Whether we like it or not, designer dogs are here to stay. There are so many now that it’s difficult to keep up with new arrivals, as more weird and wonderful combinations appear almost daily. We have such wonders as the Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever Poodle mix), the Labrabull (Labrador Pitbull mix), and the Pit Shepherd (German Shepherd Pitbull mix).
Is it a good idea? Are crossbreeds more at risk of health problems? Will they eventually cause traditional breeds to become extinct? These are all important questions that we hope to answer here as we focus on one fascinating mixed-breed dog; the Pitbull Poodle mix.
When you view the two breeds separately, they couldn’t be more different. They’re like ‘chalk and cheese’, as the old saying goes. So, what is the combination of the two dogs like?
Well, that’s precisely what we’re going to discover!
We’ll begin with an overview of the parent breeds and try to clear up some myths and misunderstandings along the way.
The Poodle Parent
They’re famous for being the national dog of France. So, they must have originated there, right? Actually, they’re from France’s next-door neighbor, Germany!
The name is a clue, as Poodle comes from the German word pudel, meaning ‘to splash in water’, which is where the English word puddle comes from. This is because they were bred as retrievers, fetching fallen waterfowl from rivers and lakes after the hunter’s gun had blasted them from the sky.
Poodles are also known for their elaborately styled coats that divide opinions as to whether they look beautiful or ridiculous!
However, these different styles had a practical use in the past, as they protected parts of the dog’s body from the cold water while allowing them to move freely. These days, they are mostly for winning points at dog shows.
The Poodle’s coat is typically long and curly, with a vast range of possible colors. The American Kennel Club lists ten official colors as part of the Poodle’s breed standards, as well as eighteen more non-standard colors. Their coats are regarded as hypoallergenic, and although they don’t shed much they do need brushing regularly.
Poodles come in three official sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy Poodles. Obviously, the size of the Poodle will affect the size of the Pit Boodle, so a Toy Poodle Pitbull mix would be the smallest, and a Standard Poodle Pitbull mix would be bigger.
Poodles are very intelligent, extremely affectionate, and excellent with kids. They see everyone as their best friend and would play all day if you let them. They can be aloof at times, particularly with strangers. They can also be wary of other dogs. Both of these issues can be resolved through socialization at an early age.
The Pitbull Parent
There’s a problem with this title, as there isn’t one Pitbull breed! The term Pitbull (or Pit Bull) refers to a group of dog breeds, including the American Pitbull Terrier, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, the American Bully, and the American Bulldog. It also includes any crossbreed that shares their physical characteristics.
However, this is generally only true in the USA. Other countries have their own views and laws, such as in the UK, where the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is not classed as a Pitbull, and ownership, selling, and breeding of all other Pitbulls is banned. Sadly, some dogs there are still being caught and destroyed, even if they have no history of violence or aggression.
We’ll look into Pitbull aggression in the next section, but in the meantime, let’s talk about the different types of Pitties.
Obviously, as there are several different breeds of Pitbull, this will affect the outcome of the Pitbull Poodle mix. Here’s a table that might help explain:
| Breed | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| American Pitbull Terrier male | 18 to 21 inches | 35 to 60 pounds |
| American Pitbull Terrier female | 17 to 20 inches | 30 to 50 pounds |
| American Staffordshire Terrier male | around 19 inches | 50 to 70 pounds |
| American Staffordshire Terrier female | around 18 inches | 45 to 60 pounds |
| Staffordshire Bull Terrier male | 14 to 16 inches | 28 to 38 pounds |
| Staffordshire Bull Terrier female | 14 to 16 inches | 24 to 34 pounds |
| American Bully male | 13 to 23 inches* | 44 to 132 pounds |
| American Bully female | 13 to 23 inches | 44 to 132 pounds |
| American Bulldog male | 20 to 25 inches | 75 to 100 pounds |
| American Bulldog female | 20 to 23 inches | 60 to 80 pounds |
*There are five categories of American Bully: pocket, standard, classic, XL, and extreme. These sizes reflect the weight and height, from the smallest to the biggest.
As you can see, there’s a significant difference in size between some of these breeds! When you buy a Pitbull Poodle mix, it’s a good idea to find out which Pitbull breed has been used so you have a better idea of the size, coat color, and temperament of your pup.
