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There is no mistaking a Boston Terrier Pitbull mix when you see one. This dog is a mix of two easily recognizable and very distinct breeds. If you are thinking about adding one of these dogs to your family, it is important that you know what you are getting into. In this post, we will cover the history, traits, and physical appearance of the Boston Terrier Pitbull mix breed. We will also answer some common questions about this breed so that you can decide if they are the right pet for you!
Table of Contents
What Was The Boston Terrier Pitbull Mix Bred For?
For the most part, the Boston Terrier Pitbull mix was bred in the United States as a companion dog. As with many of the newer designer mixed breeds, they weren’t bred for a specific working purpose like many purebreds were. Instead, they were primarily bred because of people’s love for Pitbulls and Boston Terriers and wanting to get desirable qualities from both parent breeds.
The resulting dog is a smaller version of the Pitbull that still retains many of the same characteristics. These dogs are intelligent, affectionate, and loyal companions.
Where Do Boston Terriers Come From?
The Boston Terrier is a breed developed in the late 1800s in the city of, you guessed it, Boston. They were bred from an English Bulldog and a white terrier and were initially used as fighting dogs. In fact, their original name was “Round Head” or “Bull Terrier.” It wasn’t until 1891 that they were officially named the Boston Terrier.
The breed became very popular in the United States and was even declared the official state dog of Massachusetts in 1979. Boston Terriers are known for their distinct “tuxedo” markings and their friendly, outgoing personalities. They became recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1893 and have been a popular companion breed ever since.
Where Do Pitbulls Come From?
The Pitbull is a breed that has a long and complicated history. They were originally bred in England in the 1800s as fighting dogs. They were then brought to the United States, where they continued to be used as fighting dogs. It wasn’t until the late 1800s that they began to be bred as companion dogs.
Pitbulls are a very muscular and athletic breed. They are also known for their intelligence and loyalty. Unfortunately, they have also been unfairly stereotyped as being aggressive and dangerous. This is not an accurate portrayal of the breed as a whole, but it is something that you should be aware of.
Boston Terrier Pitbull Mix Appearance & Traits
Size (Weight & Height)
The Boston Terrier Pitbull mix is a medium sized dog. They typically weigh between 25 and 50 pounds and stand between 15 and 20 inches tall.
As with other dog breeds, males tend to be a larger size, and females tend to be slightly smaller in both weight and height.
Their parent’s genetics ultimately determines their height, but their weight primarily depends on their lifestyle. It’s not impossible to see a Boston Terrier Pitbull mix weigh more than 50 pounds if they overeat and don’t get much exericse.
Coat Colors & Texture
The Boston Terrier Pitbull mix can come in a wide variety of coat colors. The most common colors are black, brindle, brown, and white. They can also come in other colors such as fawn, red, and blue.
Their coat is usually short and smooth but, in rare cases, can also be medium length and slightly wavy.
Shedding & Grooming
The Boston Terrier Pitbull mix is a moderate shedder. You should expect to have to brush them a few times per week in order to keep their shedding under control. They are also a breed that needs to be groomed regularly. This includes bathing, brushing their teeth, cleaning their ears, and trimming their nails.
They should be bathed every 8-12 weeks, ear cleaning and nail trimming every roughly 4 weeks, and teeth cleaning a couple of times per week. Unfortunately, teeth cleaning is often forgotten because people feel silly brushing their pet’s teeth. But, approximately 90% of dogs develop some form of gum disease by the age of 2, primarily because they don’t receive simple oral care.
Are Boston Terrier Pitbull Mixes Hypoallergenic?
No, Boston Terrier Pitbull mixes are not hypoallergenic. They do, however, have lower levels of dander than some other dog breeds. This means they may be a better option than other dogs for people with mild allergies.
If you are allergic to dogs but still want to adopt one, you may want to consider a Boston Terrier Pitbull mix. It’s always best to meet the dog in person before making a decision, though. This will allow you to see how your allergies react and if you are truly compatible with the dog.
Ears & Tail
The Boston Terrier Pitbull mix has erect ears that are usually black in color. They also have a long, thick tail that is often described as “bully-like.” This is one of the most distinguishing characteristics of the breed. It’s also one of the things that people love most about them.
