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Need to Know
- Might not be suitable for first-time dog owners
- Extra training required
- Potential health risks
- Enjoys active walks
- Medium to large dog
- Some drool
- Requires grooming
- Barks, alerts, and may be physically protective/suspicious of visitors
- Might not like other dogs
- May need additional training to live with other pets
- May need additional supervision to live with children
- Needs a large yard, preferably in the suburbs or countryside
- Can be left alone occasionally with training
- Can be a loyal companion dog
Personality
Exuberant and funny, American Pit Bull Terriers are affectionate and playful dogs. They are bouncy, loving, and devoted dogs who thrive on human companionship.
Originally bred from Old English Bulldogs, American Pit Bull Terriers became a loyal companion dog, eventually coming to America with those who immigrated from Great Britain. Here, they performed many jobs including herding and guarding. They are lively and vibrant dogs that can make great family companions with appropriate training. They were even revered during the two World Wars as a national mascot.
Experience with Pit Bulls or larger Terrier-type dogs is ideal for an American Pit Bull Terrier dog owner. They need a confident and cool owner who can commit to extensive training. Owners are ideally fit and active and can provide the dogs with plenty of exercise. They can be stubborn, so an owner who knows how to creatively motivate them is also ideal.
Brimming with energy, American Pit Bull Terriers need frequent exercise. Daily walks, free running, and plenty of mental stimulation are important, especially since a bored Pittie can be a mischievous one. Socialization of Pit Bull puppies and dogs is important, as is training grounded in positive reinforcement.
American Pit Bull Terriers are generally adaptable dogs, but they do thrive with access to a fenced-in yard in a rural or suburban setting where they can free run, go on long walks, and work on training exercises.
Grooming a Pittie is low maintenance—just brush their coats regularly. Most American Pit Bull Terriers will not require frequent bathing.
Positive reinforcement training methods are best as American Pit Bull Terriers really are gentle and sensitive souls at heart. They require consistent, firm, and confident leadership from their owners to be successful as well-mannered companions.
A properly trained and socialized Pit Bull Terrier dog can be a good family dog. They are affectionate and devoted companions. Due to their size and strength—and their protective instincts—they do best with families that have older children who can respect the dog’s boundaries or no children. They thrive in stable and calm environments.
The cost of an American Pit Bull Terrier from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.
Learn more about feeding and caring for your American Pit Bull Terrier on Purina.
Did You Know?
- “Pit Bulls” refer to a group of Bully Terrier dogs. There is no official American Pit Bull Terrier dog breed, although the group of dogs is commonly referred to as Pit Bulls.