Pitbull Puppy Guide: 27 Things to Know About Owning a Pitbull
Key takeaways
- Pitbull puppies are affectionate, people-loving and athletic. Most adult American Pit Bull Terriers weigh roughly 30–60 pounds.
- Start socialization and positive-reinforcement training early, and plan careful introductions with other dogs.
- Feed a complete puppy formula in measured meals and keep your puppy lean while they grow.
- Pitbulls need daily exercise, secure fencing and a leash every time you are out.
- Buy from a reputable breeder or adopt from a shelter or rescue.
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If you're at the very beginning of starting your search to adopt your very own pitbull puppy, then we welcome you to the family! Pitbulls are some of the most exuberant and wonderful dogs around, with big smiles and the protective nature of the people they love. While pit bulls can sometimes get a bad rep, they're actually quite friendly, and will easily become your very best friend if you give them the chance.
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a true companion, and when trained and cared for properly, are very friendly around children and families. While pit bulls can be homebodies, their energy and tenacity also make them great competitors for dog sports like weight pulling, obedience, and agility, and are some of the most talented dogs around.
However, just like any other dog you desire to bring into your home, it's important to know the main tips and rules for adopting a pit bull puppy, especially if you plan to have them around children or other dogs. As pit bull lovers ourselves, we encourage you to get started on your journey and check out some of our top 27 tips for owning a pitbull puppy.
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1) American Pit Bull Terrier
The American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) usually weighs about 30–60 pounds as an adult, with males on the larger end. Most of the information in this article is about APBTs. For the full breed profile, see our American Pit Bull Terrier breed guide, and for growth stages, see our guide to average pitbull weight, height and size.
2) American Bully
For comparison, the American Bully is a separate breed that is usually wider and heavier-boned, with Pocket, Standard and XL sizes. Learn the differences in American Bully vs Pitbull.
3) Pitbulls Are Well-Tempered
American Pit Bull Terriers consistently score well in temperament tests run by the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).
4) Coat & Nose Color
You cannot use coat color to identify your breed. Different coat colors or nose colors do not mean that one dog is more rare or healthy than another; that’s just their color.
5) Know the Breed's History
Pit Bulls descend from bulldog and terrier crosses, and some adults can be selective about other dogs even when they are well socialized. Supervise introductions, skip crowded dog parks, and read our guide to preventing dog fights.
6) Pit Bulls Love People
Pit bulls are NOT naturally aggressive toward people unless they feel threatened or they were poorly socialized.
7) Most Pit Bulls are not good guard dogs
Because the majority of Pit Bulls are fond of people, most of them do NOT make good guard dogs. Without proper protection training, they are more likely to lick an intruder than attack them. If you want your Pit Bull to become a guard dog, it will take countless hours of protection training. If you want a natural guard dog, you need a different breed.
8) Not every Pit Bull Should be bred
If your Pit Bull's bloodline doesn't consist of champions, it's best to let reputable breeders do the breeding. This is important because American Pit Bull Terriers are over-bred, which means that thousands of them end up in the pound.
9) Pit Bulls Are Persecuted
Because of their fighting heritage, Pit Bulls often get a bad rap and are persecuted by the media whenever there is a dog fight. For this reason, it’s highly important to make your dog a positive role model to change this public misperception.
10) Avoid Putting Chains On Your Dog
Some people like to put heavy chains on their dogs because they think it looks tough. But the truth is, this is hard on your dog and can rub their necks raw.
11) Pit Bulls Need to Exercise
While some dogs may be content with sitting around the house, Pit bulls need exercising daily in order to stay balanced and happy. Daily walks (or runs) are recommended. Setting up a spring pole or using a flirt pole are both great ways to exercise your dog as well.
12) Pit Bulls Need Socialization
American Pit Bull Terriers need plenty of socialization and love being around people. Start early with new people, places and sounds, and reward calm behavior with small, soft treats. If you leave your dog at home while you work, think about hiring a dog walker to take your dog out once a day. Our puppy training schedule lays out what to teach week by week.
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13) All Pit Bull Owners Should Own a Break Stick
As a pit bull owner, you should own a break stick. Learn how to use a break stick safely from an experienced trainer before you ever need it, and read our guide to preventing dogfights.
14) Use a Reputable Breeder
Reputable breeders will have their dogs registered and will have the proper papers for all of their dogs. Their dogs will also be tested for health & temperament before making any sale. Additionally, they WILL be concerned about who is adopting their dogs—and they will ask for references to make sure that you will be a good owner.
15) Avoid “Backyard Breeders”
Backyard breeders tend to be inexperienced and do not evaluate the health of their dogs. Their dogs do not meet the breed standard and are not considered show quality. These people will not be associated with a kennel and may not even have papers. Any dog you get from a backyard breeder is liable to be less healthy and suitable than it should be.
16) Never Hit Your Pit Bull
Physical punishment damages trust and can make behavior worse. Use positive reinforcement: reward what you want, redirect what you don't. If you are stuck, a certified trainer can help. Start with our guide on how to train a pitbull puppy.
17) Don’t Let Your Dog Pull
If you let your dog pull you while you walk, then you are rewarding the dog for pulling. Train your dog to walk properly and you will make a better impression on everyone you meet.
