The French Bulldog Pitbull mix is an interesting new breed. At first glance, the cross is surprising, perhaps because they are both so iconic. However, they have more in common than meets the eye. What do you get when you cross these two breeds? A faithful companion that is full of charm. They have a regal appearance, like their parents.
History and Where the French Bulldog Pitbull Mix comes from
The French Bulldog Pitbull mix is a new breed, and no one knows exactly when and where they originated. It’s theorized that this designer breed came about after French Bulldogs and Pitbulls became popular in the US.
This lack of information is common with designer breeds. A designer breed is a breed created by breeding two pure breed parents, to create a new breed.
The term designer breed is new, but the practice is ancient. In fact, many of today’s pure breed dogs originated from this process.
Even though we don’t know the history of the French Bulldog Pitbull, we do have a clear history of the parent breeds.
French Bulldog History
The French Bulldog has a surprisingly sordid history. The French Bulldog is a descendant of the larger English Bulldog. The English Bulldog was bred for bull baiting, a bloodsport that involved the dog attacking a bull.
This was outlawed in 1835, and the Bulldog became a companion animal. They also became popular in dog shows. They were classified based on size, with the smallest being the English Toy Bulldog.
Female lace workers were displaced by the Industrial Revolution. Their skilled labor was replaced by machines. These workers went to France, which still valued their craftmanship.
For some reason, these lace workers had fallen in love with the Toy English Bulldog. They brought their adorable companions with them to France.
There were many Frenchies in France, and few in England. During this time, Terrier blood was also introduced into the line.
The Frenchie found a special place with prostitutes in France in the 1890s. It’s thought that in addition to providing companionship, the striking appearance of the Frenchie made it an excellent ice breaker.
The breed also became very popular with artists and royalty. Eventually, they found their way into American hearts as well.
Pitbull History
The English Bulldog is also the ancestor of the Pitbull. When bull baiting was outlawed, ratting became popular. This practice involved putting rats into a pit with the dogs.
Bulldogs were too large for this, so they were bred with Terriers. This created an agile, compact breed that was perfect for the blood sport. Dog fighting also became popular during this time.
Eventually, these practices fell out of favor. Despite it’s bloody beginnings, the Pitbull became a companion, farm dog, and even a “nanny dog”.
Today, they have an undeserved bad reputation due to their past. Unfortunately, they are still used for underground dog fighting today. However, most Pitbulls today have been bred for companionship, and are incredibly caring and tolerant.
French Bulldog Pitbull Mix Facts
The French Bulldog Pitbul is also known as the American French Bull Terrier and the French Pitbull. The most charming name for the new breed, however, is French Pittie.
The parent breeds may seem very different at first glance. However, they are both descended from the same parent breeds. They are both descendants of the English Bulldog, and Terriers.
French Bulldog Pitbull Mix Appearance
Since French Bulldogs and Pitbulls have the same ancestry, there are some similarities in their physical appearance. Both are compact, stocky, and muscular. They typically also have a square-shaped head.
You can expect their puppies to have these traits as well. Pitbulls have long, floppy ears, unless they are cropped. French Bulldogs, however, have prominent, erect ears.
You can expect a Frenchie Pit to have this type of ear.
Their build is similar to a Pitbull. They have a graceful but compact appearance.
Their coat will be short, like the coat of both parents.
Mixed Breed Grab Bag
There are many aspects of their physical appearance that will be unique to each dog. They will get some traits from each parent. Some dogs will strongly resemble a Frenchie, while some will look much like a Pitbull.
Others seem to be an interesting mix of both parents, with traits from both showing up equally.
Their face can resemble either parent, although you’ll notice the influence of both. Some French Pitbulls have a short muzzle, while others have one that closely resembles a Pitbull.
They can come in a wide range of colors as well. There are many potential French Bulldog colors, 25 in all, but only a few meet the breed standard. They can be fawn, brindle, white, or white with fawn or brindle patches.
Pitbulls don’t have a breed standard, and can come in many colors as well. These include white, brown, fawn, red, black, and blue. They can also be bridle, or have two to three colors.
The most common colors for a French Bulldog Pitbull mix are white, fawn, cream, and brindle. However, other colors are possible due to the color range of both parents.
French Bulldog Pitbull Mix Price and Expenses
The price of a French Bulldog Pitbull can vary greatly based on the breeder, location, bloodline of the parents, and the dog’s appearance.
You can expect to pay $1,000 to $5,000 for a Frenchie Pitbull. In rare cases, they may go even higher if one or both parents are from a prestigious bloodline or they are a rare color.
Expenses of French Pitbull Ownership
Owning a dog is expensive. It’s important to be prepared to for these expenses, if you plan on getting a new canine companion.
Treats, dog bowls, and other accessories cost about $300. Spaying or neutering can cost $200-$300.
Initial vet appointments, including vaccinations, can cost up to $300.
The average total of dog ownership is $1,000-$3,000 a year. The first year is the most expensive, typically costing $1,400-$4,000 a year.
French Bulldog Pitbull Mix Rarity
The French Bulldog Pitbull is rare, for a few reasons. French Bulldogs are rare. Breeding them is difficult. It requires artificial insemination and a c-section.
