The American pit bull terrier is a dog breed that was originally bred in order to facilitate the baiting of bulls. Since then, they’ve become great family and companion dogs. In fact, they became a coveted breed to live with families because they love children and are just as loyal as they are protective. However, they are known to be slightly stubborn and widely clownish.

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These terriers are known to be very intelligent, making them easy to take to best use their strong build in many ways. They have short hair all over their bodies, showing off a variety of colors like red, blue, brown, grey, black, and white, though some of them feature a brindle pattern.

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Despite their reputation as a ferocious breed, these dogs are not actually dangerous. They make great family dogs and only have a bad dangerous reputation because they were originally bred to survive in fierce environments.



These dogs are very similar to American Staffordshire Terriers in size, as well as appearance. However, they are more often referred to simply as a “pit bull.”

3 Pros and Cons of Owning an American Pit Bull Terrier

American Pit Bull Terrier Size and Weight

American pit bull terriers are medium-sized dogs that have a strong build. The female American pit bull terriers are about 17 to 20 inches in size while the males are about 18 to 21 inches.

As far as their weight, the female pit bulls weigh around 30 to 50 pounds. Males only reach a slightly higher weight, averaging about 35 to 60 pounds.

They come in a host of colors like red, blue, brown, grey, black, and white, though they sometimes have a brindle pattern instead. Their physique and coloring are fairly close to that of an American Staffordshire Terrier.

Health and Entertainment for your American Pit Bull Terrier

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American Pit Bull Terrier Common Health Issues

American pit bull terriers tend to be at risk for many common issues that exist in dogs of their stature. One of the most common conditions is hip dysplasia, which occurs when there are abnormalities in the development of the hip bones and connecting muscles.

Obesity is a potential problem in these dogs as well. They need the opportunity to be active, and their breeding as a working dog puts them at a particular disposition for certain health concerns like this one without activity.

Pet owners need to be vigilant in the dental care of their pit bull, since they are also at risk for dental diseases that can impact the health of their teeth and gums. Thyroid disorders and other viral/bacterial diseases are also possible.

Overall, some of the common diseases include:

• Hip dysplasia
• Dental diseases
• Viral and bacterial infections
• Thyroid problems
• Obesity

American Pit Bull Terrier Temperament

The American pit bull terrier is known to be protective in its temperament, especially towards children, and is also known for its playful nature. It makes a great and friendly family and companion dog. They are known for their courageous and clownish temperament, which is why so many owners push to make their peaceful nature more publicized. However, when provoked or when their owner is in danger, it is possible for them to show aggression.

These dogs are highly energetic and are often looking to please their owners. Even though some people believe they are dangerous, these dogs are naturally not aggressive and can be very affectionate However, these dogs can get stubborn sometimes when they are having too much fun or are hyper-focused on the task at hand.

They can sometimes show aggressive behavior towards other dogs. However, with the right training, these dogs learn to control such behaviors.

How to Take Care of an American Pit Bull Terrier

For anyone that wants to own an American pit bull terrier, you need to be fully prepared for the road ahead. Regardless of whether you purchase a pup from a breeder or adopt one from a shelter, these dogs need some TLC, so here’s some tips on the best ways to feed, groom, and train them.

The Best Dog Food for American Pit Bull Terriers

Like any other dog, always stay away from pork, grapes, onions, garlic, and similar foods. These foods can be incredibly dangerous for their digestive system.

An adult American pit bull terrier requires about 18% protein and 5% fat in the balance of their diet, which helps to keep up their muscle tone and prevent obesity. Chicken, duck, and salmon are excellent sources of protein, though it is best to cook them without oils or other fats before serving them. Protein is excellent for their energy levels, though owners can pair these meals with sweet potatoes, green beans, and some other vegetables.

The food and nutrition requirements of the American pit bull terrier puppies are different as they require about 22% protein and 8% fat in their diets. However, the puppies should ideally be fed smaller amounts of food as they have smaller stomachs and can digest only small portions at once.

At A-Z Animals, the protein-packed dog food we like for American Pit Bull Terriers is CRAVE Grain Free Adult High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food with Protein from Chicken, 22 lb. Bag.