Speaking of temperament, we need to look at the following question before we go any further…
Are Pitbulls Aggressive?
Yes, and no! To answer the question fully, we need to look to the past.
The Pitbull breeds were originally created for fighting, so aggression was encouraged. However, these dogs were also bred to be loyal and affectionate towards their owners.
All Pitbull breeds are descended from the Old English Bulldog, which is now extinct. Bulldogs were created for the bloodsport of bull-baiting, where bulls were placed in a ring while dogs attacked them. Wagers were placed on each dog to see which one would last the longest before being gored, trampled, or thrown out of the ring, or would bring down the bull, usually by clamping its jaws on the poor beast’s nose and twisting around until it fell.
After this outrageous ‘sport’ was outlawed in England in 1835, people turned to other, equally despicable forms of entertainment that still involved dogs. Some were forced to fight against each other. Some were placed in pits where they had to catch and kill as many rats as possible. The pit that was used for fighting is where the Pit Bull name came from, as new breeds based on the
Bulldog were created for these bloodthirsty pastimes. These were Pit Bull Dogs, shortened to Pitbull over the years.
Why is all this relevant? Because these dogs had to be aggressive if they wanted to survive, and large amounts of money were at stake. They possessed a trait known as gameness, which gave them the instinct to fight to win or to die in the attempt.
Eventually, dogfighting was also outlawed in most places, but continued illegally as it does today, unfortunately. However, as these dogs began to be bred as companions rather than for fighting, their gentler nature emerged.
The vast majority of Pitbulls today have, thankfully, never seen a fighting pit and never will. They have been used as working dogs on farms, especially across the U.S., where they became very popular.
Are they aggressive? Well, they have the potential to be aggressive, as do most dogs. Any dog that is fearful, in pain, feels threatened, or has been abused may show aggression at some point.
Pitbulls from fighting lines, that is, one or both parents were bred for fighting, will certainly be more predisposed towards aggression. However, Pitbull pups from an ethical, responsible, and reputable breeder will be far less likely to be.
A well-adjusted, properly trained, and socialized Pitbull is a joy to behold and a pleasure to be around. You can see the affection and devotion in their eyes, along with the happy friendliness in their wagging tail and ‘smiling’ faces.
That’s not to say they won’t protect their homes and families when needed, but many other breeds will do the same.
So, are Pitbulls aggressive? In the past, they definitely were. Some still are today, but these are unfortunate creatures that were either bred for fighting or mistreated and in pain. Others may show aggression because their owners haven’t trained and socialized them.
This has a bearing on our Pitbull Poodle mix, as many of you will understandably be keen to know whether this unique designer dog might also be aggressive.
To find out, you’ll need to keep reading!
What Is A Pitbull Poodle Mix Called?
Photo from: @wild.heart.witch
Like many other mixed-breed dogs, this dog goes by several names. Some people call it the Pit Boodle, or simply the Boodle. Others use the name Pitbull Poo, or the Pitdoodle.
Which one is your favorite? Can you think of another?
Pit Boodle seems to be the most popular at present, though whether this remains the case is yet to be seen.
In the future, it may be that some of these breeds become established and accepted as purebred dogs. In this case, they’d need an official name, but as they can be produced by using a range of different Pitbull breeds and Poodle sizes, someone would need to decide on a more accurate name that reflects the breeds that have been used!
Is A Pitbull Poodle Mix Good For Families?
Photo from: @rubythundr
Without a doubt, the Pit Boodle makes an amazing family companion. She has the strength, loyalty, and affection of the Pittie, and the intelligence and humor of the Poodle.
She’ll be easy to train, eager to please, and very obedient.
Will she be aggressive? This depends on how you treat her! Dog aggression towards humans is almost always a result of bad treatment. If you give her a safe, loving, nurturing environment, there’s no reason to believe that she’ll be anything but a happy, affectionate family dog. True dog lovers rarely have a problem with aggressive dogs.
She’ll be sensitive to noise, so if loud parties on New Year are your thing, you’ll need to consider this. She might sneak off to find a quiet place on the 4th of July or any other occasion when fireworks are being set off.
She’ll also be sensitive to your body language and expressions, which can be a good thing, as she’ll learn to read the signs and guess your commands even before you’ve given them.