These dogs are also at a higher risk of health complications than most breeds.72% of Frenchies have some type of health problem.
Pitbulls, on the other hand, are a common breed. However, the rareness of the Frenchie makes the Frenchie Pit rare.
The other reason they are rare is because they are a new designer breed. Their newness means there are fewer breeders currently breeding them.
French Bulldog Pitbull Mix Life Expectancy
The Frenchie Pitbull has a fairly long lifespan. French Bulldogs can live for 10-14 years, despite their risk of health complications. Pitbulls can live for 8-15 years.
The French Pitbull can live for 12 to 15 years, thanks to the longevity of its parents.
French Bulldog Pitbull Mix Size and weight
The French Pitbull can vary greatly in size and weight, because of the size of the parents.
French Bulldogs typically weigh 16-28 pounds and 12 inches tall. However, they can be smaller. Teacup Frenchies are between 11 to 13 inches tall, and weigh less than 28 pounds.
Pitbulls can grow to 17-21 inches tall, and can weigh between 30-60 pounds.
Male Frenchie Pitbulls are typically 30-40 pounds, and grow to 15-19 inches tall. Females can weigh 30-37 pounds, and grow to 14-16 inches tall. However, smaller French Pitbulls can grow from 8-13 inches tall, and weigh 28 pounds or less.
French Bulldog Pitbull Mix Health
Pitbulls are a healthy breed with hybrid vigor. French Bulldogs, on the other hand, have a wide range of potential health conditions. One reason for this is their signature smooshed face.
Some conditions must be inherited from both parents, which is less likely with cross breeding. However, others can be inherited from other parent.
Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome
Brachycephalic airway syndrome is the most common condition among French Bulldogs. It affects Brachycephalic breeds, which include the English Bulldog and Mastiffs. It occurs because they have a flat face and shorter head.
This trait makes them adorable, but it also affects the structures of the face and airway. If the syndrome is mild, it can cause noisy breathing and snoring.
Severe Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome can cause tracheal collapse, tiring easily with exercise, and difficulty breathing. Coughing, gagging, or vomiting can also occur.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip Dyplasia is a problem for many breeds, particularly larger breeds. However, both the Pitbull and Frenchie are at a higher than average risk of developing the condition.
Hip dysplasia occurs when the joints around the ligament are too loose. This prevents it from staying in place properly. It can cause pain and a limited range of movement. Proper diet and exercise reduce the risk of developing hip dysplasia.
Allergies
Allergies are common in both parent breeds, with French Bulldogs being at a particularly high risk. Both breeds are prone to skin allergies, known as atopic dermatitis.
They can be allergic to a food ingredient, an environmental allergen like dust, or things they come into contact with, including chemicals.
These allergies can cause frequent licking, scratching, hair loss, and rash. If not treated, it can lead to skin infections.
Eye Conditions
French Bulldogs are at a higher risk of cataracts, Distichiasis, and cherry eye. Pitbulls are at a higher risk ofProgressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). Any of these conditions can be inherited by the Frenchie Pitbull.
Bloat
Bloat can occur in any dog, but some breeds are at a higher risk of the condition. Neither parent breed is at an increased risk of bloat, but you should still be aware of the condition.
Experts don’t fully understand bloat. We do know that large, deep-chested breeds are at a higher risk. Other risk factors include eating quickly and eating too much at one meal.
Bloat causes the gas in the stomach to not be released. As food digests, the gas and pressure increase. If not treated, this increased pressure can cause the stomach to twist, which is often fatal.
Signs of bloat include severe stomach pain, a bloated stomach, and inability to pass gas, poop, or pee. Retching or gagging without productive vomiting is another sign that your dog has bloat.
Bloat can be fatal within a few hours of symptoms beginning, so prompt treatment is essential.
Obesity
Both Frenchies and Pitbulls are at an increased risk of obesity, which means Frenchie Pits are as well. It’s a common problem, with over half of dogs in America being overweight or obese.
Obesity leads to a host of health problems. It increases the risk of brachiatric disorders, hip dysplasia, and diabetes, to name a few.
French Bulldog Pitbull Mix Behavior/Characteristics/Temperament
The French Bulldog Pitbull can be described as playful, attention seeking, loving, and gentle. They may have lots of energy like a Pitbull. They may also want to spend most of their time in your lap, instead of playing.
They get highly attached to their owner, and shouldn’t be left alone for long periods. They are extremely loyal, and very affectionate.
Are French Bulldog Pitbulls Aggressive?
Unfortunately, the Pitbull has a reputation for being aggressive. However, this is untrue. For an objective idea of their temperament, we’ll take a look at the American Temperament Test.
This test measures a dog’s temperament, including aggression and friendliness. Individual dogs are tested, and the results are compiled to give information about the breed.
86% of Pitbulls pass the test. An astounding 96% of French Bulldogs pass. Both score higher than many breeds, including the Beagle, Golden Retriever, and the German Shepard.
A Frenchie Pitbull has a wonderful temperament, and is not aggressive. However, they can be protective. This is something Pitbulls, and to a lesser extent, Frenchies, are well known for.
