Is A Pitbull Considered A Large Breed?

Are you considering getting a Pitbull as a companion? If so, you need to consider certain factors when choosing the dog breed that’s right for you. These would include maintenance, temperament, and of course, their physical characteristics. One of the essential biological characteristics to consider is size. This factor is significant considering it’s affected by the size of the house or apartment you live in.

Are you still conflicted while choosing the right dog breed for you? Then, you may consider listening to some people’s recommendations. For example, one of the popular recommendations is a pitbull, a very well-known dog breed. However, how does their physical size affect how you should take care of them?

For this article, we will be going over the size of this particular dog breed. In addition, you will also learn some background concerning Pitbull’s health status that is affected by unethical healthcare. So, without further ado, we will proceed straight to their sizes.

Pitbull Sizes

It is essential to know that Pitbulls are a variety of other dog breeds. This means one particular type will have different sizes compared to other variations. However, many canine associations have classified Pitbulls to range from small-sized to medium-sized. However, some Pitbulls grow to a degree where they become considered large-sized dogs in some less common causes.

Typically, a fully grown Pitbull will grow up to 35-60 pounds in weight and 18-21 inches in height. They generally reach full maturity at about 18 months old, where their bodies are developed. After that, some variations will be slightly more minor in weight and height by a few inches and pounds.

For puppies that are below a year old, you have to monitor their weight closely. Their weight should constantly be rising every month the vet checks on them. Typically, they should be around 15-35 pounds by the time they reach six months. However, it would still depend on their lifestyle and metabolism. The best choice is to always visit the vet for the puppy’s checkups to ensure they are in a healthy range of weight.

Types Of Pitbull

🐕 American Bully

This dog is joyful, sociable, strong, and fearless, and he makes a great family dog. Humans are expected to treat American Bully with gentleness and love. This dog is also kind, entertaining, and incredibly devoted, making him an excellent choice for a family companion. The American Bully is often attentive, and this dog will have motivation only by the desire to impress its owner. It is a courageous and smart guard dog who is also exceptionally energetic and has lots of fun.

🐕 American Pitbull Terrier

When nurtured with the proper support and conditioning, the American Pit Bull Terrier may be a total sweetheart for youngsters. However, when it comes to other people, this dog is affectionate and sensitive, and he makes a poor guard dog due to the strong wagging of its tail whenever he greets a person. Nevertheless, American Pit Bull Terriers are dependable and trustworthy to their families. They will protect their owners until they die if it is necessary.

🐕 American Staffordshire Terrier

It’s important to note that they are relatively fit and strong for their stature, making them a bother on strolls if they are not adequately trained to behave on the road. They also have powerful jaws, which they could use to gnaw their way over boredom. Expect that most of your things have been wrecked by an American Staffordshire Terrier who hasn’t been given enough cognitive and emotional stimulation during his life.

It is possible to train the dog to relax and be attentive if the trainer is self-assured and organized and can fulfill the physical challenges of the breed without resorting to punishing.  This will make a dog pleasant with strength training. Even though their purpose is to be watchdogs at first, this terrier’s guarding abilities depend more on aggression than any other because of their genuine affection for humans.

🐕 Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, with its robust, muscular build, focused look, and commanding stance may be an intimidating canine companion. Many people love to see this dog because it appears to be a wild type. However, it is a shocking moment to realize that the Stafford Bull Terrier is a delicate and affectionate pet who prefers to play rather than be tough on the task. He considers life to be a joyous journey, and he strives to enjoy it to the maximum.

It is strongly advised not to allow this breed to live on the street. He is a buddy who loves the company of his owners. Because this dog may become violent towards unfamiliar dogs, Staffordshire terriers must never be let run free. Even though Staffords possess exceptional intelligence, they are also independent thinkers who prefer to go about their business in their very own way. They require rigorous, patient, and regular instruction. Staffordshire Bull Terriers are high-energy dogs who need a fitness routine or play activity to keep them in shape.

How Does A Pitbull Physical Structure Affect Their Overall Health?

Pitbulls have a pretty muscular structure that develops as they grow old. Having a well-built body makes them good utility dogs for a variety of reasons. Some even consider them as a dangerous dog breed due to their temperament and fighting capabilities. However, their unique physical structure has all sorts of effects on their overall health. One of these is their vulnerability to all kinds of diseases.

Pitbulls are most prone to hip dysplasia, cataracts, and diabetes. You can prevent a number of these problems by keeping their sizes in check. They should not be too heavy or too light because they could cause either obesity or malnutrition respectively. Eventually, these size-related problems can develop into the previously mentioned diseases. So it is crucial to have a weighing scale to monitor your dog’s weight regularly.

Keeping Pitbull’s Health In Check

These sections will be divided into various types of healthcare you need to consider.

🐕 Diet

Strict diets are the essential part of keeping an animal healthy. Pitbulls are highly unconscious of what they consume, so their diet is your responsibility. Some tend to have a large appetite, and you have to say no to them when they beg for more food. Typically, you have to get advice from your vet on how many calories your pitbull should consume per day. This varies for each dog because many factors will affect it.

Some of these factors include:
✅ Age
☑ Current Weight
✔ How Much They Exercise

It is also notable that you consider the type of food they eat. You should only give fattening treats sparingly, and you should prioritize healthy treats. You may also try some healthy options such as raw diets and mixed diets. However, it is essential to note that they may have food allergies you need to watch out for. For example, some dogs have certain allergies to specific types of meat, wheat, or seafood.

🐕 Exercise

Pitbulls can sometimes become lethargic if they are not exercising regularly. At a young age, you should spend time walking them or playing with them outside. They need physical activity as well to keep their size and weight in check. It also ensures their muscles do not quickly weaken as they age because weak joints can lead to dysplasia.

Exercising prevents a variety of diseases such as obesity and respiratory problems. So make sure you walk them in your free time, preferably once a day. Just make sure that you give them refreshments after the physical activity.

🐕 Vet Visits

Vets know what size is good for their breed. However, you must bring them to the clinic as early as eight weeks to be monitored closely by the vet. They will also provide vaccinations, deworming, and vitamins which are all beneficial for your pet. You may also ask them about their diet plan, insurance, and clinical tests and screening.

Prevention is better than cure, so bring them to the vet if you haven’t yet. More advanced conditions can lead you to spend a large amount of money. You would spend more money and time treating these diseases than preventing them. However, it is beneficial for you and your pet, so vet visits are always necessary.

Watching Out For Unethical Breeders

Some breeders selectively breed larger Pitbulls which can cause a lot of problems. In addition, since genetic diseases can spread faster through the next generation, some breeders may also scam customers by saying the puppies are a large variant, even if not. So if you consider getting a pitbull, you have to watch out for these kinds of people.

Bottom Line

Pitbulls are a prevalent breed of dog that requires a lot of your time, money, and effort. Their size has more to do with their overall health than many may think. So make sure to have a balance between gaining and losing weight. External issues can become internal health issues, so always be observant of your dog.