The In-Depth Guide to the Boston Terrier Pit Bull Mix

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Are you looking for a dog who’s got a lot of heart, but inside a stocky little body? If yes, look no further than the Boston Terrier Pit Bull mix!

a white and black boston terrier mixed with pitbull sitting down with tongue out

Commonly referred to as a “Boston Pit,” this hybrid dog breed combines the energy of a Boston Terrier with the loyal nature of a Pit Bull. As far as dog mixes go, this muscular pooch is definitely a unique one.

Curious if a Boston Terrier Pit Bull mix is a good fit?

DoggieHQ outlines the characteristics, history, and health of this one-of-a-kind breed.

Why People Love the Boston Terrier Pit Bull Mix Breed

These dogs are full of smiles. There’s so much to love!

Each year, the American Kennel Club releases a list of most popular dog breeds in the U.S. And without fail, the Boston Terrier always makes the cut. People love Boston Terriers for loads of reasons, including their silly personalities, goofy tongue grins, and handsome black and white coats.

Likewise, Pit Bull owners are some of the most devoted dog parents in the universe. In fact, it’s estimated the 20% of all dogs in the U.S. are labeled as Pit Bull-type dogs.

A Boston Terrier Pit Bull Mix is the best of both worlds.

People love them because they are:

  • Alert
  • Spirited
  • Eager to please
  • Trainable
  • Faithful
  • Courageous
  • Obedient
  • Good guard dogs
  • Medium size
  • Low shedding
  • No drooling

These traits make them an excellent choice for somebody who wants a loyal four-legged companion. Boston Terrier Pit Bull mixes form very deep emotional bonds with their families. Believe it or not, they will often “pick” their favorite human!

For this reason, they do best with an experienced dog owner who understands canine psychology and has time to properly train them to be polite, happy, and confident pets.

Keep in mind, Boston Pits can have a stubborn streak. They aren’t naughty dogs…not at all. Those big brains and loyal hearts just require some extra support. Enrolling in training classes is a must for this strong-willed hybrid breed.  

black and white boston terrier laying down

Breed Histories

So, where did the Boston Terrier Pit Bull come from?

Did these two separate breeds mix by accident, or were they purposely developed?

To answer these questions, we must time travel all the way back to the last half of the 19th century. Modern Boston Terriers can be traced back to a man named Robert C. Hooper who was from…yup, you guessed it! Boston, Massachusetts.

Originally, the Boston Terriers were bred by combining an English Bulldog and an English White Terrier. Horrifically, Boston Terriers were created for the sole purpose of dogfighting. In time, other breeds such as the Bull Terrier, French Bulldog, and Manchester were added until finally, those sweet little dogs we all recognize came to be.

Terrier Hub shares that the American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1983.

That’s a (very!) brief history of the Boston Terrier. Now, what about Pit Bulls?

gray and white pitbull laying down on the porch

The Smart Canine points out that Pit Bulls get a bad reputation. There is a stereotype floating around that all Pit Bulls are dangerous, vicious, uncontrollable, and more likely to bite. These rumors likely arose due to their violent history. Like the Boston Terrier, Pit Bulls were the victims of blood sports in the 1800’s. In the United Kingdom they were used in dog fights and for rat baiting.

Then, before the Civil War immigrants from Europe arrived on the shores of North America, and the so-called “Pit Bull Terrier” came along to guard families and livestock, act as a nanny to children, and help with frontier life. Love-A-Bull explains that during WWI and WWII, Pit Bulls even became wartime dogs.

All that bravery was hugely appealing to soldiers!

Today, Pit Bulls are companions.

However, they still have a drive to work, often doing well as police dogs, law enforcement, search and rescue, and in sports like weight pulling.

Overview of the Boston Terrier Mixed with a Pit Bull

Remember, a Boston Terrier Pit Bull puppy will have the genetics of both sets of parents. That means that breed details can be unpredictable.

Size: 17-19 inches

Weight: Approximately 25 – 60 lbs

Temperament/Personality: Alert, even-tempered, joyful, social, energetic, intelligent 

Lifespan: Between 10 – 15 years 

Unique Qualities: With proper training, they can make fantastic sports dogs, guard dogs, and household companions for families with older children

Do they shed: All dogs shed a little. Yet generally speaking, Boston Pits are low to moderate shedders. The Pit Bull half does shed year-round, since they are a single-coated breed. Regular grooming in the form of weekly brushing will keep dead hair and dander under control.

