How to Care for an American Pit Bull Terrier

The American pit bull terrier is friendly and eager to please by nature. Though it is known for its aggression with other dogs due to a fighting background, the pit bull is generally very gentle with humans. Be prepared to spend a lot of time socializing your dog to be with people and other animals. Any signs of aggression toward people should be dealt with immediately by a professional trainer.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Dog Bones
• Dog Brushes
• Dog Dishes
• Dog Food
• Dog Leashes
• Dog Tags
• Dog Toys
• Dog Training Aids
• Dog Training Leashes/collars
• Muzzles
• Nail Clippers For Dogs
• Pinch Collars

1. Vaccinate your American pit bull terrier when you first get him, and see that he gets yearly booster vaccinations to maintain his immunity to disease. Consult your veterinarian about flea control products and worming your dog.

2. Feed your American pit bull terrier high-grade dog food. The first ingredient should be meat if you want a quality product. Crude protein should be no less than 30 percent and crude fat no less than 20 percent. The fiber content needs to be 4 percent or less.

3. Socialize your pit bull when he's young to be with people and other animals. Establish your authority over your dog and be sure to take him to public areas, giving strangers the opportunity to pet and play with him. This will help the dog develop an even temper.

4. Start obedience training early. Because this is a dominant breed, it's important to be able to control your pit bull by voice alone. Positive reinforcement will go further than physical, as this breed is eager to please.

5. Give your pit bull vigorous exercise for a minimum of 30 to 45 minutes a day. This is an active breed, and the dog will require much activity. Keep him on leash when out in public to avoid fighting with other dogs.

6. Brush your dog's coat daily with a firm-bristle brush. Shampoo as needed. American pit bull terriers are medium shedders.

7. Understand that American pit bull terriers are prone to certain health conditions such as cataracts (cloudy eye lens) and hip dysplasia (a malformed ball and socket in the hip joint).

8. Expect male and female American pit bull terriers to grow to 18 to 22 inches and weigh between 30 and 80 lbs.

9. Know that the American pit bull terrier will live about 12 years.

Tips & Warnings

• Early socialization with other animals will help minimize a pit bull's aggressive tendencies but is no guarantee.

• This breed does better in warmer climates.

• Contact the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (see Related Sites) for more information about hip dysplasia.

• Choke chains do little to control an American pit bull terrier due to its high pain tolerance. A pinch collar works better.