Male Pit Bull vs. Female Pit Bull: 6 Key Differences

Unfortunately, stories of pit bulls being “fighting dogs” lead to misconceptions about their nature and temperament. They make great companions when properly trained and socialized and are very loving and devoted dogs, as many pit bull owners will gladly tell you!

The American Dog Breeders Association (ADBA) describes pit bulls as medium-sized dogs with short coats and well-defined, solid, muscular bodies. It has a somewhat-square head with eyes that are round to almond-shaped and ears small to medium in length. The tail is short, thick at the base, and tapers to a point.

But how do you choose between getting a female or a male pit bull? What’s the difference?

Male and female pit bulls look similar in physical appearance, but there are 6 key differences between the two genders.

Let’s check out the differences between male and female pit bulls to help you decide.

Key Differences Between a Male Pit Bull and a Female Pit Bull

Owners of pit bulls will tell you what delightful pets they make. They are also intelligent, friendly, good with children, and adore their families. As a family pet and a loving playmate for your kids, look no further than the male pit bull! If your key interest is in a guard dog, the female pit bull is the better option because it is a smart and cautious dog.

Appearance

Pitbulls are similar in appearance having muscular, athletic, and well-defined bodies, with square-shaped heads, square fleshy noses, and round to almond-shaped eyes. They have smooth, glossy, short coats that are stiff to the touch.

While both genders are similar in size and appearance, there are definite differences!

Height

The male pit bull is generally taller than the female, measuring 18 to 21 inches in height. It is bulkier and more muscular. Even the muscles in their head and neck are well-developed. The male pit bull’s head is wide with a wider jaw. The eyes are closer together.

The female is shorter and smaller than its male counterpart and stands at approximately 17 to 20 inches. Their heads are slightly narrower, with eyes spaced wider apart and the skin around their lips pulled tighter than males.

Weight

Because it has a more muscular and taller body frame, the male pit bull is heavier than the female, and they weigh around 35 lbs and can be as heavy as 60 lbs.

Female pit bulls only weigh around 30 lbs and could be as big as 50 lbs. In addition, females have a longer and slimmer body frame.

Color

Pitbulls come in well over 20 different colors! Many colors, patterns, and combinations of colors are not specific to either gender. The most common pit bull colors include black, chocolate, red, black, and white, or tan and white.

Only pure-bred pit bulls have green eyes. These dogs can, however, also have blue, hazel, and brown eyes.

Some pit bulls have a red nose, a black nose, or even a blue nose. There is no structure to the coloring of pit bulls.

Characteristics

All dogs have their own unique character. While genetics play an important role in the dog’s characteristics, how you treat, train, supervise, socialize, and take care of them is paramount. Loving and caring ultimately nurture them into loving, playful, and happy pets.

Temperament

Personality, character, and temperament result from how they are raised and the environment in which they are raised rather than their gender. If you have no intention of breeding pit bulls, it will be wise to neuter your male pit bull and spay your female pit bull. It is worth saying again that both males and females are loving, loyal, confident, playful, smart, and gentle dogs.

Female pit bulls are easier to train when young and more connected with their owners. They can be more demanding of attention. They’re more suspicious of strangers, intolerant, and aggressive with other male dogs. Females are more likely to protect an individual like its owner. Female pit bulls will also mature quicker than males. They are more cautious around cats and other pets.

Male pit bulls are harder to train when young, and they are less suspicious of strangers. They are a lot more playful, especially with children. A pit bull male is more excitable as a puppy and a bit more stubborn. Males have a higher energy level than females. In addition, male pit bulls will mature later than females. They will also get along well with cats and other pets.

Social Needs

Male pit bulls are more energetic than females, but both require a lot of socializing to ensure they are well-balanced pups. Start socializing at a young age so they get used to people and other animals. Consider puppy training sessions and learn to become the strong leader your pit bull needs to socialize in a healthy way.

Health Factors

So, you’ve done your best to keep your pit bull healthy and happy in terms of a good diet and regular exercise, but there are some specific health problems to keep a look out for.

Life Expectancy

How long do pit bulls live? The following information is true for both genders. The lifespan of pit bulls is dependent on what specific crossbreed it is. On average, therefore, the life expectancy of a pit bull can be anywhere from 8-16 years, depending on the pit bull sub-breed.

Health Problems

Male pit bulls are more likely to get bone injuries and joint and hip problems because they are physically active. They are also more likely to get bladder problems.

Female pit bulls are prone to uterus infections if they aren’t spayed, breast tumors, and cancers.

Here are some of the most common health problems in pit bulls:

• Skin disorders, such as dry, flaky, itchy skin
• Knee complications
• Hip dislocation, although more common in male pit bulls because they are more active and physical
• Food allergies
• Cataracts
• Liver disease
• Thyroid problems

Do Male and Female Pitbulls Fight?

Dogs of the same sex are prone to engage in conflicts more often. Two males or two females have a higher likelihood of fighting compared to a male and a female. This holds true for all breeds, as dogs of the same sex tend to view each other as rivals.

To alleviate potential tensions, ensure your dogs get regular exercise to release pent-up energy.

Wrapping Up Male Pit Bulls vs. Female Pit Bulls 

Remember that pit bulls’ character, personality, and temperament are so much more reliant on how they are raised in a nurturing environment than on whether they are male or female. Suppose your pit bull is presented in a loving household and lavished with appropriate care, attention, and nurture.

In that case, that may be all they need to live up to the reputation of being an intelligent, loving, gentle, playful, loyal family pet and a great playmate for your kids. The old wise saying, “a dog is man’s best friend,” certainly rings true then, with a happy family and a happy dog.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Ivanova N/Shutterstock.com