Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix Breed Information (2024)

The Golden Retriever Pitbull mix is a relatively new and uncommon mixed breed. It combines the best traits of the Golden Retriever and American Pitbull Terrier to make a social, energetic and loyal dog.

Golden Pitbulls are known for their endless love and affection which is sure to brighten your day! They are extremely social and extroverted so have no problem making friends. These mixes are also very tolerant, making them the perfect family dog.

But these large bundles of joy need an owner who can provide them with structure and training. They also need plenty of exercise to be well-behaved members of the family.

Keep reading our breed guide to learn if this unique mix is right for you…

Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix Breed Overview

The Golden Retriever Pitbull mix is a combination of two large and friendly breeds, the American Pitbull Terrier and Golden Retriever.

This hybrid has been bred purposefully by a handful of breeders in just the last ten years. Before that, it is likely that the first Golden Retriever Pitbull mixes were caused by accidental breeding.

While this dog has gained more attention in the last decade, it is still a rare mix. Only recently has this mix started to become a “designer breed.” Breeders are difficult to find and it is not yet recognized by any official breed registry.

Because breeders are hard to find, specific lineage for the breed is almost impossible to find.

What is known is that this mix was bred to be an energetic and loyal family dog. Their sole purpose is to be a companion, but they do inherit some of the sporting dog qualities of the Golden Retriever such as their love for fetch and swimming.

The mix of a Golden Retriever and American Pitbull Terrier can be a bit of a wildcard.

Traits from both parents are not always evenly inherited.

Sometimes this mix can end up being more like a Golden Retriever with a deep golden coat and goofy personality. Some puppies are more like a Pitbull with a loyal and exuberant personality.

All of these dogs will be high energy and require lots of exercise, regardless of the traits they inherit. This is due to the sporting dog lineage of the Golden Retriever and the athleticism of the Pitbull.

Ideally, this breed should inherit all the best traits from both of its parents.

They should be a versatile mix who can play Frisbee for hours on end, or cuddle with their owners in front of the TV. Even though they need lots of exercise, they will never turn down pets or belly rubs!

These hybrids are people-oriented dogs and always want to be the center of attention.

They are up for any adventure with their people and need lots of love and attention. Their athletic and muscular body makes them the perfect running or hiking companion.

Golden Pitbulls are also highly intelligent, a trait which is inherited from both parents. They typically pick up commands and tricks very quickly. They will do anything to please their owners, a trait they get from their Pittie parent.

Ideally they need an owner who is just as active and adventurous as they are and who is willing to keep them mentally stimulated.

How Are They Bred?

This mix can be bred by mating any American Pitbull Terrier with a Golden Retriever.

Alternatively you can breed two Golden Retriever Pitbull mixes with each other. It is more common to find a first generation mix which means they have purebred Golden Retriever and Pitbull parents.

Only American Pitbull Terriers can be used for this hybrid.

There are some types of pitbull dogs which could also be bred with the Golden Retriever to create a similar hybrid. A good example of this is the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

In older dogs it would be almost impossible to distinguish whether a Golden Retriever Pitbull mix had an American Pitbull or a Staffordshire Bull parent.

There are no official breed standards, but typically they are only considered to be a mix of the Golden Retriever and American Pitbull Terrier.

While this hybrid has its own set of wonderful qualities, it is important for potential owners to learn about the parents to know what to expect.

Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is one of the most recognizable and well known breeds in America.

They ranked as the fourth most popular breed in the United States. Golden and Labrador Retrievers are often thought of as the quintessential American family dog. They originated as Scottish hunting dogs who were bred to withstand cold and wet conditions with their thick double coat.

It is a versatile pup who enjoys having a job as well as a loyal family to give them lots of love!

American Pitbull Terrier

The American Pitbull Terrier is also known for their friendly and exuberant personality.

Although the name Pitbull can scare some owners away, they make a great family dog who can be just as friendly as the Golden Retriever. They are known for being extremely affectionate with their owners as well as being intelligent, athletic and loyal.

Their controversial history unfortunately still holds onto their name. This breed has had a difficult time recovering from their long-standing history.

They can look more intimidating than the Golden Retriever, but they are softies on the inside!

Golden Retriever Pitbull Appearance

A Golden Retriever Pitbull mix can look almost exactly like either breed, or somewhere in between.

There is no breed standard for this dog which can make identifying one very difficult.

In a single litter of puppies there can be a wide variety in their appearance. Variety is one of the best things about this mix. They come in such a wide range of colors and patterns that there is bound to be one for every owner.

