While not as popular as other mixes, a Poodle and a Pitbull boxed breed is a unique and vivacious combination. Curious to know more? Read on!
A Pitbull Poodle mix is an adaptable and obedient dog that blends both personalities very well. These are medium dogs, though some would call them small depending on where they fall in the 18-25” (45-63cm) height that you can expect. They will weigh 30-85 lbs (13-38kg).
These dogs have a thick curly coat and can be brown, black, red, brindle, or merle combinations. They are family-friendly, obedient, energetic, and relatively healthy dogs! Below is everything you need to know to take care of them.
What is a Pitbull Poodle mix called?
The term given to this adorable and charismatic dog is either a Broodle or a Pit Boodle. Both are fun to say, and easily understood amongst social circles, so choose whatever feels right!
Can a Pitbull mate with a Poodle?
This depends greatly on what type of Pit Boodle you decide to go with. If you are going with a Standard Poodle, the mating can happen naturally. It will be through artificial insemination if you go with a Mini Poodle (which is often the way it goes since they’ll fit in the metrics above).
The Pitbull would be the mother so that she would carry the adorable, curly-furred litter of Pit Boodles!
Are a Pitbull and Poodle a good mix?
After all, you’re probably only hearing about this for the first time! So, are they really good mixes? In short: Yes.
These are great mixed breeds that are friendly, affectionate, loyal, and great to train. They are relatively low-maintenance, particularly for grooming, and are wonderful choices for having your classic family dog that is just the right mix of high-energy dog meets loyal companion!
What does a Pitbull Poodle mix look like?
One of the most exciting details about this mixed breed dog is that there are so many combinations of their fur texture and color!
These tend to have tight curls, but they often are a little looser than their Poodle parent when you compare them side by side. They can be as loose as waves or as tight as classic curls.
They are often red, brown, or black. You can also enjoy brindle patterns and merle patterns. These are a little rarer, so there is often a higher price with those kinds of dogs.
They have a muscular build from their Pitbull side. They can sometimes be stocky for this reason. Some will hold the graceful footprint of a poodle, whereas some will take on the characteristics of the Pitbull in that sense.
When you are looking at a Broodle, you never know entirely how they will turn out, as far as a blend of characteristics. And that’s part of the fun!
How big does a Pitbull Poodle Mix get?
As we talked about above, this Pitbull and Poodle mix is going to be between 18-25” (45-63cm), which tends to straddle the “small” and “medium” dog category, depending on how you want to categorize it. They will weigh 30-85 lbs (13-38kg), which depends on their height.
These will never be as small as a Mini Poodle nor as large as a purebred Pitbull. This is an excellent option for those that don’t want a small dog but aren’t able to commit to a medium or large dog, either!
Pitbull Poodle mix lifespan
Bred with great genetics on both sides, these dogs will typically live anywhere from 10-15 years. This helps those families who want to help their kids grow up with a dog who will be around for a long time.
Within those years, there are predispositions to certain health conditions, which we’ll detail below. Addressing those, and being prepared to live with those, is essential to help give our dog as many happy and healthy years as possible!
Pitbull Poodle mix temperament
These dogs are a beautiful blend when it comes to their personality, temperament, and their outlook. This is what makes them such a fantastic all-around mixed breed.
These are caring and loyal dogs, first and foremost. They are great additions to families of all kinds because they want nothing more than simply being around their humans and doing everything with them.
They are alert, attentive, loving, and patient. They are great for training, too, making them wonderful for those pet parents who aren’t used to or interested in working with stubborn dogs.
Their intelligence and tendency to want to please their humans will make them much more likely to try to learn the common and obey it before you finish teaching it to them.
These dogs make great training companions and will always give you plenty of exploration for more advanced training, which keeps the mental stimulation in mind. This mental stimulation is important to prioritize because high-energy dogs are as necessary to exercise mentally as they are physically!
These dogs are very active. From playing to walking to training, it’s safe to say that these dogs are pretty much always “on.” This can be a lot to handle if you’ve always had a laid-back dog, so keep that in mind!
