The Complete Guide to Pittie Dog Ownership

Pittie dogs are a popular breed, known for their loyalty and affectionate nature. They originated from the Pit Bull breed, which was developed in the 19th century for bloodsports.

Pittie dogs are often misunderstood due to their reputation, but they are generally gentle and loving companions. With proper care and socialization, they can thrive in a variety of living situations.

Pittie dogs are highly intelligent and trainable, but they can be strong-willed at times. This means they require consistent and positive reinforcement training to reach their full potential.

Pittie dogs are prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and allergies, so regular veterinary check-ups are essential.

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The American Pit Bull Terrier, affectionately known as the pittie dog, is a medium-sized breed with a unique physical appearance.

Their coat is short, sleek, and stiff to the touch, requiring minimal grooming. They come in a wide range of colors and combinations, except for merle, which is not allowed by the United Kennel Club.

The pittie's head is a key element of their breed type, shaped like a broad, blunt wedge and giving the impression of great power. Their ears are small to medium in size, high set, and may be natural or cropped.

Their body is solidly built, with smooth, well-defined musculature, and a relatively short tail that's set low on the body. The length of the front leg is approximately equal to one-half of the dog's height at the withers.

Here are the essential physical characteristics of the pittie dog:

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a muscular and stocky dog, with a broad, blunt wedge-shaped head that gives the impression of great power. Their heads are large and shaped like a broad, blunt wedge, with a flat skull and a wide, deep muzzle.

Their ears are set high on their head, and can be either natural or cropped. In fact, the United Kennel Club allows for cropping, but many veterinary groups and countries have banned this procedure due to medical and behavioral reasons.

The American Pit Bull Terrier's eyes are medium in size, round, and set well apart. All colors are desirable except blue. Their nose is flat with wide nostrils and can be any color.

Their coat is short, sleek, and stiff to the touch, making it low-maintenance and easy to care for. It comes in a wide variety of colors and combinations, except for merle.

Their tail is whip-like, shorter than their ankle, and set low on their body. It tapers off to a fine point.

Here's a quick rundown of the American Pit Bull Terrier's key physical characteristics:

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a breed that's all about strength, confidence, and a zest for life.

This breed is eager to please, which makes them a joy to train, and they're brimming over with enthusiasm, always ready for the next adventure.

APBTs make excellent family companions and have always been noted for their love of children, which is one of the reasons they're such a great breed for families.

Their powerful physique is a must-consider, as it requires an owner who will carefully socialize and obedience train the dog to ensure they don't develop any aggression issues.

The APBT's natural agility makes it one of the most capable canine climbers, so good fencing is a must for this breed to prevent any unwanted escape artists.

The breed's friendly nature means they're not the best choice for a guard dog, as they'll be too busy wagging their tails and welcoming strangers into the family.

The American Pit Bull Terrier, often referred to as a "Pit Bull", has a rich and complex history that spans centuries. The breed originated from the crossbreeding of Old English Bulldogs and Old English Terriers in England, where they were used for bloodsports like bull baiting and bear baiting.

These early dogs were bred for their gameness, strength, and athleticism, and were later brought to the United States by European immigrants. The breed quickly gained popularity as a working dog, catching hogs, hunting, and driving livestock. By the late 19th century, the American Pit Bull Terrier was recognized as a distinct breed by the United Kennel Club.

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The breed's original purpose was to fight other dogs, a fact that is still acknowledged today. However, this history has also led to a reputation that can be challenging for Pit Bulls. Despite this, the breed has also been used as a family companion and has been recognized for its versatility, competing in various dog sports and activities.

The American Pit Bull Terrier has a rich and fascinating history that spans centuries. The breed originated from the crossbreeding of Old English Bulldogs and Old English Terriers in England, which resulted in a dog that combined the gameness of the terrier with the strength and athleticism of the bulldog.

These early bull-and-terrier crosses were bred for their gameness and were used in bloodsports such as bull baiting and bear baiting. However, the introduction of animal welfare laws in Britain in 1835 led to the banning of these activities.

