When it comes to adoptable dog breeds, there is much debate about Pitbulls. This dog breed has a stigma associated with them since, historically, Pitbulls were bred for aggressive activities like fighting. The “big and scary Pitbull” stereotype has made it difficult for Pitbulls to find their forever homes or be the “dog of choice” for most aspiring homeowners.
Underneath the tough exterior, however, lies a dog that wants to be loved like any other dog. Plus, how can you resist the cuteness of Pitbull puppies?
Knowledge is power; the more you know and understand the Pitbull breed, the more you’ll see that taking in Pitbull puppies in your home will be the best decision you make. Pitbulls are extremely loyal to their families and would do anything to protect them, making them great guard dogs and best friends.
There is more to Pitbull mix puppies than meets the eye. To be a responsible owner, educate yourself first.
Here’s what you need to know about these adorable pups.
There are Different Types of Pitbulls
There are a few popular Pitbull breeds out there and all of them are loving and kind little creatures. All Pitbull dogs are known for their intelligence and their strong loyalty to their owners. There are many purebred Pitbulls but there are also a few mixed breeds in need of a loving family. So, if you want to shop for or adopt a Pitbull — whether the adults or the puppies — familiarize yourself with the different breeds first.
With American Pitbull Terriers, there are two types: blue nose Pitbull puppies and red nose Pitbull puppies.
Blue nose Pitbull puppies have bluish-gray-colored fur and eyes. As adorable looking as they are, however, the blue nose breed often experiences health problems due to their low melanin levels (aka the reason behind their blue-ish color). They often experience problems with their hearing and seeing, as well as a weaker immune system.
On the other hand, red nose Pitbull puppies are known for their red-colored nose and copper-colored coat. Some breeders inter-breed red nose Pitbulls with their blue nose counterparts to offer brown Pitbull puppies.
Apart from purebred Pittbulls, there are also Pitbull mix puppies. In an attempt to widen the Pitbull gene pool, many breeders bred Pitbulls with other dog breeds to create a healthier and more stable Pitbull breed. Rottweiler and huskies are often partnered with Pitbulls to produce stronger and resilient puppies. Pittweilers (Pitbull and Rottweiler mix) produce loving, loyal and adorable dog breeds with giant smiles. Pitskies (Pitbull and Husky mix), on the other hand, are known for their beautiful eyes and Husky temperament, which means they are always full of energy.
Is a Pitbull a Good Family Dog?
Many families (especially those with young children) are hesitant to adopt Pitbull puppies, fearing that they’ll grow up to be dangerous dogs — a common misconception for this loveable breed. On the contrary, Pitbulls rank high among the least aggressive and most affectionate dogs. An annual study conducted by the American Temperament Test Society gave Pitbulls a rating of 86.4 percent, higher than other dog breeds like beagles, corgis and golden retrievers.
Pitbulls are also great with children. They are affectionate with both adults and the kids. The kids, however, should be taught how to be gentle with their pets. Most dogs can get rowdy or aggressive if their human owners treat them in the same way. To ensure your child’s safety, teach them how to play gently with their puppies and always supervise them when playing.
But in general, baby Pitbulls are gentle and grow up to be affectionate people-pleasers. These dogs crave constant approval and attention. They’ll do anything their favorite people will as of them as long as you give them treats, praise or affection. If there’s anything a Pitbull is aggressive at, it’s snuggling.
Who is the Best Human for a Pitbull Puppy?
Pitbulls are suited for home life with any family. As mentioned, they are known to be playful and gentle with kids and enjoy being part of an active household. Since Pitbull puppies need plenty of opportunities to spend their excess energy, being cooped up in a small apartment can trigger some destructive behavior.
Homes with plenty of space are perfect for Pitbulls.
Are Pitbulls Easy to Train?
The first rule of bringing home a cute Pitbull puppy is simple: any object is fair game when these pups are in the mood to chew. Pitbull puppies will sink their teeth into anything they can get their paws on. This emphasizes the importance of early training. Apart from puppy-proofing your home, be ready to have your hands full with training, training and more training.
As puppies, Pitbulls are born with endless supplies of energy. They can also be stubborn. So if you want a disciplined Pittbull, regular training helps achieve this, as well as expend some of your Pittie’s limitless energy. Training is also a great way to bond with your new puppy.
How do you train a Pitbull puppy?
- Prioritize socialization. Whenever you get a new dog, it’s always important to socialize them so they don’t fear humans or dogs. Have them run around with other dogs or let them meet more people. Take your pup to a busy park where they can see other humans and animals. If your Pitbull is one year old or older, socialization may require more work but is not impossible. Just surround them with other dogs or have your close friends meet them.
- Go out and exercise. Exercise is an important part of the training process. Since Pitbulls are energetic and active, they’ll need regular exercise to expend their energy. Combine exercise and training time for an effective training session. Get your dogs started on training by teaching them the ‘fetch!’ and ‘come!’ command while playing fetch. Have them stay next to you as you throw the ball and condition them to run after it when you say ‘Fetch!’ You can also run with your Pitbull. Running with your dog teaches them proper leash behavior as well as tires them out.
- Use positive reinforcement. Figure out what motivates your dog the most. It could be their favorite toy, treat or praises. Once you determine your dog’s motivations, know what you want to train them to do. Start with the basic commands: stay, sit, down and come. Once you’ve mastered these tricks, move on to more intricate commands like “play dead,” “spin” or “leave it.”
- Crate training. House-train your Pitbull puppies with a crate. They may not enjoy being locked into a crate for the night but they’ll get used to it eventually. Crates are great for puppies since it teaches them independence, that it’s OK for them to be away from you. Crates can also keep your puppy out of trouble when you leave them at home.
- Leash training. As mentioned, dogs should be trained properly to walk on a leash. They should not pull or walk ahead of you. When it comes to leash training, you need the right leash and collar. Your pet will respond well if these accessories fit them comfortably.
How Do You Take Care of a Pitbull Puppy?
Pitbulls, like any breed, require constant care. In terms of feeding, Pitbulls are not often choosy with their food but they are prone to allergies. Choosing high-quality foods keep them happy and allergy-free. Also, stay away from foods with grains. Instead, choose protein-based meals for your pups. If they are chewing or scratching frequently, switch their food.
Food can also contribute to elbow and hip dysplasia, which are common health problems of Pitbulls. Extra weight exacerbates these conditions. To avoid this, feed your pups the recommended amount, altered according to the amount of exercise they receive.
With potty training, you can start training them when they reach six weeks of age. Done correctly, you can be a proud owner of a house-trained puppy within a matter of weeks. But you have to be considerate of your pup’s tiny bladder. Remember: at eight weeks of age, puppies can’t hold their pee for more than two hours, so if you come home to a puddle on the floor, you’re setting their training back. But that’s OK. Also, refrain from getting mad at them when this happens. It’s not their fault.
Pitbulls are misunderstood dogs often seen as dangerous and monstrous. But just like any dog breed, they are just products of their environment. When raised in a loving and nurturing environment, your Pitbull puppies can grow up to be the happiest dogs in the world.