18) How to Trace Your Dog’s Bloodline
Many people think you can trace your dog’s bloodline by the dog’s appearance—but this is not true. The only way to track down your dog’s lineage is by using a reputable registry like the UKC or the ADBA. (In order to do this, your dog needs to have been born with papers.)
19) Be a Proud Owner!
Pit Bulls are a proud, loyal, loving breed of dog. No matter what they say in the press and the papers, you should be proud to own this amazing breed!
20) Don't Take a Puppy Home Too Early
Pitbull puppies should stay with their mother and littermates until at least 8 weeks old. Those weeks teach bite inhibition and dog manners, and many states require it by law.
21) Feed a Growth Formula, in Measured Meals
Puppyhood is when your pitbull builds bone, muscle and immunity, so food quality matters. But more food is not better. Overfeeding a fast-growing puppy can strain developing joints.
- Choose a complete puppy food made for growth, with animal protein as the first ingredient.
- Feed 3 meals a day until about 6 months, then 2 meals a day.
- Measure every meal. Start with the bag's feeding chart or our dog food calculator, then adjust.
- Keep them lean. You should be able to feel the ribs easily and see a waist from above.
- Count treats as part of the daily total.
More detail: our best puppy food guide, how to choose the best pitbull puppy food, how much to feed your dog and when to switch to adult dog food.
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22) Take Your Puppy to the Vet
Book a vet visit in the first week. Your vet will set up the puppy vaccine series, deworming and heartworm and flea prevention, and can spot problems early. Our beginner's guide to puppy health covers what to expect.
23) Have a Behavior Issue?
If your pit bull is having a behavior issue, look for a dog trainer who is Animal Behavior Certified. Many behavior issues improve with more exercise and mental work. Two great exercises you can do with your dog are the flirt pole and the spring pole.
24) Secure Your Fences
If you’re fencing your dog in the back yard, make sure it’s buried sufficiently deep in the ground. This is a powerful breed that could knock over a shallow fence.
At the same time, make sure the fence is tall enough that your dog can’t jump over it. (Dogs can strangle themselves if they try to jump a fence with a leash on.)
25) They’re Heat-Sensitive
American Pit Bull Terriers are short-haired dogs, which means they are prone to both overheating and hypothermia. So if you keep your dog outside make sure they have everything they need to stay both cool and warm like shade, blankets, and plenty of water.
26) Don’t Walk Your Pit Bull Off-Leash
No matter how well trained your dog is, you never know what happens if you meet another dog (particularly an aggressive one that isn’t trained). Always walk your dog on a leash.
27) Tail Wagging ≠ Happiness
A wagging tail does not always mean a friendly dog; a stiff, high wag can signal arousal. Read the whole body before letting dogs meet.
Pitbull Puppy Checklist
Before your puppy comes home, grab the basics from our puppy essentials checklist, and read our tips on buying a pit bull puppy to find a responsible breeder.
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FAQ
How big will my pitbull puppy get?
Most American Pit Bull Terriers finish at about 30–60 pounds. Parents' size is the best predictor. Most reach full height around 12–18 months and keep filling out after that.
How much should I feed a pitbull puppy?
It depends on age, weight, activity and the calories in the food. Start with the feeding chart on the bag, split it into 3 meals a day, and adjust to keep your puppy lean.
When should a pitbull puppy switch to adult food?
Usually around 12 months. Larger or slower-maturing dogs may stay on puppy food a bit longer. Ask your vet.
How much exercise does a pitbull puppy need?
Short, frequent play and walks. Build up gradually as they grow and avoid forced, high-impact exercise while joints develop. See how much exercise a pitbull needs.
Start your pitbull puppy right
Bully Max 24/14 has 24% protein, 14% fat and 419 calories per cup, with TruMune to support digestion and immune health. Feed it in measured meals and keep your puppy lean while they grow.
GIVE YOUR PUPPY BULLY MAX 24/14 PUPPY FOOD
Made for growing puppies with 24% protein, real lamb, and TruMune to support digestion and immune health.
Save 10% with autoship and get each bag delivered on a schedule.
Family-owned since 2009 · Made in USA · Every batch triple tested · Zero recalls · 50,000+ 5-star reviews · Dog Food Advisor 5/5
57 comments
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I have had many breads and this one is a challenge to me, I am going on my second day with him and I will not give up on him.
Anything that you can tell me will help me.
Thank you
My older brother had a blue nose pit bill that he not only worked and trained with her, she was a very loving dog to his family and she even obeyed commands very well too I showed up there once for vacation, and dead all bark and very jumpy, My brother called her every lordly and told her he to sit, sit down she wen off the top, he told her I was family and that I was ok too, then, sh grabbed her toy just wanted to play with me, lol
Have a tip of your own? Leave a comment! We would love to hear it!
’’11) Pit Bulls & Dog Parks Don’t Mix
Pit
bulls tend to be aggressive toward other dogs, so keep them away from
dog parks. Anytime a pit bull is around other unleashed dogs, it’s a
recipe for trouble.’’ – ONLY AN IDIOT CAN WRITE THIS CRAP. BESIDE THE FACT THAT IT IS
, DOING THIS WILL CAUSE LACK OF SOCIALISATION ETC ETC.