Understanding Pitbull

Pit bulls have no recognized breed criteria, so they might be termed “pitties” or “bullies.” Both have large, flat heads and muscular bodies, like the American Staffordshire terrier.

Pitbull Interesting Facts

Because they’re so nice, pit bulls can win your heart and join your family. Before you bring a pit bull puppy home, here are some things to think about:

• Size - Most pit bulls are medium or large in size, weighing between 30 and 90 pounds and standing 17 to 19 inches tall.
• Features of a Breed - Pit bulls are tough dogs. Their wide faces distinguish them. Wide, flat heads, robust jaws. Their ears and tails are modest to medium-sized. Short, silky fur. Pit bulls don’t have any distinct hues. Steel gray to white with brown dots is common hues. All the colors depend on what bulldogs and terriers are combined.
• Temperament - Pit bulls aren’t naturally mean, despite what mainstream culture says. This affectionate dog likes to please people. When bored, their muscular jaws want to chew, so keep them occupied and active.
• Needs for Appearance and Health - A pit bull’s short coat requires little care. Their short hair doesn’t always prevent allergies or mange. Check your dogs’ teeth and trim their nails regularly. Pit bulls suffer from hip dysplasia, kneecap dislocation, and degenerative myelopathy.
• Training - Leash-training a pit bull puppy is a must. Mischievous pitbulls were developed to pursue rats and terriers.

Pro tip takeaway: Your pit bull puppy can meet new people while leashed. This trains them not to flee when they sense prey.

• Energy Level - Pit bulls are lively and need plenty of exercise. They need a fenced-in backyard to burn off excess energy. Games that reward people for running will make them happy.
• Lifetime - On average, pit bulls live between 12 and 14 years.

Also Read: Apartment Friendly Dog breeds

Pitbull Training

Friendly pit bulls are nonetheless tough and determined. Hodges says they’re tough like terriers but bigger, stronger, and heavier. Because of their height and power, it’s vital to train them as pups and as adults. 

Friends to the Forlorn says, “The pit bull is a great friend, but it’s not the right pet for everyone.” They need a strong, decisive leader who will set clear rules and structure for them. ( The Farmer’s Dog 2020)

Pit bulls need daily exercise, particularly with pals who aren’t terrified of them. 

Children, animals, and people not up for rigorous play may find them overpowering. There will be a lot of walking at a fast pace. Tugging games are a great way to burn off energy and give dogs something to chew on. But make sure you decide how to play tug. Tell them how long the game will last and what they will get for being polite.

Pitbull Behavior

People-focused dogs may have separation anxiety, so establish limitations and give them space.

It’s important to be aware of how you feel and what you let yourself do. Teaching a dog to do these things will pay dividends when such behavior is desired.

Your dog’s excellent conduct is vital when children or visitors are eating. How you let your dog welcome you, relax, and perform around you is likely how he or she will act in future settings. So make sure you give the behavior you want a lot of practice. 

Pro tip takeaway: Encourage and allow the behaviors you want from your dog. This will set your dog up for success in the future.

Pitbull Neutering

Neutering is having the testes of a male dog removed through surgery.

People often say that you should neuter your male American Pit Bull after he hits puberty. This is good for their health in the long run and also helps prevent bad habits like marking and aggression.

When you should have a female American Pit Bull Terrier neutered is not a hard and fast rule. It should be completed before the initial heat. This can happen as early as five months, but others say that this can increase the risk of breast cancer. We would always suggest getting a personal opinion from your vet.

Breed-Specific Legislation

The term “pit bull” doesn’t refer to a specific breed of dog, but rather to a type of dog with certain traits. Most of the time, the dogs have big heads and strong bodies. Pit bulls are picked on because they have been used in dog fights in the past.

Dog attacks are a serious problem in many parts of the U.S, yet controlling dangerous canines is tough. BSL regulates or bans certain dog breeds to prevent attacks on people and other animals. Breed-specific rules, or breed-discriminatory restrictions, won’t stop deadly dogs. ( ASPCA 2019)

Pro

• BSL makes communities safer.
• BSL is a kind way to stop breeding and fighting with pit bulls.
• Some dogs, like pit bulls, were born to be dangerous.

Con

• There is no proof that BSL makes neighborhoods safer.
• BSL distracts focus away from laws and policies that could really make people safer.
• Using BSL costs a lot of money.

What Are the Effects of Laws Based on Breed?

BSL has a lot of bad effects that were never meant to happen. 

Instead of giving up their pets, owners of restricted or banned breeds limit their dogs. They limit their socialization, licensing, microchipping, veterinary treatment, spaying or neutering, and vaccines.

Both the mental and physical health of these dogs can be hurt by things like this.

Breed-specific rules might make it difficult to adopt and keep certain dogs. Thus, shelters and humane societies will likely murder adoptable canines.

Owners Suffer.

Responsible dog owners must follow local breed bans and legislation. This can make it hard to find a place to live, cost money in court, or even mean giving up the animal.

The public’s safety is hurt. Most of the time, breed-specific laws hurt public safety more than they help it. Animal control resources are neglected when employed to regulate or punish a breed.

Breed-specific laws may encourage irresponsible dog ownership. People who use dogs’ aggression for their own gain are likely to turn to other breeds that are not regulated. Omit, “outlaws” may like the fact that some breeds are “outlaws.” In the 1980s, gang members bought extra pit bulls to avoid breed-specific rules.

In a nutshell:

Just like people, dogs are all different. Their genes, life experiences, and environments all affect how they act. Pay attention to what your pet tells you about its needs, not just what you might expect based on its breed.