Many first-time dog owners are often unsure of what to expect when adopting a mixed breed, but the Pitbull Poodle mix is a hybrid that you’ll surely love!
New dog owners might be even more unsure when faced with a Pitbull mix since the lineage has a reputation for being dangerous. However, the breed has simply been misunderstood and is the subject of many misconceptions.
If you’ve never heard of the Pitbull Poodle mix before, read on as I share with you all you need to know about this loyal, loving, and playful mix.
What Is a Pitbull Poodle Mix?
The Pitbull Poodle mix is also known as the Pit Boodle. An unusual combination of a Pitbull and a Poodle, this designer dog is a highly active and muscular dog that’s loyal and easily trainable. They have both the strength of the Pitbull and the intelligence of the Poodle.
This mix has the potential to be a great family companion, depending on how they’re brought up. With the right care, socialization, and training, you can be sure that the Pit Boodle will be a wonderful companion even for kids!
Aside from being a great family dog, the Pitbull Poodle mix is also known for its adaptability and instinct for obedience. Here’s what a Pitbull Poodle mix can look like:
Although the Pitbull Poodle mix is a designer dog, it’s unlikely that each of the parents’ physical traits will show.
The Pitbull and Poodle combine to produce puppies that carry the best genes each parent can offer which is why they’re much easier to train than their parents!
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History and Origin: Where Does the Pitbull Poodle Mix Come From?
Designer dogs have become increasingly popular during the past few decades, but most modern designer dogs still don’t have much history.
To understand the Pitbull Poodle mix better, we can take a glance at the parent breeds and know their history.
Poodle Breed History
Poodles were originally from Germany, but there are some interesting theories about the breed’s origin.
One of these theories says that Poodles were bred from rugged Asian herding dogs and were then captured by an ethnic group native to North Africa called Berbers.
Another theory is that they were descended from dogs that left the Asian steppes with the nomadic German people called the Goths.
In the past, Poodles were often used as hunting dogs and duck retrievers. Because of this, they were owned not by the common folk but by wealthier families who hunted fowls.
American Pit Bull Terrier History
American Pit Bull Terriers can be traced back to the early 1800s in the United Kingdom. They were originally bred from Old English Bulldogs who fought and killed bulls for entertainment purposes.
After games like bull-baiting were prohibited, other games followed such as ratting in which Bulldogs competed to see who could kill more rats.
These games became increasingly popular which led competitors to believe that there was a need for better-skilled dogs.
Thus, bulldogs were crossbred with terriers, introducing the Pitbulls who inherited the bulldogs’ genes for gaming and the terriers’ swiftness.
Later, the Pitbull found itself in America, left behind its old identity and became known as working dogs. They helped in hunting and protecting livestock and families.
Pitbulls became so popular that they were even used as America’s mascot in the First and Second World War!
Pitbull Poodle Mix Appearance: What Does a Pitbull Poodle Mix Look Like?
How the Pitbull Poodle mix will look when fully grown is very unpredictable since Pitbulls and Poodles are built very differently. Pitbulls are muscular which shows their strength while Poodles are slender and exude elegance.
But whether a Pit Boodle puppy will inherit more traits from its Pitbull or Poodle parent, some traits are predictable. These will let you know what to expect from Pit Boodle puppies.
Build
The build is harder to predict since the Pit Boodle puppy may either take after the Pitbull parent or inherit more from the Poodle lineage.
If the Pit Boodle pup takes after the former, it may grow into a muscular build with a boxy silhouette. These pups are generally proportional but they may have slightly longer legs compared to other medium dogs.
If instead, the pup inherits more of the Poodle’s genes, then they will likely grow into a leaner form with long and skinny legs.
Coat
Pitbull Poodle mixes often take after the Poodle parent’s thick, curly coat. The good news in terms of grooming is that the curls they inherit might not be as tight as the Poodles’. In very rare cases, the Pit Boodle inherits the Pitbull’s short, smooth coat instead.
The coat can come in a multitude of colors, including white, tan, black, grey, and blue, and they may have a brindle pattern.
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How Big Do Poodle Pitbull Mixes Get When Fully Grown?
