The average adult pit bull (American Pit Bull Terrier) weighs about 30 to 60 pounds and stands about 17 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder. Males usually weigh 35 to 60 pounds and females 30 to 50 pounds. Most pit bulls reach their full height by 12 to 18 months and keep filling out with muscle until about 2 years old.

Wondering if your pitbull is at a healthy size? Pit bulls are one of the most muscular dog breeds, so they tend to be a bit heavier for their height than many other dogs. Below you’ll find a pitbull weight chart by age, average height, how to tell if your dog is at a healthy weight, and what to do if your pitbull is underweight.

These ranges follow the United Kennel Club (UKC) standard for the American Pit Bull Terrier. Dogs called “pit bulls” that are much heavier are often American Bullies, American Staffordshire Terriers or mixes. See are American Bullies the same as pit bulls? for the differences.

Pitbull Weight Chart by Age

Use this chart as a rough guide for an American Pit Bull Terrier. Every dog is different. Males tend to land at the upper end of each range and females at the lower end.

If your puppy is well outside these ranges but looks lean and healthy, that is not automatically a problem. Pit bull type dogs vary a lot, and many are mixes. Body condition matters more than the number on the scale.

Is My Pitbull Growing Properly?

Pitbulls typically stop growing in height and reach their adult frame between 12 and 18 months. The first 9 to 12 months are the period of fastest growth and development.

However, keep in mind that monitoring healthy physical development isn’t just about rigid numbers. Every dog is different, and it’s essential to consider your dog’s appearance, behavior, and weight. Also, keep in mind that growth isn’t always linear. It’s pretty standard for a dog to have growth spurts followed by periods of plateaus.

Here’s a tip to help judge your dog’s size: look at their paws. Younger dogs grow into their feet. If your puppy’s paws still seem large in proportion to its body, she probably still has some healthy growing left to do.

Healthy growth through that first year starts in the food bowl. A puppy food made for growing dogs helps your pitbull build a strong frame on the way to adult size.

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For more on raising a pit bull puppy, read owning a pitbull puppy and our guide to the best pitbull puppy food.

How Much Should My Pitbull Weigh?

It’s important to monitor your pitbull’s weight to make sure they stay healthy. Being underweight can be a sign of a medical problem, poor nutrition or both. Carrying extra weight puts strain on the joints and is linked to a shorter, less active life.

A healthy adult pit bull usually falls between 30 and 60 pounds, but some well-built males of larger lines are heavier and still lean. The best check is your dog’s body condition:

• Ribs: you can feel them easily with light pressure, but you can’t clearly see them.
• Waist: from above, there is a visible waist behind the ribs.
• Tummy tuck: from the side, the belly tucks up behind the chest.
• Hip bones and spine: not sharp or easy to see.

If you can see ribs, hip bones and spine, your dog is likely too thin. If you can’t feel the ribs at all, your dog is likely carrying extra fat. Our dog weight chart and ideal weight guide explains body condition scoring in more detail.

Pitbull Weight Chart

Here is another commonly shared pit bull size chart. Charts from different sources vary because they mix different pit bull type breeds, so use any chart as a rough guide.

What Is the Average Pitbull Height and Size?

To measure your pitbull’s height, measure from the ground to the top of the shoulder (the withers), not to the top of the head. An adult American Pit Bull Terrier is usually about 17 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder. Males are typically an inch or two taller than females.

Pit bulls are medium-sized dogs with a stocky, athletic build: slightly longer than tall, with a deep chest and a broad head. A fit pit bull should look strong and agile, not bulky or heavy.

Related pit bull type breeds are a different size:

• Staffordshire Bull Terrier: smaller, about 14–16 in and 24–38 lb.
• American Staffordshire Terrier: about 17–19 in, usually a bit heavier than an APBT.
• American Bully: wide range by class, from pocket to XL. XL Bullies can be much heavier than any APBT.

Factors That Can Stunt My Pitbull’s Growth

There are several things that can slow a pitbull’s growth. Some common causes include:

• Intestinal worms and other internal parasites
• Malnutrition or a diet that doesn't meet a growing puppy's needs
• Liver shunt
• Canine dwarfism and other genetic conditions

If your puppy seems small for its age, is not gaining weight or seems unwell, talk to your veterinarian as soon as possible. A medical diagnosis is beyond the scope of this article.

What Should I Do If My Pitbull Is Underweight?

Start with a vet visit to rule out parasites or illness. Often it’s nothing serious, and your dog just needs more calories. Putting it off, though, can make a medical problem harder to fix.

Once your vet gives the all-clear, there are simple dietary ways to help your dog fill out:

• Feed a calorie-dense, meat-based food with plenty of protein and fat.
• Increase portions gradually, about 10% at a time, and weigh your dog every week or two.
• Split the daily amount into two or three meals.
• Add calorie-dense chews or a topper between meals.

For more details, check out our guide on how much to feed your dog and our step-by-step guide on how to fatten up a dog.

If your dog needs a few extra pounds, calorie-dense chews are an easy way to add healthy calories between meals.

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And if you’re looking for a high-calorie, meat-based food, check out our PRO Series 31/25 high-calorie dog food with 600 calories per cup. It’s a good fit for active pitbulls, or any breed, that needs to gain a little weight.

We also make a liquid weight gainer for dogs with 150 calories per ounce from healthy fats and whey protein. It’s easy to pour over food for picky eaters.

Pitbull Weight and Size: FAQ

How much should a pitbull weigh?

Most adult American Pit Bull Terriers weigh about 30 to 60 pounds. Males are usually 35 to 60 pounds and females 30 to 50 pounds. Judge your dog by body condition, not just the scale.

How big is a 1 year old pitbull?

At 12 months, most pit bulls are close to their adult height, about 17 to 21 inches, and weigh roughly 30 to 60 pounds. Many keep adding muscle until about 2 years old.

Is an 80 lb pitbull too heavy?

For a standard American Pit Bull Terrier, 80 pounds is well above the usual range, so check body condition. If you can easily feel ribs and see a waist, the dog may simply be a larger dog or a bully mix. If not, ask your vet about a weight plan.

When do pitbulls stop growing?

Most pit bulls reach their full height between 12 and 18 months and finish filling out by about 2 years.

Want to help your pitbull grow strong and stay at a healthy weight? Start with Bully Max 24/14 puppy food for growing pups, or 30/20 High Protein dog food for adults.