Bloodhound Pitbull Mixed Dog Breed: Pictures, Info, Care & More
Intelligent, loyal, and full of personality, the Bloodhound Pitbull mix is a unique hybrid dog that‘s capturing the hearts of many owners. If you‘re considering bringing one of these pups into your life, you probably have lots of questions. As a veterinarian and lifelong dog lover, I‘m here to give you the full scoop on this fascinating mix, from their history and temperament to their care needs and more. By the end, you‘ll have all the info you need to decide if a Bloodhound Pitbull is the right dog for you.
The Best of Both Worlds: Bloodhound Meets Pitbull
The Bloodhound Pitbull mix combines two remarkable purebreds – the tenacious yet tender-hearted American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) and the noble, nose-driven Bloodhound. Developed in the US likely starting in the 1990s, these mixes are a relatively new hybrid without set breed standards. This means their appearance and temperament can vary quite a bit depending on which parent they take after more.
Bloodhounds are an ancient European breed, depicted in art and literature as early as the Middle Ages. With their keen sense of smell (even stronger than other scent hounds), they were used to track deer, boar, and later, missing persons and fugitives. Calm, affectionate, and easygoing, Bloodhounds are beloved gentle giants.
The ancestors of today‘s APBT, on the other hand, originated in 19th century England, Scotland and Ireland, where they were unfortunately bred for the cruel sports of bull- and bear-baiting. When these practices were banned in 1835, the dogs moved into the role of farm dog, hunter, and family companion. Though they faced a dark past, the true hallmark of the Pitbull is their loyal, affectionate nature and zest for life.
So what happens when you mix these two very different breeds? Let‘s take a closer look from head to tail.
Ruggedly Handsome: The Bloodhound Pitbull Look
Since this is a mixed breed, there‘s no guarantee how your Bloodhound Pitbull will look. They could be the spitting image of a Bloodhound with long, velvety ears, loose jowls, and a wrinkled brow. Or they might favor their Pitbull parent with a stocky, muscular build, short coat, and endearingly wide grin. Often it‘s a bit of a toss-up!
Here‘s a general idea of what you can expect in a Bloodhound Pitbull mix:
Height: 18-27 inches
Weight: 35-110 pounds
Coat: Short to medium length, close-lying, comes in many colors including black, brown, tan, brindle, fawn, and white
Ears: Short to long, soft, may be erect or droopy
Head: Can range from the broader Pitbull head to the long, narrow Bloodhound skull
Body: Athletic, agile, and muscular, may have looser Bloodhound skin or tighter Pitbull skin
Tail: Medium to long, tapered, usually carried low
Lifespan: 10-14 years
The great thing about mixed breed dogs is that they‘re less likely to inherit certain congenital diseases that can impact purebreds due to generations of selective breeding. However, it‘s still important for Bloodhound Pitbull owners to be aware of health issues seen in the parent breeds. More on that later!
Temperament: The Gentle, Affectionate Family Dog
Both Bloodhounds and Pitbulls are known for their sweet, loyal dispositions, and this winning personality carries through in their mixes. Bloodhound Pitbulls absolutely adore their humans and develop strong bonds with their families. They‘re gentle, patient, and affectionate, often seeking to be as close to you as possible – even if that means trying to be a 60+ pound lapdog!
With their goofy sense of humor and happy-go-lucky attitude, these mixes are a joy to be around. They‘re great with kids and other dogs when properly socialized. As with all dogs, it‘s critical to teach children how to respectfully interact with them. Most Bloodhound Pitbulls are quite tolerant, but it‘s never okay to climb on, yank, or harass any dog.
These pups can definitely turn on the charm with new people once they‘re sure you‘re not a threat. Pitbulls in particular are known for their "wigglebutt" greeting, excitedly twisting their body and wagging their tail a mile a minute. But thanks to their Bloodhound lineage, some of these mixes may start baying loudly when someone new comes to the door! Rest assured, they‘ll quiet down quickly once they‘ve given the visitor a thorough sniffing.
Speaking of sniffing, scent drives the Bloodhound Pitbull mix just as it does for Bloodhounds. With over 300 million olfactory receptors in their nose (compared to our meager 6 million), they experience the world through smell. This can lead to an intense desire to follow an interesting scent trail, so a strong leash and securely fenced yard are musts.
Intelligence shines bright in these dogs thanks to their focused Bloodhound and eager-to-please Pitbull nature. They respond extremely well to patient, positive training methods like clicker training, not harsh corrections. Start socializing and training your Bloodhound Pitbull puppy early to nurture their innate smarts and bring out their best.
Health and Care: Keeping Your Bloodhound Pitbull Thriving
On average, a Bloodhound Pitbull mix will live 10-14 years. They‘re generally healthy dogs, but it‘s important to be aware of certain issues that can crop up. Responsible breeders screen for these health concerns, so be sure to ask for certificates.
Some potential health problems seen in Bloodhound Pitbulls include:
Hip and elbow dysplasia: Abnormal development of the hip and elbow joints, more common in large breeds. Kept at a healthy weight and given joint supplements, dogs with mild dysplasia can still live happy lives.
Heart disease: Pitbulls are prone to congenital heart defects and valve disease. A heart murmur may be an early sign. Treatment depends on severity.
Eye problems: Bloodhounds can suffer from eyelid and corneal issues due to their droopy eyes. Pitbulls may experience progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Regular eye exams are a must.
Skin conditions: Allergies and skin fold infections are common for both parent breeds. Keeping the skin clean and dry is key.
Bloat: deep-chested breeds like the Bloodhound are prone to this life-threatening stomach twisting. Avoid feeding large meals and discourage gulping water or exercising right after eating.
Hypothyroidism: Low thyroid hormone levels are common in Pitbulls. Easily managed with daily medication.
Cancer: Pitbulls may be at higher risk for mast cell tumors and osteosarcoma.
The best way to avoid many health issues is to find a reputable Bloodhound Pitbull breeder who conducts genetic testing and lets you meet the parent dogs. Watch out for "designer dog" breeders who are just out to make a buck! And of course there are many wonderful Bloodhound Pitbull mixes in shelters and rescues that would love to be part of your family.
Grooming your Bloodhound Pitbull is pretty straightforward. They‘ll shed somewhat year-round and blow their coat twice a year. Weekly brushing and the occasional bath will keep their short to medium-length coat looking sleek. Don‘t forget to clean their ears, brush their teeth, and trim their nails regularly.
Diet and exercise are also key to your pup‘s health. Feed a high-quality dog food (ask your vet for a recommendation) in controlled portions to maintain a lean, muscular body condition. Avoid free feeding to prevent obesity. Pitbulls in particular can pack on the pounds without trying!
Bloodhound Pitbull mixes have moderate to high exercise needs. They‘ll enjoy a couple half-hour walks per day plus plenty of playtime in between. Mental exercise is just as important as physical. Food puzzles, interactive toys, nose work games, and trick training will keep them engaged.
The Bottom Line
The Bloodhound Pitbull mix can be a affectionate, loyal addition to the right home. These dogs thrive with active owners who will keep them physically and mentally stimulated. With early training and socialization, they make wonderful family companions. Their goofy, happy-go-lucky nature is sure to bring a smile to your face. If you think the noble nose and tenacious spirit of the Bloodhound Pitbull is right for you, start your search for a pup today!