Pit Boodles are usually medium in size, but this really depends on both parents’ sizes. Because there are a variety of Pitbulls and Poodles can come in any of three sizes (standard, toy, or miniature), the Pit Boodle’s size when fully grown can vary greatly.
However, based on the parent breeds’ adult height and weight ranges, we can get an idea of how big they can get.
Thus, a fully grown Pitbull Poodle mix can be as small as 18 inches or as tall as 24 inches and can weigh anywhere between 40 to 70 pounds.
Pitbull Poodle Mix Temperament: Do They Make Good Family Dogs?
The Pitbull Poodle mix makes for a great family dog because of the superb temperament inherited from both breeds. They’re friendly, lively, athletic, and are often eager to please.
Pitbull and Poodle mixes can be great with children as long as they are socialized properly. They are gentle and playful medium-sized dogs who are generally careful around children.
Of course, despite this, accidents can happen at any time. This is why it’s recommended to never leave your dog alone with your child until he can take care of himself.
Socializing them at a young age will decrease the chances of any accidental injury from happening.
Here’s a video of a litter of Pitbull Poodle mixes running around:
They are generally great companions but the Pittie’s feistiness can show when the Pit Boodle pup feels shy around new people. This could result in aggressiveness but this can easily be prevented if you train your pup well enough.
As much as possible, the Pit Boodle pup should not be left at home alone since they can feel scared and agitated.
This could lead to them biting and gnawing at anything they can reach. If it goes on for an extended period of time, this behavior could get worse.
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Pitbull Poodle Mix Lifespan and Health Issues: Are Pit Boodles Healthy Dogs?
Every dog is different, and the same is true for each Pit Boodle puppy. Their size can affect their expected lifespan, with some smaller Pitbull Poodle mixes living longer than the larger ones. The Pitbull Poodle mix’s lifespan also depends on the pup’s overall health.
The Pitbull Poodle mix is generally a healthy dog but as with all animals, they are at risk of a few health issues. Since the Pit Boodle is a mixed breed, they can inherit the known health conditions of either parent.
In general, Pit Boodles have a life expectancy of 9 to 15 years.
Here’s the list of the health issues you should keep an eye out for:
- Addison’s Disease: Addison’s disease is commonly seen in Poodles and it can be passed down to their puppies even when crossbred. Pit Boodles with Addison’s disease are unable to produce enough cortisol which leads to them being unable to deal with stress.
- Hip Dysplasia: Both Pitbulls and Poodles are at risk of hip dysplasia, which makes it a very high-risk condition for Pit Boodles. To avoid the risk of hip dysplasia, make sure your pup has a healthy lifestyle. Otherwise, they can easily develop arthritis and other mobility difficulties.
- Skin Infections and Allergies: Pitbull Poodle mixes who inherit the Poodle’s thick and curly coat are more likely to develop skin diseases. They’re also likely to exhibit allergic reactions to irritation that parasites cause. If left alone, skin infections are likely.
- Bloat: One of the most common health issues, bloat is usually seen in dogs with improper diet and insufficient exercise. If left unchecked, this can be fatal for your dog.
- Obesity: Another common health issue caused by an improper diet and lack of exercise, prolonged obesity can lead to several health issues such as many types of cancer, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, hypertension, osteoarthritis, and faster degeneration of affected joints.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Breeding Pitbull and Poodle Together
For years, crossbreeding has been controversial in the dog world. Crossbreeding has advantages and disadvantages, and the same is true for crossbreeding a Poodle and a Pitbull.
Some dog enthusiasts prefer crossbreeds because they often have a unique look. This is especially true for the Pitbull and Poodle mix because of how different the parents look.
Just like the parents, Pit Boodles can make great pets as long as they’re properly socialized and trained. They may also be at a lower risk of congenital diseases, especially if only one of the parents is a carrier.
Another advantage of crossbreeding is the mixed breed’s potential to become the foundation for a future purebred. In the future, the Pitbull Poodle mix can become the basis for a new dog breed.
However, the disadvantages of crossbreeding a Pitbull and Poodle are shown in the difficulty of predicting the Pit Boodle’s temperaments. It’s also difficult to predict the pup’s adult size since the Pitbull’s size can vary greatly from the Poodle’s.
