The French Bulldog Pitbull mix is an impressive designer breed that is an offspring of the French Bulldog and the American Pitbull Terrier.
It must have originated during the 20th century when designer dogs were the rave, but no one is sure when it was developed.
It is suggested that the crossbreeding was an attempt to reduce the notoriety of the American Pit Bull Terrier.
Whatever was the case, the French Pitbull—as this breed is known—is fast gaining popularity in the United States.
Its lovely looks, coupled with strength and a combination of family-friendly qualities, give it more admiration amongst crossbreed lovers.
Having a designer breed does come with many questions.
With no solid standards for appearance and temperament, how do we know what to expect?
Also, how do you take care of a hybrid and ensure that it lives long?
This guide will take you on a tour and tell you all you need to know about the French Bulldog Pitbull mix.
French Pitbull Breed Information
| Height | Males: 15 to 19 in Females: 14 to 16 in |
| Weight | Males: 30 to 40 lbs Females: 30 to 37 lbs |
| Lifespan | 12 to 15 years |
| Coat | Short, straight |
| Colors | White, fawn, brindle, gray, tan, cream |
| Temperament | Playful, social, energetic |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes |
| Ideal For | Experienced pet parent, active families |
| Breed Recognition | Dog Registry of America (DRA) |
| Puppy Price | $1,000– $4,000 |
French Bulldog Pitbull Mix Puppy Characteristics
| Health | High |
| Grooming | Low |
| Friendliness | High |
| Energy | High |
| Trainability | Medium |
The Parent Breeds
French Bulldog
Despite the name, French Bulldogs originated in England and were bred to be smaller versions of the English Bulldog.
They got into France courtesy of lacemakers and were probably named ‘French Bulldog’ to distinguish them from their bigger versions.
They were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1898.
Being the toy version of the English Bulldog, this breed is small. It weighs between 16 and 28 pounds with a height of 11 to 12 inches.
It has a short coat that takes minimal effort to groom. It is also smooth to the touch and shines when clean.
The colors you can find on this breed include brindle, fawn, and cream.
Complete black and colors like liver are uncommon on the French Bulldog.
Frenchie—as it is affectionately called—is an easygoing, playful, and mischievous companion that enjoys being around people.
Eager to both run around and relax, you can find this breed having fun with kids or lounging on the couch.
It doesn’t need a high level of exercise but should get regular walks to stay in shape.
It is also not difficult to train, but it is not recommended for new pet parents because of its stubbornness.
American Pit Bull Terrier
The American Pit Bull Terrier first went by the name Bull and Terrier and was bred in England.
Unfortunately, its first purpose was to participate in the dangerous sports of bull and bear-baiting.
After the latter became illegal, this breed was used in dogfighting, thus laying the foundation of its aggression against other dogs.
It wasn’t bred to be aggressive towards humans, though.
In America, it took on the role of a farm dog.
It got recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1936 as the American Staffordshire Terrier.
Further breeding made the Staffordshire Terrier different from the Pit Bull.
A medium-sized dog breed, the Pitbull weighs around 30 to 85 pounds and grows up to 17 to 19 inches. Its coat is short, stiff, and easily groomed.
Common colors include red, black, brindle, and fawn.
The stereotype tagged to this breed only applies to a badly trained member.
The Pitbull is a friendly, outgoing dog breed that loves attention and makes a poor guard dog because of its love for people.
It is also kid-friendly and was once a nanny dog.
French Bulldog Pitbull Mix Facts You Should Know
1. The Mix can only be developed through artificial insemination
The French Bulldog parent is considered hard to breed because mating the male and female gender is hard.
It gets worse when you try to mate a male Frenchie with a bigger female Pit.
Consequently, artificial insemination is the most ideal solution.
The only disadvantage is that it makes the hybrid expensive as artificial insemination isn’t cheap.
2. The French Pitbull is hypoallergenic
Both parents have a short coat, making the mix suitable for those with allergies.
You’d have to make some arrangement for when it sheds, but even that isn’t strong enough to cause a reaction.
3. There are some personality differences in the male vs female
Besides the slight difference in height and weight of the male and female French Pitbull, it has also been observed that some behaviors are peculiar to gender.
There is no standard, but the male usually matures slower while the female shows more independence.
4. They are good watchdogs
The French Pitbull inherits the alertness and territorial nature of both parents.
While it should be socialized to prevent the territorial nature from morphing into aggression, it makes a good watchdog and would let you know when a stranger approaches or something strange occurs.
5. It loves attention
Like its parents, this mix will suffer if you leave it alone for long. It loves human company and enjoys being the center of attention.
If you’re a very busy person, this breed may not be ideal for you.
Appearance of the French Bulldog Pitbull
General Appearance
The French Pitbull has no standard look, nor do the members all look the same.
This is majorly due to the difference in appearance and size of the parents.
There are some expectations, however, based on the existing French Pit dogs.
When the Frenchie’s genes are dominant, expect features like bat ears, large head, and strong muzzle.
The Pitbull-dominated mix will have a longer snout.
Some dogs will combine different physical traits of both parents to produce some unusual appearances.