This is why socialization and training are important. If they are properly trained, you can expect them to greet strangers and other dogs with a smile.
How to care for a French Bulldog Pitbull Mix
Dogs require the same basics when it comes to care, like food and exercise. However, each breed has some unique requirements you should be aware of.
How much exercise do French Bulldog Pitbull Mixes need?
The amount of exercise a French Pitbull needs can vary greatly. French Bulldogs need a moderate amount of daily activity, while Pitbulls are more energetic.
If your pooch takes after it’s Pittie parent, you can expect them to need at least 1 hour, and possibly 2 hours, each day.
If they take after their Frenchie parent, they should still get up to 1 hour of activity each day. However, you may need to split this up into a few activity sessions, because Frenchie’s can tire easily due to difficulty breathing during exercise.
The type of exercise they need can vary as well. If they resemble a Pitbull, brisk walks or even jogs are lots of fun for them. Games of fetch are also ideal.
If they are more like the French Bulldog, gentler activity is recommended. A few leisurely walks can be all the exercise they need.
In addition to physical exercise, you’ll need to provide mental exercise. This can include playing games, teaching them commands, and walks to new areas.
Do French Bulldog Pitbull Mixes shed a lot?
Frenchie Pits do shed, but they aren’t heavy shedders. You can expect them to shed a little all year round. They may shed more during the spring and fall.
Do you need to groom French Bulldog Pitbull mixes often?
Their short coats and moderate shedding mean that you don’t need to spend a lot of time grooming your Frenchie Pit. They will need brushing at least once a week.
They will need baths, but they shouldn’t be too frequent. Once a month is usually ideal. Be sure to use products designed for sensitive skin.
Do you need to train French Bulldog Pitbull Mixes a lot?
Both Frenchies and Pitbulls are eager to please, but they also have a stubborn streak. You can expect your Frenchie Pit to be fairly easy to train, when trained correctly.
You should only use positive reinforcement when training, and be consistent. If you can turn training into a game, this good natured pooch will respond very well.
Both parent breeds, and their offspring, can have behavioral problems if they aren’t trained properly. They need a strong but compassionate leader to keep them in line.
Socialization is also very important. Pitbulls can be aggressive if they aren’t properly socialized. You’ll need to socialize them with strangers, other dogs, and other animals.
When properly trained and socialized, your French Pitbull will be a wonderful, obedient companion.
French Bulldog Pitbull Mix Diet
Your Frenchie Pit’s diet is important for their health and quality of life. As a puppy, you should feed them a high quality puppy food. They should be fed 3 times a day during this stage.
Once they are 6 months or older, you can transition them to a quality adult dog food. They can be fed once a day, but it’s better to feed them twice a day.
Both parent breeds are prone to obesity, so you’ll need to monitor how much they eat. Free feeding isn’t recommended, because they may overeat.
Since they are prone to allergies, it’s a good idea to choose a quality food for them. Avoid common allergens like corn or wheat if possible.
When it comes to how much to feed them, you’ll need to use your Frenchie Pits weight to determine how much food they need.
Are French Bulldog Pitbull Mixes good family pets?
Yes, the French Bulldog Pitbull is a great pet for families. They require lots of attention. Both parent breeds can have separation anxiety, and desire plenty of love and attention.
This comes through in the Frenchie Pit. They become highly attached to their owner, and the entire family. They don’t do well fi they are left alone for extended periods.
In addition to being loving attention seekers, they are also gentle, patient, and playful. These qualities make them a perfect fit for families.
How do you buy a French Bulldog Pitbull Mix?
There are two ways to buy a French Bulldog Pitbull mix. You can adopt, or purchase one from a breeder.
Adopting a Frenchie Pit
Finding a French Bulldog Pitbull in a shelter is a tall order, but it’s not impossible. Dogs of every breed find their way to shelters, unfortunately.
You can check your local shelter. However, you may have better luck with a rescue organization devoted to one of the parent breeds. Check out the French Bulldog Rescue Network, and Pitbull Rescue Central. You can also check the AKC’s list of rescue organizations.
Purchasing a French Pitbull from a Breeder
Since French Pitbulls are currently rare, there are a limited number of breeders.
The best place to begin your search is with the AKC’s breeder registry. They will list French Bulldog breeders, which might also breed French Pitbulls.
The other method is to do a Google search for French Pitbull breeders. If you use this method, you’ll need to be sure the breeder you choose is ethical.
One indication that a breeder is ethical is that their French Bulldog is AKC registered. The AKC has strict standards which must be upheld to register a dog, so this weeds out most backyard breeders.
However, Pitbulls can’t be AKC registered, which means the French Pitbull can’t either. A registered parent can also make the puppies more expensive. For these reasons, you may choose to buy from an unregistered breeder.
If this is the case, you’ll need to vet them. Ask them how they ensure their dogs and puppies are healthy. Are the parents genetically tested? Do the puppies have a health certificate?
It’s also a great idea to visit the breeder in person if possible. Seeing how the dogs live can tell you a lot about the breeder. Unethical breeders are concerned only with profit. Ethical breeders put the health and well being of their dogs first.