Pit Bull Terrier

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Pit Bull Terrier breed is a medium-sized, short-haired, strong built dog. Their ancestors were originally from England and Ireland. It is also known as American Pitbull, Pit and Pit Terrier besides many other names.

This breed is very friendly, affectionate and loyal in nature. They are good with children and adults which makes them suitable as a family dog. Very suitable as watchdogs as they will protect their family to the death. They are highly active dogs so be sure that you provide them with enough exercise and activities to consume them to avoid developing boredom, frustration or destructive behaviors. Keep them stable and balanced and they will continue to be the happy dog that you want.

Color

The breed comes in any color besides merle.

Coat

This dog's coat needs to be brushed regularly with a firm bristle brush to keep it looking good especially when they are shedding. Rubbing their coat with a piece of towel or chamois will make it gleam. The Pit Bulls are average shedders.

Personality

The American Pit Bull Terriers are good natured, affectionate, amusing and extremely loyal dogs. Often mistaken as vicious dogs, their aggressive tendencies in nature are with other dogs and animals, not people. Socialization to other pets by a strong, firm, consistent, calm pack-leader, this can be corrected. They are great with children and adults. They have a high pain tolerance and could play roughly with children. But do not leave them alone with unfamiliar children. Full of vitality, they are very brave and intelligent guard dogs. Very suitable as watchdogs, they will not think twice fighting an enemy to death. They are usually very friendly but they have this mysterious ability to know when they need to protect their family and when to relax.

Care

The Pit Bull Terriers are easy to groom with their smooth, short-haired coat. Bathe and dry shampoo them when necessary. These dogs are generally healthy but some of them could be prone to hip dysplasia, allergies to grass, congenital heart disease and hereditary cataracts. The Pit Bulls also prefer the warm climate.

Training

This breed is naturally obedient and loves to please their humans. This makes them highly trainable. They should be socialized properly by a firm, consistent and calm pack leader to avoid them from being aggressive toward other dogs and animals ' their natural instinct.

Activity

The American Pit Bull Terrier breed needs a lot of rigorous exercise and to be taken on long walks everyday. They can be fine living in an apartment or small spaces as long as they do a lot of activities along with their walks. It will be easier if the walks are done as strenuous as bicycling, rollerblading, pulling, etc. The dog may also carry back packs to make their activity more challenging.