10 Things You Didn’t Know about The Pointer Pit Mix
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If you thought all designer dogs were cute, cuddly, and handbag-sized, prepare for an education. The Pointer Pit Mix is big, muscly, and more inclined to eat your handbag than ride around in it. A 50/50 mix of Pointer and Pit Bull, it’s a handsome beefcake of a dog. But don’t let its burly physique fool you. With the right training and plenty of early socialization, these fun, spirited dogs make surprisingly gentle, affectionate companions. If you’re keen to find out more, here are 10 things you didn’t know about the Pointer Pit Mix.
1. They’re a mix of Pointer and Pit Bull
As their name suggests, the Pointer Pit Mix is a cross between the Pointer and the Pit Bull. Although the origins of the breed are slightly hazy (as they are with most crossbreeds), the same can’t be said for its parent breeds. As AKC notes, the Pointer is a working dog whose name is also its job description. Pointers point, and they’ve been pointing ever since the 1700s. Before the advent of rifles, their purpose was to find and indicate prey for the coursing hounds they accompanied on hunts to then give chase. When wing-shooting became popular, they became legendary gundogs. The term Pit Bull actually refers to a group of breeds that include the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Terrier, Miniature Bull Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Originally bred for blood sports, they were later used in illegal dogfighting after the practice was outlawed in the 1800s.
2. They’re causing controversy
Who knew dogs could be controversial? But that’s exactly what the Pointer Pit Mix is, along with all its other designer dog friends. As thehappypuppysite.com writes, pure breed proponents argue that pure breeds are more predictable in terms of health, temperament, and appearance, and that, providing breeding is done responsibly, pedigrees are no more at risk of genetic problems than crossbreeds are. Mixed breed advocates, on the other hand, argue that research has shown that purebreds are at greater risk of hereditary health problems. They also claim that crossbreeding can help reduce undesirable, breed-specific qualities like aggression.
3. They’ve got a unique appearance
The Pointer Pit Mix doesn’t look like any other dog. Neither do any two Pointer Pits look alike. Like all crossbreeds, their appearance varies hugely, depending on which parent breed they most take after. That said, there are a few things we can count on, including their medium-sized, muscular build, wedge-shaped heads, half-pricked ears, and wide-set eyes. Size-wise, most Pointer Pits tip the scales between 30 and 75 lbs and measure 17 to 28 inches in height. Their short coats come in a wide variety of colors, with or without markings.
4. They’re misunderstood
We all know that Pit Bulls are mad, bad, and dangerous to know, right? The thing is, they’re not – not unless their owners make them that way. Yes, they have powerful jaws and yes, they’re responsible for more deaths and severe injuries than any other breed. But speak to an owner who understands the value of consistent training, early socialization, and a stable environment, and they’ll tell you that Pit Bulls are incredibly loyal, loving and affectionate pets. Ultimately, aggression is a hugely complex subject, and one that’s more likely to be explained by nurture than nature. The Pointer Pit Mix is no different. Providing they’re treated with kindness and patience by someone who has the time and energy to train them as needed, they can be incredibly rewarding family pets.
5. They need firm but fair training
Pointer Pits aren’t the kind of dog that benefits from a laissez-faire approach to training. They’re super smart, but they’re also strong-willed and stubborn. If you don’t make them aware of boundaries with firm, consistent commands, they’ll rule the roost with an iron fist. Any training techniques that use punishment should be avoided like the plague. Stick to rewards-based training instead for the best results.
6. They’re healthier than their parents
Like most crossbreeds, the Pointer Pit Mix tends to be healthier and more resilient than its parent breeds. That doesn’t, however, mean that their health can be taken for granted. If they’re unfortunate enough to inherit any of the same health conditions to which their parent breeds are prone, they may be at risk of eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts, congenital deafness, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, heart disease, allergies, and hypothyroidism.
7. They’re low maintenance
Thanks to their short coat, the Pointer Pit Mix doesn’t require much in the way of grooming. A weekly brushing should be enough to keep them sleek and shiny. Over-bathing should be avoided as it can cause excess oil production, so skip the baths unless they start getting smelly. Ears should be checked for signs of wax build-up or infection weekly. Teeth should be brushed at least three times a week, although dog chews can be used if they refuse to allow it.
8. They need lots of exercise
The Pointer Pit Mix is an active dog who needs plenty of structured activity to keep them fit, healthy and happy. Aim for 60 minutes of exercise per day, divided into several smaller chunks. As they’re intelligent dogs, be sure to provide them with plenty of games and toys to keep boredom at bay.
9. They’re expensive
They might not be pedigrees, but that doesn’t mean designer crossbreeds won’t leave a dent in your wallet. Although prices vary depending on location. breeder, parents, health, and various other factors, you can expect to pay between $800 and $1800 for a Pointer Pit Mix. If you’d rather save your pennies for all the additional pet-related costs that come later (toys, food, vet bills, etc), consider adopting instead. You’ll still need to pay an adoption fee, but considering most shelters only charge between $300 and $500, it’s still significantly cheaper than buying a pup.
10. They’ve been recognized by the DRA
As a crossbreed, the Pointer Pit Mix stands about as much chance of being recognized by the likes of the American Kennel Club as you or me. But not all kennel clubs are quite so hoity-toity about who they recognize. According to dogbreedinfo.com, the breed has so far been officially recognized by the Dog Registry of America, Inc (DRA).
