We are all familiar with the impressive sense of smell possessed by the Bloodhound and the well-known American Pitbull dog breed. However, what happens when these two breeds are crossed?
You might initially think that mixing these two breeds is unusual, but the resulting Bloodhound Pitbull mix puppies have some remarkable qualities. Combining loyalty and protectiveness with a great love for young children, these mixed pups can be surprisingly affectionate and caring.
It’s time to dispel any preconceived notions you might have about Pitbulls and rethink the role of Bloodhounds. This unique crossbreed offers much more than just search and rescue or hunting abilities.
The offspring of these two breeds exhibit captivating personalities, along with distinctive and charming appearances. This isn’t your typical Pit mix or Bloodhound mix; it’s a Pitbull Hound—a rare and fascinating blend that will rekindle your love for dogs.
Let’s explore the intriguing aspects of this Bloodhound Pitbull mix dog and discover what makes them so captivating.
What Is A Bloodhound Pitbull Mix?
Perhaps you have encountered a Bloodhound Pitbull mix before, but dismissed it as a pitbull look-alike or a less wrinkled Bloodhound. What if you had actually encountered a wonderful Pitbull Hound without realizing it? These dogs might not have the showy appearance of German Shepherds or Labrador Retrievers, but they possess what truly matters on the inside—qualities that make them remarkable companions.
The Pitbull Bloodhound mix inherits temperamental traits from its purebred parent breeds that many dog owners seek in their pets. As a product of crossbreeding two purebred dogs, the Pitbull Hound is categorized as either a hybrid dog or a designer dog.
Later on, we will delve into these traits in detail, exploring each one individually. However, let’s first take a closer look at the parent breeds that came together to create this unique mixed dog.
Ultimately, the Pitbull Hound’s characteristics, both physical and temperamental, stem from these two purebred dogs. Their traits blended together to form the wonderful Bloodhound Pitbull mix we know today.
Now, let’s delve into the specific contributions of each parent breed and understand what makes the Pitbull Hound truly special.
Who Are The Parents?
The parent breeds of the Bloodhound Pitbull mix are undoubtedly distinct from each other. While they share the commonality of weighing over 50 pounds, it’s important to note that this similarity is quite broad. For instance, a male Bloodhound can weigh over 100 pounds, making the weight comparison somewhat of a stretch.
Both parent breeds are recognized by the American Kennel Club, but that is where their similarities largely end.
Unlike mixing a Chihuahua with a Bloodhound, these are not small dogs. Both breeds are known for their agility and bravery, which adds to their unique appeal.
However, predicting the looks of the Bloodhound Pitbull mix’s offspring can be quite challenging. The breeds used in the crossbreeding were initially developed for different purposes, resulting in distinct appearances.
Their temperaments also differ, though not to the same extent as their looks. This variation in parent breeds makes it difficult to accurately predict the appearance of the mixed dogs’ offspring. Understanding the traits of the dogs used in crossbreeding is key to gaining insights into the potential looks of the offspring.
With this in mind, here is some brief information about both parent breeds used in creating this captivating mixed breed.
Bloodhound
The first breed on our list is the Bloodhound, renowned for possessing the most powerful sense of smell in the canine world. These imposing dogs can weigh over 100 pounds and stand at an impressive height of around 27 inches.
Originating in Western Europe, the exact location remains unknown, but their use as skilled trackers is well-documented. Many countries in Europe utilized Bloodhounds for the same purpose — tracking and locating whatever needed to be found.
While Bloodhounds may not be as popular as family pets today, they still hold great value in various fields. Law enforcement and Search and Rescue teams worldwide utilize their exceptional scenting abilities to find lost individuals, detect drugs, and apprehend fugitives.
As with most Bloodhound mixes, they aren’t widely sought after as family pets either. However, some notable Bloodhound mixes include the Bloodhound Beagle mix and the Bloodhound Coonhound mix.
These mixes are carefully designed to bring out the best hunting qualities, resulting in the ultimate hunting companion. All Bloodhound mixes retain their hunting instincts and high prey drive, making them well-suited for specific tasks.
American Pitbull Terrier
The other parent of our mixed doggo is the (in)famous American Pitbull Terrier. This breed has long been a subject of debate regarding their temperament and behavior, leading to misconceptions about their nature.
Whether you encounter a full-blooded Pitbull or a Pitbull mix, it’s common for people to hold apprehensions and perceive them as aggressive and dangerous pets.
