The Golden retriever Pit bull mix is a rather rare hybrid. Whose idea was it for the Golden retriever, one of the highest regarded breeds, to settle down with the Pit bull, the perceived bad boy of the dogdom? The world may never know, but the result is an incredibly loving, loyal, and handsome pup.

This little-known high-energy hybrid will snuggle and play its way into any dog lover’s heart. These crossbreed dogs are champions at wooing their two-legged friends with both parent breeds contributing gentle and sweet-hearted natures. 

Golden Retriever Pit Bull Mix: One Handsome Dog  

Not only are Golden retriever Pit bulls excellent family dogs, capable of bringing unmatched affection to their human families, but they are also highly intelligent. With brilliant parent breeds, it comes as no surprise that these pups shine brightly among their canine peers. Learning sit, stay, and a myriad of other commands should be no trouble for these doggy Einsteins.

Mental stimulation activities and training are essential for the overall well-being of these fantastic friends. The earlier the learning begins, the better off your pup will be throughout their life. Understanding who these pooches are best starts with learning about their parents. 

Golden Retriever: AKA the Golden Boy  

From Shadow in Homeward Bound: The Incredible to Journey to Comet in Full House, Golden retrievers, are famously and universally loved. They simultaneously symbolize paternal kindness and youthful joy. These beautiful and highly intelligent sweethearts were initially bred as hunting dogs in the 1800s. They have dense coats with two layers in shades from creme to golden red. A benefit of their coat is its water-resistant nature, making them great water dogs. A drawback, however, is that it makes them high-volume shedders. 

Adult Goldens stand between 21.5 and 24 inches tall and weigh anything from 55 to 75 pounds. They have large friendly eyes and short ears. Golden retrievers are strong dogs with significant athletic prowess. However, they can struggle with obesity, especially later in life, so you should closely monitor their diet. Like many large dogs, they can have trouble with hip dysplasia and joint issues. 

The Pit Bull: A Sweetheart With a Tough Reputation  

This breed originated from 19th century Britain when bulldogs were crossed with terriers. The intention was to have a dog with a strong clamping jaw and a terrier’s energy. Pit bulls are not without their own famous representatives. Champion, Andy, and April’s three-legged rescue, from Parks and Recreation, and Petey from The Little Rascals were both Pit bulls.

Unfortunately, many people are more familiar with this breed from their appearances in the news. Controversy has surrounded Pit bulls as they have been banned from various communities based on a perceived threat of aggression. While Pit bulls are capable of aggressive behaviors, good breeders have done excellent work at weeding this trait out of them. Early and competent training can also socialize these pups so that they are no more aggressive than your child’s teddy bear. 

Pit bulls are stocky, muscular dogs with a large square head and a stout body. Their ears can be either pointy or floppy. They have short, low maintenance coats that come in a variety of colors. Adult Pit bulls can get as tall as 21 inches and usually weigh between 30 and 60 pounds. Thanks to their intelligence, Pit bulls can easily become overtly stubborn to an inexperienced trainer.

Physical Traits  

Golden retriever Pit bull mixes are undoubtedly handsome dogs. They usually have the Golden retriever’s body with the Pit bull’s square head. Their coats can follow either the golden retriever or the Pit bull line, which makes for two very distinct appearances. They stand 17 to 24 inches tall and usually weigh between 35 and 75 pounds. Having two physically healthy parent breeds leads this pooch to become quite strong as well. Golden retriever Pit bulls have a life expectancy of between 10 and 15 years, which is standard for most breeds of their size. 

Personality  

Golden retrievers and Pit bulls are both gentle, loving dogs, a trait that has been passed on to their hybrid. They are extremely loyal due to strong pack instincts. Because of this mentality, they do not do well when left alone for long. Golden retriever Pit bull mixes want desperately to be with their families as much as possible. A result of this is that they are incredibly easy to please. 

These pooches are said to make great family dogs. They are also great with children and have even been considered nanny dogs for this very quality. They are loyal and protective of their families, but their interactions with strangers tend to vary. Some Golden retriever Pit bull mixes pose the threat of licking strangers to death while others are more shy or anxious around strangers. 

Golden retriever Pit bulls are watchful and alert, making them highly effective watchdogs. Sometimes they may even be a little too effective, leading to excessive barking through the night. However, you can address this trait with a bit of training. Although their employment as guard dogs is questionable due to their sweet nature, they also have a strong prey instinct and will happily keep your yard free of squirrels. 

Caring For Your Golden Retriever Pit Bull Mix 

The foremost concern in caring for a Golden retriever Pit bull mix is training. While Pit bulls are smart, they also have an independent mindset that their mixed breed puppies may inherit. This means they need an experienced trainer who knows how to assert dominance. Positive reinforcement is the best training technique for these dogs. They are good not only with people but also with other animals, primarily due to their pack inclinations. This trait is effectively bolstered by early socialization with other dogs and people. 

Owing to their high energy levels, Golden retriever Pit bull mixes need quite a bit of exercise. If not given outlets for their energy, they can resort to irrational behaviors such as chewing household items and digging. So if you’re getting yourself a Golden retriever Pit bull mix, be prepared to spend significant amounts of time outdoors with your dog. You can also provide them with chew toys to help them release energy as well. 

The level of grooming that your hybrid will require depends on the coat they inherit. If they inherit the Pit bull’s short coat, then grooming should be easy peasy. However, if they inherit a Golden retriever coat, essential grooming is required, i.e., you should brush their coats weekly and wash them once or twice a month. It would be best if you also remembered to trim their nails the moment they start growing. 

Health Concerns  

Like all dogs, these lovable pups come with their health concerns. One of the most common issues among larger dogs is hip dysplasia, a condition that causes the hip joint to grind and can lead to arthritis. Obesity is also a concern for these pups, so you should give them a restrictive diet. Obesity can aggravate many other health issues, especially joint trouble. Giving your pup treats may feel like a loving thing to do, but it can ultimately lead to more suffering for your furry friend. 

Another health concern is bloat, which leads to restricted or completely blocked blood flow to vital organs and tears in the stomach. Cancer may also manifest as they age due to their Golden retriever lineage, so this is something to look out for. 

Finding Your Golden Retriever Pit Bull Mix  

Buying a specialty breed such as the Golden retriever Pit bull mix can be an expensive and possibly tricky task. A good breeder will likely not charge the lowest price because they provide adequate care for the puppies they have. When buying from a breeder, it is best to meet the parent breeds of your pup. It is also good if the breeder can show you the parents’ medical records to ensure that you’re getting a healthy pooch. 

As with any dog, adoption is also an excellent option. Despite their wonderful traits, you are likely to find this crossbreed in animal shelters. If you want to make a difference in a mistreated pup’s life, you should consider adoption. 

Final Thoughts  

Golden retriever Pit bull mixes are lovable, playful, and loyal dogs worthy of homes that will adore them. They are not without their challenges when it comes to exercise, training, and possibly grooming. However, these are small obstacles for the experienced fur parent. They are excellent family dogs and will gladly alert you of any approaching strangers. So if you want a high-energy, gentle, and loving pooch, consider a Golden retriever Pit bull mix as your new canine companion.