Eye Color
The Boston Terrier Pitbull mix usually has dark brown eyes. However, some dogs may have green or hazel eyes. This is determined by their parent’s genetics.
Lifespan
The Boston Terrier Pitbull mix has a lifespan of between 12 and 15 years. This is on average, though. Some dogs may live longer, while others may unfortunately not make it to their 12th birthday. The best way to ensure a long and healthy life for your dog is to feed them a high-quality diet, give them plenty of exercise, and take them to the vet regularly.
Common Health Issues
The Boston Terrier Pitbull mix is a relatively healthy breed. However, there are a few health conditions that they are more prone to than others. The wonderful thing about mixed breeds is they typically have less severe health complications than their parent breeds. That doesn’t mean they’re void of health concerns, but they generally have more diluted versions of them.
With that being said, here are a few of the health issues you should be aware of if you’re considering adopting a Boston Terrier Pitbull mix:
Hip dysplasia – This is a condition that affects the hip joint. It’s caused by a malformation of the hip socket, and it can be very painful for your dog. Unfortunately, there is no cure for hip dysplasia, which can often lead to arthritis later in life.
Elbow dysplasia – This is similar to hip dysplasia but affects the elbow joint instead. It’s also caused by a malformation, and it can be just as painful for your dog.
Patellar luxation – This is a condition that affects the kneecap. It’s caused by a kneecap dislocation, and it can be very painful for your dog.
Allergies – Both Pitbulls and Boston Terriers are prone to allergies. The most common type of allergy is food-related, but environmental allergies are also fairly common.
Cherry eye – This is a condition that affects the third eyelid. It’s caused by a prolapse of the gland, and it can be very painful for your dog.
Heart conditions – Both Pitbulls and Boston Terriers have heart conditions in their breed history. The most common type of heart condition is aortic stenosis, but other conditions also affect their heart.
The best way to prevent these health conditions is to have your dog screened before adopting them. This way, you’ll know if they’re at risk, and you can make an informed decision about whether or not you’re willing to take on that responsibility.
Trainability & Intelligence
The Boston Terrier Pitbull mixes are considered a moderately intelligent breed. They can be easily trained, and they love to please their owners. However, they can also be stubborn at times. This is usually when they’re not properly exercised or when they’re bored.
The best way to train this breed is with positive reinforcement. This means rewarding them when they do something good and ignoring them when they do something bad. You should also avoid using physical punishment as this can make your dog scared of you, and it will only make training more difficult.
If you’re consistent with your training and use positive reinforcement, you’ll find that the Boston Terrier Pitbull mix can be pretty easy to train.
Activity Level & Exercise Needs
The Boston Terrier Pitbull mix is a relatively high energy breed. Therefore, they need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. A good rule of thumb is to give them at least 45-60 minutes of exercise per day. This can be a combination of walks, runs, and playtime.
If you don’t have the time to exercise them, you may want to consider hiring a dog walker or taking them to doggy daycare. This way, they can still get the exercise they need even when you’re busy.
In addition to exercise, the Boston Terrier Pitbull mix also needs mental stimulation. This means providing them with toys and puzzles to keep their minds active. If they’re bored, they may start to become destructive.
The best way to keep your Boston Terrier Pitbull mix happy and healthy is to ensure they get plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
Temperament & Behavior
Do Boston Terrier Pitbull Mixes Bark A Lot?
The Boston Terrier Pitbull mix is a relatively quiet breed. They don’t tend to bark excessively but will alert you if someone is at the door.
Of course, they can always be trained to bark less if yours seems to be a little more bark happy.
Do Boston Terrier Pitbull Mixes Like To Cuddle?
The Boston Terrier Pitbull mix loves to cuddle. They’re a very affectionate breed, and they love nothing more than snuggling up with their favorite person.
However, they can also be independent at times. This means that they don’t always need to be cuddling and can be perfectly content to lounge around on their own.
Are Boston Terrier Pitbull Mixes Good With Kids?
The Boston Terrier Pitbull mix can be a great breed for families. They’re good with kids, and they love to play.