Looking for a kid-friendly dog? Then, the Pitbull Poodle mix might be the one for you, as they adore being around young children. Her lively, energetic nature, and her ability to form strong bonds with family members very quickly make her an ideal family dog, even for first-time dog owners.
As always, training and socialization are essential, but this shouldn’t be a problem because of her natural obedience and willingness to learn. You should always use positive reinforcement when training, as this brings the best results. This breed will not respond well to harsh words and shouts.
Grooming shouldn’t be too much of a problem, whichever coat your Pit Boodle inherits. The curly Poodle coat tends to be a looser curl, making it easier to brush out the loose hair.
As well as looking after her coat, you’ll need to brush her teeth and clip her nails once in a while.
A good family pet? It’s one of the best!
Pitbull Poodle Mix Breeders
Photo from: @mylittlefurfamily323
One of the most important aspects of getting a puppy is the place where you buy it. You need to be sure that the pup is healthy and that it has been looked after until it’s ready to leave the mother dog. You must be certain that the parent dogs have been cared for and kept in good conditions. And, you have to be confident that the breeder is experienced, ethical, and isn’t just trying to take your hard-earned cash off of you!
Look for a small-scale, local breeder if possible. Visit them and ask if you can take a look around the kennels. Ask lots of questions, and check whether they have health screening and a health guarantee. Be prepared to answer any question about your home and lifestyle, as a good breeder will want to know where their precious pups are going!
Avoid buying online at all costs. This is a major outlet for puppy mills, where dogs are produced simply to make money. These places do not consider the welfare of the parents or the pups, and there’s a good chance that the pup will be malnourished and unhealthy.
Pet stores and backyard breeders are also best avoided for the same reasons.
You should steer clear of anyone who plays on the fact that a dog is rare, as they are using this to justify charging more.
Check out reviews for breeders online to see what ordinary people have to say about them. Take your time about it, and never be rushed into making a decision! You’re about to part with a fair chunk of cash, and you have to be 100% sure about it.
Pitbull Poodle Mix Adoption
One way to avoid breeders and potential puppy mills altogether is to head down to your local rescue center or dog shelter.
There’s no guarantee that they’ll have a Pitbull Poodle mix, but you never know your luck!
This will save you money as well as the hassle of seeking out a trustworthy breeder, as adoption fees can be from as little as $50 to a couple of hundred dollars. Fees are usually higher if they include things like spaying and neutering, vaccinations, etc.
The only potential downside of adopting is that you are very unlikely to get a puppy, as most shelter/rescue dogs tend to be mature.
Pitbull Poodle Health Problems
Photo from: @adventures_of_petri_dish
Generally speaking, crossbreed dogs suffer from fewer health issues than purebred dogs. This is because selective breeding in purebred dogs, sometimes over hundreds of years, has narrowed the gene pool, resulting in a range of genetic defects.
Mixing two breeds sometimes avoids this by injecting fresh genes into the hybrid pups, making them much healthier than their purebred cousins.
Even so, there is still a possibility that your Pitbull Poodle mix might suffer from some of the following conditions:
Hip dysplasia – A malformed hip joint that makes it painful for the dog to walk.
Bloat – A potentially fatal condition where the dog’s stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, restricting the blood supply to vital organs.
Ear infections – These are common in most dog breeds, especially those with floppy ears. Ear wax can build up and dirt gets stuck inside the ear canal. This provides a warm, moist environment for bacteria to thrive in, leading to infections.
Heart disease – This one is always a cause for concern! There are several different types of heart disease, but Toy Poodles and Miniature Poodles are particularly prone to dilated cardiomyopathy (the heart becomes enlarged, thin, and weak, and is unable to pump the blood properly). In Pitties, the main heart problem is aortic stenosis. Dogs with this condition have a narrow aorta, meaning that the heart has to work harder. It is treatable, but can lead to heart failure.
Obesity – Extra weight puts strain on the heart and joints. It can also lead to diabetes and cancer. Obesity often happens in old age, when dogs are less active but still eating the same amount of food as they did when they were younger and fitter. It is always best to feed your dog the appropriate amount of food according to its age and activity level.
As we said, the Pitbull Poodle mix has good overall health, but it’s always wise to learn the signs and symptoms just in case you need to act quickly.
What Is The Lifespan Of The Pitbull Poodle Mix?
Photo from: @dogsoffleashes
The Pitbull Poodle mix has a lifespan of between 9 and 15 years.
