Are you considering adding a new furry family member? Are you considering a Pitbull Terrier?
Although many people have false conceptions about pitbull dog breeds, they are much like any other. It is because they are affectionate and wonderful family companions. But, then, why this strong and athletic breed has a reputation for being hostile and dangerous?
Before making a decision, it is crucial to educate yourself about the pitbull breed if you’re planning to get one. In this article, we’ll help you determine whether this is the ideal breed for you by examining its traits, history, origin, personality, and further details.
Whether you are a seasoned expert or a first-time dog owner, this article will provide you with everything you should know about the Pitbull Terrier.
[wpdatatable id=77]History of Pitbull Terrier
The Pit Bull Terrier’s history can be traced back to England in the early 19th century. By combining Bulldogs and Terriers, breeders were able to create the Pitbull, which was courageous, athletic, and gentle with its family.
Pitbulls were trained to perform various jobs, including herding livestock, hunting, guarding property, and being a companion. Unfortunately, they were also employed in cruel bloodsports like bullbaiting and dog fighting. It has led to an unfair stereotype of the breed as aggressive and even its outright ban in some places.
American Pit Bull Terriers became the first breed to be registered with the United Kennel Club when it was established in 1898. Pitbulls have taken on various societal roles throughout the 20th century and into the present. They excel at jobs like police and military dogs and search and rescue dogs, in addition to being adored as companions.
Pitbull Terrier Breed Characteristics
A Pitbull Terrier is a powerful breed with a vast and illustrious history. Pitbull terriers are medium-sized dog breeds renowned for their strength and power. They have short, silky coats in various colors, such as black, white, brindle, and blue.
Pitbulls have muscular bodies with large chests and strong muscles. They have an excellent sense of smell and are easily trained.
More About The Breed
The American Pitbull Terrier is a bully breed known as a pit bull. However, it is crucial to clarify that “pit bull” does not refer to a single breed. It refers to a group of different types of Pitbull breeds that include the American Staffordshire Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
It is important to be aware that if you own an American Pit Bull Terrier, you might experience unfavorable responses from people who have preconceived notions about the breed. Not everyone should own a dog of this breed, especially those who are unable to give their pet consistent and authoritative guidance or who are unwilling to devote time to training and socialization.
American Pit Bull Terriers make wonderful canine friends for kids when trained and socialized properly. Due to their tail-wagging eagerness to welcome guests, they frequently make poor guard dogs despite being loving and gentle with people. These dogs are fiercely loyal and devoted to their family, and if necessary, they will defend them.
American Pit Bull Terriers are exceptionally intelligent dogs that pick up commands and tricks with ease. They are extremely energetic and enjoy getting involved in everything around them. They are fun to live with because they maintain a playful and youthful attitude well into adulthood. When you learn more about this breed, you’ll wonder how you ever managed with one.
Size
The Pitbull Terrier typically stands between 14-24 inches tall and weighs between 22-78 pounds. They are suitable for apartments to big houses due to their medium sizes.
Personality
Pitbulls are renowned for having devoted personalities. They are excellent playmates with kids because they are affectionate with their owners. They are also fiercely devoted to their families, which makes them excellent watchdogs.
Temperament
Pitbulls are famous for their friendly and loving nature, despite their reputation for aggression. They do not have a natural tendency toward aggression. Still, it is usually the result of their inadequate training and socialization.
Health
The Pitbull Terrier is a generally healthy breed. Still, it can be vulnerable to heart disease, allergies, and hip dysplasia. A healthy diet and routine vet visits can keep your Pitbull in top condition.
Care
Pitbull Terriers require little care when it comes to grooming, but they do require regular exercise to stay in shape. They need regular socialization and training to help them avoid acting aggressively.
Feeding
The general health and well-being of your Pitbull depend on how well you feed them. Pitbulls need a diet high in protein, moderate in fat, and low in carbohydrates because they are medium-sized breeds with moderate to high energy levels.
It is advised to give your Pitbull dry kibble that is of the highest quality and has been specially formulated for its size and level of activity. Look for brands that list chicken, fish, or beef as the first ingredient among high-quality protein sources. You should avoid food with fillers like corn, wheat, and soy. They may have trouble digesting these kinds of foods.
It is also crucial to keep an eye on your Pitbull’s weight and adjust food intake as necessary. Overweight Pitbulls are more likely to experience health issues like joint pain, heart disease, and diabetes.
Coat Color And Grooming
The American Pit Bull Terrier has a short, shiny coat that can be brindle, red, brown, grey, white, or black. The coat feels stiff to the touch and needs little maintenance. The coat can be kept shiny by giving it a stiff brushing and a quick wipe down.
Brushing your dog’s teeth at least twice a week is essential for maintaining good oral health. It’s also crucial to regularly trim your nails to avoid painful tears and other issues. Weekly inspection of your dog’s ears is necessary to look for any redness or foul odor that might be signs of an infection. Use a cotton ball dipped in a pH-balanced ear cleaner to clean the ears to avoid infections.
Your dog will become less fearful during grooming and medical examinations if they are exposed to brushing and examinations early on. When grooming, look for sores, rashes, or infection-related symptoms like skin redness, tenderness, or inflammation in the eyes, nose, mouth, or feet. Your weekly grooming routine will help you spot potential health problems early.
Children And Other Pets
Pitbulls have a reputation for being good playmates with kids. If they train and supervise properly, they prove to be great with other animals too. To ensure everyone’s safety, it is crucial to closely monitor interactions between pets and children, regardless of the breed.
Conclusion
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a misunderstood and often maligned breed. These canines are loving, incredibly intelligent, devoted, and eagerly obedient companions.
They are lively and great family pets, particularly when given training and socialization.
American Pit Bull Terriers, despite their unfavorable reputation, are one of the most adaptable breeds and have a history of success in a wide range of jobs, including those requiring search-and-rescue abilities, therapy and service dogs, and police and military dogs. It’s crucial to educate oneself about this breed and bust the myths associated with it. An American Pit Bull Terrier will enrich your life with unimaginable happiness and companionship if you are its rightful owner.
FAQs
The temperaments and personalities of pit bulls can vary, just like any other breed of dog. Some may be aggressive, while others may be friendly and well-behaved. The way a dog is raised and treated by its owner, however, has a significant impact on the dog’s behavior. The right socialization, training, and responsible ownership are all factors that can have a big impact on a dog’s behavior.
A pitbull needs to engage in vigorous activity for at least 30 to 60 minutes each day. This can involve physical activities like running, fetching, or brisk walks. It’s important to remember that Pitbulls are an extremely active breed and that if they don’t get enough exercise, they might become destructive or exhibit behavioral problems.
The most important thing is to provide a high-quality, nutritionally balanced diet. This can be achieved through a combination of commercial dog food and homemade meals. Homemade meals include lean meats such as chicken, turkey, beef, fish, brown rice and vegetables like broccoli and carrots.
A Pitbull’s lifespan is typically between 12 and 14 years. However, they can live up to 16 years if given the right nutrition and care.
If properly socialized and trained, pit bulls can get along well with other animals. Additionally, it’s crucial to keep in mind that because Pitbulls are a strong and spirited breed, they could unintentionally hurt other animals or even people if improperly trained or supervised.
Hi, I’m Walter,
I live in Oklahoma City, USA, and have extensive dog caring and grooming expertise. In addition, I provide dog training tips and tricks through my blogs in Canine Weekly. I have a Dog Behavior and Training diploma and have previously worked as a Dog Trainer at ROC Animal Training and Behavior and Tip Top K9 of OKC Dog Training.
Apart from writing on Canine Weekly, I share my views on Twitter and Linkedin.