However, they can be a little too rough for very young children. This is because they’re a high energy breed, and they can sometimes jump or nip when excited.
It’s important to supervise your Boston Terrier Pitbull mix around small children and to teach them the proper way to play. They can be a great addition to any family with the right training.
Are Boston Terrier Pitbull Mixes Good With Other Dogs?
The Boston Terrier Pitbull mix can be good with other dogs, but it depends on the individual dog. Some may be more aloof and prefer to stick to themselves, while others may be more social and love to play with other dogs.
It’s important to slowly introduce your Boston Terrier Pitbull mix to other dogs and see how they react. If they seem uncomfortable or aggressive, it’s best to keep them away from other dogs.
If they have many positive experiences socializing with other dogs in their early puppyhood, they’re likely to be good with dogs as they age. Vice versa is true if they infrequently socialize or have negative experiences with other dogs.
Are Boston Terrier Pitbull Mixes Good With Strangers?
The Boston Terrier Pitbull mix can be a little wary of strangers. They may bark at them or try to hide behind you.
It’s important to socialize your Boston Terrier Pitbull mix from a young age so they learn that strangers can be potential friends instead of potential threats.
Similar to being good with other dogs, the more positive experiences they have with unfamiliar people at a young age, the more likely they will be good with strangers.
Are Boston Terrier Pitbull Mixes Good Apartment Dogs?
The Boston Terrier Pitbull mix can be a good breed for apartment living. They don’t need a lot of space, and they’re relatively quiet.
Of course, they still need to exercise and have some space to run around. This means that you’ll need to take them on regular walks and maybe even to the dog park or doggy daycare.
Overall, the Boston Terrier Pitbull mix can be an excellent breed for families or individuals who live in apartments. They’re loving and affectionate dogs that just need some exercise and mental stimulation.
What Is The Price Of A Boston Terrier Pitbull Mix?
The price of a Boston Terrier Pitbull mix can vary depending on where you get them from. If you get them from a breeder, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1200.
If you adopt them from a shelter, you may be able to find one for around $200. The price also depends on the dog’s age, health, and temperament.
However, be careful if you see Boston Pit mixes going for low prices.
Always make sure you are getting your puppy from a reputable breeder.
There are many unscrupulous breeders out there who are looking to make a quick buck by selling sick or unhealthy American Pitbull Terrier mixes.
Where Can You Buy A Boston Terrier Pitbull Mix?
There are a few places you can go to find a Boston Terrier Pitbull mix for sale. The first place to look is your local shelters or rescue groups.
Often, these organizations will have Pitbull mixes, or Boston Terrier mixes available for adoption.
Another option is to find a reputable breeder in your area. There are many online directories that can help you find a reputable breeder near you.
A couple more well known directories are Greenfield Puppies and Lancaster Puppies. But, again, it’s important to do your own research on the breeder if you find a Boston Pit mix you want to adopt. You don’t want to consider them reputable simply because they’re listed on the website.
The last option is to go through a national rescue organization that specializes in American Pitbull Terriers Or Boston Terriers. These organizations can potentially have Boston Terrier Pitbull mixes available for adoption.
Breeds Similar To The Boston Terrier Pitbull Mix
If you like the Boston Terrier Pitbull mix but are looking for something slightly different, there are a few breeds that might be a good fit for you.
Some similar breeds include:
- Pitbull Rottweiler German Shepherd mix
- Pocket Pitbull (AKA the Mini Pitbull)
- Blue Heeler Jack Russell mix (AKA Cattlejack)
- Rottweiler Chihuahua mix
Final Thoughts
The Boston Terrier Pitbull mix is a great breed for those looking for an active, loyal, and affectionate companion.
This mixed breed crosses the Boston Terrier and the American Pitbull Terrier.
The Boston Terrier Pitbull mix can inherit the best traits of both parent breeds, making them an excellent choice for families or individuals looking for a new furry friend.
Remember to do your research before you purchase or adopt a Boston Terrier Pitbull mix, and always make sure you get your puppy from a reputable source.
With the proper care and training, the Boston Terrier Pitbull mix can make a great addition to any home.