The first ingredient here is chicken, and this food has a whopping 34% protein for your strong American Pit Bull Terrier. Since it’s grain-free and made with premium ingredients, it may help keep your dog’s weight under control. Plus, the calcium is good for their teeth, bones, and joints.

Find CRAVE Grain Free High Protein Dry Dog Food on amazon.

CRAVE Grain Free Adult High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food with Protein from Chicken, 22 lb. Bag

• Contains one (1) 22 lb. bag of CRAVE High Protein Adult Grain Free With Protein from Chicken All Natural Dog Food Plus Vitamins, Minerals, and Other Nutrients
• Inspired by the diets of their wolf ancestors, CRAVE adult dog food is made with real ingredients including high-quality animal protein and the full meaty flavor dogs love
• Satisfies a dog’s natural desire for animal protein with real chicken as the first ingredient
• Supports a strong, lean body with 34% high protein
• Dry grain free dog food recipe formulated with no corn, wheat, or soy and no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives and zero grain

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American Pit Bull Terrier Maintenance and Grooming

American pit bull terriers require minimal grooming, though it can be soothing to their skin. You would need to brush your dog’s coat once a week in order to remove dead hair and allow the coat to straighten out. After you have brushed the coat, wipe the coat with a damp cloth, removing any excess hair that stick to the body of the dog.

Besides that, you would also need to clean the ears and brush the teeth this dog as they become dirty. The nails would also have to be trimmed twice a month.

American Pit Bull Terrier Training

These dogs are very energetic. However, it can take time for them to settle into a comfortable training routine. You could start early with the puppies to acclimate them as soon as possible. The best way to train the American pit bull terrier is to use positive training techniques. Being aggressive towards them would hardly ever help, and they may only respond to this type of trigger in the future.

Consistency is the key with these dogs. You can and should allow them to have fun to make these training sessions more fun.

American Pit Bull Terrier Exercise

These dogs are very energetic and require daily exercise. These are working dogs and are great at several dog sports. These dogs often require about 30 to 45 minutes of exercise per day.

American Pit Bull Terrier Puppies

The American pit bull puppies are cared for much in the same way as you would care for an adult dog. However, they require more nutrients than adult American pit bull terriers. As stated above, their meals require a little more protein, supporting their brain development and the health of their muscles as they get older.

Due to the small size of their stomach in puppyhood, they cannot digest the large bowls of food that adult pit bulls can. They will need to be fed in multiple small meals through the day to prevent vomiting and obesity.

American Pit Bull Terriers and Children

American pit bull terriers are great towards children, earning them the nickname “nanny dog” in the past. They tend to be relatively protective of children in their owner’s family, showing off their playful nature around them. Their clownish nature helps in engaging children, which is why they make great family and companion dogs.

Dogs Similar to American Pit Bull Terrier

Since the American pit bull terrier is not for everyone, people who want to have a similar pet may be interested in one of the following dogs instead.

• American Staffordshire Terrier: Affectionately known as a “staffie,” the American Staffordshire terrier is the closest it comes to the pit bull. Their behavior and even their look are the same, and they share the same brindle pattern in some dogs.
• Boxer: With a slightly more social disposition, the boxer is one of the top watchdogs for any family. Their playful nature comes with significantly less risk of being bitten than the pit bull, but they are also much better suited to an apartment.
• American Bulldog: The American Bulldog has a much meatier physique than the American pit bull terrier, but they also tend to get tired. For families that may not be able to keep up with the need for constant energy use, the American bulldog is a good match.

Famous American Pit Bull Terriers

The lovable smile and disposition of the American pit bull terrier have given them a place in the hearts and homes of many celebrities. Kaley Cuoco, Jessica Alba, and Jennifer Aniston have all voiced their support for this breed by adopting American pit bull terriers of their own.

Popular Names for American Pit Bull Terriers

Here are a few common names for the American pit bull terriers:

• Rocky
• Luna
• Bella
• Daisy
• Blue

Last update on 2022-07-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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