The breed was brought to the United States in the late 19th century, where it was used for various tasks such as catching hogs, hunting, and driving livestock. The United Kennel Club was the first registry to recognize the American Pit Bull Terrier, with the breed being officially recognized in 1898.

The breed's versatility and intelligence made it a popular choice for farmers and ranchers, who used it for a variety of tasks. The American Pit Bull Terrier was also bred to be a loyal and gentle companion, making it a beloved family pet.

Today, the American Pit Bull Terrier is recognized by several kennel clubs, including the United Kennel Club, and is known for its strength, athleticism, and friendly temperament. Despite its negative reputation in some quarters, the breed has a long and storied history that is worth celebrating.

The American Pit Bull Terrier's history is also marked by the development of specific bloodlines, such as the Old Family Red Nose strain, which is known for its distinctive reddish coloration and was sought after for its gameness.

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The Staffordshire breed has a fascinating history, and it's essential to understand its origins to appreciate its purpose. The American Staffordshire Terrier was recognized by the AKC in 1936, with around 50 UKC dogs entering the AKC stud book under the name Staffordshire Terrier.

The breed's name was chosen to reflect its origins in Staffordshire, England. The AKC stud book was opened a few more times until it was last closed around the 1970s.

The AKC eventually changed the breed's name to American Staffordshire Terrier in 1972. This decision was likely made to distinguish the breed from its negative past as a fighter.

In the UK, dogs crossbred for pit fighting split off into two different breeds: Bull Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. The AKC's decision to create a separate breed was an attempt to separate the breed from its negative past.

The American Dog Breeders Association (ADBA) considers the American Staffordshire Terrier to be a separate breed from the American Pit Bull Terrier. This is in line with the AKC's decision to create a separate breed.

To this day, there are dogs called dual registered, dogs registered at the same time as American Staffordshire Terrier in the AKC and American Pit Bull Terrier in the UKC.

American Pit Bull Terriers are known for their robust health, with an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years. However, like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues.

Hip dysplasia is a common inherited disease in bully breeds, causing hip joints to form improperly and leading to arthritis. If you notice your pup having difficulty getting up or developing lameness in their hind legs, take them to the vet for X-rays and arthritis management.

A lack of zinc or inability to absorb it can make your American Pit Bull Terrier prone to zinc-responsive dermatosis, a type of skin infection. Vets can prescribe a regimen of zinc to add to your dog's diet to treat symptoms like lesions on the nose and foot pads or red, oozing skin around the face.

Allergies are also common in bully breeds, triggered by diet ingredients or environmental factors like pollens, grasses, flea activity, and dust mites. Affected dogs may develop symptoms like itching, skin rashes, redness of the skin, and hair loss.

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To keep your Pit Bull healthy, it's essential to establish a routine care schedule, including regular exercise, proper diet, and regular grooming.

Here's a list of essential routine care tasks:

Regular check-ups with your vet are crucial to detect any potential health issues early on. Be sure to follow the recommended schedule of examinations and vaccinations to keep your Pit Bull healthy and happy.

Caring for a pittie dog requires attention to their physical and mental needs. They need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive behavior.

Their exercise needs are high, so be prepared to spend time with them daily. American Pit Bull Terriers love to play and need a lot of physical activity to keep them happy and healthy.

A consistent diet is essential for a pittie dog. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for their age, and avoid giving them people food.

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Brushing their coat is relatively low maintenance. They only need to be brushed once a week with a rubber mitt or firm bristle brush to remove excess hair.

Brushing their teeth daily is crucial to prevent dental problems. Just like other dogs, pitties can be prone to tartar buildup, bad breath, and bacterial infections.

Nail trimming is essential to prevent cracking or breaking. Clip their nails every couple of weeks to keep them healthy.

Here's a list of essential grooming tasks for pittie dogs:

Regular check-ups and vaccinations are also crucial for a pittie dog's health. Be sure to follow the recommended schedule for examinations and vaccinations.

