French Pitbull

French Pitbull | The Amazing French Bulldog Pitbull Mix

Dogs are lovely beings that bring happiness into our lives. From the famous Labs and GSDs to the rarest breeds like Mudi, Chinook, and Stabyhoun, there is a special joy that we usher into our lives whenever we make these furry beings part of us. That’s why dogs have grown to become famous pets, not just in the United States but also on the entire planet.

At times the temptation to own more than one dog breed is almost irresistible. However, space has always served as the limiting factor for most dog lovers. But with the increase in knowledge and innovation, it’s now possible to get your two favorite dog breeds in one body.

Crossbreeding involves making a hybrid offspring by crossing two purebred parents. The resulting offspring is a dog with traits from the two parents of different breeds.

We have lots of dog mixes, and the French Bulldog Pitbull Mix is one of the dog lovers’ favorite designer dogs.

But how exactly is it like owning one? How about the temperament, color, and size? What are the care tips? Well, I know it’s more likely that you have these and other questions racing in your mind.

In this blog, we are going to look at the amazing French Bulldog Pitbull Mix. From the origin, color, size, temperament, and lifespan to training, exercise requirements, nutritional needs, health, and grooming, you will find every iota of detail you want to know the mixed breed.

The French Bulldog Pitbull Mix

The French Bulldog Pitbull Mix, also known as French Pitbull or American French Bull Terrier is a “designer dog” resulting from a cross between the French Bulldog and the American Pit Bull Terrier (also known as American Bull Terrier). Designer dogs is a name used for offsprings developed by crossing two purebred parents.

The parents of the French Pitbull are lovely beings. However, they differ in terms of size, temperament, and a few other things. With that said, it may be difficult for someone to visualize the hybrid breed. Well, we will be getting into that in a while. But just before that, let’s start with the roots—here is information for each of the parents.

French Bulldog

By looking at the name, one is more likely to think that this dog breed originated from France. However, that’s far from the truth. The French Bulldog is of English origin. The primary idea behind their development was to create a toy-size version of the famous English Bulldogs.

The ancestors of these dogs were popular among lace workers in Nottingham, England. The majority of their owners, later on, emigrated to France for better opportunities. That’s how the French Bulldogs found themselves in France.

A French Bulldog has a shoulder height of 11 to 12 inches. Usually, mature males will weigh anywhere between 20 pounds and 28 pounds. The female’s weight is somewhere between 16 pounds and 24 pounds.

The French Bulldogs can come in any color, but you will never find one in black, liver, mouse, and a few other colors. Their coat is smooth, shiny, and fine. Further, you will notice that it can be wrinkled, especially near the shoulder and head.

French Bulldogs are bat-eared. With that said, they may not match the aesthetic appeal of other dog breeds. However, their larger-than-life personality makes up for this; they are intelligent, social, loving, and eager to please their human partners.

With all these traits, a French Bulldog has everything it takes to excel in training. However, one thing to know is that they have low energy levels. Thus, ensure that you keep training and exercise sessions short and less intense to avoid overstressing them.

But before you adopt or buy one, it’s worth knowing that you are getting one breed that’s susceptible to health conditions like allergies, hip dysplasia, brachycephalic syndrome, patellar luxation, and other common issues in small dogs.

American Pit Bull Terrier

The American Pit Bull Terrier is the other parent of the French Pitbull. Its other name is American Bull Terrier, although some people choose to call it Pit Bull. It is a breed that’s often confused with the American Staffordshire Terrier. However, the Americal Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes American Staffordshire Terrier as a different breed.

The history of American Pit Bull Terriers dates back to the early 19th century. The initial intent for their breeding was to participate in the bloody bear- and bull-baiting. In this sport, a pack of Pit Bulls was set loose and expected to fight against a staked bear or bull. The spectators would place their bets on who to win.

After the banning of blood sports in the 19th century, Pit Bulls have since evolved to become the dog we all want in our families. These dogs are affectionate, eager to please, people-oriented, lively, and more. On the negative side, they may display some traces of aggression, especially towards other animals.

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The maximum height for the male is 19 inches. A full-grown female can achieve up to an inch less this height. In terms of weight, neither gender will exceed the weight mark of 85 pounds.

American Pit Bull Terriers have a short and shiny coat that feels stiff to the touch. They don’t come with any specific coat color. Therefore, you will see them in red, grey, black and white, blue, brindle, and others.

Tracing their origin, Pit Bull Terriers are energetic breeds. They will need at least an hour of exercise every day to remain fit. However, be considerate of the intensity of exercise as they are susceptible to joint-related issues like hip dysplasia.

French PitBull In A Glance

We now have some background information about the two parents. So, how does a French Pitbull look like?  Now, one thing about designer dogs is that they don’t have a standard appearance. That’s because they get their genes from two different parents who aren’t even close in the way they look.

A French Pitbull can take after one of the parents or combine traits from both. Therefore, we will be lying to give specific physical characteristics about French Pitbull. The only attributes we can predict with certainty are those shared between the two parents.

