Pit Bull Puppies: Everything You Need to Know

With one of the biggest smiles around, pit bulls are the apple of many people’s eyes. Though awfully protective of their favorite people, pit bulls are quite friendly too. As a puppy, a pit bull wants to play all day, every day and loves interacting with children and adults alike.

With ancestry from England, Scotland, and Ireland, the pit bull was created by crossing different bulldog and terrier breeds together. Though originally bred for fighting large animals, that has since been banned. They also have made excellent rat hunters due to their terrier roots.

A pit bull doesn’t have official breed standards and can go by one of many names: American pit bull terrier, American bully, or affectionately, “pitties,” “pibbles,” or “bullies.” This breed is closely related to the American Staffordshire terrier, as they both have similarly wide, flat heads and sturdy bodies.

The American Kennel Club does not recognize this breed. However, other prominent clubs like the United Kennel Club and American Dog Breeders Association recognize the pit bull as part of the official pack. At the end of the day, who needs to be officially recognized anyway? If you’re a pittie lover, the pit bull will always have a special place in your heart.

Pitbull puppy facts

The pit bull sometimes has a bad reputation, but with their friendly disposition, a pit bull will melt your heart and find a way to be a part of your family. Here are some facts to consider before bringing a pit bull puppy home:

Size	Pit bulls tend to come in medium or large varieties, ranging from 30-90 pounds and 17-19 inches.
Breed Characteristics	A pit bull is a strong and sturdy dog, with the most defining characteristic being their wide faces. They have a wide, flat head and powerful jaw, with small to medium ears, and a short thin tail. They have a short, fine coat. Other than that, pit bulls don’t have a defined set of colors related to their breed. You’ll find them in anything from steel grey to white with brown patches. All of the color varieties depend on what kind of bulldogs and terriers are mixed in with the breed.
Temperament	A pit bull may be perceived as mean in pop culture, but the natural temperament of a pit bull is quite the opposite. Outgoing and friendly, this stocky dog has a strong desire to please people. Their powerful jaws do like to chew when they are bored, though, so be sure to keep them occupied and give them plenty of exercise.
Grooming and Health Needs	Due to a pit bull’s short coat, they need minimal grooming. However, sometimes their short coat can’t protect their skin from skin allergies or mange. For all dogs, be sure to trim nails check teeth regularly. Genetically, pit bulls can suffer from hip dysplasia, kneecap dislocation and degenerative myelopathy.
Training	Getting a pit bull puppy used to walking with a leash will certainly be a tremendous help. They are driven by prey from a history of ratting and a combination of terriers, so even well-behaved pitbulls can get a little distracted. While on a leash, this is a good opportunity to socialize your pit bull pup. This teaches them to play nice, without running off if they see something they want to catch.
Energy Level	Pit bulls are a very active breed and require a fair amount of exercise. Having a fenced in backyard where they can play vigorously is ideal so they can get rid of their excess energy. They yearn to please people, so playing games in which they can be rewarded by you while running around would be best.
Life Span	Pit bulls live between 12 – 14 years on average.

Who is the best human for a pit bull?

Pit bulls are very well suited for family life. They have been known to be gentle and playful with children, and love being part of an active household. They need a lot of opportunities to get rid of excess energy, so being cooped up in an apartment without access to move around much may yield some destructive behavior.

A well-trained pitty is a happy pitty, so training early on the leash and getting used to dogs and people will set your pitbull puppy up for a fulfilling and joyful life.

Getting a pit bull puppy

Choosing to adopt or go through a breeder for your new pit bull puppy is a personal choice that requires research. Thankfully, there are many resources out there to help you find a rescue or breeder that offers healthy, ethically sourced pit bull puppies.

Knowing what you’re in for when you get a pit bull puppy is an important step in being a responsible pet owner. Whether you find a responsible breeder or are planning on adopting, it’s up to you to be prepared for an energetic and friendly addition to your household.

Adopting pit bull puppies

It may be surprising to know, but adopting a pit bull puppy is possible.

According to the AKC, most breed rescues report that a majority of their rescue dogs come from individual owner surrender, with the most common reasons being a change in lifestyle or the breed not being right for them. This means that there may be many dogs and puppies out that that are looking for a new forever home.

The main difference between a breeder and a rescue is that a rescue may not always have young puppies to choose from. The benefit, however, is that most are mandated to only adopt out dogs that have been microchipped and spayed/neutered. This means you may end up with a dog that’s already been housebroken, and doesn’t need these common medical procedures. You may also find a pit bull mix that has all the traits you want from the breed, but with a little extra thrown in.

Finding a pit bull rescue can be as simple as searching the internet. The AKC also has an excellent list of pit bull rescues on their site.

Finding a pit bull breeder

The first step is to do your research. Sadly, there are many puppy mills posing as reputable breeders along with many online scams. Be aware, and reach out to different online forums for conversations about getting your future furry family member.

Be sure to ask questions, make arrangements to meet the parent dogs or mother, and follow your gut. If something seems wrong at a breeder you visit, or the pit bull puppy seems to good to be true, there’s likely something going on. The AKC also offers resources for finding a breeder, with fairly strict guidelines on who they let participate.