Training your American Pit Bull Terrier should start early, ideally at 8 weeks old, to help them develop a comfortable routine and bond with you.

A well-trained Pittie is a joy to behold, with a zest for life and ability to make instant buddies wherever they go.

Positive reinforcement techniques, rewards, and treats are key to their heart, as they live to please. Consistent and positive training is essential, especially for early socialization.

Socialization should be your top priority, getting your pup used to various people and situations. This will help them focus on you even in the presence of unfamiliar pets.

Their smarts and lovable nature make them a lot of fun to train, and they do well in advanced dog sports like agility, obedience, and weight pulling.

The American Pit Bull Terrier's gait is a key aspect of their overall movement and expression. They move with a jaunty, confident attitude, conveying the impression that they expect any minute to see something new and exciting.

Their trotting gait is effortless, smooth, powerful, and well coordinated, showing good reach in front and drive behind. This is a result of their well-balanced structure and athletic ability.

The topline of the American Pit Bull Terrier remains level with only a slight flexing to indicate suppleness. This shows that they are agile and flexible, able to move with ease.

As they move, their legs turn neither in nor out, nor do their feet cross or interfere with each other. This is a sign of good coordination and balance.

As speed increases, their feet tend to converge toward the center line of balance. This is a natural result of their powerful propulsion and athletic ability.

Legs not moving on the same plane, legs over reaching, and legs crossing over in front or rear are all faults to watch out for. These issues can indicate a lack of balance or coordination.

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The Castillo bloodline is known for its unique combination of different breeding lines, resulting in dogs with desirable traits such as strength, intelligence, and temperament.

Tekla Castillo founded the Castillo Pit Bulls program in the early 1980s, focusing on conformation standards within the UKC.

The bloodline's foundation includes dogs like "PR" Nelson's Hazard Joe, born from breeding between Camarano's Buster Jo and Coonie's Bonnie.

The Castillo bloodline features a mix of other well-known bloodlines, with connections to influential dog breeders like Earl Tudor, Joe Corvino, J.P. Colby, and others.

The interconnected nature of the breeding community and the various influences on the bloodline have led to its expansion over time, as a result of the collective efforts of multiple breeders who contributed to its development.

The Colby dogs are an ancient black-nosed bloodline that served as one of the pillars of the APBT breed. They were started by John Pritchard Colby in 1889, who acquired the best fighting dogs from Ireland and England.

One of the most famous dogs of the Colby bloodline was Colby's Pincher, a dog widely used as a stud dog. This is why Pincher is present in the pedigree of the vast majority of APBT specimens.

The Colby dogs bloodline remains preserved by the family of John P. Colby.

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Training is a crucial part of an American Pit Bull Terrier's life, and it's essential to start early.

You should start socialization and obedience training when your pup is young, ideally from 8 weeks old, so they can get into a comfortable routine and bond with you.

An American Pit Bull Terrier puppy lives to please, so lots of love is the key to their heart, along with rewards, treats, and positive reinforcement techniques.

They respect confident pet parents who set and enforce boundaries, but you should never act aggressively as it may teach your dog to only respond to aggression in the future.

Early socialization is your top priority, and it's essential to get your pup used to a variety of people and situations.

Training your dog to keep focused on you even in the presence of unfamiliar pets will allow you to hold as much control in the dog park as in your living room.

Keeping them on a leash while outdoors may be necessary to help them play nice with other dogs they're meeting for the first time.

Because of their smarts and lovable nature, this breed is a lot of fun to train and also does well in advanced dog sports, like agility, obedience, and weight pulling.

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To keep your pittie dog happy and healthy, exercise is a must. Schedule at least one to two hours of intense activities every day, such as running or jogging together, playing tug-of-war games, Frisbee, or flyball, and agility obstacle courses.

These high-energy pups need mental stimulation too, so alternate leisurely walks with lots of training tricks, dog puzzles, and mental challenges. Pitties love to sniff and explore, so let them happily, especially when it comes to the game of scent.