Why is there such a big difference?
It all depends on the dog’s size! Small dogs generally live longer than big dogs, so the hybrids that use the Miniature and Toy Poodles will probably live longer.
The larger Pitbulls, such as the American Pitbull Terrier and the American Bully, account for the lower end of the scale, as they can be pretty big dogs. These two breeds have a lifespan of between 8 and 12 years.
So, how can you make sure that your Pit Boodle sticks around for at least 15 years? First, find a good breeder! As we mentioned above in the section about breeders (and several times elsewhere!), it is essential that you use honest, reputable, established, and ethical breeders only. You’ll be far more likely to have a healthy pup if you do this.
Second, you need to feed your pup good-quality dog food, only give it healthy treats, and make sure that it has plenty of exercise. You should also take it for regular check-ups at the vet, as this will help to identify any potential problems early.
Nevertheless, you need to remember the general rule that the bigger the dog, the shorter its lifespan.
Pitbull Poodle Mix Price
Photo from: @mylittlefurfamily323
This is a rare crossbreed, which may affect the price. You also need to take into consideration things like the sex of the pup, its coat color, the breeder’s reputation, your location, and the availability. All of these factors will affect the final price!
This means that any price we suggest here will be a rough estimate based on the limited information available.
With this in mind, you should expect to pay somewhere between $800 and $2,500.
As you can see, that’s quite a difference. This proves the point that many factors influence the price of puppies, but you should never be tempted to go for the cheapest option without thoroughly checking out the breeder. A pup that is sold at a bargain price may not be healthy, which is why the seller wants a quick sale. However, someone could try to sell you a puppy at a premium price to trick you into believing that it is of the best quality. Sadly, there are too many unscrupulous people out there.
Shop around, do your homework, and keep your wits about you.
Is A Pitbull Poodle Mix Hypoallergenic?
Some people say it is, others disagree!
To be fair, both may be right. It’s often difficult to predict just how designer dogs will appear, unlike purebred dogs. It all depends on which particular breeds are involved and which genes are dominant in the offspring.
In many cases, a Pit Boodle has a curly coat like the Poodle parent, which is famous for its hypoallergenic qualities. Then again, the pup may favor the Pitbull side, with its short, smooth coat type – although this is quite rare.
We also need to keep in mind that hypoallergenic simply means that the dog is less likely to cause an allergic reaction than some other breeds. In this case, there is a real chance that this dog won’t trigger an allergy.
In Summary
Photo from: @dogsoffleashes
Who would have thought that you could mix the Poodle and the Pitbull? It’s an unlikely alliance and an endearing one.
But, is this the doggy friend of your dreams?
Its appearance will vary depending on which size of Poodle and which Pitbull breed was used. It could be as small as 15 inches or as tall as 24 inches. It could weigh as little as 30 pounds or as much as 70 or even 80 pounds.
You know it’s going to be a lively, active, and energetic dog that’s full of fun and mischief. This dog will need at least 45 minutes of exercise each day, as well as some quality playtime. It is great with kids, especially after being properly socialized. Training is essential, as it teaches the dog what’s expected. It’s also important to lay down house rules as early as possible.
Your Pit Boodle will probably have a dense, smooth coat that could be black, blue, gray, fawn, silver, cream, brown, cafe-au-lait, or brindle. This coat isn’t regarded as hypoallergenic, but it could be that it doesn’t cause too much trouble when it comes to allergies, as it won’t shed much.
This dog will have floppy ears that you’ll need to check frequently for signs of infection. Its nose will be brown or black, and it will have dark eyes that you’re sure to fall in love with the moment you see them.
Grooming should be done two or three times a week, but this won’t take up much of your time. If you do find that it becomes too much for you, try using a professional groomer. This is a good idea once in a while anyway, as it keeps your dog looking in top condition.
It sounds like an unlikely combination, but the Pitbull Poodle mix is already making waves, and it looks like it might become popular. Fans of traditional breeds are fearful that hybrids will make purebred dogs extinct. It has to be said that this is a real possibility in some cases, as trends and fashions change. After all, you can’t force people to buy a particular breed, and the public gets what the public wants!
The main issue here is that whatever breeds are available, they are healthy, loved, and cared for. After all, isn’t that what any dog lover wants?