Pitbull Puppies | Everything You Need to Know
Thinking about getting a puppy and considering a pitbull? Pitbull puppies are like every other puppy in most respects. You’ll be housebreaking and training them because pitbull puppies are babies and don’t know much.
Pitbull puppies will want to play and chew and roughhouse when they’re awake and then suddenly crash for a nap, just like puppies of other breeds.
But pitbulls do have a stigma. Because of their ties to dogfighting, they’re often equated with being aggressive. Potential owners of pitbull puppies need a little background on the breed to know how this trait came about.
Pitbull Puppies - Is One Right For You?
So what should you know about Pitbull puppies?
A few things. The pitbull originated in the United Kingdom when Old English Bulldogs were crossed with Black and Tan Terriers.
When you understand that pitbulls were originally bred to bite and hold bears, bulls, and other large animals around the face and head, and then later, to fight other dogs, you can see why a pit bull would be more prone to aggression towards other dogs. This tendency towards aggressiveness can also translate into territorial behavior and even attacks on people.
For these reasons, it’s crucial that pitbull puppies receive proper socialization and training from the outset, to encourage the outgoing, friendly behavior that dedicated pittie owners swear by and are so endeared with.
Pitbulls aren’t a breed, but a type of dog, so you won’t see a Pitbull competing at the Westminster Dog Show, but you will see, for example, American Staffordshire Terriers. This breed is recognized by the American Kennel Club and is considered a Pitbull “type” of dog.
When pitbull puppies are fully grown they can weigh from 30 - 90 lbs. and grow to 17-19 inches in height. They’re characterized by sturdy, strong bodies and wide heads and they come in a variety of coat colors. Their coat is short and requires minimal grooming and they live on average between 12 - 14 years.
Playful pitbull puppies grow into fairly high energy adults. If yours is an active lifestyle, a pitbull should be a good fit. Apartment dwellers may want to reconsider and choose a more sedate breed.
If pitbull puppies sound appealing to you, you’ll need to contact either a reputable breeder or rescue to help you find a puppy. Understand that rescues may not always have pitbull puppies available, so if your heart is set on a pup, a breeder may be the better route. Be sure, however, to do your research to confirm the breeder you’re considering is legit.
Like any puppy, pitbull puppies need owners who are willing to commit to the daily responsibilities involved in raising a puppy, along with correct training and socialization to bring out the best in your pitbull.