Introduction
A bully breed dog is a broad term used to describe dogs originally bred for bull baiting and dog fighting, including breeds like Pit Bulls, Bulldogs, Bull Terriers, Boxers, and other muscular terrier breeds. People began crossing bully breeds with other breeds in the mid-1900s to reduce their aggression levels and amplify their positive traits.
There are several reasons why bully breed mixes have grown in popularity over the past few decades. Many bully breeds are intelligent, loyal, and athletic, making them excellent companions and working dogs when properly socialized and trained. However, some bully breeds also tend to be stubborn, territorial, and reactive towards other dogs without careful training. Mixing a bully breed with a breed known for good temperament, like a Labrador Retriever, softens these negative traits while still producing a playful, energetic dog.
Additionally, crossbreeding bully breeds is thought to increase genetic diversity and reduce the health problems associated with purebred dogs. Designer bully mixes like Bulladors (Bull Terrier x Labrador), Pitweilers (Pit Bull x Rottweiler), and English Bullhuahuas (English Bulldog x Chihuahua) have become increasingly popular among pet owners seeking good family dogs.
History of Bully Breeds and Mixes
Bully breeds like Pit Bulls, Bull Terriers, and Mastiffs originated from crossing bulldogs and terriers in the 1800s in England for the purposes of bull baiting and dog fighting. When these bloodsports were outlawed in the mid-1800s, the breeds remained popular as guard dogs, herding dogs, and companions.
Breeders started intentionally mixing bully breeds with other dog breeds in the late 1900s to create dogs with desired traits from each parent breed. For example, Pit Bulls were mixed with Labradors starting in the 1980s to attempt to breed out some of the Pit Bull’s aggression and gameness, while maintaining its loyalty and athleticism. Other popular early bully mixes paired American Pit Bull Terriers with American Bulldogs for a more powerful, heavier build.
The popularity of deliberately mixing bully breeds expanded greatly in the early 2000s as people sought unique and differentiated dogs. Shelters also began mixing breed-specific Pit Bulls and bully dogs to help them find homes easier. What started as intentional blending of breeds has led to a wide variety of bull mixes today that make energetic, often stubborn yet affectionate pets.
Common Traits of Bully Mixes
Bully mixes tend to be strong, stocky dogs with a muscular build and short coat. They are energetic and require a good amount of exercise and mental stimulation. Bully mixes can be willful, stubborn, and protective by nature. Training and socialization are key in order to curb certain unwanted behaviors like dominance, aggression, and destructiveness.
In terms of temperament, bully mixes make affectionate and loyal companions when properly trained and socialized. They thrive when they have an experienced owner who can provide consistent leadership, structure, and positive reinforcement training. Bully breeds aim to please their owners and form close bonds with family. They can make excellent watch dogs and guardians.
Bully breed crosses are medium to large dogs, ranging anywhere from 30-100+ lbs depending on the mix. They tend to be stocky with a large head and strong jaws. Their coat is short and smooth, and common colors include brown, black, white, gray, red, or brindle.
These energetic dogs require at least 60 minutes of vigorous exercise per day, as well as mental stimulation through training, games, or a job to do. Without enough activity, bully mixes may become frustrated or destructive. Daily walks, play time, and access to a yard are ideal. Obedience training and socialization are highly recommended starting at a young age.
Popular Mixes
Bully mixes or bully breed mixed dogs come from crossing bully type breeds like Pit Bulls, Bulldogs, Bull Terriers, and Mastiffs with other dog breeds. Some of the most popular and sought after bully mixes include:
Pit Bull Mixes
Some popular Pit Bull mixed breeds are:
- Pit Bull Lab Mix (Labrabull)
- Pit Bull Terrier Mix (Pitmatian)
- Pitweiler (Rottweiler Pit Bull Mix)
- Pitsky (Husky Pit Bull Mix)
Bulldog Mixes
Common Bulldog mixed breeds are:
- English Bulldog Pug Mix (Bug)
- French Bulldog Poodle Mix (Froodle)
- English Bulldog Boston Terrier Mix (Bossi-ton)
- Bulldog Labrador Mix (Bullador)
Bull Terrier Mixes
Some Bull Terrier crosses include:
- Bull Terrier Poodle Mix (Boodle)
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier Pug Mix (Bugg)
- Bull Terrier Chihuahua Mix (Bullhuahua)
- Miniature Bull Terrier Boxer Mix (Bullboxer)
Mastiff Mixes
Popular Mastiff mixed breed dogs are:
- Mastiff Labrador Mix (Mastador)
- Mastiff Poodle Mix (Mastipoo)
- English Mastiff Rottweiler Mix (Mastweiler)
- Bullmastiff Pitbull Mix (Pit Mastiff)
Pit Bull Mixes
Some of the most popular mixes combine pit bulls with other energetic and athletic breeds. The loyal and people-oriented temperament of the pit bull combines with the traits of the other breed for a lively mix. Here are some of the most common pit bull crosses:
Pit Bull/Labrador Mix
This cross between a pit bull and a Labrador retriever results in a high-energy, fun-loving dog that makes a great family pet. The Lab temperament helps mellow out the pit bull side, while the pit bull loyalty and devotion shines through. These muscular dogs need lots of exercise.
Pit Bull/Husky Mix
A cross between a pit bull and a Siberian husky or Alaskan husky, this mix loves people and craves attention. They have lots of energy and stamina. Early socialization and training is a must to temper their strong-willed nature. They can make excellent jogging or hiking companions.