In any case, these designer dogs come with muscular frames that give them an athletic flair.
Size
There is no uniform weight and height range too because the parents are different in size.
The French Bulldog is a toy breed while the Pitbull is medium-sized.
The mix usually falls in between. It weighs between 30 to 50 pounds and grows up to 19 inches tall at shoulder level.
Colors and Coat Type
In physical appearance, the coat is the only aspect where you’re likely to see some similarities.
It has the short coat of its parents which can either be smooth or stiff.
The French Bulldog Pitbull mix coat colors include white, fawn, brindle, tan, gray, cream.
French Bulldog Pitbull Mix Temperament
Both breeds have a bad rep and are considered aggressive, especially the Pitbull.
Therefore, some might be concerned about the personality of the mixed breed.
Would it be as aggressive as its parents?
As we hinted at earlier, aggression against humans is a flaw stemming from poor breeding or bad training.
Rather than the fierce canine monsters the stereotype point at, both parents are friendly and happy dogs.
They are ever ready to be social, even with strangers. The mix inherits these positive qualities, and it is also loving and sweet.
Expect some mischief and lots of fun moments when you own this breed.
The Pitbull gene does give this hybrid a high energy level, but because of the French Bulldog, it may not be as energetic as the Pit.
It is still challenging to handle during playtime, so you should have space where it can run around without destroying anything.
As with other dog breeds, training and socialization are necessary to teach your French Pit some good behaviors.
It is intelligent and eager to please, but you should expect occasional stubbornness, especially if it wants to go its way.
The future owner of this breed has to be patient, consistent, firm, gentle, and fun while training.
Are French Bulldog Pitbull Mixes Good Family Dogs?
On the subject of family dogs, both parents deserve credit.
The French Bulldog is a natural companion and the Pit was once a nanny dog because of its love for kids.
When these two combine, rest assured that the offspring will have a lot of offers to a household.
The French Bulldog Pitbull mix is an affectionate and friendly pet, good for both adults and kids.
It loves children and would not purposely harm them. It is also tolerant of their excesses.
You should be observant to prevent accidents, but you shouldn’t have any problems keeping them around kids.
Are French Pitbulls Good With Other Dogs & Pets?
The French Pitbull’s relationship with other dogs and pet is more complicated than with humans.
The Pitbull parent is known to be aggressive towards other dogs, and even socialization doesn’t guarantee otherwise.
The French Bulldog is more accommodating, but can be protective of its family and gets jealous if it isn’t receiving enough attention.
Thus, it is hard to tell how it’d react in a house with multiple dogs.
With cats and rodents, early introduction and proper socialization can help.
However, you need to be observant as the Pitbull parent has a high prey drive which may pass down to the child.
French Bulldog and Pitbull Mix Food & Diet
The right nutrients are vital when planning the French Pit’s diet.
This muscular and energetic mixed breed needs a diet that contains protein, minerals with lower quantities of fat and carbohydrates for energy.
While shopping for a dog food product, keep an eye out for these nutrients.
The best products should also have ingredients that help with eyesight, bones, and the skin.
Its diet should be composed mainly of meat and you should control the ratio.
This Mix doesn’t know when to stop once it starts feeding as it has a big appetite.
This makes it prone to obesity, a bad state for the breed. Measure its meal and keep food far from its reach.
We recommend that you feed it 2 to 3 cups, though it could be lower than that if it starts to add pounds.
Age is a big factor in feeding as puppies and seniors have different feeding requirements.
The calories your pet should consume depend on its weight. A veterinarian or nutritionist is in the best position to put you through.
Treats should be minimal and only on some occasions.
French Bulldog Pitbull Mix Exercise Needs
The parents of this breed have different exercise requirements, so the offspring’s needs should fall somewhere in between.
What you mustn’t do is ignore French Pitbull’s exercise need as that could lead to destructive behaviors and is unhealthy too.
A time range of 30 minutes to an hour should be enough to satisfy this breed.
The puppy would need a lower level of exercise, and 15 to 20 minutes should be enough. Exercise should be both physical and mental.
Physical exercise consists of walks, running or jogging, swimming (for the dog who can), hiking and playtime in a yard.
Heat disturbs the French Pit, so it shouldn’t stay outside for long.
The mental exercise can be done with puzzles, toys, and some games that would help stimulate its intellect.
Be observant while your pooch exercises and stop it from overexerting itself as it is prone to breathing problems.
From the history of both parents as companion and farm dog respectively, the Frenchie Pitbull gets the eager-to-please trait that makes it easy to train it.
This comes with some degree of stubbornness which is up to the owner to overcome.
This stubbornness is stronger in the untrained adult, so we advise that you start training while your pet is still a pup.
This would also enhance the bond between you two and allow you to exert your leadership.
This crossbreed isn’t the best in obedience training, but the latter is necessary to teach it manners.
Simple commands are easier to learn, so obedience training involves teaching your pet these commands and getting it to respond.
Treats and praises would encourage it to be more responsive.
Socialization is important too, as we know. You can get other people who have dogs to visit so your puppy will get used to the presence of strange canines.