For instance, the two parents have a large head, short coat, muscular body, and compact physique. Therefore, whether your French Pitbull takes more traits from the Pit Bull Terrier or the French Bull, we don’t expect them to come with different characteristics in these areas.

About the size, it’s also impossible to predict their height and weight. One of the parents (French Bulldog) is a small breed. The other parent (American Pit Bull Terrier) is a large dog. Hence, the size of a French Pitbull varies from one dog to another.

Actually, the height will depend on from whom the offspring gets the size genes. Where they are from French Bulldog, we expect the hybrid breed to be small. However, where they come from the Pit Bull Terrier, the French Pitbull’s size will be closer to that of the Pit Bull. Therefore, the size of a French PitBull can be anywhere between that of the two parents. The same applies to the weight.

French Bulldog Pitbull Mix- Temperament

Also, we don’t expect a French Pitbull to behave in a specific way. Their behavior can lean more on the side of either parent or come from the two parents. One of the parents is a lap dog—loyal, people-friendly, playful, and loving. The other parent also has a great personality, although aggressive.

That means there are chances that a French Pitbull can grow to become aggressive. However, just like the Pit Bull Terrier, the aggression is usually towards other dogs and animals and not people. But with early training and socialization, it’s possible to develop your canine into the dog you want.

French Pitbulls can also make excellent guard dogs. They will be ready to face any enemy that stands in the way of their human partners. That’s especially true where they fetch most of their traits from the Pit Bull.

Usually, French Bulldog Pitbulls get along well with children. However, always remember that no play should happen without your supervision. Since kids lack sound judgment, they may pat the dog with too much force. That may arouse their anger, causing them to act violently.

French Bulldog Pitbull Mix—Life Expectancy

French Pitbulls are adorable beings. If it were possible, we would all choose to have them by our side for a lifetime.

Unfortunately, that’s not possible. Like any other breed, death won’t spare your lovely French Pitbull when it comes knocking. But exactly how long do these dogs live?

Well, that’s a little hard to tell. To have some clue, let’s examine the parents’ life expectancy.

According to American Kennel Club, a typical French Bulldog will die aged between 10-12 years. An American Pit Bull Terrier usually has a longer life expectancy of between 12- 16 years. With that said, your mixed breed should live between 10-16 years.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that it’s not possible to tell the actual number of years that your dog is going to live. The figures we give here are just estimates based on the years most dogs of the kind have registered.

Death can come at any time, even to the unborn. Therefore, it’s a matter of how good you take care of your French PitBull. Quality health care, a healthy diet, and regular exercise can go a long way to dictate the lifespan of your canine. In fact, with proper care, chances are your dog is going to exceed the 16-year mark.

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French Bulldog Pitbull Mix Training

Both the French Bulldogs and American Pit Bull Terrier are intelligent breeds. They also have the much-needed confidence to excel in training. And with that said, you should have an easy time training your French Pitbull.

You can do the training yourself or get an expert in your place. According to canine experts and psychologists, training and socialization should begin at an early stage. That’s regardless of the dog breed. This way, it’s easy to “empty” your dog of unwanted character and impart what you want.

Therefore, ensure that you begin training your French Bulldog Pitbull mix as early as possible. Always start with the basic cues and potty training. Keep the sessions as short as possible. However, they should come more frequently.

Throughout the training, the trainer should also remember to remain consistent in their commands to avoid creating confusion for the dog. Another thing to keep in mind when training your dog is that you should use positive reinforcements. Treats, praises, and other reward mechanisms will work just fine.

However, always be keen not to reinforce the wrong behavior. In fact, proper timing is even more important than the gift itself. When you follow all the training tips, you will find things running smoothly for your French Pitbulls.

Now, one thing to keep in mind is that Pit Bull Terriers can portray some stubbornness. Therefore, at times your French Pitbull will offer a deaf ear to your commands. But again, when you begin the training early and use a reward system, you won’t have any problem with obedience.

Exercise Requirements For French Bulldog Pitbull Mix

In humans, exercise is essential for body fitness. Things are not any different when it comes to our furry friends. Now, ensure that you don’t exercise your pet more than necessary. So, what level of exercise do French Pitbulls need? Here, the answer isn’t definite, and below is why.

Now, referring back to the parents, Frenchies and Pitbulls have opposite exercise requirements. I mean, French Bulldogs are lap dogs that don’t need plenty of exercise. Actually, the walking that these dogs do around the house is sufficient amount to keep them healthy.

Also, one thing to remember about French Bulldogs is that they belong to the brachycephalic category. In other words, these canines have short noses and flat faces. That means they are susceptible to breathing difficulties. That means you have to keep the intensity of exercise low.

However, things are different when talking about Pit Bull Terriers. As one of the energetic dog breeds, a Pit Bull Terrier needs at least an hour of exercise daily. Here, you don’t have an option but take your pet out for a run or walk.

