Pitbull : appearance, character, health, sporting activity, care

Pitbull: Trained to fight, he is actually a loving and intelligent animal

Let’s dispel the myth of the aggressive and dangerous dog by nature: it is a breed to know better


Considered by most as an aggressive and dangerous dog, in reality the Pitbull , by its nature, is an affectionate and affable dog even with children, as long as it is raised and educated correctly. Let’s find out its character and how to take care of it at its best.


Pitbull : the name

The term PitBull indicates the American Pit Bull terrier, a breed recognized as such only by the English federation UKC (United Kennel Club) and by the ADBA (American Dog Breeders Association).


Pitbull: origins and history

Born in medieval times from the cross between the Old English Terrier and the Old Bulldog, two English breeds. Its “ancestors”, in 1800, were used in Europe as working dogs, and later trained for fighting, an ignoble pastime, but much loved by the British of the time.

The English word “pit” actually means “arena”, the place where the bloody encounters took place. Precisely from this habit, this breed has been attributed an aggressiveness and a danger that are not its nature.

In the United States, legislation was even drafted in the 1980s and 1990s prohibiting families from raising Pit Bulls due to their ” inherently aggressive and dangerous nature “.

Even in Italy, for a certain period, Pitbulls were included in the list of dangerous breeds for humans.


Pitbull: breeds

The term Pitbull indicates different breeds of dogs with similar characteristics:

  • American Bully
  • Blue Nose American Pit bull Terrier
  • Colby
  • Gamer
  • Johnson
  • Monster Blue, cross between Dogo di Bordeaux and Neapolitan Mastiff
  • Mexican Pit bull (or Chamuco)
  • Pynat
  • Spike
  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier
  • Liberty Villa

Let us dwell on some breeds

Pitbull Stuffawler

Massive, muscular and with a wide jaw, it is a crossbreed specially created for fighting. Commonly regarded as aggressive, this has not in fact been proven.

Weighing between 25 and 40 kilos, it can be recognized because when it pants it looks like it is smiling.

Pitbull Red Nose

Its name is a clear reference to the red-brown truffle. Again, it is a question of

of an intersection created in Ireland around 1830. Between 25 and 30 pounds in weight, it is less massive than other Pitbull varieties. It has long, lean legs and a muscular back.

Pitbull Cobra

Similar to the Red Nose, it has a white coat and blue or black eyes.

Amstaff (American Staffordshire Terrier)

It is generally considered a short-haired and muscular Pit Bull, in fact, the American Staffordshire Terrier (abbreviated Amstaff ) originates from fighting dogs. Considered the “cousin” of the traditional Pit Bull, it is a brave but not aggressive dog.


Pitbull : appearance

Very strong on a muscular level, the Pitbull manages to develop a nice mass, while maintaining a lean and rather slender shape.

Let’s see in detail its physical characteristics:

  • size : medium
  • height : males between 46 and 54 cm, females between 41 and 51 cm
  • weight : males between 16 and 27 kg, females between 13.5 and 23 kg
  • structure : square
  • musculature : massive, compact and imposing
  • head : wedge-shaped
  • mandible : well developed
  • neck : mighty
  • hair : hard and short
  • color : red, fawn, sesame, white, piebald, gray, grizzled, black, blue, honey, harlequin, apricot, silver, brown, liver, lemon, orange, chocolate, brownish
  • eyes : clear and with a lively expression
  • ears : not very long, usually cropped
  • bearing : proud and elegant, agile and fast

Pitbull : character

As already said at the beginning, that the Pibtull is aggressive is a commonplace to dispel. When raised in an affectionate and emotionally stable environment, she can confidently develop her true sweet and loving character. In short, everything is in the way in which it is trained: if the owner incites him to aggression, he will certainly become a dangerous dog (but this applies to any other breed!).

In reality, the Pitbull is a strong and courageous dog, but he also knows how to be affectionate and loyal towards the owner and his family.

Likes to play with children; it is even used for dog therapy to help people with autism.

Very intelligent, even if a bit stubborn, he can handle both physical and mental stress well.

Relationship with the master

Very affectionate with his family, he loves spending time together with his owner and other family members. Courageous and generous, he would defend them even at the expense of his safety.

Relationship with children

Playful and affectionate, having an important build could risk accidentally dropping the children during the game.

Relationship with strangers

It all depends on the method by which he is educated and trained.

Relationship with other dogs

Being a dog created and trained to fight with his fellows, he can attack other dogs to the point of becoming very dangerous. Never leave it unattached in the presence of other dogs.

Tendency to bite

This aspect refers to what has just been said above. It was not born as a ferocious dog, but being selected to bite other dogs, this trend is not to be underestimated. It would be advisable to give him some ‘right’ games on which to vent this disposition.


Pitbull : sport activity

He is a dog that adapts well to apartment living, however he needs to move and play outdoors for at least an hour a day.


Pitbull : health and diseases

It is not subject to particular problems, on the contrary. Considering also his physical prowess, he generally enjoys excellent health.

Obviously, it must be subjected to normal routine checks and to prevent ticks or fleas . It also requires preventive treatment for heartworm disease.

It is a dog that needs to exercise every day, both to maintain its vigorous state and because it has a tendency to gain weight. In this regard, it is also necessary to follow a balanced, varied and uncomplicated diet.


Pitbull : care

The Pitbull is not the right dog for anyone who has no experience with animals. It is in fact a dog that must be educated from an early age.

Apart from the initial training, it is a strong dog that has no special needs. Here are the only attentions he needs:

  • do outdoor activities (running and playing) at least one hour a day
  • balanced nutrition, preferably established with your trusted veterinarian
  • regular brushing of the hair but not demanding, as it is short-haired

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