American Pit Bull Terrier

The American pit bull terrier is a dog breed that was originally bred in order to facilitate the baiting of bulls. Since then, they’ve become great family and companion dogs. In fact, they became a coveted breed to live with families because they love children and are just as loyal as they are protective. However, they are known to be slightly stubborn and widely clownish.

These terriers are known to be very intelligent. They have short hair all over their bodies, showing off a variety of colors like red, blue, brown, grey, black, and white, though some of them feature a brindle pattern.

Despite their reputation as a ferocious breed, these dogs are not actually dangerous. They make great family dogs and only have a bad, dangerous reputation because they were originally bred to survive in fierce environments.

These dogs are very similar to American Staffordshire Terriers in size as well as appearance. However, they are more often referred to simply as a “pit bull.”

3 Pros and Cons of Owning an American Pit Bull Terrier

History and Origins

Historians debate the exact origins of the modern American Pit Bull Terrier, but it is clear that this breed has been around since at least the 1500s. Originally used for boar hunting and companionship, they were given the name “Bull Dogs” due to their popularity in the cruel sport of bull baiting. After this was outlawed in 1835, dog-fighting promoters looked for other ways to make money, introducing different terrier strains to improve their prey drive, aggression, size, and agility.

In the 19th century, a mix of both English and Irish dogs was brought to the US. These dogs had a strong instinct for catching prey but were gentle and loving with humans. Pit bulls became popular for their work as cattle dogs and “catch dogs” for pigs, although many were not used for fighting. Instead, they proved to be quick learners and eager companions, making them great family pets. By 1900, the American Pit Bull Terrier had earned a reputation for being courageous and loyal, leading to it being called the “nanny dog” in some areas.

Reproduction, Lifespan, and Babies

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a strong and sturdy breed known for its athleticism and adaptability. This hardiness contributes to their average lifespan of 12 to 14 years, which is longer than most similar-sized breeds.

When pregnant, the gestation period of an American Pit Bull Terrier is approximately 63 days from conception. However, this can vary by several days in either direction, so it’s important to monitor carefully during this time. When born, litters usually consist of 5-10 puppies who weigh 7-10 ounces each. At birth, they are both blind and deaf, but they quickly develop those senses. They stay with their mothers for 8-12 weeks while nursing, and it is important not to separate them until weaning occurs naturally.

Size and Weight

American pit bull terriers are medium-sized dogs that have a strong build. The female American pit bull terriers are about 17 to 20 inches in size, while the males are about 18 to 21 inches.

As far as their weight, the female pit bulls weigh around 30 to 50 pounds. Males only reach a slightly higher weight, averaging about 35 to 60 pounds.

They come in a host of colors like red, blue, brown, grey, black, and white, though they sometimes have a brindle pattern instead. Their physique and coloring are fairly close to those of an American Staffordshire Terrier.

Common Health Issues

American pit bull terriers tend to be at risk for many common issues that exist in dogs of their stature. One of the most common conditions is hip dysplasia, which occurs when there are abnormalities in the development of the hip bones and connecting muscles.

Obesity is a potential problem in these dogs as well. They need the opportunity to be active, and their breeding as a working dog puts them at a particular disposition for certain health concerns.

Pet owners need to be vigilant in the dental care of their pit bull, since they are also at risk for dental diseases that can impact the health of their teeth and gums. Thyroid disorders and other viral/bacterial diseases are also possible.

Temperament

The American pit bull terrier is known to be protective in its temperament, especially towards children, and is also known for its playful nature. It makes a great and friendly family and companion dog. They are known for their courageous and clownish temperament, which is why so many owners push to make their peaceful nature more publicized. However, when provoked or when their owner is in danger, it is possible for them to show aggression.

These dogs are highly energetic and are often looking to please their owners. Even though some people believe they are dangerous, these dogs are naturally not aggressive and can be very affectionate. However, these dogs can get stubborn sometimes when they are having too much fun or are hyper-focused on the task at hand.

