Also called the French Pitbull or the American French Bull Terrier, the French Bulldog Pitbull Mix has the large and famous “bat ears,” popularly known as the Frenchie’s signature look.
This designer dog will certainly be a charmer with their gentle, patient personality and cuddly physique. The parent breeds typically mix pretty well both physically and in temperament, resulting in a well-balanced pup.
But don’t call the breeder or shelter just yet, because there are many things to know before getting the French Pitbull. This article covers just about everything you’ve been curious about this mixed breed and whether they’re right for you.
History and Origin of the French Bulldog Pitbull Mix
It’s hard to trace the exact record of the first French Bulldog Pitbull mix. However, we do know they came about when designer dogs gained traction in the 80s when dog owners wanted the best of two breeds. This dog’s parent breeds have a rich history alongside humans as companions and fighters.
Despite their name, French Bulldogs originated in England, where they were produced as toy versions of the bulky English Bulldog. These mini dogs were popular among English lace workers, who carried them when they immigrated to France for better opportunities.
It wasn’t long before these dogs gained massive popularity in France among high-end society ladies and escorts alike, and even artists and fashion designers. They were bred with other breeds like Terriers and Pugs and got the bat ears along the way.
Pitbulls have a much more violent history in dog fighting because of their agility, size, and courage. They originated from the old English Bulldog, which was eventually bred with Terriers to increase speed and agility for fights. The term Pitbull actually refers to a type of dog that includes a number of different breeds, like the American Pitbull Terrier and American Bully.
The prolific use of the American Pitbull Terrier in dogfighting and among gangs has given this breed a bad reputation. Once the image of the All-American dog, the Pittie was dealt all the wrong cards. They were even denied AKC recognition unless they changed names to American Staffordshire.
What Are the Physical Features of the French Bulldog Pitbull Mix?
- Height: 13 to 20 inches (33 to 51 cm)
- Weight: 25 to 50 pounds (11kg to 28 kg)
- Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
- Colors: Brown, black, fawn, brindle, white, cream, sable, liver, solid, or combined
- Nose & eyes: green, brown, or hazel, with a few blue eyes
French Bulldog Pitbulls have extremely varied appearances in color and size, and you can expect a small to medium-sized dog. French Pitbulls are muscular with a stocky build and are impressively strong for their often tiny size.
They have a short, single-layer coat, but their length can increase if a fluffy Frenchie is used for breeding. Most of these mixes typically exhibit the Pittie’s coat, depending on whether the parents were black Pitties or red-nosed Pitbulls.
They usually maintain the Frenchie’s bat-like ears, the longer pitbull muzzle, and wide-set eyes, giving them a regal but friendly appearance. Overall, they’ll have the shape and structure of a Pitbull but smaller. They will remind you of a Frenchie, probably due to the ears.
General Care of a French Bulldog Pitbull Mix
- Hypoallergenic: Not hypoallergenic due to shed hair and pet dander
- Shedding: Low to moderate shedding everyday
- Exercise: 45 to 60 minutes of exercise every day
- Housing: Apartments
- Temperament: Sweet-natured, alert, playful, friendly, and gentle
- Trainability: Moderate trainability due to moderate intelligence
Energy
Frenchies have a reputation as designer lap dogs, but Pitbull genes give this mixed breed quite the energy kick. Excessive energy results from failing to exercise your dog both physically and mentally, and it seriously impedes your dog’s happiness and life quality.
Exercise
45 to 60 minutes of daily physical exercise will keep off obesity, boredom, and anxiety-related issues. Mental workouts with snuffle mats, games, and sturdy chew toys occupy these dogs’ minds.
However, avoid walks in high temperatures because this mixed breed’s shortened muzzle places them at risk of overheating. Keep the walks short and low-intensity for about 20 to 30 minutes each, with plenty of rest in between.
Housing
Frenchie Pitbulls are velcro dogs. They need to share your space and be as close to you as possible. They may adapt to small spaces, depending on how much they take after the French Bulldogs, which is ideal for apartments. Otherwise, they will do best with a yard.
Food & Diet Requirements
French Pitbulls are known to pile on pounds, and the ravenous appetite in Pitbulls only intensifies the situation. Healthy French Pitbulls require a meat-based diet with at least 25 to 30 % protein and a balance of fats, minerals, and vitamins. Supplements like Omega-3 and omega-6 acids improve immunity.
