Pit bull-type dogs make for sweet, loving family dogs. They love their owners and are known to be protective of their humans, although they might try to make friends with a stranger that comes to your door. They do make good guard dogs and will warn the household of any strange behavior happening around your home.
What is it?
Heart disease is most common among older or obese dogs.
% Dogs affected:
About 10 percent of dogs suffer from heart disease at some point in their lives.
Clinical signs:
Labored breathing, easily exhausted, irregular heart rate, exercise resistance, coughing, swollen abdomen, and skin discoloration that appears blue.
Treatment:
Vets often recommend certain medications for dogs with heart disease. These include:
Health risks:
Amount a Spot accident & illness plan would cover*
*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been met.
$1500
90% = $1350
80% = $1200
70% = $1050
What is it?
Hip dysplasia is a condition that affects a dog’s hip joint and socket.
% Dogs affected:
Approximately 2.6% of all dogs deal with hip dysplasia.
Clinical signs:
Unsteady, swaying, or wobbly, reduced activity, exercise resistance, playing, jumping, climbing stairs reluctance, lameness, stiffness, shifting weight for relief, vocalization when touched or moves around.
Treatment:
A hip replacement & A procedure called a femoral head ostectomy
Health risks:
Obese dogs, especially larger breeds, are more prone to developing hip dysplasia.
Dogs who over-exercise or under-exercise are more prone to hip dysplasia.
A pit bull with hip dysplasia is more likely to need help walking up and down stairs.
$1200
90% = $1080
80% = $960
70% = $840
Loving
They would love to join you for a long walk, hike, or a run.
Sweet
Pit bull-type dogs make for sweet, loving family dogs.
Loyal
Pit bulls are incredibly loyal to their families, gentle with children, and friendly toward strangers if they are well-socialized
Gentle
They are gentle and love to play, and just like any pet in the house, pitties should be supervised while engaging with visitors
Coat
Pitties have short, single layer coats. They tend to look very sleek and shiny.
Colors
There are many colors although the most popular are red, black, and blue.
Hypoallergenic
Pit bulls aren’t considered hypoallergenic dogs.
Grooming
Once a week or so should be enough to help remove dead hair and dust or dirt that they have a tendency to collect when they’re outside.
Training
Pit bulls tend to enjoy activities like weight pulling.
Lifetime Care Cost:
Approximately $25910 (Reviews from dog breed-specific parents)
Pit bull-type dogs make for sweet, loving family dogs. If you’re thinking about adopting one of these lovable pups, you’ll need to know how to care for your new furry best friend properly.
At Spot Pet Insurance, we know that pets deserve the best. That includes working to understand them. We want to provide you with the information you need on your journey to being a good pet parent.
Today, we’ll be looking at the American pit bull terrier specifically. There are quite a few different types of pit bull, like the American Staffordshire terrier, which is the only breed recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). The American pit bull terrier is one of the most recognizable breeds of pit bull.
If you want to adopt an American pit bull terrier, you’ll want to know about their needs and habits to provide them with the best life possible.
The American pit bull terrier is roughly 17 to 19 inches tall and can weigh up to 85 pounds.
In terms of physical characteristics, they are big dogs and they tend to be well muscled. Purebred pit bulls also have sturdy, square heads and very strong jaws. Contrary to popular belief, however, they don’t have locking jaws.
These pups may look intimidating, but they’re as sweet when properly trained and shown love and affection.
Pit bulls are a mix of English bulldogs and tan terriers. Crossbreeding was intended to make them more agile and easier for breeders to handle. This type of dog first appeared in the United Kingdom in the 19th century.
In the United States, they were occasionally brought into farms for herding purposes, but their instincts are not as strong as those of other herding breeds.
Though they can get a bad rap, when these mixed breed dogs are properly trained and cared for, pit bulls make wonderful and sweet pets. In fact, an American pit bull terrier played the original Pete the Pup in Little Rascals.
Although we will be focusing on the American pit bull terrier, there are several varieties of this family pet. The bully breeds include:
Pit bulls are very affectionate with their dog owners. They can be friendly toward strangers when they are properly socialized.
Pit bulls love their owners and are known to be protective of their humans, although they might try to make friends with a stranger that comes to your door. They do make good guard dogs and will warn the household of any strange behavior happening around your home.
An American pit bull terrier is fairly easy to train through reward-based behavioral lessons. They can be stubborn when they want to be, so they respond best to positive encouragement, praise, and treats. They want to make you proud and happy.
Pit bulls are incredibly loyal to their families, gentle with children, and friendly toward strangers if they are well-socialized.
They are gentle and love to play, and just like any pet in the house, pitties should be supervised while engaging with visitors.
Pit bulls are known to have a high pain tolerance, so they are patient when being poked and prodded by small hands but it’s always best to teach children how to be gentle.
Pit bulls vary in their comfort levels with other dogs, primarily depending on how much socialization they get. It’s good to introduce your pup to new places, people, and other animals. Like all doggy introductions, pits should be on a leash during new experiences to ensure their safety and others.
Consult with a behaviorist expert to understand your pit bull’s personality.
Training isn’t all you’ll need to do to care for a pit bull. There are many other aspects of doggy care, some of which are more time-consuming than others.
Pitties have short, single layer coats. They tend to look very sleek and shiny.
Pit bull coats come in many different colors:
Pit bulls aren’t considered hypoallergenic dogs. Hypoallergenic dog groups are those that tend to lose less hair or shed less dander, which is dead skin attached to hair similar to dandruff. Many people with allergies are sensitive to dander and often choose a dog that does not shed to avoid the symptoms of a reaction.
Like most dogs, a pit bull needs to have their nails clipped occasionally. You’ll also need to brush their teeth regularly and check for ear infections.
They don’t require as much brushing as breeds like golden retrievers or huskies. Once a week or so should be enough to help remove dead hair and dust or dirt that they have a tendency to collect when they’re outside.
Wondering how to keep your pit bull happy and healthy? Read below for tips about exercise, diet, and everyday care to keep your furry family member happy and healthy.
Pit bull puppies typically cost between $500 and $2000. However, if adoption is an option for your family, fees for rescued pitties can range from $175 and up. An adoption fee is always necessary since the cost covers the care of the pup so that you take a happy, healthy bully home as a new family member. For precise adoption fees, it is best to contact your local shelter, a pit bull rescue, or a nearby dog welfare organization who can help you understand care costs and lifetime costs of your pit.
Although they aren’t as energetic as some breeds, pit bulls require exercise to ensure they don’t get too antsy from being cooped up inside all day.
Pit bulls typically live for about 12 years.
Below are the stages in a pit bull’s life.
Puppyhood: 0-12 months
Adulthood: 1-7 years
Senior: 7-12 years