They can sometimes show aggressive behavior towards other dogs. However, with the right training, these dogs learn to control such behaviors.

Care

For anyone who wants to own an American pit bull terrier, you need to be fully prepared for the road ahead. Regardless of whether you purchase a pup from a breeder or adopt one from a shelter, these dogs need some TLC, so here are some tips on the best ways to feed, groom, and train them.

The Best Dog Food

Like any other dog, always stay away from pork, grapes, onions, garlic, and similar foods. These foods can be incredibly dangerous for the digestive system.

An adult American pit bull terrier requires about 18% protein and 5% fat in the balance of their diet, which helps to keep up their muscle tone and prevent obesity. Chicken, duck, and salmon are excellent sources of protein, though it is best to cook them without oils or other fats before serving them. Protein is excellent for their energy levels, though owners can pair these meals with sweet potatoes, green beans, and some other vegetables.

The food and nutrition requirements of the American pit bull terrier puppies are different, as they require about 22% protein and 8% fat in their diets. However, the puppies should ideally be fed smaller amounts of food as they have smaller stomachs and can digest only small portions at once.

Maintenance and Grooming

American pit bull terriers require minimal grooming, though it can be soothing to their skin. You would need to brush your dog’s coat once a week to remove dead hair and allow the coat to straighten out. After you have brushed the coat, wipe the coat with a damp cloth, removing any excess hair that sticks to the body of the dog.

Besides that, you would also need to clean the ears and brush the teeth of this dog as they become dirty. The nails would also have to be trimmed twice a month.

Training

These dogs are very energetic. It can, therefore, take time for them to settle into a comfortable training routine. You could start early with the puppies to acclimate them as soon as possible. The best way to train the American pit bull terrier is to use positive training techniques. Being aggressive towards them would hardly ever help, and they may only respond to this type of trigger in the future.

Consistency is the key with these dogs. You can and should allow them to have fun to make these training sessions more fun.

Exercise

These dogs are very energetic and require daily exercise. These are working dogs and are great at several dog sports. These dogs often require at least 1 to 2 hours of exercise per day to stay healthy and happy.

Puppies

American pit bull puppies are cared for in the same way as you would care for an adult dog. However, they require more nutrients than adult American pit bull terriers. As stated above, their meals require a little more protein, supporting their brain development and the health of their muscles as they get older.

Due to the small size of their stomach in puppyhood, they cannot digest the large bowls of food that adult pit bulls can. They will need to be fed multiple small meals throughout the day to prevent vomiting and obesity.

American Pit Bull Terriers and Children

American pit bull terriers are great with children, earning them the nickname “nanny dog” in the past. They tend to be relatively protective of children in their owner’s family, showing off their playful nature around them. Their clownish nature helps to engage children, which is why they make great family and companion dogs.

Dogs Similar to American Pit Bull Terriers

Since the American pit bull terrier is not for everyone, people who want to have a similar pet may be interested in one of the following dogs instead.

• American Staffordshire Terrier: Affectionately known as a “staffie,” the American Staffordshire terrier is the closest it comes to the pit bull. Their behavior and even their look are the same, and they share the same brindle pattern in some dogs.
• Boxer: With a slightly more social disposition, the boxer is one of the top watchdogs for any family. Their playful nature comes with significantly less risk of being bitten than the pit bull, but they are also much better suited to an apartment.
• American Bulldog: The American Bulldog has a much meatier physique than the American pit bull terrier, but they also tend to get tired. For families that may not be able to keep up with the need for constant energy use, the American bulldog is a good match.

Famous American Pit Bull Terriers

The lovable smile and disposition of the American pit bull terrier have given them a place in the hearts and homes of many celebrities. Kaley Cuoco, Jessica Alba, and Jennifer Aniston have all voiced their support for this breed by adopting American pit bull terriers of their own.