Every year, 1.2 million’s dogs are euthanized, and an equally high percentage of these are Pit Bull mixes. Because of this, to present some of the many different kinds of Pit Bull cross breed puppies available to you and me, you will see quite a comprehensive list of potential pups right here at your local animal shelter.
Pitbull Terrier Mix Overview
Many times, adopting a Pit Bull can mean getting involved with an incredible amount of training. Although some people adapt their dogs solely because they love them, we hope that this article will have convinced you of the importance of being trained and taught how to train Pit Bull terriers.
If you have the funds, it would be best if you adopted from a private, holistic shelter where the staff works with your veterinarian to ensure that your Pit Bull is healthy and happy and that he has access to all the necessities including food and water. However, for those of us who simply cannot afford the cost, there is always the option of using a breeder’s program.
A breeder’s program can provide your Pit Bull with all the proper socialization and training that it needs. This will give him the ability to interact with other adult Pit Bulls and other breeds as well as be around plenty of other Pit Bulls of different ages. Socialization and training are critical for any breed, but even more so with a Pit Bull terrier mix since they are so capable of being aggressive when necessary.
Key Traits to Understand Before Training a Pit Bull Terrier Mix
First of all, since they were born with the tendency to become fearless, any owner should make sure that his dog is well-trained since many owners have reported that their dogs have attacked other people. To make sure that your dog will not develop an attitude of aggression, you should take him to obedience school. Obedience school will teach your Jack Russell dog how to behave properly and won’t let him develop any aggression issues.
Even though your Jack Russell mix has the potential to become an excellent Pit Bull terrier, you still need to make sure that he remains in contact with you at all times. Most Pit Bull mixes have a natural tendency to want to dominate the family, and if he sees that his parent dogs treat him badly, he will try to gain dominance over them. The only way to teach him how to behave properly is to enforce your love for him because your dog will be able to see that you love him first before he treats you poorly.
Because of their size, Pitbulls are commonly categorized as ‘big dog’ or ‘medium dog’. They are very intelligent and loyal, but they need to be socialized properly as early as possible. Pit Bulls are very dominant dogs, which makes it very difficult for them to be trained when young. It is much better to start training your mixed pitbull at around six months of age.
The Reality of Their Aggressive Nature
Pit Bulls tend to be a bit difficult to train. However, there are certain things you can do to help your Pit Bull pup overcome aggression and learn how to be a well-mannered pet. Always remember that socialization is the key to training your new pet. You and your dog both need to be around people most of the time for your new pet to grow and become a healthy, well-adjusted adult.
There are three common types of Pit Bull terriers: American Pit Bull Terrier, English Pit Bull Terrier, and the border collie. All three of these breeds have special characteristics that set them apart from each other. American Pit Bull Terrier is one of the most famous, popular, and strongest of all the Pit Bull Terrier breeds.
This type is great as a family pet because it has an excellent temperament and intelligence. It is also very easy to train and discipline because of its caring and friendly personality. However, the American Pit Bull Terrier mix is still not suitable for seniors since it can get jealous if its family member grows older.
The English Pit Bull Terrier mix is another type that is becoming more popular. It was developed as a cross between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the English Mastiff. These two breeds share almost the same characteristics, but with a different history. The English Pit Bull Terrier mix is oftentimes prone to violence and separation anxiety. This type is great for apartment life or small-town living since it is very easy to train. However, it is not recommended for owners who want to raise it as a pet since it oftentimes bites and scratches.
The Pitbull Terrier Mix is a hybrid that combines the muscular Pitbull with various terrier breeds, resulting in a dynamic and often misunderstood dog. Understanding the specific traits and needs of this mix is crucial for anyone considering adding such a dog to their family.
Breed Overview
Pitbull Terrier mixes typically involve breeds like the American Pitbull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or American Staffordshire Terrier combined with terriers like the Jack Russell, Fox Terrier, or Bull Terrier. This blend aims to meld the strength and courage of Pitbulls with the spirited and energetic nature of terriers.
Physical Characteristics
These mixes often vary greatly in size and appearance, but most retain the muscular build of the Pitbull and the agile form of the terrier. They usually weigh between 30 to 70 pounds. Their coats can be short or slightly wiry and come in a variety of colors including brindle, black, white, and tan.
Temperament and Behavior
Contrary to popular belief, the Pitbull Terrier mix does not inherently possess an aggressive nature. These dogs are often energetic, loyal, and affectionate companions. However, like any breed, their behavior heavily depends on upbringing, training, and socialization.
Training and Socialization
Training should begin early, focusing on basic obedience and progressing to more advanced commands. Socialization is equally important, exposing the dog to different people, animals, and environments to develop a well-rounded temperament. Consistency and positive reinforcement are key in training these intelligent and sometimes stubborn dogs.
Exercise and Activity Needs
Pitbull Terrier mixes are generally high-energy dogs that require regular exercise to maintain their health and happiness. Activities like running, hiking, and fetch are excellent ways to expend energy and stimulate their minds.
Health and Care
Common health issues may include hip dysplasia, heart conditions, and allergies. Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and proper grooming are essential to keep a Pitbull Terrier mix healthy.
Adoption and Responsible Ownership
Potential owners should consider whether they can meet the exercise and training needs of a Pitbull Terrier mix. These dogs thrive in environments where they can receive ample attention and interaction. Responsible ownership also involves spaying or neutering, proper licensing, and ensuring the dog is a positive addition to the community.
Conclusion
Owning a Pitbull Terrier mix can be immensely rewarding, offering a companion that is loyal, loving, and full of life. While they can be challenging, the right owner can harness their traits positively, leading to a fulfilling relationship with these unique dogs.
Dr. Emily Harper is a California-based veterinarian specializing in terrier breeds. With years of experience in veterinary medicine and a passion for terrier care, she focuses on breed-specific health, grooming, and behavior.
Emily’s journey began with a love for dogs, leading her to pursue a career in veterinary medicine and develop expertise in terriers. She has authored numerous articles on terrier health and grooming and educates pet owners on providing the best care for their companions.
In her free time, Dr. Harper enjoys hiking California’s trails with her rescue terriers, Max and Bella, and spending time with her family.