Pit Bull/Boxer Mix
Mixing a pit bull with a boxer results in a loyal, energetic dog that’s often creatively nicknamed a Bullboxer Pit. They are natural athletes that excel at various dog sports and activities. Proper training and socialization is important for this intelligent but strong-minded mix.
Other common pit bull mixes include crosses with American bulldogs, American Staffordshire terriers, bull terriers, and mastiffs. The resulting mixes combine the devotion and enthusiasm of the pit bull with the unique traits of the other breed.
Bulldog Mixes
Some of the most popular bully dog mixes combine the Bulldog with other breeds like the Labrador, Beagle, and Pit Bull. The loyal and friendly nature of the Bulldog combined with the energy and intelligence of these other breeds makes for a great family dog.
The Bulldog/Labrador mix, sometimes called the Bullador, is a high energy dog that needs plenty of exercise and playtime. They’re intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. Their short coat sheds minimally and comes in various colors.
The Bulldog/Beagle mix, or Buggle, blends the Beagle’s playful and active nature with the Bulldog’s calm and devoted personality. These mixes thrive when given lots of attention and time with their family. They have a strong sense of smell that can sometimes get them into trouble.
Bulldog/Pit Bull mixes, also called the Bullypit or Pitbull Bulldog Mix, are powerfully built dogs known for their strength and endurance. They’re energetic dogs that need active owners willing to give them plenty of exercise and training. With socialization, they can be affectionate and friendly.
Some other common Bulldog mixes are with breeds like the Boxer, Australian Shepherd, Chihuahua, Pug, Corgi, and more. No matter the mix, these dogs tend to be mellow, devoted, and entertaining companions when well-trained and cared for.
Bull Terrier Mixes
Bull terriers are known for their egg shaped heads and muscular bodies. When mixed with other breeds, the resulting pup often blends bull terrier traits with those of the other parent breed. Some popular bull terrier mixes include:
Bull Terrier/Staffordshire Terrier Mixes
Crossing a bull terrier with a Staffordshire terrier results in a strong, stocky dog that can have a range of bull terrier traits. These mixes are prized for their loyalty and protective nature, though early socialization and training is essential.
Bull Terrier/Labrador Mixes
Labrador retrievers are one of the most popular breeds to mix with bull terriers. “Bulladors” tend to be highly energetic, playful, and eager to please. Their gentler temperament makes them great family dogs.
Other Common Bull Terrier Mixes
Some other bull terrier crosses include bullboxers (boxer/bull terrier), pit bull terriers, bullmastiffs (bull terrier/mastiff), and bull peis (bull terrier/shar pei). There are also unique mixes like bull chows (bull terrier/chow chow) and bullmatians (bull terrier/dalmatian).
Mastiff Mixes
Some popular mixes using Mastiff breeds include:
Mastiff/Labrador Mixes
Crossing a Mastiff with a Labrador Retriever results in a very large, loyal dog that makes a great family companion. The Labrador’s friendly nature helps temper the Mastiff’s guarding instincts. These crossbreeds tend to be gentle despite their intimidating size.
Mastiff/Pit Bull Mixes
Pit Bulls crossed with Mastiffs such as the Bullmastiff create sturdy, protective dogs with strong guarding instincts. They need extensive socialization and training but can make alert watchdogs and loving pets.
Other Common Mastiff Mixes
Other Mastiff crosses include the Mastador (Mastiff/Labrador), Mastweiler (Mastiff/Rottweiler), Mastiff/Boxer mix, among others. Most result in large, powerful dogs that need proper training but excel at loyalty and protection when supervised around children.
Health Considerations
When getting any mixed breed dog, it’s important to be aware of health issues that both parent breeds are prone to. This allows you to better care for your dog and be proactive about preventive care or early treatment.
Some potential health issues to watch out for in bully breed mixes include:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia – malformed joints that can lead to arthritis
- Allergies and skin problems
- Breathing issues like brachycephalic airway syndrome
- Heart conditions
- Bloat
- Eye issues like cherry eye
- Cancers like lymphoma, mast cell tumors, and hemangiosarcoma
However, there can also be benefits to mixed breeds due to hybrid vigor. Crossing two pure breeds can result in healthier puppies that have increased resistance to some genetic conditions. Make sure to discuss any specific health concerns with your veterinarian.
Finding a Bully Mix
If you’ve decided a bully mix is the right dog for you, here are some tips on finding one responsibly:
Adopting from a Shelter or Rescue
Many bully breed mixes end up in shelters and rescues through no fault of their own. Checking your local shelters and breed-specific rescues can be a great way to find your new furry friend. Adopting from a shelter or rescue supports their important work and gives a deserving dog a second chance at a forever home.
Responsible Breeders
For those set on getting a puppy, seek out responsible breeders who health test their dogs, screen buyers, and have the puppies’ best interest at heart. Avoid backyard breeders or those who seem focused on profits over ethics. Do your research to find a quality breeder who breeds for health and temperament.
Costs and Availability
The popularity of bully mixes means they’re often readily available, both from breeders and shelters/rescues. Adoption fees typically range from $50-$500 depending on the organization and demand. Well-bred puppies can cost anywhere from $500-$2000+ depending on the breeds involved and breeder reputation. Be patient if looking for a specific mix, as your perfect pup is out there somewhere!