Pit Bull Terriers 101

Terrier group

A good Pit Bull and most are just that is sweet-natured and calm, loving to family and friends alike. They do best with responsible families who work to ensure their Pit Bulls behave as model citizens. This prevents adding to the reputation most of these dogs do not deserve. The breed does well in all kinds of activities, and regular exercise of mind and body keeps these dogs in good shape.

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The best ones are solid, funny and friendly

Energy level
Energy LevelEnergy Level
Bark level
  • bark-very-vocalVery vocal
  • bark-talkativeTalkative
  • bark-as-neededAs needed
Size
17 to 19 inches tall
Group Size Medium
Lifespan
12 to 16 years
020
Weight
40 to 70 lbs
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Mature adult Pit Bull Terrier

6 years to 9 years

Risk level for common Pit Bull Terrier conditions

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Cruciate ligament tear (knee)

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Skin cancer

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Skin allergies

Senior Pit Bull Terrier

10+ years

Risk level for common Pit Bull Terrier conditions

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Skin cancer

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Cruciate ligament tear (knee)

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Arthritis

Pit Bull Terrier puppy

0 to 1 year

Risk level for common Pit Bull Terrier conditions

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Skin allergies

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Gastritis

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Ear infection

Young adult Pit Bull Terrier

1 year to 5 years

Risk level for common Pit Bull Terrier conditions

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Skin allergies

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Ear infection

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Cruciate ligament tear (knee)

Mature adult Pit Bull Terrier

6 years to 9 years

Risk level for common Pit Bull Terrier conditions

risk-level-bar

Cruciate ligament tear (knee)

risk-level-bar

Skin cancer

risk-level-bar

Skin allergies

Senior Pit Bull Terrier

10+ years

Risk level for common Pit Bull Terrier conditions

risk-level-bar

Skin cancer

risk-level-bar

Cruciate ligament tear (knee)

risk-level-bar

Arthritis

Pit Bull Terrier puppy

0 to 1 year

Risk level for common Pit Bull Terrier conditions

risk-level-bar

Skin allergies

risk-level-bar

Gastritis

risk-level-bar

Ear infection

Young adult Pit Bull Terrier

1 year to 5 years

Risk level for common Pit Bull Terrier conditions

risk-level-bar

Skin allergies

risk-level-bar

Ear infection

risk-level-bar

Cruciate ligament tear (knee)

2-Pit bull laying down GettyImages-1284989653

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3-Fun fact Pit bull GettyImages-1362582590

At the Connecticut Trees of Honor Memorial in Middletown, CT, you’ll find a statue of a Pit Bull named “Sergeant Stubby,” who served with the 102nd Infantry Regiment during World War I. He became renowned for his bravery, loyalty, and heroism, and he was awarded the Purple Heart, the Silver Star, and multiple battle ribbons, making him one of the most decorated war dogs in history.

Pit Bull Terrier coat care and colors

The Pit Bull Terrier provides no reason to complain when it comes to coat care, since the breed’s sleek, short coat in a variety of patterns and colors requires little more than a weekly brushing and an occasional bath to keep it in good condition. The Pit Bull is a large dog, and that means large nails that need to be kept short. Acclimating puppies to having their feet handled will make a lifetime of nail trims easier. Some dogs better tolerate nail grinding rather than trimming, so experiment with which method works best.

Do Pit Bull Terriers shed a lot?

All dogs shed, some a little and some a lot. Pit Bulls are at the low end of the scale. The perception of how much a dog sheds typically related to how much fur ends up on clothing, furniture and carpets. Regular brushing and bathing gets your Pit Bull's fur before it falls, and that will help reduce fur around the house.

How often should I groom my Pit Bull Terrier?

Pit Bull Terriers are relatively low-maintenance in the grooming department. Pitties do shed their short fur quite a bit, though. More frequent baths reduce odors and regular brushing, combing and bathing reduce shedding by removing loose fur before it falls out naturally from your Pit Bull's coat. Most dogs do well with weekly combing/brushing and bathing as needed for dirt and smell. Don’t forget paws: Nail trims are best kept up weekly to avoid long dagger nails that are painful when cut back, and trimming fur between the pads helps prevent burrs from settling there.

Are there grooming tips to help prevent skin issues common in Pit Bull Terriers?

A healthy diet and good parasite control will keep many Pit Bull skin issues at bay. Mostly white, thin-coated Pit Bulls are at higher risk of sunburn. A pet-safe canine sunscreen reduces that risk. If your Pit Bull Terrier has persistent skin issues, visit your dog's veterinary healthcare team for advice and treatment options.

Pit Bull Terrier exercise & training

Loves walks

Exercise level

While they’re happy just to hang out with their families, Pit Bull Terriers do best with moderate daily exercise. Because of their strength, good leash manners are must for daily walks.

Class clown

Trainability

Pit Bull Terriers are devoted and smart, but they are strong dogs. Start training early, and reward good manners with praise and tiny treats.

Pit Bull Terrier fun facts

Top girl names for Pit Bull Terriers

100%

of Pit Bull Terriers are female

0%

of Pit Bull Terriers are male

Top boy names for Pit Bull Terriers

Nationwide loves Pit Bull Terriers of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

Other breeds like Pit Bull Terriers

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