Back to our main topic—what side do you take? Frenchie’s or Pitbull’s? Now, the decision to make here will depend on the dominant traits in the offspring.

Where the French Bulldog’s traits are more dominant in the offspring, keep the exercise level low. However, where the vast majority of the genes seem to be from the Pitbull parent, take your dog out for some activity. If you aren’t sure whose parent’s genes are more dominant, bring in a professional. A dog expert or vet can help in this case.

French Bulldog Pitbull Mix Nutritional Requirements

One way to ensure that your French Bulldog Pitbull Mix grows healthy and happy is by giving him a balanced diet. Your dog’s food should contain all the essential nutrients for him to grow healthy.

The food should contain proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. For dogs and cats, proteins and fats need to be the most dominant in their food. That’s makes even more sense for French Pitbulls bearing in mind they need to build muscles.

Puppies will need a smaller amount of food but more frequently. Dividing the food into four or five meals will avoid digestion complications. For adults, feeding them twice a day is just fine.

So, what’s the ideal amount of food for your French Pitbull? Again, remember that mixed breeds don’t come with specific traits. That also makes it hard to decide what amount of food is enough for your dog.

The quantity of food to give your pet depends on the size, age, activity level, health, and other factors. With that said, the best way to know the right amount for your dog is to work closely with your vet.

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French Pitbull-Health

We already know a lot about French Pitbulls. We have information on their appearance, temperament, life expectancy, training, exercise requirements, and diet. Now, health is one of the untackled areas about this designer dog.

Although French Pitbulls have a muscular physique, they can be a little vulnerable to health issues. The conditions we are talking about here are those likely to develop in either of their parents.

Therefore, again, you have to understand the health issues in French Bulldogs and Pitbulls. With this knowledge, you will know what to expect healthwise for your French Pitbull.

Now, previously we’ve said that both parents are susceptible to hip dysplasia. Hence, that’s one condition you have to look out for often in your French Pitbull. Hip dysplasia is a congenital disease. In other words, if any of the parents had the condition, it’s more likely to pass onto the offspring.

The other more likely health issue for French Pitbulls is Brachycephalic airway syndrome. It’s a common condition for flat-faced dogs with short noses like French Pitbulls. Snoring, retching, and gagging are some of the manifestations of the disease.

The usually short snouts are also more likely to cause a tracheal collapse in French Pitbulls. However, the good thing about this is that it’s preventable through maintaining a healthy weight and proper medication.

Cherry eye, cataracts, and heat stress are a few of the other conditions that a French Pitbull is likely to develop. Most of these health issues are preventable and treatable, especially when diagnosis happens at an early stage.

With that’s said, one surefire way to avoid more complications in health is to keep a close eye on your dog’s health to notice any changes in health as soon as they begin to manifest. Further, ensure that you work closely with your vet to keep your dog up to date with vaccination.

Grooming Requirements For French Pitbull

Although they usually don’t have a specific coat color, French Pitbulls come with a short coat. Usually, the longer the hair, the more frequent you have to do the brushing.

Thus, since French Pitbulls don’t have long hair, you don’t need to brush them as often. In fact, once or twice a week is enough to keep them comfortable and their fur healthy and shiny.

The short coat also implies they won’t pick up much dirt or produce a smell. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t need to bathe. A bath every month is advisable. During the summer seasons, more frequent baths are healthy for any dog. It’s not only about preventing the smell but also keeping your pet comfortable.

Pay attention to the ears and nails. These areas are favorite breeding zones for bacteria. To keep your French Pitbull healthy, clip their nails and clean their ears occasionally. At least once after every three months will be fine.

French Pitbulls—Adoption or Buy a Puppy?

When talking about a designer dog, you can’t know the exact color, size, or gender to expect. It’s more like buying a pig in a poke. For this reason, most experts recommend that you consider adopting instead of buying a puppy from a breeder. Some breeders may even use unhealthy parents, passing the conditions to the offspring.

Adoption will allow you to select the color of the dog you want. You can also examine the personality before you make the final decision on whether to bring one home. On well-being, adoption lets you access the dog’s health at a more advanced stage in life. Remember that some conditions from parents won’t show up until later after puppyhood. If you are a Sunday baby, you may even find one that’s house-trained.

However, if your heart is in getting a puppy, we don’t mean to discourage you. It’s possible to get a healthy pet with all the personalities you want. Nevertheless, only do business with a reputable breeder. Also, keep in mind that here you can’t specify the gender and color you want. You have to be ready to accept whatever comes forth.

Final Word

Truth be told— not many dog breeds are as lovely as the French Pitbulls. Even with the dark history of one of the parents, French Pitbulls are loyal, affectionate, friendly, and loving. They also do well in training in the hands of a qualified trainer.

Exercise and nutritional requirements will differ depending on the traits and lifestyle of the individual dog. Unlike some dogs, French Pitbulls also don’t demand much when it comes to grooming. However, you have to be cautious as they are vulnerable to some health issues.

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