The Largest Pit Bull Ever Weighs as Much as a Grown Man! Discover How It Grew So Big

Written by Angie Menjivar
Updated: August 31, 2023
Share on:

Advertisement


Listen to Article

The world’s biggest pit bull is surely standing guard somewhere, with a vast chain hanging around its thick neck and a low growl that keeps even those invited from wanting to enter the yard. But even though you might imagine an intimidating dog, the largest pit bull ever is recognized for its gentle heart and affection toward his family. He’s a well-trained pup that lets the littlest member of his human family hop on his back as if he were a horse, ensuring he stays still enough for photographs. His story is unique, and it’s why he became the famous pup known and loved today. But exactly what had to happen for him to grow so big he weighs as much as a full-grown man?

Red Nose Pit Bull Looking Up

Despite his size, the largest pit bull ever is recognized for its gentle heart and affection toward his family.

©David Cohen 156/Shutterstock.com

How Big Do Pit Bulls Get on Average?

On average, pit bulls weigh anywhere between 55 and 60 pounds. These dogs have a genetic advantage that makes them strong, muscular, and hefty. Even though they may not be tall like some other large dogs, they’re dense and stocky. These dogs are fiercely loyal and eager to please. Interestingly, they don’t all end up the same size and weight. Some may be smaller than others. One, like Hulk the pit bull, is the biggest pit bull found throughout the world.

Pit bulls stop growing around 12 to 18 months old. During those first couple of months, it’s a developmental stage, especially around the ninth to twelfth months. That’s when they really hit a growth spurt. If a pit bull is underweight, there could be an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. Whether it’s malnourishment or a medical condition, an underweight pit bull needs assistance from a veterinarian. Although 55 to 60 pounds is an average weight for these dogs, they may comfortably land at 45 pounds or make it up to 90 pounds and be as healthy as ever.

As they’re developing, it’s good to know what their average weight should be. At around two months old, most pit bulls weigh between 15 and 20 pounds. At four months old, they’ve gained a good amount of weight, with most weighing around 35 to 40 pounds. Once they’ve reached that six-month mark, they are right around that average weight, ranging between 40 and 60 pounds. They may not gain more weight if they’re smaller. However, if they do, they should top out at 50 to 75 pounds when they reach a full year. For Hulk, these averages are almost laughable. As an adult, Hulk weighs an incredible 170 pounds!

Hulk is a mixed breed, believed to be a cross of American pit bull and bull terrier.

What Is Hulk the Pit Bull’s Breed?

It’s a common misconception that “pit bull” is a breed, but that’s not the case. It’s more of an umbrella term that encompasses several different registered breeds, including the American pit bull terrier, the American Staffordshire terrier, and the Staffordshire bull terrier. Hulk, the largest pit bull ever, is a crossbreed. He was born from a mix of an American pit bull terrier and a bull terrier. Although his size is intimidating, he’s known for his affectionate personality, having always treated his owners and loved ones with care and gentleness.

dog food for Pitbulls

“Pit bull” is an umbrella term that encompasses several different registered breeds.

©Sophia Tr/Shutterstock.com

What Does Hulk Eat?

There isn’t a lot of information about Hulk’s diet, but it’s rumored he eats four pounds of raw beef each day. There’s no doubt his diet plays a role in his size. Ultimately, though, it’s his genetics and the special breeding process that played the primary role in getting him to weigh as much as a grown man.

Dark Dynasty K9’s Breeding Program

Hulk was bred by Marlon and Lisa Grennan, the owners of Dark Dynasty K9, which is a service that trains pit bulls specifically to teach them how to behave around their owners. Their movement is about education and awareness, teaching owners to lead the way. They’re based out of the White Mountains in New Hampshire, operating with a passion for dogs. Hulk was raised in a training-focused environment. Although there have been other famous dogs out of the bunch, Hulk became the most popular after the internet got wind of his true size. His owners planned Hulk’s fame carefully, using his size as the main point of appeal. Hulk’s popularity grew over time after he was shared on social media (specifically Instagram).

After a short hiatus, Hulk’s presence returned online, and by that point, the buzz about him was cemented. Thanks to Hulk’s popularity, Dark Dynasty K9 became even more of an internet sensation known internationally. Once he had the bigger stage, Marlon Grenner started explaining his training abilities. Although their methods have spurred controversy in some circles, their reputation stands as breeders and trainers for extra-large American pit bull terriers. They aim to change the way these dogs are perceived by carefully raising each of the puppies they have and training them to understand how to follow the leader of the pack: the owner.

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

Ready to discover the top 10 cutest dog breeds in the entire world?

How about the fastest dogs, the largest dogs and those that are -- quite frankly -- just the kindest dogs on the planet? Each day, AZ Animals sends out lists just like this to our thousands of email subscribers. And the best part? It's FREE. Join today by entering your email below.

What's the right dog for you?

Dogs are our best friends but which breed is your perfect match?

X-Small
Small
Medium
Large
Xtra-Large

If you have kids or existing dogs select:

Kids
Other Dogs

Should they be Hypoallergenic?

Yes
No
How important is health?
Which dog groups do you like?
How much exercise should your dog require?
What climate?
How much seperation anxiety?
How much yappiness/barking?

How much energy should they have?

The lower energy the better.
I want a cuddle buddy!
About average energy.
I want a dog that I have to chase after constantly!
All energy levels are great -- I just love dogs!
How much should they shed?
How trainable/obedient does the dog need to be?
How intelligent does the dog need to be?
How much chewing will allow?

Share on:
About the Author

Angie Menjivar is a writer at A-Z-Animals primarily covering pets, wildlife, and the human spirit. She has 14 years of experience, holds a Bachelor's degree in psychology, and continues her studies into human behavior, working as a copywriter in the mental health space. She resides in North Carolina, where she's fallen in love with thunderstorms and uses them as an excuse to get extra cuddles from her three cats.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.