Some might have a long coat and a leaner body like their Golden parent. Others will have short hair, a stocky build and a broad chunky head.

Most puppies will have a coat longer than the Pitbull’s with some feathering, but not nearly as long as the Golden’s coat. Whether these puppies inherit a long or short coat, their hair will never be curly. It will be straight or slightly wavy.

Puppies from the same litter can also be different colors and have a variety of markings.

It is most common for them to inherit some form of Golden coat, but this is not always the case. They often have white “stockings” on their paws and white markings on their chest. This is a trait that tri-color Pitbulls are known for.

Size

Both parents are large dogs, and this mix is just as large.

These dogs typically have a stocky build with a large, broad head. Their ears can be co*cked (upright with a slight bend) or V-shaped (folding forward), and are not typically cropped like a Pitbull.

This mix does have a lot of variation in size, but most are medium to large dogs that range from 30-75 pounds and 17-24 inches tall.

Colors

This dog not only has a heart of gold, but often a coat of one too.

The classic honey color of the Golden Retriever is the most common coat for the Golden Retriever Pitbull mix.

Some other common colors include: gray, brown, white, black or even blue like the blue nose Pittie.

The variety in coat color depends on the Pitbull parent. Any markings that are inherited are also from the Pittie parent. Some mixes are seen with markings, such as white socks and stars.

Temperament and Personality

The Golden Retriever Pitbull mix is a family-oriented, intelligent and loyal pup.

They can have a personality that combines any or all aspects of the parent breeds.

Golden Retrievers are known for being social happy-go-lucky dogs and this trait is definitely passed onto their pups.

These mixes are extroverts and love to socialize, but at the end of the day they are most loyal to their family. Their loyal and protective nature can make them good candidates for family dogs as they are also patient and tolerant of small children.

The Golden Retriever Pitbull mix is up for anything, as long as it’s with their family.

They are curious dogs who form strong bonds.

This means that they can also struggle with separation anxiety if they are not properly trained to being left alone. Crate training from an early age can help with this problem.

They do not like being left alone for long periods of time and would be best suited with an owner who wants a furry side-kick for their many adventures in life.

If these dogs are left alone too long or not given enough exercise, they can resort to destructive behavior. Chewing, digging or barking can become problems with this mix.

Puzzle toys and games can keep your pups mind busy so they do not get bored throughout the day.

Exercise

This hybrid is most known for being a friendly family dog, but they also have the characteristics of a focused sporting dog.

Sporting characteristics from the Golden Retriever and terrier-like qualities from the Pitbull means this mix has a strong prey drive and the need for a job.

They are intelligent and fast learners who are quick to pick-up commands and eager to please their owners.

Ideally, they should have at least one hour of exercise per day. They enjoy going to the dog park, long walks and short training sessions to keep their brains busy.

Like most dogs, this mix likes routine and creating an exercise routine will help keep them out of trouble. They are best suited for families who have a fenced-in-yard which allows them to stretch their legs and get the zoomies out.

Both Golden Retrievers and Pitbulls have lots of energy. Therefore it is no surprise that the mix between the two of them is just as energetic.

Are They Healthy?

The typical lifespan of a Golden Retriever Pitbull mix is between 10 to 15 years. This is similar to both of their purebred parents.

Mixes are generally healthy dogs, but they are prone to some of the same health problems as their parents.

Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are common in large breed dogs and could affect this mix.

Obesity is common in both Pitbulls and Golden Retrievers and should be monitored in your pup. Obesity can lead to many other health issues such as hyperthyroidism and heart disease.

Both parents can also be affected by a congenital heart disease called Aortic Stenosis. This disease affects the aortic valve’s ability to pump blood from the heart into the rest of the body.

Tumors are common for Golden Retrievers to develop. Many times these tumors are cosmetic, but they can also be cancerous.

Pitbulls are relatively healthy, but they often suffer from skin allergies and irritation. These problems can be chronic and hard to manage.

Many of the health problems of this mix are genetic. Therefore, buying from a breeder who has screened their dogs for these health problems before breeding is important to ensure your pup will be healthy.

The parents should be tested for hip and elbow dysplasia, heart disease, and eye conditions prior to breeding.

Keeping a close eye on your pup and making sure they are as healthy as can be can reduce the risk for many of these health problems.

Pitbull and Golden Retriever Mix Puppies

All puppies are adorable, especially Golden Retriever Pitbull puppies.

