If you’re considering a unique and energetic canine companion, the Greyhound Pitbull mix, also known as the Greybull Pit, might pique your interest. This crossbreed brings together the sleek, swift characteristics of the Greyhound with the strength and determination of the Pitbull, resulting in a rare Pitbull-type dog that both embodies athleticism and has a distinctive personality. As a potential pet owner, you’ll find this mix to be an interesting blend, offering a combination of traits that may just make the perfect addition to your family.
Understanding the size and temperament of your future pup is essential. The Greyhound Pitbull mix can vary in size, but generally, you can expect a relatively large dog, given the stature of both parent breeds. They typically inherit the Greyhound’s height and the robust build of the Pitbull, making for a strong and muscular pet. When it comes to temperament, you’re looking at a dog with a lot of heart and courage. Often described as loving and loyal, they tend to form strong bonds with their families, potentially making them excellent family pets.
However, being a mix of athletic dog breeds, the Greyhound Pitbull mix requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Therefore, it’s important that you’re prepared to provide your mix with daily activities and engagement. Whether you’re an active individual or a family with a penchant for the outdoors, this mix, sometimes referred to as the Lurcher Pitbull mix, could be your ideal companion, bringing energy and affection into your home.
So, What Is A Greybull Pit?
A Greybull Pit is your not-so-average mixed breed dog, where the fast and slender Greyhound meets the strong and loyal Pitbull. This unique blend of two different dog worlds results in a pooch that’s quite the talk of the dog park. Also known as a Greyhound Pit mix or Pitbull Greyhound mix, they have grabbed attention with their distinct appearance and spirited personality.
Temperament
You’ll find that a Greybull Pit’s temperament is like a surprising mixtape – energetic tracks with a couple of relaxed tunes. They’re both playful and gentle, often inheriting the Greyhound’s noble demeanor and the Pitbull’s friendly nature. This mix can make them an easygoing companion and good with kids – provided they are socialized early.
Shedding and Grooming
When it comes to their fur coat, these dogs strike a balance. They usually inherit a short coat that’s pretty easy to manage. Yes, they do shed, but it’s nothing a regular brushing routine can’t handle.
Training and Exercise
Your Greybull Pit will need regular exercise to burn off energy — think daily runs or playing fetch in the yard. Brain games also keep them sharp and entertained. Training can be a breeze, as they often show high intelligence and a desire to please. That said, early and consistent training is key for this mix, especially since they can be stubborn at times.
Lifespan
A Greybull Pit typically enjoys a lifespan ranging from about 10 to 15 years, which means you’ve got a loyal buddy for a good chunk of time.
Now that you’re in the loop, this mix, with its potential for a great family pet and manageable grooming needs, might just be your perfect companion on life’s adventures.
Origin and History of The Greyhound Pitbull Mix
You might be curious about the unique combination that is a Greyhound Pitbull mix. This crossbreed melds the strength and tenacity of an American Pit Bull Terrier with the swift agility of a Greyhound, creating a dog that has the potential to be an outstanding hunting or “catch” dog.
Greyhound Background
The Greyhound is a breed with a rich history, dating back to ancient times. It was revered for its speed, with a specialty in sight hunting due to its keen vision. Greyhounds were once the companions of pharaohs and the stars of Roman arena races. Today, you may recognize them more for their racing prowess, as they are commonly associated with dog racing tracks.
Pitbull Background
On the other side, we have the American Pit Bull Terrier, often just referred to as a Pitbull. This breed’s history is somewhat more turbulent. Originally bred for bull-baiting, Pitbulls gained a reputation for their strength and tenacity. Despite their controversial past, many have come to appreciate Pitbulls for their loyalty and affectionate nature towards their owners.
The GreyBull Pit: The Ultimate Hunting dog
Hunters often crossbreed Pitbulls with Greyhounds or Lurchers to create a superior type of catch or hunting dog, known for their effectiveness in pursuing and catching game. This crossbreed combines the best traits of both breeds: the endurance and speed of the Greyhound, and the strength and tenacity of the Pitbull. This mix results in a dog that not only can chase down fast prey but also has the courage and power to hold and subdue it.
The Greyhound’s lightning-fast sprints make these dogs excellent for chasing, while the Pitbull’s robust build and powerful jaw grip are ideal for holding onto larger game until the hunter arrives. Additionally, both breeds contribute high levels of intelligence and trainability, which are crucial for working closely with hunters in the field. Lurchers, which are already a crossbreed involving sighthounds like Greyhounds, when mixed with Pitbulls, further enhance these qualities, making them exceptionally versatile for various types of game and terrain.
