As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The American Bulldog and Pitbull mix is a cross between an American Bulldog and a pit-bull-type dog.
Because it is a mix, there is no breed standard, and size, coat and temperament vary from dog to dog. This page covers what we could find on size, care and health, and what to ask a breeder or rescue.
It is general information, not veterinary advice.
What Is The American Bulldog And Pitbull Mix?
It is a mixed-breed dog, so there is no official description. Mixed breeds can look like either parent or a blend, and puppies in a litter can differ.
Meet the parents if you can, ask about their health, and ask the breeder or rescue what they know about your dog’s background.
Size
PetMD says the American Bulldog can reach 25 inches (about 64 cm) tall and weigh 60–100 pounds (about 27–45 kg). A mix may be smaller, depending on the other parent, so ask for both parents’ sizes and ask your vet whether your dog’s weight is healthy as they grow.
Temperament And Training
Temperament depends on the individual dog, its upbringing and its socialisation, not only its parents. PetMD describes the American Bulldog as generally outgoing and friendly, sometimes reserved with new people at first, and says early socialisation is important and that positive reinforcement works well with a smart dog that is eager to please. Start training and socialisation early, use rewards, and supervise your dog with other animals and with children, as with any dog. If you are worried about your dog’s behaviour, ask your vet or a qualified trainer.
Exercise
PetMD says healthy adult American Bulldogs typically need one to two hours of exercise a day. A mix may need a similar amount, so plan for daily walks and play, mental games such as hide-and-seek with a toy, and ask your vet what suits your dog. Watch your dog in hot weather, and see our page on what kind of toys bulldogs like for ideas.
Coat, Skin And Sun
The coat is short. PetMD says the American Bulldog needs moderate grooming and that its skin requires extra care: brush weekly, and clean facial folds and ears weekly. The AKC says dogs with white or thin coats and light-pigmented noses or eyelids are more prone to sunburn, so if your dog has pale skin, ask your vet about sun protection.
The Ceenwes dog clippers listing describes a cordless clipper set with four comb attachments (3, 6, 9 and 12 mm), a cleaning brush and scissors, about 60 dB, with a battery that runs 70–80 minutes. A short-coated dog does not usually need clipping, so this is optional; ask a groomer first.
Ceenwes Cordless Dog Clipper KitA cordless clipper set with four comb attachments (3, 6, 9 and 12 mm), scissors and a cleaning brush. A short-coated dog seldom needs clipping, so ask a groomer before you start.Check price on AmazonAffiliate link — Dog Fluffy may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.Feeding
Feed a complete food suited to your dog’s age, size and activity, and ask your vet about the amount and number of meals. If you are thinking of a grain-free food, talk to your vet first: the FDA has examined reports of heart disease (DCM) in dogs eating certain foods, many labelled grain-free, and has not established a cause, but it advises working with your vet before changing your dog’s diet.
The Blue Buffalo Freedom Chicken Adult Grain-Free listing describes a 24 lb (about 11 kg) bag of dry food with chicken as the first ingredient and no chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat or soy. We list it as an example, not a recommendation; check with your vet.
Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain-Free Chicken Adult Dog Food, 11 kgA dry food in an 11 kg bag with chicken as the first ingredient. The listing says it has no chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat or soy. Ask your vet which food suits your dog.Check price on AmazonAffiliate link — Dog Fluffy may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.Health
PetMD says American Bulldogs can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia and to allergies (itching, recurring ear infections) and that their skin needs care. The AKC says hip dysplasia can happen to any breed, with signs such as a swaying “bunny hopping” gait; your vet diagnoses it with an X-ray, and keeping your dog lean takes stress off the hips. A mix can inherit problems from either parent, so ask the breeder about health tests and see your vet for regular check-ups. PetMD gives the American Bulldog’s average lifespan as 10–12 years; a mix may differ.
Concluding Thoughts
Whatever its parents, an American Bulldog and Pitbull mix is an individual. Ask about both parents’ size and health, train with rewards, give plenty of exercise, and talk to your vet about food, weight and sun protection.