However, this perception is not accurate. It’s essential to understand that no dog is born aggressive; their behavior is influenced by their upbringing and environment.
The negative reputation associated with Pitbulls is rooted in their dog-fighting past, where some individuals exploited them for cruel purposes such as bull baiting and fighting. But it’s crucial to recognize that those dark practices belong to the past, and today’s American Pitbull Terriers are loving and affectionate family pets.
Medium-sized and muscular, they typically weigh around 60 pounds and stand at a height of up to 20 inches. With their high energy levels, they are enthusiastic and active companions. It’s important to remember that proper training and socialization play a vital role in shaping their behavior, just like with any other breed.
What Do They Look Like?
- Weight: The average weight of these mixed offspring ranges from 70 to 90 pounds.
- Height: They typically measure around 25 inches in height.
However, it’s important to note that these numbers represent the average size of the mixed breed. Individual dogs may vary in size and can be taller or shorter than 25 inches and weigh more or less than 90 to 70 pounds.
The diverse sizes in the mixed offspring can be attributed to the variation in genes inherited from both parent breeds. As the Bloodhound is significantly larger than the Pitbull, the puppy’s size will depend on the mix of genes they inherit.
Due to this genetic variation, even puppies from the same litter can exhibit different sizes and coat colors. With the traits of both parent breeds in mind, let’s delve into some characteristics you can expect from Bloodhound Pitbull mix puppies.
Head
If the Bloodhound Pitbull mix inherits more of the Bloodhound genes, its head will be longer and narrower. The muzzle will also be long and flattened on the sides.
On the other hand, if it inherits the Pitbull genes, the head will be broad, with a shorter muzzle. In most cases, the head is in between — it is longer than a Pitbull’s head, but shorter than a Bloodhound’s head.
The most visible trait reminding us of the Bloodhound is the loose skin. These loose parts of the skin can be seen around the neck or on the forehead.
Eyes
Another quite diverse trait is the eyes. Bloodhounds have a visible haw (or third eyelid) in their eyes. With Pitbulls, according to the UKC (United Kennel Club), this is considered a fault.
So, you can have a Pitbull-looking dog with haws visible or a Bloodhound-looking dog without diamond-shaped eyes and visible haws.
As for the eye color, it can be anything from yellow to dark brown or hazel. The only color that is very, very rare is the blue color of the eyes. The reason for the lack of blue coloration of the eyes is the fact that it is considered another fault in Pitbulls according to the already-mentioned UKC.
Ears
When you think of the Pitbull, you think of small, half-folded ears that are set wide apart on the head. This shape of the ears is called the rose ear shape, and it is typical for Pitbulls and some other breeds, like Greyhounds, etc.
But, the Bloodhound is a completely different story. They are the dogs with the longest ears in the doggo world. Their ears are soft, thin, and extremely long.
So, what does that mean for the Bloodhound Pitbull mix puppies? It means they can inherit both types of ears. As already mentioned, puppies from the same litter can have different ear shapes.
One puppy can be a long-eared dog, and its brother or sister could be a rose-ear dog. There are no rules – it’s a game of who has the stronger genes.
Body
The Bloodhound Pitbull mix will have a deep chest with a muscular body. These traits come from both dog parents.
Once again, depending on the more dominant genes, the Pitbull Hound can either be more than 90 pounds or less than 70, but the latter is less frequent. The average weight is from 70 to 90 pounds.
In general, this mixed dog will have the looks of a powerful dog that will definitely make people think twice before entering the premises not because of its aggressive nature, but because of how big and powerful it looks.
Coat Color
The Bloodhound dog has only three possible coat colors:
- Black and tan
- Liver and tan
- Red
On the other hand, a Pitbull has many types of coat colors. So, when we think of the possible coat colors of the Bloodhound Pitbull mix, we have to take a look at the Pitbull first. Your new mixed puppy can be:
- Black
- Black and tan
- Piebald
- Brindle
- Sable
- Fawn
And, they can also have many more coat color variations and coat markings. But, because brindle, black, and red coat colors are the most usual for a Pitbull, we can expect these coat colors in a Pitbull mix as well.
Coat Type
The coat type of a Bloodhound Pitbull mix is the only easy thing to predict. Both Bloodhounds and American Pitbull Terriers have a short and smooth coat.
So, their offspring will also have a smooth and short, glossy coat type.