Are Pitbull Poodle mixes good family dogs?
These are great family dogs! They love to be around families where there is always someone doing something. Whether you are watching TV, walking down to another room, or working on homework, your Pit Boodle will always be there. They are attentive and loving regardless of what you’re doing.
They also love children, making great playmates for each other. They are patient with young ones and are often exceptionally comfortable with even very young ones, even if they are a bit rough as they learn how to treat a dog. Your Broodle will understand that they are still learning and won’t be prone to snapping out of frustration like other dog breeds.
Do Pit Boodles shed?
Pit Boodles don’t shed much thanks for their Poodle genes. While no dog is ever 100% shed-free, you’ll find Pit Boodles very easy to maintain with proper grooming at home. Many will choose to take their Pit Boodle to a groomer several times a year to help keep the curls in check. This is a great idea!
Most common Pitbull Poodle mix health issues
As we mentioned briefly above, there are some health concerns to a Pitbull Poodle mix. The top ones that are popular in these mixed breeds, due to their prominence in parent breeds, include:
- Addison’s disease
- Skin allergies
- Sensitive skin/infections
- Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Heart disease
- Bloating
Addison’s disease
This is a condition where your dog’s cortisol glands aren’t working correctly, so their stress hormone level will be low. This is a serious condition, as it can lead to lethargy and weight loss, amongst other things. Once diagnosed, your vet can prescribe a medication to keep it under control for your dog’s health.
Skin allergies
Both Pitbulls and Poodles are prone to allergies, particularly skin allergies. You’ll need to rely on only sensitive skin products like shampoos and even the brushes that you use. Consider allergy testing at your vet to know ahead of time what your dog’s weaknesses are when shopping for food, treats, and other care products.
Sensitive skin/infections
Since your Broodle will have sensitive skin in many cases, you’ll have to be aware that this makes them more susceptible to infections. They could be classic skin infections from irritations on the skin or a cut or scrape that gets infected.
You’ll need to have proper care for that scrape or cut and groom your dog correctly to remove debris before it causes any kind of irritation that can easily blow up into a rash or even an infection. Clean fur is safe fur.
Another cause of infections could be parasites like ticks and fleas. Their curly fur makes them much more likely since they can hide beneath the thick curls without knowing. You’ll need to regularly watch for infestations and be ready to get them treated as soon as possible since their skin will take longer to heal!
Dysplasia
While neither parent bred is a large breed, both are prone to hip or elbow dysplasia. The blending of the parent breeds puts them at risk of dysplasia not because of size but rather due to the fact that Pit Boodle are high-energy, muscular, and constantly have to be moving. This wear and tear on joints will put them at a stronger risk of dysplasia as they age.
Epilepsy
This is a hereditary health condition that can set in at any point. If it is set in, it can be diagnosed y a vet, though they will often rule out other more temporary causes for it first. This can be managed with medication and regular visits to the vet to ensure that everything is stable.
Heart disease
This could be a heart murmur, an abnormal rhythm, or even something like a leaky valve. These can lead to heart disease that needs vet care and treatment. This can kick in at any time, but an experienced vet can prioritize preventative care as much as possible!
Bloating
Bloat can happen in any dog relatively easily, but you’ll find Broodles especially likely. This is when their stomach twists and causes problems with digestion since the stomach will swell up and possibly damage the other organs as the twisted stomach swells.
All of these health conditions are potential issues for your mixed breed, but they will not be a guarantee. There are also health concerns that you can be aware of, above and beyond these. There is no such thing as a guarantee when it comes to your dog’s health, but this will help you be aware of some of the most likely situations!
How to take care of a Pitbull Poodle mix
The priorities for proper care of your mixed breed are going to be as common as you’d expect, focusing on the main daily care sections:
- Diet
- Exercise
- Grooming and personal care
- Training
- Mental stimulation
Diet
These muscular and high-energy dogs need a diet to keep them strong and moving at full speed. This will include omega-3 fatty acids, lean protein, and limited fat and sugar.