Hypoallergenic: No

Health Issues: Of the two breeds, Boston Terriers have more health concerns than Pit Bulls. A hybrid is at risk of the following: Brachycephalic Syndrome AKA breathing problems, sensitive skin, allergies, some cancers, and digestive issues. Before adopting a Boston Pit, talk to your breeder about the dam and sire’s medical histories.

Family Friendly: Yes, but preferably with older children.

What Does A Boston Pit Look Like

The appearance of a Boston Terrier Pit Bull mix can be summarized in one word – cute!

First, they have gigantic heads. Like seriously…big and round, with eyes that seem to pop. This is due to their large skulls. Actually, in U.S., there were once fondly known as “The American Gentleman.”

Why?

Notice the classic black and white marking on their fur. It sort of looks like they are wearing tuxedo, doesn’t it? Very gentlemanly, indeed!

But beyond their tough, muscular legs and giant heads, Boston Pits can look very different from one another. It all depends on what genes get passed on from their mother and father. No two will look exactly the same.

Still, most will have:

  • Short and broad muzzles
  • Upright ears
  • Ears that stand up like triangles
  • White patches on the chest / face
  • Short coats
  • Brown eyes

They can range in colors from:

  • White
  • Black
  • Brindle
  • Fawn  

How Big Do They Get?

Despite their tough exteriors, Boston Terrier Pit Bulls don’t get too big.

Most won’t surpass an adult’s knees in height. Of course, the larger the Pit Bull or smaller the Boston Terrier, the more of a difference breeders are likely to see. Puppies will start off about the size of an apple and weigh only a few lbs. As they grow into adults, approximately 25 – 60 lbs is the norm.

As always, males are typically larger than females.

Is a Boston Terrier Pit Bull a Bully Breed?

People sometimes get confused over the term “bully breed.” Let’s clear that up. Essentially, a bully breed is a label applied to particular dog breeds. American Pit Bull Terriers, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Bull Terriers, Bullmastiffs, French Bulldogs, and Staffordshire Terriers all fall under the umbrella of bully breed.

So, yes.

If you look at the historic roots of where Boston Terrier Pit Bulls are descended from, they can be considered a bully breed.

Common Health Issues

Of course, you’ll want to make sure your new furry best friend is as healthy as possible!

Hybrid dogs are often healthier than purebred dogs, but it’s still important to be aware of any potential health issues that could arise. According to ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, the top claims for short-faced breeds (like the Boston Pit) include:

  • Growths/cancer
  • Skins issues
  • Eye conditions
  • Ear infections
  • Digestion issues

Pit Bulls can also suffer from hip dysplasia. 

The key to having a healthy Boston Pit? Regular exercise, high-quality food, and regular veterinarian checkups.

three black and white pitbull boston terrier puppies laying on each other

Places to Find Boston Pits – Rescues, Puppies, and Adoptions

Unlike other celebrity designer dogs, it’s tricky to find a Boston Pit.

Serena Williams, Orlando Bloom, Madonna, and Usher have all owned Pit Bulls, yet locating a responsibly bred hybrid mix proves much more challenging (for famous people and ordinary folks alike!) The website pitbullpuppies.org estimates a puppy will cost anywhere between $750 to $900. Petsidi places the price of a registered pup closer to $1200.

Or, you could seek out an adult dog.

The easiest place to look is through animal rescues and shelters.

For example, The Boston Terrier Club of America has their own rescue committee and works with various organizations and volunteers. They are 100% committed to helping Boston Terriers, as they say, “regardless of pedigree, health condition, or age.” Therefore, it may be possible to find a Boston Pit rescue through this group.

Unfortunately, Pit Bull mixes are the #1 most common breed in shelters. Their reputation for being aggressive, strong-willed, and energetic is often to blame. On a positive note, this also makes finding a mixed breed – such as half Pit, half Boston – much easier.     

They are out there!

You’ll just have to do some research and talk to knowledgeable dog rescuers and/or breeders. Keep an eye on websites like Petfinder, too.

Final Thoughts

Have you fallen in love yet? Without a doubt, the Boston Terrier Pit Bull mix is an exceptional dog breed. Their long history has earned both Boston Terriers and Pits two much-loved spots in the canine world. 

If you want a dog that is smart, eager to please, handsome, and has an unbeatable smile, a Boston Terrier Pit Bull could be the ideal pooch for you.

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