Bichon Pitbull Mix: Pictures, Care Guide, Temperament & Traits
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A Bichon Pitbull mixed dog starts with the playful and sweet Bichon Frise. The other parent is harder to pin down because of the term “Pitbull.” It is a catch-all name that applies to muscular canines, often with fighting as a part of their history. You may see the American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bully, or American Pit Bull Terrier with this name. Size differences point to the latter as the most likely mate.
| Height: | 11–18 inches |
| Weight: | 20–60 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
| Colors: | White, blue, silver, red, brown, gray, black |
| Suitable for: | Active families and experienced pet owners |
| Temperament: | Loyal, intelligent, gentle |
The Bichon Frise is a happy dog that loves just about everyone it meets. It’s easy to train with lots of energy to keep things fun. It is an outgoing pup that is always willing to play. Interestingly, it has a long history that eventually took it to the sea and the courts of nobles. The American Pit Bull Terrier grew up as a working dog with strength and athleticism to boot.
This mix isn’t as well-known as other popular designer breeds, like the Cockapoo. The appearance of the two parents makes it an unusual dog. Genetics determines how each puppy will look and which traits will be dominant.
Bichon Pitbull Mix Characteristics
Bichon Pitbull Mix Puppies
A Bichon Pitbull mix is hard to generalize. However, the two breeds share several traits to give you a good idea of what you can expect from owning one. While the latter has a short coat, the former doesn’t shed. However, you may need to groom your dog if it has the Bichon’s coat. Both dogs are friendly and gentle with their families. However, the Pitbull is a loyal pet that won’t hesitate to defend its household.
This dog will get the energy and activity needed from both the parent breeds. If the Pitbull is dominant, walking and training your pup will require an experienced pet owner who can handle a strong canine. Both parent breeds are intelligent animals, making daily mental stimulation a must-have. However, that also comes to the plate with training, which you’ll find manageable with this mix.
What’s the Price of Bichon Pitbull Mix Puppies?
Several factors play a role in the price you can expect to pay for a puppy. The Bichon Frise is a recognized breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC). While AKC doesn’t include the American Pit Bull Terrier, the United Kennel Club (UKC) and American Dog Breeders Association (ADBA) do 1. The dog’s pedigree may not be as much of a factor had one organization accepted both breeds.
The Bichon Frise is the 47th most popular AKC breed 2. The going cost for a purebred dog is $800, with show-quality pups fetching four figures. An American Pit Bull Terrier commands a higher price, starting at $1,000. Dogs of a championship line can cost upward of five figures. The price for a mixed breed may be less since it’s not as well known. However, you may have a harder time finding a puppy.
We strongly urge you to buy from reputable sellers who will let you see the parents because of the wide variability in this mix. We also recommend working with breeders who conduct the recommended health screenings. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) has the necessary information for the Bichon Frise but not the other since it’s not in the organization’s database.
Nevertheless, you should stick with puppies from parents screened for hip dysplasia and patellar luxation since these are common health conditions in dogs of this size. The OFA also recommends a cardiac screen and annual eye exams for Bichon Frise puppies.
Of course, that only skims the surface of the costs of owning a pet. Your annual expenses after acquiring your dog will add up to roughly $2,500 3. However, that’s only an estimate. The general health of your dog, its medical history, and care will all affect your costs. The takeaway is understanding that pet ownership is also a financial commitment.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Bichon Pitbull Mix
Genetics can influence behavior, even undesirable traits 4. That’s why it’s essential to meet your puppy’s parents before you bring it home. Both breeds have agreeable dispositions. The Bichon Frise’s history makes this mix an adaptable dog. Likewise, enthusiasts have selectively bred the American Pit Bull Terrier to remain a loyal pup without the needless aggression it once required for fighting.
You’ll find the Bichon Pitbull mix an intelligent animal that is easy to train and eager to please. However, it’s also a sensitive dog that responds best to positive reinforcement instead of harsh words.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪
The Bichon Pitbull mix comes from friendly dogs that are kid friendly. However, we suggest supervising any playtime, especially with younger children. The Pitbull is a robust and muscular animal that may not realize its strength with little kids. Of course, much depends on how the genetics play out and the adult size of your pup.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?
