Pit bulls are the common name for several breeds that have both common and specific characteristics: the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the American Pit Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, the American Bully. But as far as the puppy period is concerned, these dogs develop similarly. Owners of Pit Bulls should keep an eye on their pets’ weight gain, growth of puppies – the main indicators of balanced development.
Pitbull Weight Chart
To understand how well an individual puppy is developing, you need to compare his individual performance with the average for the breed. The weight by month chart is helpful.
| Age | Male (lbs / kg) | Female (lbs / kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 month old | 5 – 15 / 2 – 7 | 5 – 15 / 5 – 7 |
| 3 months old | 10 – 20 / 4,5 – 9 | 10 – 20 / 4,5 – 9 |
| 4 months old | 10 – 25 / 4,5 – 11 | 10 – 20 / 4,5 – 9 |
| 5 months old | 15 – 30 / 7 – 13,5 | 15 – 25 / 7 – 11 |
| 6 months old | 15 – 35 / 7 – 16 | 15 – 30 / 7 – 13,5 |
| 7 months old | 20 – 40 / 9 – 18 | 15 – 35 / 7 – 16 |
| 8 months old | 20 – 45 / 9 – 20 | 20 – 35 / 9 – 16 |
| 9 months old | 25 – 50 / 11 – 22,5 | 20 – 40 / 9 – 18 |
| 10 months old | 25 – 50 / 11 – 22,5 | 25 – 40 / 11 – 18 |
| 11 months old | 30 – 55 / 13,5 – 25 | 25 – 45 / 11 – 20 |
| 12 months old | 30 – 55 / 13,5 – 25 | 25 – 45 / 11 – 20 |
| 18 months old | 35 – 60 / 16 – 27 | 30 – 50 / 13,5 – 22,5 |
| 3 years old | 40 – 70 / 18 – 31 | 45 – 60 / 11 – 27 |
As for adult dogs, the specific parameters are as follows:
- American Staffordshire Terrier: 28-40 kg (60 – 90 lbs)
- American Pit Bull Terrier: 16-30 kg (35 – 65 lbs)
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier: 10-18 kg (22 – 40 lbs)
- American Bully: 30-55 kg (65 – 120 lbs)
Pitbull Size Chart
Since Pit Pulls are a group of medium, large breeds of dogs, in addition to weight, it is important to measure the height (at the withers) of the puppies. The following table is with the average height measurements.
| Age | Male, cm | Female, cm |
|---|---|---|
| 2 month old | 27-30 | 25-28 |
| 3 months old | 33-37 | 30-33 |
| 4 months old | 38-44 | 35-38 |
| 5 months old | 44-46 | 38-40 |
| 6 months old | 46-48 | 39-40 |
| 7 months old | 48-50 | 42-46 |
| 8 months old | 48-50 | 43-47 |
| 9 months old | 49-50 | 44-48 |
| 10 months old | 49-50 | 45-48 |
| 11 months old | 49-50 | 45-48 |
| 12 months old | 49-50 | 45-48 |
| 18 months old | 49-50 | 45-48 |
| 3 years old | 49-50 | 45-48 |
Depending on the breed, the height at the withers of pit bulls varies.
Average figures for adult animals:
- American Staffordshire Terrier: male: 46-48 cm, female: 43-46 cm.
- American Pit Bull Terrier: 35-60 cm.
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier: 33-40 cm.
- American Bully: 43-53 cm.
The development of pit bulls takes place in stages:
Stages of Pitbulls Development
Newborn Pitbulls
Newborn dogs have an excellent sense of smell. On the 10th-14th day of life, their eyes and ears open. By the fourth week of life, pets switch to solid food.
2 Month Old Pitbulls
Two months is the age of active socialization of pit bulls.
3 Month Old Pitbulls
At three months of age, the pups are looking for a new home. By this time, their appearance begins to clearly resemble the representatives of their breed. The baby quickly grows, gaining weight. Teeth change begins, the skeleton strengthens.
4 Month Old Pitbulls
The 4th month of life is an important stage in the formation of a dog’s personality. By this time, a trusting relationship should be formed between the pit bull and his owner.
5 Month Old Pitbulls
At the end of the fifth month, the pit bull’s primary teeth are replaced with permanent ones.
6 Month Old Pitbulls
At 6 months of age, pit bulls begin their “teenage years. This stage is dangerous because dogs can begin to dominate people. It is important for the owner to firmly, but calmly put the dog in its place, not allowing aggression, violence, yelling on his part.
7 Month Old Pitbulls
At 7 months, girls begin to heat – they become nervous, restless and naughty. Boys are also affected by puberty – they turn out to be aggressive, they don’t leave trying to dominate.
8 Month Old Pitbulls
Behavioral patterns, habits of an 8-month-old pit bull will remain with him for life.
When does a Pitbull Stop Growing?
9 – 12 Month Old Pitbulls
At the age pf 9-12 months, the development of the dog, both physically and psychologically, stops. The individual’s character and exterior have been formed. If you have not educated the dog before that age, even an expert does not always help to make it an obedient and good-natured pit bull.
2 – 3 Years Old Pitbulls
Complete development is finished by 2-3 years of life. It is at this age the first mating is planned.
Factors Affecting Pitbull Growth
The harmonious development of pit bulls depends on a group of factors:
- Genetic predisposition;
- The living conditions of the mother dog;
- Nutrition,
- Conditions of keeping puppies;
- Absence of congenital abnormalities, diseases, infections, worm infestation.
- One of the most important factors is the dog’s diet. The easiest option – food, canned premium food with a high content of natural ingredients, healthy pitbull treats.
- If you choose natural food, the diet of the pit bull up to 6 months of age should be dominated by meat. The menu itself is varied.
Pitbull natural food menu should contain:
- Beef, veal, lamb, by-products
- Lean yogurt without additives, cottage cheese, sour milk
- Buckwheat, oatmeal, and rice porridge
- Cabbage, carrots, zucchini, beets
It is important to observe and schedule of feedings:
Up to 2 months – 6 times a day
Up to 3 months – 5 times
Up to 4 months – 4 times
Up to 8 months – 3 times
From 9 – 2 times
Owners of pit bulls must take into account that this is a group of breeds prone to allergies. Therefore, new items in the menu are introduced with caution, after consulting the veterinarian.