Can Pitbull Puppies (The Misunderstood Breed) Be Your Next Best Pet? 8 Things To Know

Pitbull puppies. American pitbull terrier. Bully dogs.

Are they the same type of dogs?

If not, then what makes them different from each other?

Get to know the answer to this and so many other questions in this one guide.

Thanks to dogfighting culture, these human-devoted animals are often misunderstood for their aggressive or bad behavior.

Disclaimer: Baby pitbull are the best doggies but, Nope. Nay, Nay. Not For Everyone!

Read further to know if he is the one for you or not. 😊

Pitbull Puppies

Do you think all pitties belong to the same pitbull breed? Yes? Well, you’re mistaken, and here’s why:

Pitbull is not a breed!

Instead, it is a description or term that usually refers to all the dog types of pitbull breeds.

And,

American Pitbull Terrier, American Bully, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and American Staffordshire Terrier are the four breeds under the type pitbull.

So, if your doggy is one of the breeds mentioned above, does it mean it is a pitbull puppy?

Yes! But remember, they all are different dogs with some similarities.

Types of Pitbull Puppies

Is your Dog a Pitbull, an American Pit Bull Terrier, a Bully Dog, an American Stafford, or a Staffordshire Bull Terrie

Let’s get to know each of them:

American Pitbull Terrier

Yankee Terrier, APBT, or pit bull terrier, was initially bred by crossing old bulldogs and English terriers to bait bulls.

If your canine is a medium-sized, short-haired dog with a flat skull and solid but smooth muscular build, it is most likely to be an American pit bull terrier. 

American Staffordshire Terrier

They are often confused with the American pit bull terrier as they almost have similar appearances, but no, they are not the same bully breeds.

So, how do you know which breed is your pup?

Amstaff or American Staffy is comparatively shorter (17-19 inches) than APBT (17-21 inches).

Another factor is the difference in their weight, which ranges from 40 to 70 pounds for American Staffordshire terrier and 35 to 65 pounds for American pit bull terrier.

American Bully

It is a cross-breed between American Staffordshire terriers, American Pitbull Terriers, and other bulldog type breeds.

American bully is an average-sized pooch with sleek fur, a blocky skull, and a bulky broad, muscular build.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Despite the similarity in the names, Stafford is not the same dog as the American Staffordshire Terrier. Staffy is a medium-sized short-haired pup that weighs around 24 to 38 pounds and is almost 14-16 inches tall.

Out of all the mentioned pitbull pooches, we’ll be discussing the American pit bull terrier here as it is the most adopted family pet among the other kinds of pitbull dog breeds.

Quick Information of APBT:

• AKC Breed Popularity Rank: Not Recognized
• Height: 17-21 Inches (43cm-53cm)
• Weight: 30-65 lbs. (14kg-30kg)
• Life Span: 8-15 years
• Group: Terrier
• Coat: Single-layered, Shorthaired (stiff to touch)
• Origin: United Kingdom, United States
• Behavior: Loyal, friendly, active, playful, trainable

1. Appearance of American Pit Bull Terrier

The appearance of this misunderstood breed is stunning and surely will melt your heart.

Although the American Kennel Club does not recognize this dog breed, one can identify a puppy pitbull by his unique visuals:

Solid wedge-shaped skull, muscular neck, strong jaw, almond or oval-shaped eyes, highly set ears, shiny shorthaired coat, short tail (thick towards base and tapering to points), and well-defined bone structure are the highlights of an APBT.

Eye Color

If you are familiar with pitbull puppies, you might know the confusion surrounding them of having bright blue eyes.

To clear the controversy, yes! A Pittie pup can have blue eyes.

It won’t be wrong to say that all pitbull-type puppy dogs usually have bright blue eyes when born. But, as the canine starts to mature, the eye color also darkens to hazel or brown hue.

Size & Weight

These pooches are usually tall but with smaller skull and bone structure.

The average height range is 17-21 inches (43cm to 53cm), and weight lies within 30-65 lbs. (pounds)

The height range for male Pitbulls is 18-21 inches (46cm to 53cm) tall at shoulders, and for pit bitches is 17-20 inches (43cm to 51cm).

Whereas,

For a male pibble, the weight is approximately 35 to 65 pounds. However, a big female pitbull lies within a range of 30 to 50 pounds.

Coat Type & Color

American pitbull terriers are single-coated and shorthaired dog breeds. Their fur is smooth, glossy, shiny, and tightly set with their body.

There is no standard coat color for this lovely canine, and you can find them in any color like black, red, grey, white, tan, or fawn.

2. Yankee Terrier Puppy Breeds (Types, Mix-breeds)

If you are a fan of this gorgeous breed, you will surely love his variants and other mix-breeds that we have listed down below:

Red Nose American Pitbull Terrier

An American pitbull variant with a red nose and auburn or red-coated fur is referred to as the Red Nose Pitbull.

