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Some people are surprised to learn that Pit Bulls are often sweet and gentle family dogs. Despite their unfair reputation for being aggressive, many Pit Bull dogs behave just like any other breed. They love to play, learn new tricks, and spend time with their human family!
Before we dive into the specifics about Pitbull dogs, it’s important to note that the Pit Bull isn’t technically a breed. Rather, the name refers to several types of dogs, including the American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and American Pit Bull Terrier (a breed recognized by the United Kennel Club but not the American Kennel Club). Sometimes, other breeds, including the American Bully, are considered Pit Bulls, but not always.
If you’re curious to learn more about the Pit Bull dog, keep reading. We’ll uncover some of the myths surrounding this lovely canine and discuss what a Pitbull is really like!
Quick Pit Bull Facts
Name: Pit Bull (sometimes spelled “Pitbull”)
Origin: United Kingdom
Size: 40-70 pounds, 17-19 inches at shoulder
Lifespan: 12-16 years
Appearance: short, straight fur that’s shiny and often black, white, and tan
Temperament: brave, friendly, tenacious, stubborn
Compatibility: love children and do well with them if properly trained and monitored
Intelligence: above-average intelligence
Exercise & Energy: highly energetic and need considerable exercise
Grooming Needs: low-maintenance coat that needs occasional brushing
Training: require consistent training due to their stubbornness and athleticism
Health: susceptible to some medical conditions including bloat and deafness
Highlights: resilient, stable, playful, loyal, devoted
Why Is the Pit Bull Such a Great Breed?
Energetic: Do you want a dog that’s always on the go? A Pit Bull could be the friend you’ve been looking for!
Low maintenance: Your biggest time commitment will likely be training these smart pooches. Otherwise, grooming and feeding tend to be as simple as can be.
Social: When these dogs are introduced to other animals from a young age, they often make friends fast.
Mid-sized: A Pit Bull is neither a tiny toy breed nor a giant one. The dog’s medium size is just right for homes of many sizes!
Beautiful: Some of the most gorgeous canines in the world are Pit Bulls, including those with blue or fawn-colored coats.
What Do Pit Bulls Look Like?
As we noted earlier, opinions vary on which dogs count as Pit Bulls. In general, the name refers to a dog that is relatively stocky with short legs and a squarish-shaped head. They tend to have large mouths and always have short coats. The most common color for a Pit Bull’s coat is black. However, the breed can also be white, brown, black, red, tan, fawn, blue (really a form of black), or even a mix of colors.
How Large Are Pit Bulls?
Pit Bulls can have an imposing presence that makes them seem larger than they are. Males range between 55 and 70 pounds while females are usually 40 to 55 pounds. Male Pit Bulls reach 18-19 inches in height (measured at the shoulder). Females are usually just a little shorter, at 17-18 inches tall.
What Kind of Coats Do Pit Bulls Have?
A Pit Bull’s coat consists only of one layer, as they do not have an undercoat. This is great news for people who are concerned about managing shedding! Most single-coat dogs tend to blow their coats during seasonal changes, but otherwise, shedding isn’t much of an issue for this breed.
What Kind of Temperament Do Pit Bulls Have?
If you’re looking for a dog that’s completely devoted to you, there’s a good chance the Pit Bull was meant for you! These fantastic dogs are attached at the hip to their human families. While Pit Bulls are fiercely loyal and protective of their loved ones, they also have a wanderlust for adventure. They’re agile and always looking for the next escape route in the backyard fence, so check regularly for any gaps in the fence. With the proper training, these dogs make great companions who are right by your side on an afternoon hike.
Do Pit Bulls Have Good Personalities?
The Pit Bull is a dog that loves making friends. When they get to know other dogs, they often do well around them. Keep in mind that not everyone knows this about Pit Bulls, and you might be met with a lot of skepticism from other dog owners. Maintaining a watchful eye on your dog around other pups is always necessary because a Pit Bull’s strength and athleticism means they can quickly injure another dog if threatened.
Do Pit Bulls Do Well Around Children?
