Pitbull Dog: Your Complete Guide
Pitbulls have been around for a long time, and they’ve become one of the most popular dogs in the United States. There are four types of pitbull dogs and each type has some unique traits. These types include the American pitbull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, American bully, and Staffordshire bull terrier. While each pitbull has some unique traits, most pitbulls behave in the same way and most of their unique traits come down to subtle size differences.
Unfortunately, it’s important to note that pitbull dogs have developed a bit of a reputation for being aggressive and dangerous. While any dog can be dangerous, including a pitbull, pitbulls aren’t usually aggressive unless they’re trained to act in that way. In fact, most pitbull dogs are easy to train, affectionate, and loving dogs. Plus, they’re great with children and other animals. For this reason, don’t let anyone ruin your chances of adopting a pitbull just because they say they’re aggressive; this is far from the norm!
That said, there is a lot to learn about pitbulls and you should know what you’re getting into before purchasing or adopting one. This is where we come in. Read on to learn more about their size, behavior, intelligence, trainability, and much more.
Quick Look at the Pitbull Dog
Below is a quick glance at the pitbull dog in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs. Since there are multiple types of pitbull dogs, we have the averages for each type displayed in the chart below.
| Weight/Height | 14-21 inches, 24-80 pounds |
| Coat Type | Short, straight, and coarse |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding | |
| Temperament | Loyal, kind, gentle, and energetic |
| Good With Kids |  |
| Good With Other Animals | |
| Intelligence | |
| Easy to Train | |
| Energy Level |  |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 8-15 years |
What Is the History of Pitbull Dogs?
The history of the pitbull goes back to the 1800s where they were bred in the United Kingdom for sporting events. Pitbulls likely came to be due to cross-breeding between English bulldogs and terriers, hence the name pitbull terrier. The specific sporting events that pitbulls were bred for range from bull-baiting to dog fighting, which is where they get the stigma for being aggressive.
Despite their origins, many pitbulls were bred for more desirable traits as the breed went on, especially once they reached the United States in the late 1800s and early 1900s. During this period, the variation of pitbulls started to take shape, and American pitbulls became more docile, kind, and gentle compared to their roots.
However, pitbulls were still used in wars and as work dogs by their human companions. The best example of this is Sergeant Stubby. He’s the most declared war dog ever and served for 18 months on the front lines of World War II. Plus, he’s the only dog to ever achieve the rank of sergeant. At the same time, pitbulls were seeing a renaissance in American culture as they were used for commercial advertising.
While these dogs may have come from blood sports, pitbulls are not naturally aggressive or vicious dogs. Today, a pitbull dog is more likely to be cuddled up in your bed relaxing with you than out bothering people. Unfortunately, their perception has been tainted by bad press and a negative presence in the media, and many people now fear pitbull dogs. Thankfully, efforts have been made over the years to restore their reputation, and they’re becoming a popular and family-friendly breed.
What Do Pitbull Dogs Look Like?
Pitbulls come in a wide variety of sizes and colors, like the red nose pitbull, which is known for their unique color and, of course, red nose. Therefore, it’s not uncommon to see pitbulls that have a mixed coat or solid colors. Blue, black, red, white, tan, and fawn are never off the table for these dogs, so expect a lot of variation depending on the litter.
Pitbull dogs also have some distinct features that help them stand out, even if their coat colors can form random patterns. Typically, pitbulls have a muscular body and a stocky appearance. This gives them a low center of gravity that shows through their powerful strength. Their eyes can range in color from light brown to black and their ears tend to be on the floppy side. Most pitbulls have short, dense hair that’s coarse to the touch. This protects their body but can also feel rough to pet at times.
What Size Is a Pitbull?
Pitbulls vary greatly in size based on the specific pitbull breed. For example, the American pitbull terrier is the most common type of pitbull and they can weigh between 35 and 60 pounds and stand at 17 to 21 inches at the shoulder (females being slightly smaller than males). On the other hand, the Staffordshire bull terrier is a smaller and more compact pitbull that weighs around 24 to 40 points and stands between 14 and 16 inches.