The red nose is a hardy dog, but still, they can have some health issues like hip dysplasia, kneecap dislocation, retinal degradation, etc.

Blue Nose American Pitbull Terrier

The beautiful blue nose American pitbull is a rare variant of APBT with a blue nose, and grey-hued (deep charcoal or silver-grey) fur is referred to as the Red Nose Pitbull.

Blue nose pitbull puppies are at high risk of skin diseases and allergies like ichthyosis, mange, skin bumps, etc.

These mixed breeds may have a different appearance, but every hybrid offers a unique personality with similar pitbull terrier traits.

Here are some of our favorites:

• Larabull (APBT x Labrador Retriever)
• Pithuahua (APBT x Chihuahua)
• Pitweiler (APBT x Rottweiler)
• Pitsky (APBT X Siberian Husky)
• Beagle Bull (APBT X Beagle)
• German Pitbull (APBT x German Shepherd)
• Pitkita (APBT x Akita)

3. Personality of Pitbulls

Adopting a pitbull puppy means you are getting the most loyal, friendly, smart, little stubborn but trainable dog ever. Remember, every dog breed is individual, and your pibble is no exception.

Let’s get to know the personality of the loving pit puppy. American pitbull terrier is a unique dog breed with an even more unique personality:

Loyal

Pitbull puppies are super devoted when it comes to love their human. The APBT is a loving dog who wants nothing but to please his owner.

If you want a pet for life, get a pitbull puppy!

Friendly

They might look dangerous like a Black German Shepherd but are extremely friendly, like a Pomeranian husky.

American pitbull terrier puppy is the perfect family dog if it is well-trained.

Pro-tip: They are human-oriented, affectionate, and pet-friendly. Socialize them early to get the best behavior you want.

Cuddly

Pitbull terrier puppies might look aggressive, but in reality, they are adorable creatures who love to be around their favorite human. (Be ready for their happy kisses and wiggling tail.)

They are the cheeriest with their owners, and yes, they love to cuddle!

Active

Puppies pits have a high energy level similar to a Golden Mountain dog. As the pitties mature (12-18 months), they become calm, so it is vital to let them play at a young age to relieve the excess energy.

Their energetic personality demands at least 30-45 minutes of daily exercise.

Intelligent

A pit terrier puppy is a smart, powerful, and intelligent dog breed that loves to learn new tricks. They are full of enthusiasm and want to get involved in everything happening around them.

Playful

They love children, other family members and like to goof around smiling like a cute baby (yes, they are your sweet babies).

You can say they have a clownish personality, and their big smile can turn your bad day into the best. (Literally!)

4. Temperament of Pibbles: Myths & Facts

Once pitbull puppies and dogs were among the most favorite breeds of America.

The situation went downhill in the 1980s when some myths about their behavior and temperament became even more famous, giving them a bad reputation:

· Pitbulls are naturally aggressive dog breeds

Pitbull puppies might have a bad reputation as the most dangerous breed, and you might have heard the banning of this all-around adorable breed due to several bite attacks, but is this really true?

A research was conducted to know who is the most aggressive breed, and surprisingly the APBT was ranked as one of the least violent dogs.

In conclusion, they are not at fault.

Yes, there is nothing wrong with the pitbull breed, but how bad or well are they trained.

Pro-tip: They usually start getting aggressive at a young age (from 8 months to 2 years or sometimes later), so it is crucial to socialize and train them earlier to be more obedient.

· Pitbull dogs are dangerous might turn on their owners

It is easy to believe that if one dog is famous for his aggressive behavior, he might attack his owner. Right? Wrong!

No dog just suddenly decides to bite, abuse or even kill his owner for no specific reason.

In fact, an American pitbull terrier passed an 87.4% score in a test conducted by the American Temperament Test Society.

The score depicts that they are certainly more tolerant than the other gentle dogs like Chihuahuas (69.6% tolerance score)

Pro-tip: Due to fighting history, they have an alpha instinct, and the only way to combat their bad behavior is to be powerful and smarter than the breed.

5. Care & Grooming of Pitbull Terrier Puppy Dogs

Despite the giant look, a pit terrier puppy doesn’t demand high grooming needs. Follow the below-mentioned routine to help your loving pup stay happy and healthy:

Nails Trimming

Trim their nails once or twice a month, depending on the daily outdoor activity. Use a paw cleaner to remove any dirt and carefully clip the nails to prevent any damage to the foot.

Ear Cleaning

It is advisable to clean the ears of pitbull puppies at least once a week. Remove any earwax or dirt if you notice them continually scratching their ears.

Dental Care

This breed has good and powerful teeth (even a pitbull puppy), and you can keep them clean by brushing them twice a week.

Brushing

Although Pitbulls have a shorthaired coat that requires minimal grooming, you should brush their coat regularly with grooming gloves.

