The cross between a standard Poodle and an American Pitbull Terrier, also known as a Pit Boodle, is an interesting new designer breed.
They are so new, in fact, that finding information, responsible breeders, or breed associations can prove quite tricky.
Before getting a dog, you should know all the potential good and bad about them, so you are fully prepared either way.
Unfortunately, designer dog breeds, especially ones that are new as the Pit Boodle, can be difficult to predict.
Their size, build, and coat can vary greatly depending on which parent they take after more.
Although the standard Poodle and American Pitbull Terrier are not two breeds you would likely imagine together, they actually have quite a few overlapping qualities that make them great pets.
The most prominent of these traits are their friendly personalities, steadfast loyalty, and athletic nature.
These dogs are well-suited to active family life.
Sadly, because of their history and the choices of humans, Pitbull breeds have quite a bad rap and are among the most common breeds to be left at a shelter or abandoned.
Despite being naturally gentle and sweet dogs, many people believe them to be aggressive or poorly behaved.
For this reason, you should do as much research and soul-searching as possible before committing to a dog like this.
| Lifespan | 10-12 years |
| Weight | 40-60 pounds (18-27 kg) |
| Height | 18-22 inches (46-56 cm) |
| Activity Level | High |
Are Poodle Pitbull Mixes Friendly?
The short answer for this is yes, Poodle Pitbull mixes can be very friendly.
But let’s dig a little deeper.
Although both Poodles and American Pitbull Terriers are loving, energetic, family companions, each breed has distinctive tendencies, and every dog its own unique personality.
Whereas Poodles tend to be a bit more dignified, intelligent, and aloof, Pitbull breeds are usually more people-oriented, playful, and eager to please.
Although both breeds are remarkably loyal and bond to their family members quickly, Pitbulls were well-known as “Nanny Dogs” in the early 1900s due to their loving, faithful, and gentle temperament with children.
Because both of these breeds have a loyal and protective nature, Poodle Pitbull mixes are prone to being shy around strangers and can be known to bark, though they are rarely aggressive in any way.
This makes it especially important that they receive plenty of socialization and basic training beginning in their puppyhood and continuing throughout their lives.
With keen intelligence and a desire to please, this mixed breed is highly trainable, but because they tend to be sensitive, you should mainly rely on positive reinforcement when training and interacting with them.
How Much Exercise Does a Pitbull Poodle Mix Need?
Just like people, dogs will have unique exercise requirements based on their genetics, diet, size, gender, and overall health.
Both standard Poodles and American Pitbull Terriers are active breeds that need plenty of daily exercise, so you should expect that your Poodle Pitbull mix will need the same.
Poodles were previously bred to be working dogs; retrieving fallen birds in the swamps and wetlands of Germany.
Similarly, Pitbull breeds were also used as working dogs, originally bred from Old English Bulldogs who performed in “bull baiting” and then later ratting in pits, hence the “pit” in Pitbulls.
A good exercise recommendation for healthy, adult standard Poodles is two 30-60 minute or three 30 minute sessions of exercising totaling 1 1/2 hours of daily exercise.
Pitbulls have an abundance of stamina and both of these breeds have a lot of energy and drive, so they will require regular moderate exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Don’t forget mental exercise, this is key to prevent destructive chewing, excessive barking, separation anxiety, and more.
Do Poodle Pitbull Mixes Shed a Lot?
Because Poodles and American Pitbull Terriers have two completely different coat types, your dog’s coat and therefore, how much they shed, depends primarily on which parent they take after most.
Poodle Pitbull mixes can have a high-maintenance curly coat with minimal shedding or a sturdy, short coat that requires weekly brushing.
If your dog’s coat is more similar to the Poodle parent, you will likely spend a lot more time and energy brushing them, but less time dealing with the minimal shedding.
If your furry friend is more akin to a Pitbull, you’ll save time and energy brushing them, but may spend more time cleaning up the fur they’ve shed.
A Poodle’s coat is considered to be non-shedding, not only because they have a single coat rather than a double coat, but also because their hair can grow for months or even years before dying and falling out.
Although their lack of shedding does allow them to be somewhat “hypoallergenic“, it also means their curly coats require a lot more maintenance than a dog who sheds.
Regardless of whether you choose to keep your Poodle’s fur short or long, they will need daily brushing and an occasional bathe on top of any professional grooming they get.
Pitbull breeds like American Pitbull Terriers, on the other hand, have a very easy coat to care for since their fur is quite short and sheds frequently.
Similar to Poodles, American Pitbull Terriers have a single coat, and their fur sheds whenever the hair has reached its genetically determined length before dying and falling out.
This characteristic in addition to having short, straight fur means that Pitbull’s coats are very low maintenance.
Being brushed once or twice a week is typically plenty and bathing is only necessary when the dog is visibly dirty.
