the fact has made this point controversial and debated.
Violent interactions between humans and dogs have been studied by the US government, particularly by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as by academic veterinary researchers.
The interpretation of these studies, the issues of breed identification and relevance, and the varying circumstances have generated considerable controversy.
Top 10 Pitbull Terrier Mixes
Golden Pitbull
Breed Type: Golden Retriever & Pitbull Terrier
The Golden Retriever pitbull mix is a more delicate balance of the American Legend combined with the robust attitude and heart of the APBT. Golden Retrievers are one of the top dogs in America and with good reason.
They have a great attitude and seemingly love everyone. They are among the top 5 dog breeds in the US for a reason.
When mixed with APBT, you are likely to get a very family-friendly mix that is still a bundle of energy.
The Golden Pitbull is likely to stay away with strangers, but if needed after the Golden Retriever lineage, there’s a good chance he’ll greet everyone in the neighborhood at the front door when they arrive at your house.
Proper socialization is always recommended and this is no different for this breed.
Pugbull
Dog Breeds Type: Pug & Pitbull Terrier
The Pugbull is a combination between the Pug and the Pitbull. This is an interesting combination, as you will likely end up with a fun little guy who has a lot of energy.
The Pug is naturally a cuddle bug that loves its owners and loves attention. This mixed breed will likely carry the same attitude, just with a higher level of intensity than a typical Pug.
The coloring of the dog will last after the parent breeds and there is a chance you may even see a white color, like the Leucistic Pug.
Make no mistake, this small mix is definitely unusual because the Pug is smaller in size, so the chances of the breed crossing paths with the Pit are less.
Usually, it is appropriate for this breed to be created and it happens when the Pug is the sire and the APBT is the dam.
Ordinarily, the APBT will be at the smallest size as the smaller Pits can be in the 30-pound range. This funky breed is fun and will leave people wondering what breed you belong to as you walk out of the dog park!
Borderbull
Dog Breeds Type: Pitbull Terrier & Border Collie
The Borderbull is a combination between the Border Collie and the Pitbull. You are sure to have lots of energy as the Border Collie has extra energy stored in sticks.
It is possible that your Borderbull will need less exercise as it gets older, but the reality is that you will be adopting a breed with a high exercise output need. The Border Collie is a herding dog and the APBT was bred for baiting and rat hunting.
If you have a large yard or have access to a room to run, then the Borderbull may be right for you. They can be a loyal breed and willing to listen. If your puppy gets more of the Border Collie pedigree, then your agility dog or other training may be a great fit!
Great Danebull
Dog Breeds Type: Great Dane & Pitbull Terrier.
Looking for an equal combination of loyal and aloof with big, lazy, and playful?
The Great Danebull may be the dog for you, as long as your home allows for a dog of this size. Great Danebulls are huge and while they are likely to be smaller when mixed with a Pitbull, it is likely that this breed will still be larger than a typical APBT depending on the parents.
Large Danes love to have a comfortable bed or large couch space, so plan to add a couch-sized potato to your family if you bring this mixed breed into your family home. Early socialization is very important with this breed, as both Danes and Pitts may not get along wonderfully with other dogs, depending on the household in which it is raised.
German Pitbull
Breeds: German Shepherd & Pitbull Terrier
The German Shepherd is one of the most popular breeds in the United States. It only makes sense that you will see a cross between the APBT and the German Shepherd.
As with all of the mixed breeds on this list, it is likely that your German Pitbull will most strongly take on the characteristics of one of the parent breeds.
Because the GSD is part of the working team, it is likely that your GSD/APBT mix will need assigned work to make sure he feels fulfilled in his role.
Getting involved in some sort of transport, or even certifying your pup as a service dog to give him a purpose will go well for this mix. German Pitbull energy levels will be high as puppies but will decrease with age.
Aussibull
Breeds: Australian Shepherd & Pitbull Terrier
The Aussiebull is a combination between the Australian Shepherd and the Pitbull. The Australian Shepherd is frequently mistaken for the Australian Cattle Dog, but they are actually quite different.
The Aussie is great with livestock animals and does very well when given a task or mission.