There’s a potential for high-risk deliveries if the male dog is much larger than the female parent.
Although the Pitbull Poodle mix has a lower chance of developing congenital health issues, it’s still at a high risk of some health issues. For example, because hip dysplasia is common among both parents, it is a high-risk condition for Pit Boodles.
Lastly, because designer dogs are becoming increasingly popular, some mixed-breed dogs can be more expensive than purebreds. If you want to bring home a Pit Boodle pup, be prepared to spend some money.
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How to Take Care of Your Poodle and Pitbull Mix?
Before you bring home a Pit Boodle pup, it’s best to see what the Pitbull Poodle mix needs on a daily basis. This way, you’ll be well prepared for the changes that your new friend will bring.
Feeding and Diet
To make sure your pup’s as healthy as possible, the type and amount of dog food you give your Pit Boodle should always be your number one priority.
The food amount you give your dog should always depend on its age and how much it weighs. The average adult Pitbull Poodle mix should be fed 2 to 3 cups of premium dog food daily.
A healthy routine can help in maximizing your Pitbull Poodle mix’s lifespan. Your dog’s food portion should be divided into 2 to 3 meals a day with some treats given in between meals. This way, your Pit Boodle can get used to a healthy routine from a young age.
Always look carefully at what nutrients your dog is intaking. This way, you’ll know better whether you’re underfeeding your dog or overfeeding it.
Pitbull Poodle mixes are prone to obesity which is why it’s important to keep an eye on your pup’s required daily portion. Just remember that it’s for his own good and never give in to his puppy eyes!
Cleaning and Grooming
Your Pit Boodle’s grooming requirements will depend completely on which parent it inherits most of its traits from. Pitties have a short coat and do not need much grooming, but Poodles are known for their tight curly hair that requires proper grooming sessions.
If your Pitbull Poodle mix inherited most of its Pittie parent’s genes, all your pup would need is a brush two to three times a week. Baths can also be given only when your pup really needs them.
On the other hand, Poodle genes will require a lot more of your attention. Your pup will need more brushing to avoid the hair from matting.
You will need some good-quality brushes for this. Aside from that, your Pit Boodle will also need the best shampoo for his skin type and hair.
As part of the grooming routine, you will also need to make sure that your dog’s dental hygiene, nails, and ears are maintained properly. You will need to brush your pup’s teeth daily to prevent any dental problems.
Make sure no water enters your dog’s ears when bathing, as this can cause ear infections. A good practice is to always make sure that the ears are clean and dry.
Training and Exercise
Pitbull Poodle mixes should be trained from a young age. It might be difficult the younger your dog is, but once you get your pup’s full attention, training will become easier.
When training your dog, always use positive reinforcement as opposed to punishments. Positive reinforcement can lead to a loyal, happy puppy while punishing your dog can cause it to become stubborn and headstrong.
Pit Boodles are extremely active dogs who need a lot of exercises. Once you bring home your own Pitbull Poodle mix, he’s likely to pester you repeatedly for a game of fetch.
This will depend on each dog but you should make sure you can exercise your pup at least 45 minutes per day. Keep in mind that Pit Boodles are only at their best when exercised enough.
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Pit Boodle Puppy Prices & Expenses: How Much Does a Poodle Pitbull Mix Cost?
Although mixed breeds are becoming more popular among breeders, the Pitbull Poodle mix can still be difficult to find.
If you’re open to adopting a Pitbull Poodle mix from a rescue organization, it’s possible to adopt one starting from $400. However, this amount varies across all rescue groups.
If you’d like to adopt from a rescue organization, it’s important to take note that there are some requirements you will have to meet.
On the other hand, buying a Pitbull Poodle mix puppy from a reputable breeder is more expensive. Pitbull Poodle mix puppies can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500.
Plus, your expenses don’t stop there. There are several expenses you will need to take note of if you want to take care of a Pit Boodle.
Each visit to the vet and necessary vaccination can cost you $100 to $300 and spaying or neutering costs range from $150 to $700. You can expect to spend $300 to $600 for your dog’s medical needs annually.
