Pitbulls, in general, have a reputation for being aggressive, but this is not necessarily true of all individual pit bull breeds. Gator Pitbulls are typically friendly and affectionate with their families, but they may be suspicious of strangers. Perhaps, that is why people judge them for having an introverted personality.
This blog will explore both types of nature and their respective pros and cons for pet owners. If you intend to adopt a Gator Pitbull eventually, this blog will help you identify the peculiar nature of this dog breed. You will also learn why they behave, the way they behave!
Those who own a Gator Pitbull would tell you that they are very quick learners and often do well in obedience training. However, I have come across many Pitbull parents, and they would all agree that they have a personality like no other dog. They reflect the energy of others and don’t take much time to gel with strangers. Today, let’s explore more about this dog breed and learn what makes them so different and unique.
Also Read: The 13 Best Big Dog Breeds – Top Large Dogs for Kids & Families
Did You Know These Facts About Gator Pitbull?
Here are some obvious facts about these dogs; however, we have mentioned some important and lesser-known facts to let you know more about this breed of dog.
- This is a hybrid dog created by crossing an American Pitbull Terrier with an American Alligator.
- They are considered dangerous dogs due to their aggressive nature.
- The average lifespan of these dogs is 10 to 12 years.
- These dogs are not for everyone, and potential owners should research the breed before deciding to bring one into their home.
- They were featured on an episode of “It’s Me or the Dog.”
- They have also been known to attack and kill other animals, including other dogs.
- They are also banned in several U.S. states, including Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Virginia.
The Appearance of a Gator Pitbull
Instead of the aggressive and alert body language that many pitbull terriers have, they look cute. Despite their cute looks, their bodies are highly muscular, giving them a sturdy appearance. Besides, their coat is quite glossy and short.
They have a short tail and can grow up to 65 pounds. In addition, they can reach a height of 20 inches. These cumulative factors have resulted in the immense popularity of these relatively new dog breeds.
The Temperament of Gator Pitbulls
It is the fault of most dog owners that they neglect their dogs from a young age. Instead, dogs like these should be exposed to a diversified environment comprising both people and animals. They thrive in an environment that allows them to grow and gain opportunities to explore new things.
They are built to remain outdoors and are extremely versatile dogs that can be used for various purposes, including protection, law enforcement, and even as loyal and loving family pets. They are highly energetic and need a lot of exercises.
They are clever, loving, and eager to please their owners. Unlike Pitbull Terriers, they are not naturally aggressive; they need to be trained from a young age. With training, they tend to be more social and can accommodate other animals, especially dogs. This quality makes them unique in a very special way.
They are known as “fighter dogs,” owing to their aggressive nature that surfaces when they see another animal as their opponent. This is one of the major reasons why they are often seen attacking other animals. Owing to their physical strength and stubborn nature, they can become difficult to manage.
This is why most pet owners who own them need to pay extra attention and supervise the whereabouts of their pets.
Parents of such dogs find it difficult to manage them in enclosed areas such as crates etc. It is ideal to ensure at least six feet of the fence if they are left open to prevent them from climbing over it.
These traits mostly define this breed of dog as difficult to live with. However, it is not entirely true. Read on to learn more about this breed of dog and why some people love to have them as their pets.
Some Positive Aspects
These dogs are relatively confident, and as mentioned earlier, despite their sturdy appearance, they look cute. In addition, they have a healthy lifespan of about 11-15 human years, which is above average compared to other dog breeds.
Having already discussed their aggressive and “fightful” nature – it is only fair to understand how they possess it. For this, one will have to go into their historical background, where they were originally bred for dogfighting.
In fact, they are known to be from the bloodline of Rodriquez gator and Plumber’s alligator. Hopefully, that explains their name Gator Pitbull better now, being derived from its two parents! They are not at all dangerous or hard to take care of. In fact, with proper training, socialization, and grooming, these make a perfect fit for being welcomed into one’s family.
Gator Pitbull’s Health Issues
To ensure that your dog remains healthy and enjoys a long and fulfilling life, it is important that you take care of their health and regularly visit veterinarians. The same rule applies to these dogs as well. It would help if you got your dog to get regularly checked by a veterinarian, which will reduce their chances of getting sick.
To begin with, even before you buy or adopt one, you can always screen the pup. This step ensures that your puppy is not carrying any genetic disorder that may affect its health in the long run. Besides, like other dogs, regular vaccination is a must for them, which will save them from many life-threatening diseases. Besides, it will also keep you and your family safe if your pitbull bites you.
Otherwise, some major health issues that may affect your dog are hip dysplasia, gastric problems, knee, and joint pain, cataracts, thyroid, allergies, ichthyosis, and heart disease. Although the list may look long, with proper medical care and timely diagnosis, the chances of your Gator suffering from any of such diseases lessen, and your furry friend can enjoy a healthy life.
Exercise, Grooming, And Training Your Gator Pitbull
These are muscular dog breeds and need regular and vigorous training. It is recommended that you let them exercise for around 30 to 45 minutes each day. If you decide to let them run freely in your backyard, please ensure that a fence covers your backyard as they tend to jump high, and in the absence of the fence, they can escape or be lost.
Please remember that, unlike many other dog breeds, they are not very fond of being touched or rubbed under their bellies. Hence training them is not an easy task. But to be an effective relationship with your dog, you need to train them to be calm and relaxed. Therefore, you need to begin training them from a young age.
While training, maintain eye contact with your dog, but at any cost, do not show them any aggression, or they tend to react vehemently. They don’t take a lot of time or energy for grooming. But as a dog parent, you need to brush your coat regularly.
Brushing can be an effective way of bonding with your dog. Besides, you can always check for skin infections, abrasions, or even the presence of ticks while brushing them. Besides, although most dogs love to play in the water, they should be bathed regularly, as it can harm their health.
But to beat the heat, a quick bath once in a while or a quick swim in a river or sea can work in their favor.
Food and Diet of Gator Pitbulls
The muscular bodies of these dogs demand a protein-rich diet, and the protein should be obtained from various sources, meat being a primary source. Please keep in mind that while meat is a great source of protein, it should be thoroughly checked for parasites before being served to your dog. Unsafe and unhealthy meat can make your dog seriously ill and can harm your dog’s health.
In addition to meat, most dogs like to have some vegetables. It has been generally observed that they are fond of carrots, spinach, pumpkin, and kale, and these vegetables play a pivotal role in ensuring a wholesome diet for your Gator. So, try to ensure that these veggies are also a part of their daily diet along with raw meat.
Apart from food, Gators need water, and especially after a rigorous spell of exercise, they need fresh and cool water to quench their thirst. So, please ensure that they always have a fresh water supply to keep them healthy and save them from dehydration, especially during hot and sultry days. You can get the water fountains to ensure that they are hydrated throughout the day.
Summary
Be it for adoption or curiosity, the facts mentioned above would have given you an idea of these dogs and their nature. They are lovable and can be groomed like no other breed with basic training and affection. In addition, their ability to socialize is bound to leave you surprised, along with their ability to be self-sufficient in times of need.
[wpdatatable id=4]
Forrest is a lover of dogs, the wild outdoors, deep mysterious conversations… and coffee. He is the owner of several websites, including Canine Weekly. He resides in Austin, Texas.