You may be surprised to learn that Pit Bulls are known for being good with children. Their even, predictable temperaments make them natural companions for little ones. Remember that no dog should be left unattended around kids. Younger kids especially could inadvertently provoke a dog, even a well-trained one. Pit Bulls have a powerful bite force, which means it’s very important to watch them during playtime.
How Are Pit Bulls Around Cats and Other Pets?
Many Pit Bulls do fine around other pets in the home, including both cats and dogs. However, there’s never a guarantee that any dog will get along with other animals in their space. To maximize cooperation and friendliness, introduce the pets slowly to one another. Socializing your Pit Bull from a very young age is highly encouraged to cut down on aggression.
Are Pit Bulls Difficult to Care For?
Pit Bulls aren't particularly high-maintenance dogs. Your biggest time commitments will likely be training and exercising. Both of these must be done consistently to keep your dog in good health. Investing in professional training is never a bad idea, especially if your dog is experiencing problematic behaviors. Additionally, you’ll need to factor in lots of time during the week to get your Pit Bull exercise. This can be tricky for busy pet parents but should never be neglected. A bored pup without an outlet for their energy is never a good thing!
Is a Pit Bull Easy to Groom?
Yes, Pit Bulls are one of the easiest dog breeds to groom. Their single-layer coats should be brushed at least once a week but brushing them twice a week or so can help their coat maintain that beautiful, glossy shine. Bathing should be limited to only once a month or so to prevent drying out their skin. Want to make your pup’s coat look especially dog show-worthy? Be sure to feed them nutritious food. You can even occasionally rub a bit of coconut oil into their fur and skin for extra sheen.
Can You Train a Pit Bull?
Pit Bulls are known for having a stubborn streak, but they also have above-average intelligence. Training them consistently and from an early age is necessary because an untrained dog that’s as strong as a typical Pit Bull could be dangerous. Use incentives to reward positive behavior. Try a range of treats, toys, and praise to see what your dog responds to best. Knowing they’re going to get their favorite plushie or bone makes them eager to follow your commands!
How Much Space Do Pit Bulls Need?
Although some Pit Bulls (usually females) only weigh around 40 pounds, they still need plenty of space to get some exercise. A house with a large, fenced-in backyard is ideal for these guys, although you’ll never want to have them live in the backyard. Pit Bulls are very social and want to spend time bonding inside the house with their humans.
What Do Pit Bulls Eat?
Pit Bulls don’t normally need a special diet unless they have a medical concern. Otherwise, they should be fine with standard, nutritious dog food. For the highest quality food, look for protein (including meat and chicken or fish meal), carbohydrates (whole grains are exceptionally healthy), and vegetables (such as sweet potatoes and carrots). Avoid corn syrup and other sweeteners as well as fillers like corn and peanut hulls.
Are Pit Bulls Healthy?
Thankfully, most Pit Bulls don’t experience significant health issues. It’s still vital to be on the lookout for signs of certain digestive and muscle problems. Taking your dog to the vet on a regular basis can alert you early on to any potential problems. Additionally, keeping up to date with their canine vaccinations can protect them against illnesses including rabies, parvo, and distemper.
What Health Conditions Affect Pit Bulls?
Pit Bulls are susceptible to a handful of conditions, some of which are easily treatable. Others are potentially life-threatening, so make sure you’re familiar with symptoms of the following conditions.
Bloat
One of the most serious conditions a Pit Bull can develop is bloat, officially known as “gastric dilatation volvulus.” Its symptoms include abdominal distention and nausea which are caused by the dog’s stomach suddenly twisting and pinching off the blood supply. Surgery is necessary to fix the problem, but a veterinarian may also use fluid therapy and stomach decompression.
Deafness
Pit Bulls are at high risk for congenital deafness, or deafness occurring at birth. Dogs who are deaf may not respond to their name and often bark more than usual. Your pup may be more at risk for deafness if they’re mostly white or have a merle pattern (dark splotches on a light background). While diagnosing deafness is relatively affordable, pet owners may need to invest in special training. One option is using hand signals to train their dog since verbal commands won’t be effective.
Myotonia
Myotonia involves a dog’s muscles contracting constantly, leading to pain, difficulty walking, and even a swollen tongue. These problems usually appear when a dog is only a few weeks old. While the medication used to treat the condition isn’t typically expensive, pet owners can expect a high bill from the diagnostic tests. Tests may include pricey – but necessary – muscle biopsies and electromyography (EMG).