Because of this type of coat, grooming won’t be difficult. But, it has to be done often enough to keep the fur shiny, smooth, and healthy.
Both parent dog breeds are moderate shedders, and will require weekly grooming to keep their fur from tangling and to keep your home free of dog hair as much as possible.
But, as mentioned, the grooming won’t be difficult. All you need is a bristle brush, any of the brushes used for grooming a Pitbull, or a glove to remove the dead hair and keep the coat smooth.
Tail
The offspring of the Bloodhound Pitbull mix will have a long tail with smooth hair, just like on the rest of the body.
It is not curled or kinked, but straight and strong, and naturally set high. It resembles the Bloodhound’s tail, but a thinner tail is a possibility as well. This thinner kind of tail is a trait of the American Pitbull Terrier and any other type of Pitbull.
They all have a thin and long tail with short, smooth hair.
If you get a pup that resembles a Pitbull more than it resembles a Bloodhound, you can either dock the tail or leave it naturally long. There is no need to dock the tail – that is purely for fashion reasons.
What Is Their Temperament?
Why are they so special? They are not one of a kind. It’s not like you will never find a dog as loyal as this one, but they are one of the most loyal crossbreed dogs.
All of their social traits, family-life traits, and overall mental traits come from the Bloodhound and the American Pitbull Terrier. The traits are all mixed up, and some of them (like affection and loyalty) are amplified!
That means if you have a loyal Pitbull and a loyal Bloodhound, their offspring will be as loyal as them or, in many cases, more than they are.
But, of course, nothing is simply black and white. That is the truth with Pitbull Hounds, too. They have amazing positive qualities, but at the same time, they can suffer from separation anxiety, and they can often be stubborn.
Intelligence
This is an intelligent dog breed. They might not be the smartest dogs in the world, but they have keen expressions and a look in their eyes that tells us they are listening to us and waiting for a command.
The Bloodhound is a hunting dog, bred and developed to thrive in a pack. They look at their alpha dog and wait for a command. That is exactly what your Bloodhound Pitbull mix is waiting for.
Tell me what to do and I will do it. Unless I smell something highly peculiar — I might just wander off.
Yes, this is a small price to pay, but a price nonetheless. The exceptional sense of smell coming from the Bloodhound genes is going to make regular walks to the park quite impossible if your dog is not on a leash.
A Pitbull Hound cannot help itself, just like a Bloodhound can’t. They have their incredible nose for a reason, and they have to follow the scent they detect while on a walk.
On the other hand, the intelligence coming from the Pitbull can also make them a bit stubborn from time to time. They will definitely understand what they need to do, but they might not do it. They’ll do it later when they feel like it.
Also, a Pitbull can be reserved when it comes to strangers and other dogs or pets. They are going to be your best friend, but not so much for the neighbor or the neighbor’s cat or dog. You will have to keep an eye on them until they definitely learn what to do and what not to do.
What To Do
The answer to the problem of stubbornness is proper early socialization. This is the key whether it is a Cane Corso Pitbull mix or the mix we’re talking about.
Early socialization means introducing your young puppy to various animals and sounds. The goal is to get them used to all kinds of noises and smells so that they won’t act aggressively when they get older.
That means taking them to different locations if possible in order to learn how to behave while they are at the park, on the streets, etc. The goal is also to teach them to act calmly when they are with your neighbor, strangers, a delivery man, or when they are with other dogs or other types of pets.
Dog training is also necessary if you are a first-time dog owner. These dogs are intelligent and naturally stubborn, which means they can easily “overpower” you and make your life quite difficult. You need to be in charge all the time.
In other words, the dog needs to know who the alpha is in the house. This is normal for any kind of dog no matter its size or history.
You need to use a lot of positive reinforcement to teach the dog how to behave. Hitting a dog, yelling, or using any other kind of force is absolutely out of the question!
You can also use treats or specially-designed shock collars to help you in the training process. But, if you think you cannot train your dog properly — calling and hiring a professional trainer is the best choice.
Activity Needs
Having a Bloodhound Pitbull mix is not the same as having a low-energy type of dog. This is a crossbreed dog that has hunting instincts and a strong body that needs proper daily exercise.
These are not dogs made for indoor living. They can live indoors, but they thrive and show their best traits when they have a yard to run around in, sniff, and explore.
That’s what you’ll need to provide your new furry family member. Taking a Pitbull Hound for long walks, going on a hike, or any other type of activity that requires more than just a quick stop to sniff a tree is required.