We don’t recommend this breed for households with other pets. The Bichon Frise brings a strong prey drive to the mix that might make it an inappropriate choice for families with cats or small animals. The American Pit Bull Terrier might not be as tolerant of other dogs. That will make early socialization critical for a mixed-breed puppy.
Things to Know When Owning a Bichon Pitbull Mix:
Genetics will hold many of the cards on this list of items, although we can make some general statements that will apply to both breeds. Again, seeing the puppy’s parents will help you make informed choices for your pet.
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
The adult size of your dog will determine if you should lean toward small or medium dog feeding instructions. Fortunately, many manufacturers provide guidelines based on weight. You should feed your puppy three to four times a day. The metabolism of younger animals is faster. Besides, it will need nutritional support to develop properly.
You can reduce the number of servings to two times once your dog reaches adulthood at about 1 year old. We recommend sticking with a commercial diet appropriate for your pup’s weight and life stage. While the Bichon Pitbull mix is an active dog, you should monitor its body condition closely and adjust its serving size as needed. We recommend reserving treats as training aids to avoid weight gain.
Exercise 🐕
You should plan on at least 30 minutes, preferably 60 minutes, of daily activity for your Bichon Pitbull mix. Early socialization is vital for any dog. Daily walks are an excellent way to provide mental stimulation and physical activity necessary for weight control. Visits to doggy parks will allow your pup to meet other canines. We suggest a mixture of both so that you can teach your pooch proper leash manners.
Training 🎾
We recommend harnessing the power of treats by using them as training aids. It’s an excellent way to condition your dog and teach it life-saving commands, like “No!” or “Stay!”. The key to working with an intelligent pup like the Bichon Pitbull mix is consistency. Set aside time every day to work with your pet and reinforce past lessons. That’s especially critical for a muscular animal like this one.
Grooming ✂️
How much grooming you’ll have to do depends on which parent’s coat is dominant. The Bichon Frise has a double coat that you should brush at least twice a week. You might also opt to get your pet groomed or keep it in a puppy cut to make things easier. You should also tend to the American Pit Bull Terrier’s coat weekly with a hound glove.
It’s a good idea to check your dog’s nails and ears as a part of your grooming routine. We also suggest handling your pet’s paws to get them used to being touched. Your vet will thank you when it comes to exam time.
- Also see: Best Dog Shampoos – Reviews & Top Picks
Health and Conditions 🏥
Both parent breeds are relatively healthy, with concerns resting with conditions that are common to many canines. That’s why we emphasized pre-breeding health screenings. Responsible sellers will ensure these tests are completed and provide results upon request.
- Allergies
- Cataracts
- Tooth loss
- Hip dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Hypothyroidism
Male vs. Female
Again, genetics rule on this score. The size differences between male and female dogs are pronounced between both parent breeds. Either sex will make a delightful pet. We suggest discussing neutering or spaying your pup with your veterinarian. It can affect behavior and your pet’s risk factors for certain diseases, such as cancer.
3 Little-Known Facts About Bichon Pitbull Mix
1. The American Pit Bull Terrier Was One of the Founding Breeds of the UKC
When the UKC was established in 1898, its founder C. Z. Bennett put his dog, Bennett’s Ring, at the head of the class with the number “1” as its registration number.
The Bichon Frise, Bolognese, Havenese, and Maltese all have a common ancestor that existed in the Middle East over 3,000 years ago.
3. The American Pit Bull Terrier Is Related to the Old English Bulldog
Enthusiasts selectively breed the Old English Bulldog with the extinct Old English Terriers to get the breed we know today and a parent of the Bichon Pitbull Mix.
Final Thoughts
The Bichon Pitbull mix is an interesting dog involving two parent breeds that couldn’t be further apart. Nevertheless, both bring desirable traits that will please any pet owner. It’s an intelligent animal that is able and willing to learn new things. It’s also adaptable to help it adjust to a new home. The only glaring negative is the difficulty you might have in finding one of these cute canines.
Featured Image Credit: Left – Vojce, Shutterstock | Right – Anna Krivitskaya, Shutterstock