Bathing

The single-layered coat of this breed doesn’t need frequent baths. But if you observe any dirt or stain, deep clean them using a mild dog shampoo.

Food

They are athletic and energetic like dogo argentino and thus require meals that match their high energy level.

Pitbull puppies require 4-6 meals a day, which can be reduced as the pup grows. In general, they prefer a low carbohydrate and high protein meal twice a day.

Meat, rice, dry kibble, peanut hulls, corn bran, wet canned food, and soybean milk can be a good food option for them.

Pro-tip: Obesity is a common health issue in American pitbull terrier puppies, so make sure to have a food measuring scoop to keep their food portions in balance.

Special Care

To see your doggie’s best behavior, you need to provide them with a comfortable and healthy environment.

Prepare your home for pitbulls and get chewing toys, stuffed pets, a safety net, and a comfy bed.

6. Training Tips for Pitbull Owners

Follow the following tips to train your American pitbull terrier pups at a young age so that they can become a well behaved, obedient, and perfect doggo for you as they mature:

1. Socialize them early with other pets (even other humans)

If you want your doggie to be friendly with humans or pets, make sure to socialize him with other animals and humans at a young age.

You may start the socializing training as early as possible, like at 3 or 4 months of their age.

2. Reward them on good behavior

This loving breed wants to please his favorite human (you) all the time, so whenever you see them wiggling their tail at you or wanting your attention, cuddle them or rub their fur.

You can also play rewarding games like fetch the ball to show your likeness to their good behavior.

3. They might be stubborn while training but be patient

Pitbull dog breed can be stubborn (due to their alpha nature), but the key to their effective training is ‘your patience.’

Consistency is the key!

4. Include daily exercise in their routine

They require daily activity or exercise to release their pent-up energy. Failure to do so might make them aggressive or destructive.

For instance, a 3-4 month terrier puppy demands 15 minutes of exercise time, but their activity needs also increase (30-45 minutes) as they mature.

5. Don’t leave them alone for a long time

Pitbull dogs love humans and want their full attention all time. Play with them, take them on a walk, or provide them stuffed animals or chewing toys to keep them busy.

A lonely pitbull terrier may howl or bark out of boredom.

6. Be the dominant alpha

Last but not least training tip is to show them who’s the boss (but be gentle). American pitbull terrier dog breed is smart and powerful with a fighting history.

Start with the basic training commands like sit and stay to make him learn to obey your orders.

The one signal you don’t want to hint at them is ‘you being the prey’ and them being the’ dominant alpha.’

7. Pitbull Terrier Puppy Health Problems

Generally, pitbull puppies live a long and healthy life of 12-16 years.

But, like every other dog breed, they are prone to health conditions, issues, diseases, or allergies.

Mentioned below are some of the common health problems you should watch out for your dog:

• Patellar luxation
• Ichthyosis
• Manges
• Hypothyroidism
• Kidney and Bladder Stones
• Rashes
• Elbow & Hip Dysplasia
• Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis
• Parvo Susceptibility
• Juvenile Cataracts (Mostly young Pitbull Puppies)
• Aortic Stenosis

Rare Health Issue:

• Cerebellar Ataxia (1 out of 400 pitbulls have this)

To keep your pitbull healthy, make sure to have him checked regularly so that an issue or problem can be spotted earlier.

8. FAQs

1. Does AKC recognize American Pitbull Terrier? If not, what other reputable associations identify this breed?

The American kennel club does not recognize this wonderful breed. But American Dog Breeders Association and United Kennel Club have them registered.

2. Are pitbull puppies dangerous to adopt?

No, not at all!

There is nothing wrong with this adorable dog breed. But you will only get to know all the misconceptions if only you will adopt them.

They are friendly, active, playful, cuddly, energetic, and everything a good pet should be.

And yes, with proper training and care, they can be the best doggie you can have. (We mean it!)

3. Is pitbull terrier an expensive breed?

The average price of a purebred pitbull puppy ranges from $500-$2000.

But they can be more on the pricier side depending on the breeder or the rescuer you adopt them from, and the final cost may go as high as $20,000.

4. Are pitbull puppies good family dogs? Do they get along with kids?

Yes, they can make the best companions of your family and children.

The loving, gentle, and human-dedicated dog breed, pitbull terrier puppy, can be a perfect family pet if well-trained and socialized.

Conclusion

Like every other gentle dog breed, the American pitbull terrier is no different when it comes to their loveable, devoted, caring, and smart personality.

In fact, there might be more good than bad, but all the myths and misunderstandings have tainted the character of this beautiful doggo, giving them the wrong popularity of a monster dog. (poor doggo ☹)

“You will never understand a pitbull puppy unless you own one.” – Said every pitbull owner

They are among the goofiest, human-loving, and cutest canines like poochon.

Indeed, every dog-lover will adore them!