A dog that has high energy levels can either become destructive or develop other kinds of bad behavior if left mentally and physically unstimulated.
If you cannot be with your dog all the time (which is normal, of course), you can help yourself and your doggo by leaving him some interactive dog toys while you are either away or unable to spend time with him.
Family Life
These dogs are absolutely devoted to their human family. They are great with children and all other family members. As with all pets, they tend to be the closest with one family member, but in general, they are affectionate and gentle to anyone who is a part of their family.
But, we did mention that they need proper socialization. This is in case you plan on adding more pets. They will need to learn that other dogs and other pets are just as much a part of the family as they are.
Reputable breeders usually start the socialization process right away. They make sure that their dogs are used to all kinds of situations and noises that are normal for a household — vacuuming, cleaning noise, laughter, TV and radio noises, children, etc.
But, if you got your doggy mix from a friend who didn’t do much, then it is your responsibility to socialize the dog on time and properly. When started early, it is not a problem, and the dog quickly learns.
Of course, don’t be disheartened if you get an adult Pitbull Hound — there are ways to train and socialize an aggressive dog. It might take more time and require more patience, but it is possible and worth it.
Barking
This is a trait that you have to think about before getting a Bloodhound Pitbull mix puppy. These dogs bark a lot. Considering that this is a Bloodhound mix, it is normal to expect them to be noisy. Why?
Because a Bloodhound is one of the hound dog breeds where it is normal to expect a mixed dog coming from a Bloodhound to have a noisy nature. Bloodhounds and other hound dogs are bred to be vocal.
Being vocal is the key to successful hunting, especially when it comes to hunting larger prey like boars or even bears. So, the Bloodhound Pitbull mixed puppy will certainly be on the vocal side of the dog world.
But, even if your dog is vocal, there are ways and anti-dog barking devices to help you train your dog to bark less.
The good thing is that the Bloodhound Pitbull mix is a very trainable dog.
What Are The Health Issues?
This is a large crossbreed dog, and as such, it is prone to bloat, which is one of the possible health problems this dog can inherit from its parents.
Although both Bloodhounds and Pitbulls are generally healthy dogs, they may encounter certain health concerns.
Some of the most common health issues that this crossbreed dog can experience include:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Bloat
- Hypothyroidism
- Heart problems
If you obtained your puppy from a reputable Bloodhound or Pitbull breeder who conducted the crossbreeding correctly with healthy and tested dogs, then there is less cause for concern.
In such cases, it is important to continue providing your dog with high-quality dog food, ensure regular vet check-ups, and shower it with affection through daily hugs and affection.
High-quality dog food refers to a diet rich in proteins and low in carbohydrates, and it should contain the appropriate balance of vitamins and minerals.
How Long Do They Live?
The average lifespan of a mixed dog is influenced by the average lifespans of its parent breeds. In the case of the Bloodhound Pitbull mix, the average life expectancy is approximately twelve to fourteen years. This is assuming the dog remains healthy and free from hereditary diseases.
To ensure the well-being of your furry companion, it is essential to schedule regular vet checks, maintain a schedule for deworming measures, and keep up with vaccinations as recommended by your veterinarian. These preventive measures contribute to the overall health and longevity of your beloved pet.
The Conclusion
This concludes the story of the Bloodhound Pitbull mix – a truly remarkable and rare mixed dog. While they may not boast the most striking appearance, they make up for it with their unwavering loyalty and protective instincts, making them excellent companions to keep you safe at home.
The Pitbull Hound possesses an incredible range of senses – keen eyesight, acute hearing, and of course, an exceptional sense of smell.
Owning this dog entails providing ample food to satisfy their appetite, ample space to keep them content, and plenty of affectionate cuddles to make them feel loved.
Remember that proper socialization and training are crucial for the Bloodhound Pitbull mix to understand their place in the family hierarchy and prevent any aggressive or territorial behavior towards other dogs or strangers.
While training and patience may be required, the reward is a loving family dog that exhibits great loyalty and affection towards you and all your family members.
To gain a better understanding of the size and characteristics of this magnificent crossbreed, explore breeders’ websites, or check out rescue and adoption platforms featuring pictures of these amazing dogs.
Ultimately, having a dog is not merely a temporary source of joy during their puppy phase; it means gaining a devoted furry companion for a lifetime – a true best friend for years to come.
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