Their oversized paws and smushy faces will make you want to squeeze them. These happy, smiley dogs will brighten your day and keep you entertained for hours with puppy shenanigans.

As a pup your dog will require lots of time and attention.

Training should start at an early age to prevent unwanted behaviors such as chewing, destruction, and separation anxiety. Some owners may want to take their new companion to a puppy class for structured training.

Providing structured training as well as socialization at a young age is a must for this breed.

Most puppies begin to show their personality traits in adolescence, beginning around six months of age. It can be hard to predict what their personality will be like.

Some pups are loyal, others are a social butterfly. The personality is unique to each pup, which means it may take some time to understand them as they grow into their big personalities.

Price

Golden Retriever Pitbull puppies are difficult to find from reputable breeders. Even when you do find a breeder, they are very expensive. A Golden Pitbull puppy can cost from $1,500 to $2,500.

They are on the upper end of the price range when compared to Golden Retrievers and a lot more than a Pitbull.

If a Golden Retriever Pitbull puppy for sale is advertised for much less than $1,500, you should be skeptical and do some research on the breeder. There are only a few breeders who specialize in this mix and potential owners should be aware of the risks of buying from puppy mills and unethical breeders.

Unfortunately this mix can sometimes end up in shelters due to behavioral problems.

Adoption is always an option for potential owners as long as they are willing to find the right match.

Shelter mixes are also much less expensive than buying from a breeder and typically range from $50 to $350 in adoption fees. Shelter dogs are a great way to provide a home for pets in need.

What You Should Know Before Adopting

It is important for potential owners to be aware of the time and attention they will need to dedicate to their furry friend. This mix requires lots of exercise and attention from their owners.

If you want a couch potato, the Golden Retriever Pitbull mix is definitely not for you!

A Pocket Bully, English Bulldog or Pug might be better suited for owners who just want a cute cuddle-buddy.

The Golden Retriever Pitbull mix is an athletic and enthusiastic pup who will demand physical activity.

Their parent’s lineage of waterfowl hunting means they often like swimming and games such as fetch and Frisbee. These dogs have strong and athletic bodies which are well-suited for long walks, hikes or runs with their owners.

Owners should also be aware of this dog’s potential for a strong prey-drive.

High prey-drive is often inherited from their parents. American Pitbull Terriers are known for their terrier-like qualities of chasing small prey.

This dog might not be the best pet for a household with small pets which could become injured if chased or caught.

Their wariness of strangers also comes from the Pitbull. This wariness can result in unnecessary barking, especially in the presence of new people. Proper socialization from a young age can help with this behavior.

Due to their high energy and enjoyment of barking, these dogs are not well suited for apartment living.

The amount of grooming will vary depending on the type of coat your Golden Retriever Pitbull mix gets. Short-haired mixes will require comparatively little grooming, although they do shed. Medium to long coated dogs need a lot more attention and grooming.

Training A Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix

It is important to begin training at an early age to keep these active dogs out of trouble.

As a puppy, their attention spans are short.

Quick and upbeat sessions are the best way to approach training.

Puppy classes and beginner obedience training can be a great way to teach your puppy manners as well as work on socialization. Early socialization is extremely important for a Golden Retriever Pitbull mix to help them reduce their prey-drive and wariness of strangers.

Introducing your new pup to lots of new people and dogs from an early age will help them be more confident as an adult.

Crate training is often recommended to help with potty training. It will also help with creating a safe space for your pup to be in when left alone.

The crate can be a great tool to help a Golden Retriever Pitbull deal with separation anxiety. It should be introduced slowly and positively to make sure your dog thinks it’s the best place to be.

Providing lots of toys and puzzles can be a good way to keep your mix happy and mentally stimulated.

If they are bored or restless training will be difficult.

They are more likely to find something to entertain themselves such as your favorite pair of shoes.

Breed Summary

The Golden Retriever Pitbull mix is a large breed who inherits the muscular build of the Pitbull.

Many pups also inherit the beautiful golden cream color of the Golden Retriever. Their coat can be short, medium or long and they often have markings on their chest, head and paws.

These big babies are sure to steal your heart with their lovable personalities.

Their personality should be the best of their parents. The Golden Retriever and Pitbull are both social and friendly dogs who love their family.

These mixes are best suited for families and owners who live an active lifestyle. They need an owner willing to dedicate a significant amount of time to exercising and training their dog.

If you give a Golden Retriever Pitbull mix the chance to be your pal, you are sure to have a life-long friend.