German Pit Bulls have a robust lifespan of 10 to 13 years. However, individual lifespans can vary based on factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, healthcare, and overall lifestyle. Providing proper care, regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight can contribute to helping dogs of all breeds live long and healthy lives.

German Pit Bulls are large dogs who, when full-grown, can weigh as much as 80 pounds. A German Shepherd / Pit mix who has parents on the smaller size could weigh as little as 40 pounds and stand 17 to 24 inches tall.

German Pit Bulls can have two kinds of coats: A long, thick coat similar to their German Shepherd parent or a short, smooth coat like their Pit Bull parent.

German Pit Bulls can be any color or pattern. German Shepherds can be black, black and tan, red and black, and sable — and there are even some white and cream color combinations. Pit Bulls can be almost any imaginable color combination, including solid colors, brindle, or a tuxedo pattern.

German Pit Bulls will shed moderate amounts of hair. Those with short coats will be more prone to seasonal shedding, while those with longer coats will shed all year (with heavier shedding in spring and fall). Although German Pit Bulls need very little grooming, they will need regular baths and their coats brushed once or twice per week to remove the excess hair and keep the dogs looking their best.

Yes, German Pit Bulls can be good with kids. Their temperaments around children depend on whether their pet parents raise them to be friendly and sociable; like all breeds, they benefit from proper socialization and training.

Children should always be supervised when interacting with German Pit Bulls to keep both the child and dog safe, and kids should also be taught how to properly approach and handle dogs of all breeds.

No, German Pit Bulls might not do well in a home with cats as these high-energy companions have strong herding instincts and prey drives and may spend most of their time chasing cats. Even German Pit Bulls who are friendly toward cats might be too rambunctious for smaller animals. Early, consistent training and socialization can increase the odds of raising German Pit Bulls to live in harmony with a cat.

Yes, German Shepherd Pit Bull mixes are good dogs. German Pit Bulls typically make marvelous guardians while being friendly and gentle with their families.

Yes, German Pit Bulls are highly active dogs. German Shepherd / Pit Bull mixes descend from active, athletic breeds — the German Shepherd was bred as a working dog — and appreciate long walks and outdoor adventures. They’ll need lots of exercise to burn off their abundant energy and will do best in a home where there is a job to do. Their combination of intelligence and athleticism means that German Pit Bulls excel in competitive obedience, tracking, rally, agility, and other dog sports.

No, German Pit Bulls don’t bark as much as some other breeds. Although German Shepherds were bred to bark to alert — and will let out a deep baritone bark when someone rings the doorbell or pulls up to the house — the mixed-breed dog is typically quiet. Proper training and exercise can also help discourage German Pit Bulls from inappropriate barking.

Yes, German Shepherds and Pit Bulls are known as excellent family dogs, and the German Pit Bull is no exception. These are loving dogs with strong attachments to their family members, and loyalty is paramount for the German Pit Bull.

Yes, German Pit Bull mixes are good candidates for training. They are at their best when their energy is redirected to useful pursuits, so give them a job to do, and German Pit Bulls will quickly be named employees of the month. Break out the treats and plan to offer lots of rewards for good behavior because German Pit Bulls are smart and eager to please, which allows them to master basic commands and learn new tricks. Just keep in mind that even if a certain dog breed is known to be easy to train, training any dog requires a long-term commitment.

No, German Pit Bulls are not hypoallergenic. Because German Shepherds and Pit Bulls are moderate shedders, their offspring aren’t considered a hypoallergenic breed. These pups would not be a good match for people with allergies.

German Pit Bulls can be prone to some of the same common health issues their German Shepherd and Pit Bull parents are prone to, including:

• Hip and/or elbow dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia are two of the most common skeletal diseases seen in dogs. They are similar diseases in which either the hip or elbow joint has grown abnormally or is misshapen. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from properly meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Unlike in hip dysplasia, where the main problem is joint instability, elbow dysplasia often results in pieces of bone and/or cartilage breaking loose and irritating the joint tissues. Over time, the rubbing from dysplasia can cause a variety of issues, such as pain, lameness, and secondary osteoarthritis. Surgery can fix the joint if diagnosed before the onset of arthritis. If you are rescuing a German Pit Bull, have them checked out by a vet to see if they have or are prone to getting dysplasia.

• Allergies: Bully breeds may be at higher risk for allergies and skin conditions, such as dermatitis. Pets with allergies may exhibit excessive itchiness, skin irritation, redness, hair loss, hot spots, and diarrhea. Causes of an allergic reaction may be food, environment, or fleas.

• Patellar luxation: German Pit Bulls are at higher risk for the condition known as patellar luxation, which occurs when slight abnormalities in the knee cap cause the knee joint to slide out of place, leading to pain and occasional lameness.

Your vet is your best resource for any health concerns. It’s important to remember that even though this breed might have an increased risk for certain health conditions, that doesn’t mean they will develop them. Mixed-breed dogs are often healthier than purebred dogs because of greater genetic diversity. Your veterinarian can help you keep an eye out for possible health problems with regular checkups.