Some other types of pitbull will have similar weights with some of the largest pitbulls being the American Staffordshire terrier, which is slightly larger than the American pitbull terrier coming in at 50 to 80 pounds; a more stocky build is also common. That said, most pitbulls won’t weigh more than 100 pounds.
What Is a Pitbull Dog’s Coat Type and Length?
Pitbull dogs can have unique coats depending on the type of pitbull. That said, most pitbulls share some common traits and have coats that are short and coarse. Their coat tends to bug their body and feels rough to the touch if you let them against the grain. Some variation is possible, but their coat tends to be straight, with curls and swirls being extremely rare.
What Is a Pitbull Dog’s Temperament?
Pitbull dogs have a gentle and kind temperament. While these dogs have a reputation for being aggressive, that can’t be further from the truth. Most American pitbulls are kind and can even be a good fit in homes that have children or other animals. Pitbull dogs are also loyal, trainable, and clever enough to train for a wide range of tasks. Ultimately, most pitbulls have a calm and kind temperament if you train them properly. That said, some pitbulls can be excitable and may jump on you if they’re happy to see you.
Are Pitbull Dogs Good With Kids?
Pitbull dogs are great with kids. They have a lot of energy so they love to play with children who can match their energy level. Pitbulls are also strong dogs that can handle some gentle tugging and pulling without getting aggressive, scared, or hurt. This makes them a great playmate for young children. Still, make sure you keep an eye on them when they’re around your children. Some parental supervision is necessary regardless of the breed.
Are Pitbull Dogs Good With Other Animals?
Pitbull dogs can be good with other animals. While some breeds can have a prey drive and a tendency to get excited when they see other dogs or animals, most pitbulls are docile. That said, you may need to provide them with socialization from a young age to avoid any problems. You can accomplish this through training, taking your pitbull dog to dog parks, and bringing them around other dogs. We recommend starting at a young age for the best results.
Are Pitbull Dogs Aggressive?
Pitbull dogs are not aggressive. While their image has been tainted over the years, pitbulls are one of the kindest dog breeds around if you don’t train them to be a watchdog or guard dog. They’re not prone to snapping, and when they jump on you, it’s more likely that they want to lick you rather than bite you. That said, exceptions are possible, so keep this in mind and make sure you train away bad behaviors with positive reinforcement training. Building a foundation with basic obedience training can also prevent them from lashing out or being aggressive.
Do Pitbulls Bark?
Pitbulls bark, and they might bark a lot. While this comes down to the individual dog, pitbulls have a loud and fierce bark and may bark the second they see someone approach your home. If you live in any type of shared housing, this can quickly become problematic for you and your neighbors. Some pitbulls may also experience separation anxiety and may lash out or bark when you’re gone.
Are Pitbull Dogs Affectionate?
Pitbull dogs are affectionate dogs. While they may have a negative image for being violent, this is far from the case for most pitbull dogs. They love to feel like part of the family, so much so that they may prefer your bed to theirs. As long as you socialize them from a young age and work on forming a bond with them, you’ll find that most pitbull dogs will become loving members of the family who will even go out of their way to keep you safe.
Are Pitbull Dogs Intelligent?
Pitbull dogs are intelligent. They’re smart, clever, and willing to learn. While they can be challenging to train for the first time, they can handle complex commands and make good service dogs or watchdogs. While they’re not the smartest breed, they are high on the intelligence scale because you can teach them to do just about anything.
Are Pitbulls Energetic?
Pitbulls are one of the most energetic dog breeds you’ll encounter. At first, it may seem like they have a limitless source of energy and it even extends into adulthood. However, if you play with them for one or two hours daily, you’ll find that they do have their limits. Therefore, if you’re not someone who has the time or space to play with a pitbull you might want to avoid this breed. On the other hand, for people who want an active dog for walks, runs, or even hikes, pitbull dogs are an excellent choice.
Are Pitbull Dogs Easy to Train?
Pitbull dogs can be easy to train but are not the best candidates for first-time dog owners or trainers. This is because their energy levels can be high and if you don’t reward or stimulate them properly, they may become rebellious or decide to not behave well at all. That said, anyone can train a pitbull dog if they’re patient and willing to work with them. Always focus on positive reinforcement training and you shouldn’t have any problems.
