French Bulldog Pitbull Mix (French Pitbull): Complete Breed Guide

This content was reviewed and fact-checked by veterinarian Dr. Sandra Tashkovska, DVM.

The French Bulldog Pitbull Mix, also known as the French Pitbull or the American French Bull Terrier, is a striking designer dog known for its large, distinct “bat ears” – a hallmark of the French Bulldog’s iconic look. This hybrid breed is captivating because of its gentle, patient personality and affectionate, cuddly build. The blend of traits from its parent breeds, the French Bulldog and the Pitbull, typically results in a harmoniously balanced dog, both in appearance and temperament. However, before you reach decide to bring one home, it’s essential to understand what owning a French Pitbull fully entails. This article aims to answer all your questions about this mixed breed, helping you decide if they fit your home and lifestyle.

History & Breed Origin

The French Bulldog and the Pitbull are distinctly different breeds, yet their unique characteristics complement each other remarkably well. Despite what its name suggests, the French Bulldog originated in England. They were initially bred to be a smaller, toy-sized version of the English Bulldog, which was traditionally used in bull-baiting. When blood sports were banned in 1835, breeders focused on refining the Bulldog into what is now known as the French Bulldog, a breed primarily cherished as a companion dog.^[1]

Similarly, Pit Bulls have their roots in the old English Bulldog lineage. To create a more agile and quicker dog suitable for ratting and, regrettably, dog fighting, Bulldogs were crossbred with Terriers, leading to the emergence of the bull-and-terrier mix, the precursor to the first Pit Bull Terrier. Following the Civil War, immigrants from the British Isles brought their French Bulldogs and Pit Bulls to the United States. In the U.S., the Pit Bull Terrier became called the “American Pit Bull Terrier.”

Breed Popularity & Ranking

The French Bulldog Pit Bull mix originated from the ‘designer dog’ trend, which gained momentum in the 1990s following the creation of the first Labradoodle in Australia in 1989.^[2] Although there is no documented record of when the first French Bulldog Pit Bull mix was bred, it is generally believed that this crossbreeding was an attempt to reduce the fear associated with Pit Bulls by producing a breed with a more endearing appearance. Known as the French Pitbull, this mix offers a delightful combination of the distinct characteristics of these two very different breeds, appealing to a wide range of dog lovers. The American Kennel Club does not recognize the French Pitbull, a hybrid of two purebreds.

Breed Overview

French Pitbull Profile

Key aspects that define this breed.

Appearance

French Pitbulls, as a mixed breed, can display a variety of appearances. Typically smaller than a purebred Pitbull, they are often stocky and frequently inherit the large bat ears characteristic of a French Bulldog. Their overall body shape, size, and structure might more closely resemble a Pit Bull’s, but their facial features often mirror the French Bulldog, especially in terms of the ears. Occasionally, a French Pitbull mix may exhibit a stronger French Bulldog influence, leading to a smaller body frame while retaining some of the physical characteristics of a Pit Bull. French Pitbulls have an undeniably charming appearance. They may also possess a small, large-eared profile with the distinctive markings of a Pitbull. Their coat is almost invariably short, aligning with the typical traits of both French Bulldogs and Pitbulls. It’s important to note that the precise appearance of your French Pitbull can vary greatly. As a mixed breed, these dogs might resemble one parent breed more than the other so you can expect a delightful array of looks in these endearing canines.

Personality & Temperament

A French Pitbull typically exhibits an even-tempered temperament. These dogs are known for their loyalty, loving nature, friendliness, and affectionate personalities towards their families. Their love for play means it’s beneficial to have access to a yard or a nearby park where they can expend their energy. However, the playful energy of the French Bulldog Pitbull Mix might be challenging for owners who don’t lead an active lifestyle. As a medium to small breed, they may feel overwhelmed in crowded environments, so early socialization is crucial. French Pitbulls can be chaareaptable, tolerant, and non-aggressive dogs. Often protective of their families, they may initially be wary of strangers but typically warm up quickly once they recognize no threat.

Health

French Pitbulls are a relatively new breed, with limited research on their common health issues. However, they may be prone to health problems prevalent in their parent breeds. Potential health issues for Frenc Pitbulls may include:

Despite articles claiming that mixed-breed dogs are healthier than purebred dogs, an important study conducted by the University of California-Davis tells us otherwise, concluding that health conditions attributed to a specific breed are likely to be found in mixed-breed dogs.^[3]

Recommended Health Tests For French Pitbulls:

Nutrition

The nutritional requirements of French Pitbulls depend on various factors, including weight, health conditions, size, age, and activity level. A French Pitbull diet should contain the six essential nutrients The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) outlined. Given their size range and energetic disposition, a diet suited for small to mid-sized dogs is typically appropriate for French Pitbulls. On average, most French Pitbulls will require about 694 calories per day. If you’re giving treats to your French Pitbull, adhere to the 10% rule: 625 calories (90%) from food and 69 calories (10%) from treats. For precise calorie calculations, estimate your dog’s weight and use a dog calorie calculator.

Exercise

French Pitbulls have moderate to high levels of energy. They’re quite muscular dogs who must ensure these muscles are trained and kept healthy. A daily 30 minutes of exercise (walking and playtime) per day is the key to avoiding behavioral and health problems. This will also ensure your dog is burned out by nightfall and can sleep soundly. Engaging in agility dog sports like frisbee or swimming can also be enjoyable for you and your French Pitbull. Remember that French Pitbulls may experience breathing problems, so don’t over-exercise your dog. If your French Pitbull is acting out and displaying destructive behavior, he may be bored or have pent-up energy that needs to be burnt out. Increase exercise time and see if this helps. Ten minutes of playing fetch in the yard each morning can make a huge difference. French Pitbulls are highly intelligent and require mental stimulation as well. Offer them toys and puzzles that challenge their intellect, such as Nina Ottosson By Outward Hound or Pet Zone IQ Treat Ball, which provide mental engagement through play.