Should You Get Pet Insurance for a Pit Bull?
A comprehensive pet insurance plan can provide financial security and peace of mind by covering unexpected veterinary expenses. This can be especially beneficial for Pit Bull owners, as they may be prone to certain health conditions. By investing in pet insurance for dogs, you can help ensure that your Pit Bull receives the necessary care without the added financial burden. can make a huge difference in the cost of veterinary care over an animal’s lifetime. Pitbull insurance, such as the kind offered by Embrace, can make affording life-saving care easier if your dog ever requires it.
You can even couple an insurance policy with an optional, non-insurance wellness plan for extra peace of mind and a more holistic approach to your Pit Bull's health. Wellness plans can help you manage the costs of routine preventative care, such as vaccinations, dental cleanings, and annual exams. By investing in a wellness plan, you can proactively protect your Pit Bull's health and potentially catch and treat health issues early, saving you money in the long run.
How Long Have Pit Bulls Been Around?
Sadly, the origins of the Pit Bull lie in a cruel activity called bull-baiting. In the 19th century, people in the United Kingdom bred Old English Bulldogs (eventually creating the Pit Bulls of today) to be used for entertainment in the form of fighting. As the animals migrated with their owners to the United States, they took on two new purposes: guarding livestock and offering companionship.
The Pit Bull enjoyed many decades as family dogs. Unfortunately, dog fighting grew popular once again in the 1980s, and many Pit Bulls were forced to fight other animals. Consequently, this breed earned a reputation as an aggressive breed. We are happy to report that today, that reputation is dwindling and many pet owners have begun recognizing the true nature of these charming dogs.
Where Can You Find a Pit Bull?
Pit Bulls are one of the most common breeds found in local animal shelters. This means there’s a great chance your future furry friend is waiting for you just down the road! Adopting a pet from an animal shelter or a Pit Bull rescue is a wonderful way to offer your home to a pup in need. These dogs are often out of the puppy stage, which means they could be housetrained already and settled into their personalities.
If you choose to purchase a Pit Bull from a breeder, spend some time researching them before committing. Avoid puppy mills at all costs, as these disreputable facilities neglect and mistreat dogs for the sake of making as much money as possible. While shelters and rescues have nominal adoption fees, a reputable breeder can charge thousands of dollars for a Pit Bull.
Pit Bull Frequently Asked Questions
Do Pit Bulls have lock jaw?
While Pit Bulls do indeed have powerful jaws, they do not have a “locking” jaw. This is only yet another example of the harmful myths surrounding this mistreated breed.
Are Pit Bulls dangerous?
Any irresponsibly raised dog can be dangerous. Pit Bulls have a reputation for being aggressive, but when raised ethically and properly trained, they are no more dangerous than many breeds. They are even in the top 23% of best-tempered dogs, so much of the fear around them is unwarranted.
Do Pit Bulls shed?
All dogs, even so-called hypoallergenic ones, shed to some degree. However, Pit Bulls are not known for being a heavily shedding breed. They have single-layer coats that usually shed the most during seasonal changes.
How do Pit Bulls show affection?
Like any other dog breed, Pit Bulls show their affection by spending time with their owners. They might try to crawl into bed with you or lick your hand for attention. If your pup is obsessed with carrying one of your shoes around the house, this might be because they love you. Your scent (yes, even from your gym shoes!) can make them feel secure, especially when you’re away from home.
What were Pit Bulls bred for?
The Pit Bull’s history is sadly marked by abuse from humans, as they were originally bred for fighting and have been used in this capacity for decades. Fortunately, times (and laws) have changed and now, many Pit Bull owners are responsible, loving people who simply want to spoil their pups with love and kindness!
When do Pit Bulls stop growing?
Although small dogs can reach their peak size in as few as six months, medium-to-large dogs such as Pit Bulls often take a year or two to become fully grown. If you adopt a Pit Bull puppy, keep in mind that there’s always a chance they could reach the heavier end of the spectrum at around 80 pounds. Don’t count on them being on the small side even if their parents are!