A well-fed body is a strong body. From kibble to wet canned food to treats, focus on proper nutrition choices. Your vet is a great resource to help you find just the right healthy and satisfying diet for your dog!
Exercise
You’ll find that you’ll need at least 1 hour per day for your dog when it comes to exercise. Many will require 1.5 or 2 hours, though. They just have to be moving, as we talked about already.
To help with this, you can split up the exercise into two 30 minute walks, one in the morning and one in the evening. On top of that, add in playtime with them. Maybe it’s your playing with them, and maybe it’s the kids or both.
Focus on having quality puzzle toys and games, too. This will give them something to do when people are busy and help work out that energy, too.
Grooming and personal care
While you won’t need to worry about shedding and regular grooming every month or so, you will need to focus on the same normal things that you’re used to with other dogs.
For example, occasional grooming at home to help keep their fur well oiled. Shampooing at home when needed, clipping their nails, cleaning their ears and faces with hypoallergenic wipes. You’ll also want to focus on dental care through brushing and getting proper check-ups.
They are low-maintenance compared to many breeds, but that doesn’t mean they are totally without needs!
Training
Obedience training is, thankfully, going to be pretty straightforward with these dogs. They so much want to please you that you’ll find it easy to train them. You will need to work hard to keep them under control, however.
They’ll be so excited to please you that they might just be trying to cycle through all of their commands at the same time. They’ll be exuberant, full of energy, and so excited to be with you.
Make sure that you teach the ma command for “calm” or “relax” when they start to get out of hand! Looking at a specialized class for high-energy dogs is a great idea, too, as it can help you see your way through this excitement haze!
Mental stimulation
We’ve talked extensively about mental simulation in this breed. It’s important enough to get its own section. Pit Boodles are beautiful dogs with incredible energy levels. Mentally, you can focus on things like the puzzle mats and toys, as we talked about. But you also will have to remember that this can quickly pour into separation anxiety.
If you are someone who works 9-5, you’ll need to consider something like a dog-walker or something similar. Pit Boodles will struggle, no matter how well-cared for they are, to be alone with no one around to entertain them.
How much is a Pitbull Poodle Mix?
The cost for this adorable mixed breed will vary depending on what you are looking for with coat colors. You can expect something between $1 000-$3 000 and possibly more. These are designer breeds, so make sure that you check out the reputation of your breeder so that you are getting a properly mixed breed!
Pros and cons of a Pitbull Poodle mix
There are both upsides and downsizes to these adorable and energetic dog breeds. Take a look at both of them to help you make the right decision for yourself and your family.
Pros of a Broodle
- Smart and caring
- Affectionate and loyal
- Easy to train
Cons of a Broodle
- Require a lot of stimulation
- Anxious and sensitive to change
These are easy dogs to care for when considering grooming, obedience training, and even health concerns. When it comes to a classic family dog, you can’t find much better than that.
However, they will be amongst the most demanding regarding their mental stimulation and overall mental aspects. While incredibly smart and adaptable, they don’t respond well to change if it’s sudden. You will need to introduce a Pit Boodle to new situations slowly and carefully!
When it comes to proper care for this mixed breed, understanding and appreciating their mental needs, both stimulation-wise and anxiety-wise, is very important to help be the best pet parent you can be!
In conclusion
Commonly shortened to a Broodle or a Pit Boodle, a Pitbull Poodle mix is a medium-sized dog that can be 18-25” (45-63cm) and weigh 30-85 lbs (13-38kg). They tend to have curly fur, which can be brown, red, black, brindle, and more. They are loving, energetic, loyal, and easy to train. They have some health conditions to know about and are prone to separation anxiety.
A Broodle will be a wonderful mixed-breed dog for the classic family looking for a canine companion. They are relatively low-maintenance and will be as energetic — if not more so — than you so that you’ve got a great dog ready to join in on your adventures.
Understanding how to care for all of those needs is essential before deciding whether or not this breed is right for you! Know someone who is looking for just that? Share this with them!
