You must be curious to know what two breeds make a Pitbull? The answer is the British Bulldog and the Terrier. They were the source of Pitbull’s highly active and energetic characteristics.

Among the famous crossbreed dogs in the world, Pitbulls are well recognized due to their muscle power and energy. They are not a natural breed but came from two another famous parental breed.

What Two Breeds Make A Pitbull?

The two breeds known as Bulldog and Terrier had made the earliest Pitbull. They were famous for their strength and agility.

So, the gamblers of dog-baiting thought to combine these two to make a unique breed which resulted in the “Pitbull”. Since then, Pitbull earned the position of a supreme breed lagging behind the Doberman or the Rod Wilder.

Read: Are Pitbulls a vicious breed?

The American Pitbull Terrier

History:

Bulldog and Terrier are the two breeds that were combined to build the Pitbull Terrier in the 19^th century. Their athleticism and energy were the key factors behind choosing them to make a Pitbull.

They were given the name “American Pitbull Terrier” during their immigration with their owner to the United States. The founder of United Kennel Club (UKC), C. Z. Bennett, assigned his own Pitbull Terrier (Bennett’s Ring) as the number 1 registered dog in UKC.

Physical Characteristics:

American Pitbull Terrier are muscular, medium-sized dogs having an average height between 17-21. Bitches are longer in body than the dogs.

Their head is medium in size, ears are high-set, neck is moderate in length and extended tail is tapered to a point.

Except the color merle, they can be found in almost all colors and patterns. They never look bulky for their muscular strength.

Temperament:

American Pitbull Terriers are playful, energetic and affectionate to their owner. Their intelligence makes them eager to learn new things. They love sports and human engagement.

But be careful about unexpected provocation as it can make them angry suddenly.

Training Considerations:

The responsiveness and smartness of American Pitbull Terrier have made them easy to train breed. Certain factors are to be considered when you are training your Pitbull like –

• Start socialization as early as possible.
• Complete the Canine Good Citizen Certification by your dog to make them gentle.
• Be consistent and friendly.
• Walk with your dogs among other dog breed.
• Let them be with children with your supervision.

The British/Staffordshire Bull Terrier

History:

Staffordshire Bull Terrier was bred in the 19^th century by crossing between Bulldog and Fox Terrier. The gameness and strength of this breed came from its parental breed.

In spite of being popular in United Kingdom (UK), the Staffordshire Bull Terrier didn’t get that much popularity in United States (US) at first. But slowly they got people’s attention in US and recognized completely in 1976.

Physical Characteristics:

Staffordshire Bull Terrier are typically 14-16 inches long having a weight about 11-15 kg. They are of various colors like- black, red, white, brown or the blending of those colors with white.

They possess broad head, small ears, muscular neck and a tail quite similar to pump handle.  All over you can find them as a medium-sized, athletic dog breed.

Temperament:

Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a calm and quiet breed. They are actually not that much suitable as house guard.

Due to their affection to human and wholesome nature, a report published by Southampton University in 1996 ranked them in the top 10 dog breed appropriate for families.

Training Considerations:

It is always recommended to train and socialize your Staffordshire Bull Terrier as young as possible. So, whether it is 2 months or 2 years start the following steps –

• Make a friendly relationship.
• Take them everywhere and let them be with other dogs.
• Let them play with children.
• Try to cuddle them when they get anxious.
• Don’t let anyone provoke them.

Mixing Breeds – Creating a Hybrid “Pitbull” Dog Breed

In general, Pitbull itself is not a natural breed. You have already got the idea about what two breeds make a Pitbull. Here’s a fantastic post you may like to read on How to Breed Pit Bulls.

However, nowadays there are some more hybrids of this breed are available which is a result of cross between Pitbull and some other well-known breed. Here is an overview of some these famous mix breeds:

American vs Staffordshire Bull Terrier: The Genetic Traits of Each Breed

Both American and Staffordshire Bull Terrier are hybrid of Pitbulls having some distinct genetic traits. You can go through the following table to get an overview of the genetic traits of each breed:

What Two Breeds Make A Pitbull – FAQs

Is a Pitbull a purebred dog or a mixed breed?

Pitbulls are mixed breed having the bloodline of Bulldog and Terrier.

Have Pitbulls gained the nature of its parents?

Yes, it has. The agility of Terrier and the gameness of Bulldog are found in Pitbulls.

Are Pitbulls as aggressive as their parental breed?

Not exactly. It depends on how you treat and train them.

Is it safe to domesticate the Pitbulls knowing their mixed heritage?

Absolutely. You have to keep in mind that they are not only agile but also loving and playful.