This strategic breeding creates a capable and reliable companion for hunters looking to optimize their hunting expeditions with dogs that excel in both speed and confrontation with prey.
Physical Characteristics: What Does The Greyhound Pitbull Mix Look Like?
You’ve probably seen lots of types of dogs, but the Greyhound Pitbull mix is a unique combo. They’re like a blend of a sprinter and a weightlifter – super fast but also really strong.
Size and Weight: How Big Does A Greyhound Pit Mix Get?
Just like any mix, the size of your Greyhound Pitbull mix can vary. Mostly, they fall into the medium to large category. You can expect them to weigh between 30 to 85 pounds (14 to 38 kilograms) and stand about 17 to 30 inches tall (43 to 76 centimeters). They’re usually taller and lighter than a pure Pitbull, thanks to those Greyhound genes.
Coat and Colors
These pups have a short coat that’s a snap to take care of. They come in a bunch of colors like black, white, brindle, blue, fawn, and red. The Greyhound’s thin skin can sometimes be seen, making their ribs more visible than in other dogs. Because they don’t have a lot of body fat, it’s not unusual to see a Greyhound Pitbull mix’s ribs, but this doesn’t mean they’re underfed.
Distinctive Features
One look and you’ll notice their long legs, which come from their Greyhound side, making them look super tall and lean. They’ve got a muscular, somewhat stocky build that speaks to their Pitbull heritage. Their ears might either flop down or stand up a bit, and their heads are usually a bit blocky. You can’t miss the athletic vibe they give off, and they have bright, alert eyes that make it seem like they’re always ready for action.
Temperament and Behavior
When considering a Greyhound Pitbull mix, you should understand their complex nature, which combines the Greyhound’s calmness with the Pitbull’s enthusiasm. This blend results in a dog with unique temperament and behavior traits that may vary depending on their environment and upbringing.
General Disposition
Your Greyhound Pitbull mix is likely to exhibit a balance of energy and composure. Usually, these dogs are affectionate and loyal, staying by your side and showing a steadfast commitment to your family. They tend to be calm and confident in familiar surroundings but have bursts of energy that make them playful and enthusiastic companions.
Family and Children Compatibility
If socialized early, these mixes can be gentle and loving with your kids, making them suitable for family life. They often display a friendly and sweet nature, which means they enjoy being part of the daily hustle and bustle in a family setting. However, due to their size and energy, it’s crucial to supervise interactions with younger children to ensure playtime remains safe and enjoyable.
Socialization Needs
Your Greyhound Pitbull mix will benefit immensely from early and ongoing socialization. This will help curb any tendencies toward stubbornness or prey drive, traits that can stem from both breeds.
With proper socialization, potential issues like aggression or anxiety, including separation anxiety, can be greatly reduced. Moreover, exposing them to various experiences makes them more adaptable and friendly with other dogs and people. Remember, your dog’s intelligence means that they learn quickly, but they may also require mental stimulation to prevent boredom.
Common Health Issues
A Greyhound Pitbull mix, blending traits from both Greyhound and Pitbull breeds, can inherit a variety of health issues from its parent breeds. Here’s a more detailed look at potential health concerns for this mixed breed:
1. Cardiovascular Issues
The mix may inherit hypertension (high blood pressure) from Greyhounds, increasing the risk of ischemic strokes, where blood supply to the brain is blocked. Pitbulls can bring susceptibility to arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) and other congenital heart diseases that affect how blood flows through the heart.
2. Dermatological Issues
This dog might experience skin conditions like atopic dermatitis, a chronic skin disease associated with allergies, from the Pitbull side. Corns (or warts) on foot pads, primarily from Greyhounds, cause painful walking and might be linked to viral infections.
3. Gastrointestinal Problems
They could inherit a predisposition to vascular ring anomalies from Greyhounds, which can lead to difficulty swallowing and regurgitation. They’re also at higher risk for parvovirus enteritis from the Pitbull lineage, a highly contagious viral disease that can cause severe gastrointestinal distress.
4. Infectious Diseases
The mix might be more susceptible to babesiosis, a disease caused by Babesia parasites that are transmitted by ticks, affecting both red blood cells and causing anemia.
5. Musculoskeletal Concerns
There’s a potential for inheriting issues like fractures from Greyhounds due to their fast-paced running and cranial cruciate ligament disease from Pitbulls, which involves major ligaments in the knees and can lead to pain and lameness.
