PitBull dog breeds are excellent canine citizens and are loving companions in millions of homes. Consequently, they achieve excellent temperament scores, are successful as service dogs, therapy dogs, police K9 dogs and as family pets.
While the term ‘pit bull’ is a generic term used to loosely describe a type (or category) of dog based solely on physical appearance (not genetics or lineage) that resembles any medium-sized dog with physical characteristics of any of the ‘bully’ (or bulldog-type) breeds, there are four breeds that are commonly classified as modern ‘Pit Bull-type’ breeds according to breed standards.
The American Pit Bull Terrier is the only formal breed with the term ‘Pit Bull’ in its name and more than 20 unique breeds and their mixes share similar physical characteristics to dogs in the ‘Pitbull-type’ category.
Regardless of its registration or name, the Pitbull is well known to all dog lovers due to its loving and maligned reputation within society. But, these dogs make excellent companions for those who understand the world and dog behaviour.
The Pitbull, initially bred for bull-baiting purposes, quickly became a full-fledged dog on farms, and then companion and domestic dogs because of their quick wit and kindness, especially with children.
They are strong, tenacious, playful and courageous friends. And their personality makes them great at various sports, such as exertion, obedience and agility competition.
Personality of the American PitBull dog
Pitbull dog breeds love people and have no idea that their size is a deterrent to being a lap dog. Confident and very aware of their surroundings, they are watchdogs, as they can alert you to the presence of strangers, but that is mainly because they are eager to greet ‘their’ guests.
While their love for people makes them fail as watchdogs, their courage is unmatched and they will defend their family with their lives. Like all dogs, Pit Bulls need early socialisation when they are young.
Pitbulls have a strong desire to please their owners and are very attracted to their affection. They are very loyal, courageous and intelligent dogs, with an undiluted focus. They have an innate ability to recognise suspects and act accordingly.
You should not underestimate the temperament of Pitbulls and treat them like human beings, as they are powerful and strong-minded dogs that will try to assume the role of pack leader and in turn can mess up many situations by becoming unmanageable for you.
In this way, you may even risk imposing a worse reputation on the breed in general. Understanding the dog’s behaviour beforehand will save you a lot of unnecessary trouble and ensure you of an unusual, loyal, obedient and loving pet.
In addition, Pitbulls enjoy having a purpose, so you must give them work to enable them to fulfil their role. Avoid getting involved in promoting the breed’s fighting instinct, by all means.
A great advantage of Pitbull breeds is that they love children, and because they are strong, energetic and tolerant, they make ideal playmates. That said, no dog of any size or breed should be left unsupervised with children – there should always be an adult supervising.
Feeding the Pitbull
The recommended daily amount of food for Pitbull dog breeds ranges from 1 and ½ to 2 and ½ cups of high-quality dry food, which should be divided into two meals a day.
Your dog’s meals should be fed at regular times, as dogs love routine. With respect to your Pit Bull puppy, you will have the opportunity to consult with your breeder to understand in detail how often to feed your newly adopted puppy and how much food to feed him in a day.
By talking with the breeder and veterinarian, you should be able to determine exactly what to feed your dog and the appropriate amounts he needs. It is also good to add raw fruits and vegetables to their diet from time to time. However, you should consult your vet about this, so that you understand which fruits and vegetables can be included in your dog’s diet.
Grooming PitBull dog
The coats of Pitbull dog breeds are stiff to the touch, yet glossy. The coat colour can vary from red, blue, brown, brown, grey, black and white, brindle and brindle mixes. They have a short, soft, easy to groom coat. However, they should be brushed regularly, as PitBulls are intermediates.
Their teeth should be brushed at least two or three times a week, if not daily. This will also keep bad breath away, as well as bacteria and tartar build-up, which is very important to keep dental problems away.
Their nails should also be trimmed once or twice a month to avoid tearing and pain. If their nails dig into the floor when they move, they are suitable for trimming.
Grooming should be introduced to your dog from an early age, and should always be accompanied by praise and rewards to avoid irritation and the Pitbull escaping in the middle of the procedure, where it can accidentally hurt you.
Their ears need weekly checks for redness, odour and dirt. If they smell bad or seem unusually red, then your Pitbull could be suffering from an ear infection.
It is best to wipe them with a damp cloth or cotton ball from time to time to clean out the excess. Sometimes, you can also add pH-balanced ear cleaners to prevent infection. Naturally, only the outer ear should be cleaned, never the ear canal.
You should also check their eyes from time to time for redness or discharge to prevent future problems, or at least detect problems when it is still early.
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