American Pit Bull Terrier

Coat & Grooming: If it weren’t for the shedding, Pit Bulls would likely be the ultimate low-maintenance dog! Their coats are short, and don’t require much in the way of upkeep. A bath every one to two months should be sufficient to keeping them clean – more often that that may deplete the coat of important natural oils and moisture.

Make sure to keep your Pit Bull’s nails trimmed short. You can use a standard canine nail trimmer, or a Dremmel rotary sanding tool. The later makes it less likely that you’ll cut into the “quick,” or blood supply to the nail. It’s also easy to sand the end of the nail to a smooth finish that makes splitting less likely.

Don’t forget brushing! Keeping your Pittie’s teeth clean with brushing 2 – 3 times per week is essential to good oral health. Use a toothpaste formulated for use in animals, since human toothpaste can contain xylitol and fluoride – both dangerous to dogs if swallowed.

Shedding: The short coat of the Pit Bull is relatively low maintenance, however they do tend to shed with the change in seasons twice yearly. Luckily their hairs are not long, so they don’t make a big mess in the house, and routine brushing will remove loose hairs and keep their coats shiny.

Training: Your Pit Bull wants to please you more than you know! It’s vital that you take advantage of this trait and provide appropriate socialization and training as without it, these strong-willed dogs will attempt to exert their dominance. Cesar Milan, A.K.A the “Dog Whisperer,” has written extensively about the need to establish “pack leader” status with these dogs, and his writings will likely be beneficial to anyone who is considering making a Pit Bull part of their tribe.

Because Pit Bulls do well with structure and routine, Pit Bull owners should consider whether they can devote the time and attention to activities like volunteer search and rescue training, agility training, or therapy work. Pit Bull-type dogs have so many gifts and much to give, when they have the proper training. They also excel at many sports, including dock-jumping, lure-coursing, and weight-pulling.

Barking: Pit Bulls tend to be rather quiet, and don’t bark unless they are alarmed – so pay attention when they do bark. Pit Bulls that are poorly trained and socialized are known to attack without even issuing a warning, such as a growl, and because of this it’s imperative that you work with your Pit Bull to establish his position in your pack, and yours as pack leader.

Temperament & Behavior: Pit Bulls are frequently seen with a big, sloppy tongue hanging from the side of their mouths, seeming to “grin,” using their massive heads to show that all is right in their world. They are probably the most misunderstood dog out there, and unfortunately have a reputation with many people as being aggressive and fearsome, and prone to attacking even when unprovoked.

Pit Bull-type dogs have a bit of a strong will, but with proper socialization and training are loyal and loving. They are highly intelligent, but need a strong hand to guide them towards proper behavior when they are young. It’s important to carefully “test” your new Pit Bull around cats and other dogs, and closely monitor their interactions. With a firm, loving, and committed “pack leader” (i.e. pet parent) your Pit Bull-type dog will settle happily and confidently into the pack.

Pit Bulls are eager to please, and capable of great acts of strength and protection when a member of their pack is threatened. They are amusing and fun-loving and make excellent family dogs, as well as committed working dogs.

Personality: Pit Bulls are known for their fierce loyalty to their families, but can be aloof to strangers and especially to strange dogs. As with any dog, they should be carefully monitored around small children, but most make excellent family dogs.

Behavior with Kids: No small child should be left alone with any dog, because even the most mild-mannered dog becomes unpredictable when subjected to the good-natured torment that a child can inflict. While most Pit Bull-type dogs are devoted to all of the family members, make a point to closely watch your children with these dogs, and never leave them unattended.

Protection: One of the key character traits of Pit Bull-type dogs is their fierce dedication to the humans in their family. They seem to have an uncanny ability to know when something isn’t right, and there are many stories in the media about these dogs providing protection for their family members.

Life Span: On average, the life span of a Pit Bull is about 12 years.

Inherited Health Issues: Since Pit Bulls are not recognized as a specific breed, there is no formal information as to what specific diseases these dogs are predisposed to developing, and no way to identify the likelihood of these dogs passing on certain conditions to their offspring using currently available genetic testing. However, as these dogs are closely related to American Staffordshire Terriers, we often see them developing the same types of health problems, including the following.

Common health conditions in Pit Bulls include allergies, cranial cruciate ligament rupture, panosteitis, cancer, cataracts and entropion.

Preventive Care: One of the most crucial aspects to owning a Pit Bull-type dog is to ensure that he or she maintains a healthy weight. Being overweight predisposes these dogs to cranial cruciate ligament ruptures, and can cause breathing difficulties. Establish an exercise routine early in your relationship with your Pit Bull, and you’ll help keep him fit, and also help to ward off behavioral problems associated with inactivity and boredom.

All Pit Bull puppies should visit the veterinarian early in life, preferably by 8 weeks of age (if not sooner). They should receive all the necessary canine vaccinations, including rabies, parvovirus, and distemper. It’s believed that these dogs are more susceptible to contracting parvo, but luckily this devastating gastrointestinal virus can be prevented with adequate vaccination.

Deworming is critical during puppyhood and adulthood. Pit Bulls should receive heartworm prevention, as well as flea and tick prevention, their entire lives.

Because these dogs exhibit a high tolerance for pain, don’t rely on them to let you know when they’re hurting and need to see a vet. Remember to adhere to a regular schedule of wellness visits with your Pit Bull, in order to ensure that problems are identified before they become serious.

Nutrition: Start your Pit Bull-type puppy off right with a high quality large breed puppy food, and feed this until skeletal maturity at approximately one year of age. After this point, continue to feed a high quality food in an amount that is appropriate to ensure that he maintains a healthy weight.

Since Pit Bulls are prone to developing allergies, supplementation with fish oil may be beneficial in order to ensure healthy skin. Choose a high quality brand developed for veterinary patients, and dose according to label directions.

Daily Consumption: Average daily consumption for an adult Pit Bull is 1.5 to 3 cups

Energy Level: Frisky, energetic breed that is always ready for action

Exercise: Pit Bull-types love playing and exercise. They make great companions for owners who like to walk, hike, and run, and they are agile and also excel at games of fetch and Frisbee. Pit Bulls do best in homes with yards, but if you’re committed to a daily exercise schedule (which you should be with one of these dogs!) you can make multiple daily walks and a game or two of fetch work just fine.

Because Pit Bulls are playful and love toys, you’ll no doubt find yourself amassing an impressive collection. Make sure to choose toys that are durable, since these dogs are powerful chewers. Pieces of toys, or the squeakers from inside soft fabric toys, pose a serious intestinal obstruction risk.

Games of fetch with tennis balls are a great way to keep your Pit Bull occupied and entertained, but be sure to choose non-abrasive tennis balls made specifically for dogs, as “regular” tennis balls can wear down the enamel on the teeth with repetitive use.

Climate: Pit Bull-type dogs have a very high discomfort and pain tolerance, and seem to thrive in conditions that other dogs would be uncomfortable in. Having said this, their short coats can make it difficult for them to stay adequately warm in harsh winter conditions, so bring them inside when the snow falls, and make sure they have a coat or jacket for enjoying outdoor activities on colder days. The American Staffordshire Terrier, which is a common component of many of these mixed breed dogs, has a somewhat short snout and thus is prone to breathing abnormalities that may make it difficult for these dogs to cool themselves in extreme heat.