Dog Breeds > Pit Bull Terrier

The Pit Bull Terrier

The Pit Bull Terrier is what you get when you cross the playful, energetic terrier with the strong and athletic bull dog. They can regularly be seen as police dogs, therapy dogs or companion dogs for these mixed traits. If you would like a dog that commands respect and power with just the right amount of energy, this dog is the one for you.

Energy Playfulness Intelligence Grooming Popularity

Fascinating Facts

The Pit Bull terrier is a cross-breed between a terrier and a bull dog, and is the choice breed when it comes to dog fighting. They are very strong and very protective, and make for great guard dogs. There are many associations that protect and save this breed from any pit-fighting that would potentially endanger its life.

Physical Appearance

The Pit Bull Terrier has all the muscle from a pit bull but all the energy that it can harness from its terrier roots. They have square heads and big, strong jaws, with very thick and defined necks. They have short fur that shouldn’t be hard to groom. With ears that allow cropping if preferred.

Grooming

Grooming for the Pit Bull terrier should be easy because of their short fur with minimal shedding. The natural oils that give their coats a subtle shine should be sufficient for their general care, and should only be bathed when necessary.

Mood

The Pit Bull terrier is generally believed to be of very violent stock which makes them ideal for dog fighting. This is a very grave misconception, as they are generally a very gentle breed to people and reserve their aggression for possible danger to their human companions and other animals. They are very intuitive and have a keen sense of danger and safety. They make great guard dogs and will serve better as obedient, loving companions than fighters in a pit.

With Children

The Pit Bull terrier is generally believed to be aggressive in nature, but they are great with humans and with proper training and supervision will make great companions for your children. They are very eager to please and will only act with aggression or display irrational behavior when there is danger. Their considerably large muscles might not be ideal for children who engage in rough play, as the Pit Bull Terrier might think that this is okay and will behave in an aggressive manner towards children.

Training & Exercise

The Pit Bull terrier needs firm supervision in both training and exercise. Smart as they might be when it comes to intuitive processes that involve danger, they can get quite careless with their strength and need to be displayed dominance for them to follow orders. They are generally always well behaved and obedient, and training this breed will bring you a loyal, gentle guard dog that will protect you for life.

Health & Life Expectancy

Since the Pit Bull terrier is of very tough origins, they are generally healthy and will not pose many problems that need constant veterinarian attention and care. They do however, sometimes come with grass allergies and congenital heart disease. Your pet doctor should be able to determine if your dog is at high risk for these diseases.

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