Training

French Pitbulls are somehow easy to train. French Pitbulls are people pleasers at heart and, therefore, relatively easy to train. However, training can be difficult for someone who is not a pack leader, as these dogs can be stubborn. Start training as early as possible, and you may be surprised at how much they learn. Both of the French Bulldog Pit Bull Mix are highly trainable dogs. Canine psychologist Stanley Coren ranks French Bulldogs as obedient and intelligent dogs capable of obeying the first command at least 30% of the time and understanding new commands after 40-80 repetitions. Similarly, dog breeds in the pit bull category (i.e., APBT) have average to above-average intelligence for learning. French Pitbulls love to be active and play, so try to structure your training as a game. Positive reinforcement training and consistency are also crucial in training these dogs. Early on, establishing yourself as the pack leader will simplify the training process and avoid any conflict with stubborn behavior. Your French Pitbull will pick up new commands quickly and obey a known command on the first try with a success rate of 30% or better. They might not be as responsive to commands as a Border Collie or Golden Retriever, but they’re certainly not disobedient.

Intelligence

French Pitbulls are average intelligence dogs. Their parent breeds, the French Bulldog and Pitbull are intelligent canines, particularly the French Bulldogs. French Bulldogs rank 109th, and Pibulls (Staffordshire Bull Terrier ranked 94th, and the American Staffordshire came in at 48th) out of 138 most intelligent dogs. Given their heritage, you can expect your French Pitbulls to have average problem-solving abilities and learning capacity. However, remember that intelligence can vary among individual dogs.

Care Requirements

Owning a French Pitbull is more than a privilege; it’s a responsibility. Dogs rely on their owners for necessities like food and shelter, but they deserve more than just the basics. If you decide to bring a French Pitbull into your life, it’s essential to recognize and embrace the full extent of commitment required for responsible dog ownership.

Is The French Bulldog A Good Family Dog?

If you’re looking for a loving, low-maintenance, and adaptable companion, the French Bulldog could be a wonderful addition to your family. However, understanding their unique challenges is crucial to ensuring your new pet’s happy and healthy life.

Reasons French Bulldogs Can Be Great Family Dogs

Challenges to Consider

French Bulldog Pit Bull Mix Price

The popularity of the French Pitbulls has led to a significant increase in their price. The average French Pitbull price ranges between $1,000 and $4,000. The high cost is due to the specialized breeding process, high demand, and the limited number of puppies available. Prices are higher for French Pitbull puppies with sought-after traits, like bat ears of the French Bulldog or unique color patterns. In addition to the purchase price, the annual cost of caring for a French Pitbull is around $2,000, which is more than many other breeds. Be cautious of unusually cheap offers, often below $1,000, as they may indicate backyard breeders who lack proper breeding knowledge and care. It’s best to buy from reputable, recognized breeders.

Where to Buy A French Pitbull?

When searching for a French Pitbull, explore the options with local breeders in your area. You can also look for Frenchie Pitbull Mix puppies for sale online or on social media. Ensuring any dog you consider comes with proper health documentation is crucial.

Online Marketplaces

Pawrade and PuppySpot are recommended resources for pre-screened, healthy teacup puppies, offering puppies from reputable U.S. breeders.

Rescue Shelters

We recommend starting with local animal shelters or dog rescue organizations. Online communities, such as Facebook groups, can also be a resource. While French Pitbulls are rarely available for free, opportunities can occasionally arise.

Breeders

Finding a reputable French Pitbull breeder can be difficult due to the complex nature of breeding this mix. Start by searching locally within your state. You might need to travel out of state if local options are unavailable. When purchasing from a breeder further away, consider the possibility of shipping the puppy if you’re unable to pick it up. It’s important to request medical records and certifications for the parents and the French Pitbull to verify health screenings, ensuring a higher likelihood of your puppy being healthy.

To better understand if a French Bulldog Pitbull Mix fits you, watch this video featuring experienced French Pitbull owners. They provide insights and share their experiences with the breed, offering valuable perspectives to help you make an informed decision about welcoming a French Pitbull into your home.

French Bulldog Pit Bull Mix Pictures

French Pitbulls come in various colors, reflecting their French Bulldog and Pitbull heritage. This mix can exhibit a variety of coat types and colors, depending on which parent’s genes are more dominant. Common colors include fawn, white, black, brindle, and combinations thereof. The Pitbull’s influence might bring in more color variations like blue, red, or even patterns like merle, although purebred French Bulldogs don’t come in merle.

French Pitbull rare coat color combinations and types include

FAQs

The Bottom Line

French Pitbull is a unique and endearing hybrid that combines the best traits of its parent breeds. They are typically even-tempered, adaptable, and friendly, making them suitable companions for various households. Before getting a Pitbull Frenchie Mix, it’s crucial to understand and commit to the needs of these dogs to ensure they live healthy, happy, and fulfilling lives. They are incredibly loving and rewarding companions in every aspect. Remember that French Pitbulls thrive in environments with adequate exercise, socialization, and training. Their need for human interaction and activity aligns with the characteristics of both the French Bulldog and the Pitbull.

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Sources

Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process and product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

1. Schoon, N. (1997, June 17). When baiting bears and bulls was legal. The Independent.
2. The Association of American Feed Control Officials. (2023). AAFCO.
3. Bellumori, T. P., Famula, T. R., Bannasch, D. L., Belanger, J. M., & Oberbauer, A. M. (2013). Prevalence of inherited disorders among mixed-breed and purebred dogs: 27,254 cases (1995–2010). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 242(11), 1549–1555.
4. Feature Image Credit: maxine_rising