Take it to new places as well, like a dog park. Introduce it to visitors and neighbors so it would build its social skills and reduce any aggressive tendencies.
House training is difficult with this breed, but it must be done if you don’t want your environment to be smelly.
As a final tip, remember that positive reinforcements trump harsh treatment every time.
Don’t just aim at training your dog, develop its self-confidence.
Grooming Your French Bulldog Mixed with Pitbull
The low-maintenance coat of this Frenchie Pitbull is a breeze for the owner to handle without any professional help.
Using a bristle brush, keep it clean by brushing it at least once a week. Increase the timing during shedding periods.
This dog breed is not a tidy one, so you would have to deal with drooling and flatulence.
Wipe off the drool now and then and keep your environment clean. Watching what you feed your dog would help with the flatulence issue.
Bathing shouldn’t be regular unless it is dirty and smelly. Get a shampoo that fits its skin.
You can either take your dog to a groomer once a month for full canine care or take the DIY route. If you choose the latter, here’s what you need to know:
- The ears should be cleaned weekly to prevent excessive wax, moisture, or ear infection. Take it to the vet if you notice unusual symptoms.
- Get a good nail clipper and reduce those long nails at least once every two to three months. Trim with caution as it is easy to injure your dog if you’re not careful enough.
Also Read:
How To Cut An Uncooperative Dog’s Nails (Pro Tips)
- Don’t forget the teeth! Give your pooch dental care at least 3 or 4 times a week.
- Remove dirt from its eyes and clean the areas around.
Like training, grooming should start from an early age to get your pet used to being touched. Give it treats as you groom.
American Pitbull and French Bulldog Mix Health Problems
The advantage of having a designer breed is the potential for better health, even more than the pure breeds.
The Frenchie Pitbull is not an exception. With a life span that gets up to 15 years, it is expected to live longer than both parents.
This doesn’t exempt it from illnesses, however. Some medical conditions that can affect this mix are:
- Hip Dysplasia: This is a common joint-related problem that can lead to arthritis or lameness.
- Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome: The Frenchie Pitbull with a short muzzle is prone to breathing issues caused by some complications in the breathing airway.
- Tracheal Collapse: This is also common to this breed because of its muzzle. It affects the dog’s windpipe.
- Cataracts and Cherry Eye: These are eye issues that usually target older French Pits. The most common ones are cataracts and cherry eyes.
- Skin Disease: The less serious skin issues that this mix may face include eczema and allergic dermatitis. In critical cases, it can get skin cancer or even a tumor.
- Heart Disease: Heart disease is also considered dangerous. They include mitral valve disease and dilated cardiomyopathy.
How Much Does a French Bulldog Pitbull Mix Puppy Cost?
Like the French Bulldog, this mix is costly mainly because of the process involved in getting it.
Unlike the Pitbull which costs between $500 and $1,000, the French Bulldog gets up to $4,500.
Getting in the middle of both parents, the French Bulldog and Pitbull mix puppy costs between $1,000 and $4,000.
Price may increase or lower depending on the breeder.
You should also budget for some additional costs like dog food and treat, leash and collar, a grooming kit, food bowl, etc.
Dog legislation often involves the Pitbull, so be sure it is legal for you to get a Mix with Pit as a parent.
Be wary of breeders who try to sell this breed at a cheaper price and with nothing but guarantees.
The cheaper French Pit pup may either be poorly bred or not from pure parents.
Ensure the breeder is a reputable, credible person who can provide information and documents to back up claims.
Very few breeders deal with designer breeds, so find those who specialize in Pitbulls or French Bulldogs.
Some examples of places you can find French Bulldog Pitbull mix puppies for sale are:
Adoption is the second option if you don’t want to shop.
Though the French Pitbull isn’t a pure breed, it could find itself in rescue shelters waiting for an owner to give it a new home.
The questions to ask when you want to adopt revolves around the puppy’s (or adult dog’s) background history, behavior, possible medical conditions, or tragic events.
Some shelters you can adopt a French Pit are:
How big do French Bulldog and Pitbull mixes get?
The mix is usually bigger than the French Bulldog but smaller than the Pitbull.
The males are slightly bigger with a height of 15 to 19 inches to the shoulder and weighing 30 to 40 pounds, while the female stands 14 to 16 inches and weighs 30 to 37 pounds.
Are French Bulldog Pitbull mixes aggressive?
Though regarded as fierce given the reputation of its parent breeds, aggression is a behavioral flaw in the Frenchie Pitbull.
Can French Bulldog mate with Pitbull?
The process of developing the American Pitbull and French Bulldog mix is through artificial insemination as it is difficult for a Frenchie to mate with a Pit, and even amongst itself.
Wrapping it Up
Though sidelined by some, the Frenchie Pitbull is a good crossbreed pup for people who want something unusual.
It has many good household traits and few challenges that can easily be overcome.
Health challenges, for instance, can be curtailed by getting your pup from a good breeder.
Training would only be difficult for a new pet parent, but the expert would find this breed fun to train.
Overall, this is a low-maintenance dog and friendly mix that would make a good addition to any family.
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