Are Poodle Pitbull Mixes Healthy Dogs?
Your dog’s health is dependent not only on the nutrition, exercise, and overall care you provide for them but also on their genetics.
Even the healthiest of dogs can be prone to conditions or illnesses, and your Pit Boodle will be no exception.
It’s important to acknowledge the health concerns of each parent breed to understand all the potential outcomes for your dog.
Your Poodle Pitbull mix may be prone to Addison’s Disease, Bloat, skin issues, allergies, as well as congenital heart disease and hypothyroidism.
Standard Poodles, despite their long history, can suffer from several problematic health conditions.
One of the biggest names in the Poodle health world is Addison’s Disease, where the Adrenal Gland is unable to produce enough cortisol.
Gastric Dilatation Volvulus, usually known as Bloat, is another dangerous condition in which the gut and internal organs become twisted, resulting in cellular damage or even organ death.
Some sources mention that as much as half of all standard Poodles also suffer from Sebaceous Adenitis, which causes the immune system to attack the sebaceous oil glands and skin, leaving dandruff, thick or scaly skin, hair loss, and skin infections.
American Pitbull Terriers, although typically robust and hearty, are still prone to several different health concerns.
One of the biggest issues for the average Pitbull is allergies; food allergies and allergies to materials like grass or dust are very common.
Another health concern for Pitbulls is their increased likelihood of having heart issues like congenital heart disease as well as murmurs or irregular heartbeats.
Hypothyroidism is another very serious issue for many Pitbulls, characterized by a lack of thyroxine, causing secondary issues like lethargy, muscle loss, weight gain, infections, and hair loss.
How Big Is The Poodle Pitbull Mix?
You can expect your standard Poodle Pitbull mix to be between 18-22 inches (46-56cm) tall and weigh around 40-60 pounds (18-27kg).
As with many other physical factors of designer dogs, predicting the expected size of your dog may prove difficult.
Because standard Poodles and American Pitbull Terriers have such different body types and shapes, your dog’s size will typically correlate most strongly with whichever parent they take after.
Standard Poodles are known as medium to large-sized dogs.
Their adult height is usually 18-24 inches tall at the shoulder, with the males typically on the larger end of the spectrum.
Similarly, where female Poodles generally weigh between 45 and 60 pounds, males can weigh anywhere from 45 to 70 pounds.
This breed has a square frame, long slender legs, and elegant features.
American Pitbull Terriers are usually considered medium-sized dogs, largely due to their stocky body type.
Females are typically 17-18 inches tall, while males are only fractionally larger at 18-19 inches tall.
Pitbulls can weigh anywhere from 30 to 85 pounds, depending mostly on their family line rather than their gender.
How Long Do Pit Boodles Live?
Depending on which parent the dog takes after most will best determine their estimated lifespan.
Generally speaking, you can expect a Pitbull Poodle mix to reach 10-12 years (with two years more or less definitely being possible).
Across the board, most rescues, expert sources, and breed associations agree that standard Poodles generally live between 12-15 years.
American Pitbull Terriers, on the other hand, have a wide variety of expectations; with most claiming they usually live 8 -14 years.
This discrepancy of the statistics may have something to do with the abuse and suffering which was often fatal in Pitbulls who were forced to fight for their lives.
If possible, you should find out the lifespans of your dog’s parents and grandparents to better understand your dogs’ predicted lifespan.
It’s important to remember that a healthy diet, regular exercise, and other preventative health care are the only ways to give your furry friend a long, healthy life.
Are Poodle Pitbull Mixes Expensive?
Like other designer dogs, this mixed breed can greatly vary in pricing depending on their breeder and location.
Because there are no breed standards or breed associations in place, breeders can charge as much as people are willing to pay for their Pit Boodle puppies.
Many of these puppies are coming from irresponsible or inexperienced breeders, who may or may not be acting ethically.
Despite their parentage and new recognition in the designer dog world, Poodle Pitbull mixes are generally not the msot expensive designer breed (which I wouldn’t recommend getting).
Adoption fees are reported to cost as much as $400 from rescues or shelters.
Pitbull mixes are sadly plentiful in shelters, it may be harder to find one mixed with a Poodle though.
Just like other pets, having a dog can be quite expensive when you consider all the costs involved.
If you start with just the normal base expenses, that will probably include food, bedding, toys, and treats.
Even more costly is veterinary care such as wellness checks, vaccines, and preventative care for your furry friend.
In the end, though, keeping a member of your family happy and healthy for the many years to come is worth every penny.
Make sure to read up about everything you need to know about a potential new family member.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask or share with us your experiences on owning a Pitbull Poodle mix!
Disclaimer: This blog post does not substitute veterinary attention and does not intend to do so. I am not a veterinarian or pet nutritionist. If your dog shows any sign of illness, call your vet.