American Pitbull Terrier

For an adventurous dog lover like you, what can be better than getting an American Pitbull Terrier? 

These pups are loyal, muscular, sociable, and very affectionate towards their owners. You can take them along with you to your regular walks, you can take them jogging, etc. They can be a great addition to families with young kids, as they will protect the kids and play with them.

Let’s delve into American Pitbull Terriers’ strange and playful world and learn about the various aspects of owning them.

Overview

Origin of the American Pitbull Terrier

These are some of the most misunderstood breeds in the world. They are loyal, strong and intelligent. However, due to a lack of responsible training, they become aggressive. And this is seen as a threat among the dog lover community.

The ancestry of American Pitbulls goes back to breeds such as English bulldogs and other terrier breeds. Their exact mix of breeds needs to be well documented. And they have also diversified and bred suitably according to various needs. 

Pitbulls are excellent utility dogs. They have been working in farms and ranches, herding livestock forever. They make great watchdogs as well. Now, let us dive into the appearance and personality of this breed and understand how and why they are perceived however they are perceived. 

Appearance of the American Pitbull Terrier

American Pitbull Terriers, or simply pitbulls, look like hunks of the dog world. They are muscular, strong, and prideful.

They would be perfect to be cast in an action thriller movie. But what role do you think they can play? A hero who depends on the power of friendship or a sly gangster?

1. Body structure

They belong to medium to large breeds of dogs. Pitbulls have strong, muscular bodies. Their frame is compact and powerful. They have a deep and broad chest, which gives them a sturdy and robust appearance. 

Their tails are generally short to medium in length, tapering at the end. It hangs low and might have a slight curve. 

2. Facial features

Pitbulls have a broad, flat head with defined cheek muscles. Their skull is slightly rounded. The American Pitbull Terrier snout is comparatively short and broad. Their jaw is very strong, giving the American Pitbull Terriers a strong bite force.

3. Coat

Pitbull coats are short, smooth, and glossy (like the oiled-up fighters in fight scenes in action movies.) They come in a variety of colors, including dark ochre, black, dark blue, red, and more. Their coats are not very specific. 

Now, let us understand their temperament and see what they have to offer.

Despite their size, the American Pitbull Terrier breed was popular as “Nanny dogs” in the early 20th century due to their gentle and protective nature around children!

Personality and Temperament

Despite being labeled as aggressive and uncontrollable (which is never their fault), these pups are one of the sweetest breeds of dogs you will ever find.

Their personality traits are:

1. Affectionate

Pit bulls are very affectionate and loving towards their hooman families. They tend to form deep bonds with their handlers and can be pretty loyal and devoted. 

2. Playful and highly energetic

Pitbulls enjoy engaging in rigorous and interactive play. They prefer games such as tug of war and fetch and treat hunts. This also helps create a deeper bond between you and your pup. They are always brimming with energy. They require intense physical exercise and other activities that burn their energy down. 

3. Protective

They are highly protective of their families. American Pitbull Terriers can be excellent watchdogs. They are often alert to their surroundings and will alert their owners to potential intruders.

4. Intelligent

American Pitbull Terriers are quite intelligent dogs who quickly catch up on new tricks. Given they are provided with the required amount of stimulants and training.

5. Highly food motivated

This can be advantageous for paw-rents when they wish to start positive reinforcement training. Using healthy treats during obedience training helps the handler and keeps the pup happy.

Beige Flags to Look Out For

Some characteristics of pit bulls might seem optimistic at first glance but can eventually be problematic:

1. Stubborn

Pitbulls are very determined about their needs. If not trained properly from an early age, they can become stubborn and refuse to follow commands.

2. High prey drive

Pitbulls have a strong prey drive. While that makes them great for hunting, they can be troublesome for suburban households. 

3. Territorial behavior

They may be territorial at times. This can include being triggered by strangers, other dogs, or wild animals.

4. Separation anxiety

Pitbulls love attention from their parents. So, they might show tendencies of separation anxiety if left alone for more extended periods.

Health Concerns of the American Pitbull Terrier

Like other breeds, American Pitbulls are susceptible to many health risks. These include:

•  Hip Dysplasia: This is a genetic condition where the hip joint does not develop properly. It leads to potential arthritis. 
• Allergies and skin conditions: Pit bulls are prone to allergies, which induce skin irritations, itching, and gastrointestinal issues. 

Skin conditions like dermatitis and mange are also reasonably common in pit bulls. Proper grooming and bathing can ensure the prevention of these diseases.

Pitbulls are also more likely to catch internal and external parasites like fleas, ticks, and worms.  

• Thyroid problems: Hyperthyroidism is a common disorder in American pitbull terriers. It can lead to weight gain, skin problems, and other health issues. 
• Brachycephalic Syndrome: This mostly occurs in some specific types of pit bulls. In this case, they can be short-nosed and may experience difficulty breathing.

Grooming Needs of the American Pitbull Terrier

Pitbulls are not one of your boujee breeds. They are not high maintenance and do not require much grooming. But as a responsible pet paw-rent, we always recommend that you still do all the necessary grooming steps:

1. Brush them

Pitbulls have short coats that stick close to their skin. They do not shed much, either. So, a bristle brush or rubber gloves brush will do wonders. 

2. Check for allergies

These dogs generally do not require extra skincare routines but can still develop skin allergies and irritations. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice excessive redness, licking, swelling, or flaking skin. 

3. Clean their eyes and ears

Their ears and eyes can store moisture and dirt. This will lead to ear and eye infections and redness. Use dog-safe wet wipes to protect their ears and eye corners from foreign particles and dirt. 

Trim their nails now and then. Long nails will impact their agility and might lead to future injuries. 

Exercise and Training Needs

As we discussed above, American Pitbulls are utility dogs. They prefer rough and energy-burning playtime. 

1. Regular exercises

These dogs require daily exercise for physical and mental stimulation. Their well-required physical activities can be met if you take them on runs, hikes, or play fetch with them. This is mutually beneficial for both the handler and the pup.

2. Let them explore

American Pitbull Terriers have a strong sense of smell and are curious about their surroundings. Giving them opportunities to sniff, search, or work hard for rewards can help them stay active. This keeps their wild hunting instincts active.

3. Mental stimulation

For mental stimulation, you should incorporate treat puzzles in their playtime and daily meals (try finding slow feeders) (article). This will make them search for food and slow down while eating, which is excellent for digestive issues. 

Play time should include rigorous activities like tug of war, swimming, etc. This will help build trust between you and your pupper while stimulating their bodily functions.

4. Obedience training

To train them, you should start obedience training from an early age. Pitbulls are independent thinkers, which can make them stubborn. Positive reinforcement and slight strictness can help prevent behavioral issues. 

Set clear boundaries with them, as they need to understand how to be respectable to the household.

Are American Pitbull Terriers Hypoallergenic?

Pitbull Terriers are not considered among the hypoallergenic dogs. Pitbulls shed dander, a common allergen that causes allergies in humans. 

It is not necessary that if a dog is not hypoallergenic, then you WILL have allergic reactions. We always recommend that before you get any new pets, you spend some time with the breed you are about to adopt. Look out for reactions and choose wisely.

Conclusion

If you are the kind of person who enjoys outdoor activities like pit bulls, these dogs are an excellent choice for you!

They are highly energetic, which will get YOU your required energy burn and keep you healthy and thriving. They are friendly dogs that get along really well with familiar people.

But you should also make sure that you socialize them from an early stage. They can be aggressive towards strangers and new additions to their families. If you are a responsible pet paw-rent, you do not need to worry much about the hate that they get. 

Frequently Asked Questions