A descendant of the English bulldog, the American pit bull terrier came to the United States in the 1800s as a pit-fighting dog. The pit bull has earned a reputation as an aggressive and dangerous dog. However, it is eager to please, and when properly socialized is a gentle and affectionate dog.
1. Know that the American pit bull terrier is not for everyone. This breed is extremely dominant and aggressive by nature and will need much time and training to subdue it.
2. Reconsider getting a pit bull if you have another dog in the house or other pets. This breed will attack other dogs and dominate animals in the house.
3. Consider a pit bull if you’re looking for a vigilant guard dog and watchdog. This breed is known for its fierce protectiveness of its property, fighting to the death to safeguard its home.
4. Note that the American pit bull terrier makes a great companion as well as a guard dog. It is very friendly with people. If correctly trained, it can be very sweet and watchful with children and won’t mind if they play rough.
5. Note that pit bulls do well living in an apartment. However, they do need daily exercise.
6. Look at the American pit bull terrier’s features when choosing yours. The dog will have the trademark brick-shaped head that is wide through the cheeks, strong jaws and a dense neck. It should have a powerful and muscular body with a short, smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors.
7. Understand that American pit bull terriers are prone to certain health conditions such as cataracts (cloudy eye lens) and hip dysplasia (a malformed ball and socket in the hip joint).
8. Check out potential breeders very carefully, being sure to ask if they are members of breed clubs, specialty clubs or obedience clubs. Affiliation with a club means you can check their references to make sure that they don’t run a puppy mill and that they screen for health problems before they breed.
9. Expect male and female American pit bull terriers to grow to 18 to 22 inches and weigh between 30 and 80 lbs.
10. Realize that you’ll probably pay between $300 and $1,500 for a purebred American pit bull terrier & also know that this dog’s life expectancy is 12 years.