When you combine the herding instinct with the APBT’s tendency to bet on mice, you end up with a dog that has higher energy output. As with many of the breeds on this list, you’ll want to make sure your Aussiebull exercises daily.
This mixed breed can make a wonderful family dog if properly trained and socialized from a young age.
Dachshabull
Breeds: Pitbull Terrier & Dachshund
The Dachshabull is also known as the Dachshund Pitbull Mix is one of the most unique and interesting breeds on this list. It is very rare to see the Doxie as a crossbreed with other larger breeds like the Pitbull.
Similar to the Chihuahua, this usually happens when the breeds are similar in size, so the Pitbull usually ends up being the smaller size.
What do you get when crossbreeding these two? You get an interesting mutt that has lots of love! In fact, there was a viral YouTube video that really took off when an active Dachshund mixed with a Pitbull, and the end result was something extremely interesting! You’re likely to end up with a puppy that loves to cuddle and looks a little self-conscious, with some stealth in his step!
Pointerbull
Breed Type: Pitbull Terrier & German Shorthaired Pointer
Get ready for some energy! The parent breeds of this mix are full of love and life! The German Shorthaired Pointer is an energetic breed, bred as a hunting companion. The APBT was bred for rat baiting, so there is definitely a level of energy required to get the job done!
This mix is likely to lead to a few failures if you don’t have a large yard or room for them to run and play.
If you have a large green space in which to take your puppy, then this breed may be the perfect fit for your family.
The pointers are usually pretty friendly with everyone, so you will have a nice combination of Pointerbull friendly and active in an energetic package.
Doberpitt
Breed Type: Doberman Pinscher & Pitbull Terrier
If you’re looking for a breed that makes an excellent patroller around your home, the Doberpit is definitely a great candidate for your next mixed breed puppy. Depending on which parent breed this mixed-breed puppy gets, you will still have a very alert dog that is somewhat protective around strangers.
Of course, every dog is different and you can’t label any particular dog, but be sure to socialize early if your Robert plans to be around small children or other pets. If you have time and patience, the Doberpit can be a great family pet and protector.
French Pitbull
Breeds: French Mastiff & Pitbull Terrier
The French Pitbull is also known as the French Mastiff Pitbull, is a combination between the Dogue De Bordeaux, or “Mastiff” and the American Pitbull Terrier.
The French Mastiff has a similar temperament to the English Mastiff and has a similar energy level. This puppy has a lower energy level and makes a nice mix with the APBT.
Overall, this puppy can be a great addition to your family if you are looking for a dog that has less energy than a purebred APBT and a little more saliva to boot. This mix won’t be as big as some of the other breeds on this list but still has the potential to reach 80-90 lbs.
English Pitbull
Breeds: English Bulldog & Pitbull Terrier
The English Pitbull is also known as the English Pitbull Bulldog Mix, is a combination between the English Bulldog and the APBT.
The English Pitbull is a lovable combination, often with the heart of a beloved family companion in the English Bulldog.
You will want to make sure you train your dog consistently if you adopt this mixed breed, as English Bulldogs are notoriously stubborn.
This pup will bring you equal parts of love and frustration as you train into adolescence. Once you get to the point where you have properly trained your puppy, you will have a dog that loves the whole family and probably won’t carry any of the health problems that plague the English Bulldog.
Final Conclusion
While the American Pitbull Terrier is an excellent breed on its own, these mixes are sure to give you something to talk about as you take your new Pitbull mix to the dog park.
These mixed-breed puppies are much less likely to develop health problems and can help calm some of Pitbull’s more active traits.
They will definitely inherit some of their Pitbull parental traits, so if you plan to crate train them, make sure you get a crate made to handle the Pitbull’s activity levels!
Overall, it’s hard to go wrong with any of these breeds, and it will often be cheaper to adopt than to shop from a breeder.
Most of these mixes are common at local shelters and we recommend you check with these shelters as well as local rescues before you adopt your next dog.
Always make sure you test your temperament with pets in your home and we hope this guide will help you find your next Pitbull Terrier Mix!
Fact Check
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Reference: Wikipedia
