When Do Pit Bulls Stop Growing?

As with any breed, the answer to this question can vary depending on several factors, such as genetics and nutrition. As pet parents, it's important to have a good understanding of your dog's growth and development to ensure that they are healthy and happy.

In this article, we will discuss when Pit Bulls stop growing and provide tips on supporting your furry friend's growth and development into a full-grown, healthy dog.

But first...

What is a Pit bull?

Pit bull is the term used in the United States for dogs that have a mixed breed between old English bulldogs and terriers.

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The term often refers to a group of dogs bred with certain physical and behavioral characteristics. These breeds include the American Pit bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bully, and several others.

American Pit Bull Terrier

When people refer to a "Pit bull," they are usually talking about the American Pitbull Terrier (APBT), which is a medium-sized dog breed that typically weighs between 30 and 60 pounds and stands about 18 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier (SBT) is another breed that is often confused with the APBT, but there are some important differences between the two.

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Staffordshire terriers are smaller and stockier, weighing between 24 and 38 pounds and standing about 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder.

When it comes to growth and overall size, both breeds are considered medium-sized dogs, but the American Pitbull is slightly larger and taller.

The American Bully

The American Bully is a breed that is often confused with the American Pitbull Terrier and the Staffordshire Terrier, as they share a similar appearance.

However, the Bully is a distinct breed that has been selectively bred for a more muscular, broad-shouldered, and larger size than both the Pit bull and the Staffordshire Terrier.

In terms of size, the Bully is typically larger than both the Pit bull and the Staffordshire Terrier.

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Male American Bullies can weigh anywhere from 65-120 pounds and stand 17-20 inches tall at the shoulder, while females can weigh between 60-100 pounds and stand 16-19 inches tall.

Even though there are a few different "Pit Bull type dogs," this article focuses on the growth and development of the American Pit Bull terrier.

Do Pit Bulls Stop Growing?

The answer to that question is yes; they do eventually stop growing. All dogs do.

However, each dog breed has a different growth pattern. An American Pit Bull Terrier will continue to grow until they are two to three years of age.

Pit Bull Puppies

Pitbull puppies have increasing growth spurts between the age of four and nine months. During these months, they can be pretty boisterous, acting up and howling for seemingly no reason.

Because pit bull puppies are quite hyper, you should play with them as regularly as possible to give them enough exercise to get rid of the excess energy.

You'll notice that your Pit Bulls paws will grow proportionately quicker than the rest of its body. Due to this, you can gauge how large your pup will become when fully grown. this is because they're a larger breed of dogs.

They simply need larger paws to support their weight and size, so paws and leg muscles often grow faster than other appendages.

Pitbull Puppy Weight Chart

Pit bulls undergo significant growth phases, and it's crucial to monitor their weight to ensure they stay healthy. The optimal weight for a pit bull puppy varies based on its age and development stage.

From birth to six months of age, a healthy pit bull puppy should gain two to four pounds per week. From six months to a year, their weight gain slows down, and they should gain an average of one to two pounds per week.

It's important to provide them with a nutritious diet and regular exercise while taking them for veterinary checkups. Overfeeding or underfeeding your pit bull pup can lead to health issues and affect its growth and development.

The average weight of a male pit bull ranges between 35-65 pounds, while the average weight of a female pit bull ranges between 30-60 pounds.

Consulting with a veterinarian can ensure that your pit bull puppy gains weight healthily and stay on track with its overall growth.

Factors that influence your pit bull's size and weight

When it comes to Pit bulls, factors such as genetics, nutrition, overall health, and exercise can all play a role in their size and weight.

Both male and female pitties typically reach their full growth and healthy weight by the age of two. However, a pit bull's growth can be affected by various factors such as diet, exercise, and environment.

Let's break these key factors down.

• Genetics

Genetics plays a crucial role in determining how large a dog will be when fully grown.

A dog's genes dictate its physical traits, including size, bone structure, and muscle mass. The size of a dog's parents, grandparents, and other relatives can provide insight into how big the dog may get.

• Nutrition

Nutrition plays a vital role in a pit bull's growth, as dog food with appropriate amounts of protein, fat, and carbohydrates is necessary for its growth and development.

Proper nutrition can help prevent stunted growth, malnutrition, and weight-related health problems that may impede growth.

• Overall health

Health is another critical factor that can affect pit bull growth. Any underlying health issues or illnesses can negatively impact their growth and development.

Health issues that affect growth include hip dysplasia, joint problems, and nutritional deficiencies. It's crucial to take your pit bull for regular checkups and vaccinations to ensure that any health issues are detected early and managed effectively.

• Exercise

Exercise is also essential for the growth and development of your terrier.

Regular exercise helps develop their muscles, keep their weight in check, and improve their overall health. Lack of exercise or over-exercising, on the other hand, can lead to health problems, which may affect their growth and overall well-being.

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As with any dog, the amount of exercise depends on the animal's age, size, and health status. It's essential to consult a veterinarian to develop an exercise regimen appropriate for your pit bull's age and physical condition.

Conclusion

From pocket size to "can't carry you anymore, buddy" size, you can try to estimate how big they will become by looking at their parents.

In conclusion, the American Pit bull Terrier is a breed that typically reaches its full size between 12 to 18 months of age.

It's important to ensure that your Pit bull puppy maintains a healthy weight during this growth period to prevent potential health problems in the future.

Providing a nutritious diet, plenty of exercise, and regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help ensure that your Pit bull puppy healthily gains weight.

By following these guidelines, you can help your pit bull puppy grow into a robust and healthy adult dog.