6. Neoplastic Risks
They could be at increased risk for cancers such as osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, and mast cell tumors, which are cancerous cells that normally help with allergies but can form tumors.
7. Neurological Conditions
Conditions like cerebellar degeneration, which affects balance and coordination, and ischemic strokes could be inherited. These are serious as they can significantly impact the dog’s quality of life.
8. Ocular Conditions
Potential eye issues include retinal dysplasia, a genetic disorder where the retina develops abnormally, which can affect vision.
9. Renal and Urinary Issues
The mix may face conditions like renal arteriosclerosis, where the arteries in the kidney harden, reducing kidney function, and hyperuricosuria, where there is an excess of uric acid in the urine, leading to kidney stones. This may need special care and special diets, just like it does for Dalmatians.
Understanding these conditions can help in proactive health management and ensure the well-being of a Greyhound Pitbull mix through regular veterinary care.
How Long Does A Pitbull Greyhound Mix Live?
When you’re considering adding a Greyhound Pitbull mix to your family, it’s natural to wonder about their lifespan. On average, 10 to 12 years is what you can typically expect.
Factors Influencing Lifespan:
- Genetics: Your Greyhound Pitbull mix inherits traits from both Pitbulls and Greyhounds. These genes play a role in their overall health.
- Diet: Feeding your dog a balanced diet suitable for their mix is crucial. Proper nutrition helps support a longer life.
- Exercise: Both parent breeds are active. Regular exercise helps keep them healthy, warding off obesity-related issues.
- Veterinary Care: Regular vet check-ups can catch health issues early, which can be key to a longer life for your dog.
Here’s what you can do to help your Greyhound Pitbull mix live a full life:
- Keep up with vet visits: Regular health checks are a must.
- Maintain a healthy diet: Feed your dog high-quality food.
- Exercise: Daily exercise helps keep those muscles strong and the heart healthy.
- Love and Attention: Never underestimate the power of a loving home to a dog’s well-being.
By paying attention to these aspects of care, you can help ensure your Greyhound Pitbull mix lives a happy, healthy, and potentially longer life.
General Care
Taking care of your Greyhound Pitbull mix means meeting its specific needs. This includes regular grooming to keep their coat shiny and avoiding health issues.
Grooming Requirements
Your Greyhound Pitbull mix has a short coat that makes grooming quite straightforward. You’ll want to brush their coat weekly to remove dead hair and distribute skin oils. This not only keeps them looking their best but also helps you to spot any potential skin issues early on. Besides brushing, make sure to regularly check and clean their ears to prevent infections, trim their nails to avoid discomfort, and brush their teeth to promote good dental health.
Diet and Nutrition
When it comes to diet and nutrition, feeding your Greyhound Pitbull mix high-quality food is vital. Choose a well-balanced diet to maintain their weight, as both Pitbulls and Greyhounds can be prone to weight gain. Portion control and regular meals, rather than free-feeding, can help manage their weight. Since Greyhound Pitbull mixes may be at risk for conditions like hip dysplasia and gastric torsion, proper nutrition and feeding habits are critical. Always ensure fresh water is available to keep them hydrated. Regularly engage your dog in moderate to high exercise to support their energy levels and overall longevity. Keep a watchful eye for any signs of health issues such as hip, heart, or hypothyroidism problems which may need a veterinarian’s attention.
Training and Exercise
When you have a Greyhound Pitbull mix, you’re dealing with a highly energetic and strong dog. Training them right and making sure they get enough exercise will help them stay happy and healthy.
Training Techniques
Your Greyhound Pitbull mix is smart and learns quickly, but they can also be a bit stubborn. Use positive reinforcement techniques like treats or praise to encourage good behavior. Consistency is key — you need to set clear rules and stick to them. Socialization is also very important; get them used to being around other dogs and people early on to help them be well-behaved.
- Always be consistent with your commands to avoid confusion.
- Socialize your dog early to ensure they’re comfortable in different situations.
- Remember that patience is essential; some days, training might be slower, so stay positive.
Exercise Requirements
A blend of the fast Greyhound and the powerful Pitbull, your Greyhound Pitbull mix is definitely athletic. They need plenty of physical activity to burn off steam. Mix things up to keep exercise fun — alternate between jogging, playing fetch, and agility training. Be sure to provide them with enough space to sprint; they love to run fast!
- Daily exercise is a must; aim for at least an hour of physical activity.
- Mental stimulation like puzzle toys also helps keep them engaged and content.
How Much Exercise Does a Greyhound Pitbull Mix Need?