Plus, once you develop a solid foundation, you shouldn’t have any problems training pitbull dogs for some of the more advanced training programs. For example, you can train them as agility dogs or even have them perform tricks at your local dog show.
Are Pitbull Dogs Good Watchdogs?
Pitbull dogs are excellent watchdogs. They can be trained to protect your home, you, and even your belongings. What makes them great watchdogs is a combination of their trainability and ability to scare off unwanted guests. Their bark is fierce, and their presence alone is enough to scare most people away from your property. However, you will have to train them to behave this way because they’re not naturally aggressive.
Are Pitbull Dogs Good Service Dogs?
Believe it or not, yes, pitbull dogs make great service dogs. They’re smart, loyal, and easy to train, which makes them a good candidate for psychiatric and physical service dog work. While they’re on the stockier side, they have enough strength to open doors, pull wheelchairs through harsh terrain, and navigate through crowds to help someone get to safety. Pitbull dogs are also clever enough to open cabinets and remind people when it’s time to take medication, yet gentle enough to provide the right amount of deep-pressure therapy for those who need it.
Pitbull dogs also come in different sizes, so you can consider smaller breeds that are more suitable for apartments if you need an emotional support dog (ESD). That said, make sure you train them to not bark often to avoid disturbing your neighbors.
How to Care for a Pitbull Dog?
Caring for a pitbull dog can be challenging, so you have to go about it the right way. Some pitbull dogs have a limitless source of energy, so you may need to play with them for over an hour per day. This can be done through walks, running, or playing, and can also help you with grooming because it can wear their nails down.
You also have to feed them a healthy diet, visit the vet every year, and make sure you spend plenty of time with them to form that deep bond they crave with their human companions.
Do You Need to Groom a Pitbull Dog?
You absolutely need to groom a pitbull dog. While their hair is short and coarse, you still have to help them stay clean and healthy. What’s more, you also have to trim their nails, clean their ears, and periodically check their anal glands. Trimming their coat if it gets too scraggly is also an important part of caring for a pitbull dog. Fortunately, we have some grooming tips that can help you stretch out that next professional appointment. Still, aim for professional grooming once every two months or once a month if you’re playing in the dirt or mud often.
Do Pitbull Dogs Shed?
Pitbull dogs do shed, but they don’t shed more than other dogs. They are moderate shedders that slightly more during seasonal changes.
What Health Problems Do Pitbull Dogs Have?
Pitbulls are usually healthy breeds, and they’re known for their above-average lifespan and strong bodies. That said, it’s possible for some pitbull dogs to develop health conditions like hip dysplasia or joint problems as they get older. Unfortunately, these problems can develop from birth or overtime due to stress on the hips from running and walking. If possible, ease up on their activity level as they get older.
Some other health problems to look for include skin irritations, ear infections, and bloat. As always, the best way to prevent health problems is to visit your vet frequently and ensure that they eat a healthy diet and get plenty of exercise.
How Long Do Pitbull Dogs Live?
Pitbull dogs can live a long life. However, the lifespan of a pitbull dog ultimately comes down to their genetics and the care they receive throughout their life. Generally speaking, you can expect a pitbull dog to live anywhere between 8 and 15 years on average.
What Should a Pitbull Dog Eat?
Pitbull dogs should eat a diet that’s high in carbohydrates and protein due to their muscular bodies and high energy levels. You should feed them at least twice per day and focus on mixing kibble and wet food to ensure proper hydration. Since pitbull dogs are medium-sized dogs, feed them a diet formulated for medium-sized dogs.
Is a Pitbull Dog the Right Dog for Me?
The pitbull dog is a great choice for anyone who needs a canine companion, with only a few exceptions. We only recommend against adopting this breed if you don’t have the space or time to care for them. If you’re a first-time dog owner or lack experience training dogs, it’s also important to work with a professional or take the time necessary to learn how to train them. Otherwise, bad habits like barking and jumping can persist deep into adulthood.
On the other hand, pitbull dogs are perfect for people who want an energetic dog that loves to spend time with the family. They will follow you anywhere and love hanging around in the house or in a spacious backyard. Despite the bad press over the years, pitbull dogs are some of the kindest and most loving dogs you can adopt.