Did you know that Pitbulls make up about 20% of the dog population in the United States?
They’re common household pets, with their population only increasing.
Pitbull is often associated with a specific breed of dog but is often used for various breeds.
German Shepherds, Boxers, Rottweilers, Mastiffs, and many more are “pitbull-type dogs.”
But when does a pitbull stop growing?
If you’ve got a pitbull, you might wonder when they’ve reached their full size.
So we’ve put together a quick read for you to learn everything there is to know on pitbull growth!
Read on to learn more about man’s best friend.
How Big Is a Pitbull When Born?
Like all dogs, the size and weight of a pitbull depend on the mother.
Other factors, such as how many dogs are in the litter, will also have an effect.
A newborn pitbull is typically between 7 and 10 ounces, on average.
For the first week, they’ll likely have their eyes and ears closed.
Their growth will come rapidly over the next few months.
When Does a Pitbull Stop Growing?
A standard pitbull will take roughly a year to reach its full size.
Some may reach their full size within ten months, but you’ll likely still see more growth.
Some larger Pitbulls will continue to see growth up until a year and a half from birth.
After 18 months, even the largest pitbull should be done growing.
Other factors include whether the dog is a mixed breed or not.
If it’s a pureblood pitbull, a year is accurate.
Some mixed breeds may take longer or much less time to reach their full growth.
How you take care of your dog will also have an effect.
What Is the Size of a Full-Grown Pitbull?
The size can vary considerably depending on sex, breeding, external factors, etc.
Typically speaking, a full-grown male pitbull will be around 76 pounds.
Depending on their diet, exercise, and other factors, they may be larger or smaller.
A female’s size will vary by the same factors, but will generally be around 64 pounds.
18-21 inches long is the average range.
How Much Should a Pitbull Weigh?
Every dog is different.
If you suspect your dog isn’t the proper weight, you should bring them in for a veterinary visit.
On average, the weights above are a healthy range for your dog.
A few pounds more or less likely isn’t indicative of anything severe.
If your dog is significantly heavier or lighter than the given average weight, seek veterinary attention.
What Should You Do if Your Pitbull Is Growing Too Fast?
Keep tabs on your puppy’s growth!
Growing too fast is rare and usually isn’t indicative of anything negative.
If they’re growing faster than expected, it’s likely due to their breed.
However, some disorders or medical conditions can lead to rampant growth.
If the issue isn’t the dog’s health but your ability to accommodate them, all you can do is give them more room.
Ensure your dog has plenty of stimulation and exercise to keep them growing healthily.
Will Neutering or Spaying Affect Your Pitbull’s Growth?
Neutering or spaying your dog can make your dog grow larger than expected, especially among males.
The removal of testosterone delays the closing of bone growth plates, commonly in dogs about seven months old or younger.
Because of this, he may end up taller than expected.
Dogs also commonly put on extra weight after spaying and neutering due to being less active.
What if Your Pitbull Is Not the Right Weight?
If your pitbull isn’t as heavy as it should be, consider improving how much exercise it gets to encourage muscle growth.
You should also make sure you’re feeding your puppy often enough and giving it the right vitamins and nutrients.
If your dog is too heavy, you may not be exercising enough to stop it from becoming overweight.
Regardless of the situation, seek a local veterinarian’s advice to decide on the best method to correct your dog’s weight.
What Can Hinder Your Pitbull’s Growth?
Multiple factors can impede your dog’s growth.
Not being active enough can discourage growth and stunt your dog’s final size.
A poor diet or not being fed often enough can also lead to your dog not becoming as large as it could have been.
Often, being smaller than expected comes down to genetics.
Ultimately, a well-cared for and loved dog shouldn’t have issues growing.
Some disorders and medical issues can hinder growth, so always ensure your dog has regular check-ups.
How to Make Your Pitbull Grow Healthy
Giving your dog the right proportion of food during meals is crucial.
Doing so ensures they have the energy and nutrients needed to grow fully.
Additionally, good hygiene will help keep your dog healthy.
Ensure you practice proper grooming habits to prevent matted fur, fleas, parasites, infections, and more.
Above all else, ensure your dog stays vaccinated and healthy through regular check-ups.
Veterinary visits can be expensive, but they’re vital to ensuring your dog’s health is as good as it can be.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now that we’ve discussed all the factors that go into growth, there are a few more things that some may wonder about.
Here are two of the most frequently asked questions about Pitbulls.
At what age do Pitbulls calm down?
Pitbulls have a reputation for being rowdy, active, hyper, and energetic.
While they’re growing, this is especially true, and you can expect that high energy to stay for quite some time.
Their adolescent energy should begin to lower at about 6 months of age.
By the time a full year has passed, they’ll be much less active than they were before.
That said, Pitbulls remain active, energetic animals.
Expect the same hyper energy to remain for several years, though it will decrease as time goes on.
Some dogs will also have less activity than others.
To help ease this, take your dog on frequent walks and enrich them with stimulation.
Proper access to toys, a large area to run around in, and socializing can help keep their energy down.
Keeping them cooped up will often turn that energy into aggression, so make sure they have plenty of play!
Do Pitbulls love their owners?
Pitbulls have an unfortunate and inaccurate reputation of being vicious and aggressive dogs.
While they are generally more aggressive than some other dogs, this is rarely due to genetics and more often due to the behavior enforced by their upbringing.
Because of this reputation, many fear that their dogs are indifferent towards them or unloving.
Rest assured that this is not true.
Your pitbull loves you just as much as any dog will love its owner.
If you play with your dog frequently, bond with it through exercise and training, and keep it happy, it will only ever have reasons to love you.
That said, every dog has a unique personality, and you can’t always change that through bonding.
So take care of your dog and do your best to ensure it knows that you’re as loving and gentle as you want your dog to be.
Playing On
Pitbulls are active, fast-growing dogs that can take a year to reach their full size.
As medium-sized dogs, they can sometimes continue growing past this period, especially if they’re mixed breeds.
To learn more about how to care for your dog and what to expect from their growth, be sure to browse our website for more information!