A high-quality commercial dog food that meets AAFCO standards is a great choice for your pittie dog's diet. Factor in their age and stage in life when choosing the right formula, and consult with your veterinarian to determine the best feeding chart for your dog.

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American Pit Bull Terriers generally thrive on high-quality commercial dog food that meets AAFCO standards.

You should factor in your dog's age and stage in life, such as puppy, adult, or senior, when choosing the right formula for them.

Your veterinarian can help you create a feeding chart to determine how much and how often to feed your dog based on their specific diet.

Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog's overall diet, as they count toward their total calorie intake for the day.

Training treats are usually small in size and suitable for rewarding good behavior.

Exercise is a must for American Pit Bull Terriers, and I'm not just talking about physical activity. At least one to two hours of intense activities every day is a good rule of thumb.

You'll want to schedule activities that meet their high exercise needs, such as running or jogging together, playing tug-of-war games, Frisbee, or flyball, and agility obstacle courses.

Leaving these dogs to their own devices can mean trouble, along with an unexpected crater or two in the backyard. So, forget about penciling in exercise time and use permanent marker instead.

Pitties love to sniff and explore everything in sight, so allow them to do so on leisurely walks. This easily excitable breed finds the game of scent especially relaxing.

Alternate those leisurely walks with lots of training tricks, dog puzzles, and mental challenges to keep this brainy dog both focused and entertained. Don't forget to regulate your pup's excitement and intensity to avoid unwanted behaviors like nipping or growling.

If you're considering bringing a pittie dog into your life, you'll want to make sure you can provide the right environment for them to thrive. These dogs need to be taken out for intense activities every day without fail, so they do best in spacious environments where they can expend their energy.

You'll also want to consider the breed-specific legislation in your area. Unfortunately, many countries and cities have enacted some form of breed-specific legislation on pit bull-type dogs, including outright bans or restrictions on import and conditions on ownership.

Some cities in the United States, as well as the province of Ontario, Canada, have banned ownership of the American Pit Bull Terrier. In the United Kingdom, it's against the law to own, sell, abandon, give away, or breed a Pit Bull Terrier.

These loyal companions need to be taken out for intense activities every day, so they do best in spacious environments where they can expend their energy.

The American Pit Bull Terrier breed can thrive in homes with kids and other pets, but they must be socialized properly and consistently to ensure their playtime doesn't get too rough.

They are so chummy with strangers that you don't have to worry about hosting dinner parties, and they'll enjoy adding friends to their roster.

You'll need to make time for them every day, so slackers need not apply.

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Breed-Specific Legislation is a complex issue that affects many countries and regions. In the United Kingdom, it is against the law to own, sell, abandon, give away, or breed a Pit Bull Terrier.

Some countries have enacted breed-specific legislation on pit bull-type dogs, including American Pit Bull Terriers. These countries include the United Kingdom, Brazil, Australia, Ecuador, Malaysia, New Zealand, the territory of Puerto Rico, Singapore, Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago, Denmark, Israel, France, Germany, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, and Turkey.

At least 120 repeals of breed-specific legislation have occurred since 2018, with restrictions declining in many areas. In the United States, certain cities have banned ownership of the American Pit Bull Terrier.

The province of Ontario in Canada has banned ownership of the American Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier. However, a study found that dog bites involving pit bull types decreased after the ban, but other dog breeds may have contributed to the rise in dog bites.

Here is a list of countries and regions with breed-specific legislation on pit bull-type dogs:

Spaying or neutering your Pit Bull is a crucial decision that can have a significant impact on their health and well-being.

Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers, such as those that affect the ovaries and uterus in females.

This surgery also eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies, which can be a huge relief for many pet owners.

Performing this surgery while your pet is under anesthesia gives us a chance to identify and address some common diseases your dog is likely to develop, such as hip problems that require X-rays.

Routine blood testing before surgery helps us to identify and take precautions for common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk.

We'll discuss the specific problems we will be looking for when the time arrives, so you can rest assured that your pet is in good hands.