The French Bulldog parents are prone to allergies from filler products, so try to look for the highest quality dog food possible. Don’t allow your French Pitbull mix to free-feed since they tend to overeat. Don’t feed them from the table even if they focus on you with laser-sharp focus. Vets advise on the best diet for dogs with chronic health conditions.
Grooming
Grooming a Frenchie Pitbull is easy because their single-layered, smooth coats barely shed. Gently brush their coat about twice a week with a grooming glove and bathe them every four weeks for coat health. Only used a gentle oatmeal and aloe shampoo as these dogs have sensitive skin. Shedding increases if a fluffy Frenchie parent is used for breeding.
Give them a French(ie) manicure and pedicure every month to prevent broken and ingrown nails. As brachycephalic breeds, these mixed dogs are particularly prone to dental issues due to teeth overcrowding, so use a dog-safe mouth rinse in their water.
To combat the issue, brush their teeth at least twice a week. Ear cleaning with dog ear wipes keeps those bat ears in shape.
French Pitbull Health
Hybrid vigor allows the French Bulldog to be healthier than their Frenchie parents. As we see in Frenchies and other dogs like Merle Pitbulls, breeding for exaggerated features or colors increases potential medical issues.
Due to their shortened muzzle, French Pitbulls are especially prone to breathing difficulties like brachycephalic airway syndrome. Other conditions you need to watch out for when you get the dog are:
Severe Health Problems
- Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome that’s characterized by labored breathing;
- Eye problems like cherry eye and cataracts;
- Heart diseases such as dilated cardiomyopathy and mitral valve disease;
- Hip dysplasia affecting larger mixes taking after Pitbulls;
- Tracheal collapse;
- Intervertebral disc disease;
- Von Willebrand’s disease; and
- Hypothyroidism.
Mild to Moderate
- Dental disease;
- Skin conditions;
- Allergies; and
- Heat stress.
Occasional
- Bloat; and
- Supernumerary teeth.
French Bulldog Pitbull Mix Lifespan
French Bulldog Pitbull Mixes have an okay lifespan of 10 to 12 years. This is a decline from a Pitbull’s 12 to 16 years due to the Frenchie’s rampant health issues.
Trainability & Temperament of the French Bulldog Pitbull Mix
These mixes are fun-loving and playful dogs that never fail to expose their quirks. A French Bulldog Pitbull mix is a friendly, energetic, well-tempered, affectionate, well-tempered dog that doesn’t mind stepping up courageously if the situation calls for it. They can also be quite sassy and feisty, as French Bulldogs are known for being divas.
Despite the stigma attached to their Pitbull side, French Pitbulls are affection-hungry dogs that thrive off their family’s love. These cutely assertive dogs get along with people but maintain a healthy level of alertness and protectiveness. Train them early to be comfortable alone as they can get clingy and develop separation anxiety.
One parent, the Frenchie, is ranked 109 of 138 breeds, but they’re not dumb, just stubborn. The Pitbull’s willingness to please and obedience increases this dog’s working intelligence. The Frenchie Pitbull is therefore reasonably trainable with patience, positive reinforcement and consistency.
Early training and socialization ensure your mixed dog is a well-functional member of society. Treats motivate this dog and speed up training.
Sociability with Children and Other Pets
A French Bulldog Pitbull mix is natural in dealing with kids. They have stable temperaments, low barking tendencies, and are almost always down to play. However, always monitor the interaction between dogs and kids to avoid accidents.
They may not do too well around other animals, especially small ones, because of the Pittie dog-fighting heritage. They can also get territorial, picking fights with your other pets, but early socialization improves relations with other animals.
Suitable Home for a French Pittie Mix
- A large household where someone is home most of the time;
- People living in smaller spaces;
- Non-allergic households because they aren’t hypoallergenic dogs;
- Warm climates because their single coats aren’t great for low temperatures;
- Households with older children; and
- Not too many other pets as they can sometimes have a high prey drive or be aggressive with other dogs.
How much is a French Bulldog Pitbull Cross?
A French Pitbull puppy can range anywhere from $1000 to $3000. However, breeders can ask for more or less depending on their demand and reputability. Avoid extremely cheap mixes since they’re likely from puppy mills and backyard breeders. With some luck, you may find one in a rescue or shelter.
Final Thoughts
The French Bulldog Pitbull mix is an adorable mix of the French Bulldog and the American Pitbull Terrier (APBT). Other breeds of the Pitbull type can also be used for breeding, but the APBT is the most common. French Pitbulls may have breathing issues due to the short Frenchie snout.
Meet Your Experts
Author
Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.