Premium dog food and treats for the average dog can cost $250 to $700 per year. However, if your Pit Boodle needs to follow a special diet, make sure to budget more for his food.
As I said, your Pitbull Poodle mix might need proper grooming sessions depending on its inherited traits. The grooming tools you’ll need plus the grooming sessions can cost anywhere from $50 to $500 a year.
However, if you learn how to groom your dog on your own, you won’t have to spend on this extra expense.
There are other things that you might need to buy before you can bring home your new friend, including a leash and collar, a dog bed, and toys. These can cost you $95 to $400.
Places to Find Pitbull Poodle Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Pitbull Poodle mixes are difficult to find, but there are some breeders who specifically have Poodle or Pitbull mixes for sale.
If you’ve decided to buy a Pit Boodle puppy from a reputable breeder, here are some you can take a look at:
- Keystone Puppies – As an online advertising source for many reputable breeders, they have many Poodle mixes listed for sale. You can browse through the available Poodle mixes to see if there are Pit Boodles available.
- Greenfield Puppies – This website performs a breeder background check on all breeders before listing their puppies for sale. If you see a Pitbull Poodle mix listed for sale on this site, you can be sure it’s a healthy, happy pup!
- Lancaster Puppies – They advertise puppies for sale in several states. They also have a category specifically for Pitbull mixes, so you can browse through their listings and look for any Pit Boodles listed for sale.
If you want to adopt a Pitbull Poodle mix instead, you can look at these rescue organizations to see if they have a Pitbull Poodle mix looking for a forever home:
- Pit Bull Rescue Central (PBRC) – PBRC is another rescue organization that aims to rescue all Pitbulls and Pitbull mixes. They might just have the Pit Boodle you’re looking for!
- Bobbie’s Pit Bull Rescue & Sanctuary (BPRS) – BPRS seeks to rescue, rehabilitate, and find forever homes for all Pitbulls and Pitbull mixes. With so many dogs in need of a loving family and a permanent home, a Pitbull Poodle mix might just be waiting there for you!
- Bullies In Need – Their aim is to rescue all Pitbulls in Ontario, so look through their listings, and you might just find a Pitbull Poodle mix in need of a permanent home!
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Commonly Asked Questions
Are Pitbull Poodle Mixes Dangerous?
Pitbull Poodle mixes like all dogs are not inherently dangerous. It all depends on how the owner raises their pup. With the proper care, training, and socialization, Pit Boodles can be great family dogs that kids can be safe around!
Are Pitbull Poodle Mixes High Maintenance Dogs?
The Pit Boodle is a very active dog that needs a lot of exercises. Each dog’s grooming needs depend on how much of the Poodle trait they inherit. The more they take after the Poodle, the higher their grooming needs.
Do Pitbull Poodle Mixes Shed a Lot?
Whether a Pitbull Poodle mix sheds depends on how much of the Poodle’s genes the specific dog inherited. Pit Boodles that take after Pitties will shed more than those that take after Poodles.
Are Pitbull Poodle Mixes Hypoallergenic?
The answer to this question depends on the kind of coat the Pit Boodle has. If the dog has a Poodle’s coat type, then it’s likely to have hypoallergenic features. On the other hand, the Pitbull’s coat sheds moderately to heavily.
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Final Thoughts: Is the Pitbull Poodle Mix the Right Dog for You?
The Pitbull Poodle mix is a playful and adorable bundle of joy that’s sure to bring happiness to your family. With the right training and socialization, a Pitbull Poodle mix can get along well with any family and do great with kids.
Since Pit Boodles are a mixed breed, it’s difficult to predict whether they will inherit more traits from the Pitbull or the Poodle. Those that inherit more traits from the Poodle will need more grooming, while those that take after Pitties will shed more.
Keep in mind that Pitbull Poodle mixes are very active dogs who need a lot of exercises, so you should make enough time to exercise your Pit Boodle. They will need at least 45 minutes of exercise per day to be healthy.
Pitbull Poodle mixes generally aren’t high maintenance dogs. If you can commit to taking care of the needs of a Pit Boodle such as the right diet, grooming, and moderate exercise, then the Pitbull Poodle mix might just be right for you!