A Greyhound Pitbull mix needs a mix of physical activity to match their athletic nature and mental stimulation to keep their intelligence engaged. You should be aiming for about 60 to 90 minutes of exercise each day. This can include running, which they’ll love because of their speed, and games like fetch, which will take advantage of their strength and keep them entertained.
- 1 to 1.5 hours daily: A good exercise target to keep your dog healthy.
- Variety is good: Combine running, playing, and training to keep their minds and bodies active.
Best Sports and Activities for a Greyhound Pitbull Mix
If you’ve got a Greyhound Pitbull mix, you know they have a ton of energy and love staying active. Here are some of the best sports and activities to keep your pup happy and healthy:
- Lure Coursing: Your mix inherits a strong chasing instinct, and lure coursing is a great way for them to use that energy. They chase a mechanically operated lure and it’s as fun as it sounds!
- Flyball: This relay race involves teams of dogs that sprint over hurdles to catch a tennis ball and then race back. It’s perfect for Greyhound Pitbull mixes because they can show off their speed.
- Hiking: With their endurance, these mixes are awesome hiking buddies. Whether you’re on a gentle trail or climbing up a hill, they’ll keep up and stay by your side.
- Cani Cross: Ever thought of running with your dog? Cani Cross is cross-country running with your dog attached to you. It’s a serious workout for both of you and a great way to strengthen your bond.
Here’s a quick activity table to give you an idea:
| Activity | Physical Level | Fun Fact |
| Lure Coursing | High | Taps into their chase instinct |
| Flyball | High | Great team sport |
| Hiking | Moderate | Explore the outdoors together |
| Cani Cross | High | Running side by side with your best pal |
Remember, these activities not only keep your dog fit but also strengthen your friendship. No couch potato routine for you two – get out there and have some fun!
How Much Does Pitbull Greyhound Puppy Mix Cost?
When you’re looking to add a Pitbull Greyhound mix to your family, it’s important to know the cost you might be facing. Generally, the price of a Pitbull Greyhound mix puppy can vary widely, starting from around $200 to upwards of $600. Several factors can affect this price range:
- Breeder’s reputation: Well-known breeders might charge more for high-quality care and breeding practices.
- Location: Price can vary based on where the breeder is located.
- Age: Puppies typically cost more than older dogs due to higher demand.
- Health checks and vaccinations: If the puppy has been given initial vet care, it can influence the price.
Remember, when budgeting for your new pup, it’s not just the upfront cost of the puppy you need to consider. There are initial one-time costs such as:
- Crate: ~$50-$125
- Food and water bowls: ~$10-$50
- Collar and leash: ~$20-$50
As well as ongoing monthly costs like:
- Dog food: ~$40-$60
- Routine veterinary care: ~$20-$30
- Pet insurance: ~$30-$50
Bringing a dog into your life comes with both excitement and responsibility. Make sure you’re prepared for the financial commitment you’re making. Your new Pitbull Greyhound mix will thank you with a lifetime of love and loyalty!
Adoption and Ownership
Choosing the Right Dog
Preparing Your Home
Understanding the Commitment
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you’re curious about the Greyhound Pitbull mix, you’ve got questions, and we’ve got answers. Find out everything you need to know about their temperament, suitability for families, care instructions, and more.
What is the typical temperament of a Greyhound Pitbull mix?
Are Greyhound Pitbull mixes suitable for families with children?
How can one care for a Greyhound Pitbull mix puppy?
What colors do Greyhound Pitbull mixes usually come in?
What should potential owners know before purchasing a Greyhound Pitbull mix?
Final Thoughts
When considering bringing a Greyhound Pitbull Mix into your life, you’ve got to think about your daily routine. Are you ready to give them the exercise they crave? These dogs have energy to burn, and they look to you for engagement and activities.
- Health: They’re generally healthy, but like all breeds, they can have specific health issues. It’s crucial to keep up with vet checkups and maintain a nutritious diet.
- Space: These dogs love to stretch their legs. A large, fenced yard is perfect for them to zoom around safely.
- Training: Start training early. They’re smart and pick up commands well, but consistency is key. Use positive reinforcement — it works wonders.
Remember, each pup has its unique personality. While they might have traits from either breed, it’s your love and care that truly shapes them into a loyal friend.
If you’re convinced that the Greyhound Pitbull Mix will suit your lifestyle, you could be on your way to meeting an incredible companion. Just make sure you’re ready for the responsibility that comes with it. Enjoy the journey!
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.