Being a dog parent can have its own set of challenges, and making sure your canine is doing okay is always a top priority. Since you’re here, you’re probably a little hazy on when your dog will physically stop growing.
While there is nothing more adorable than cradling a puppy in your arms, it’s equally true that your puny Pitbull can quickly transform into a muscular beast. Thus, making sure that your dog’s development isn’t affected in any way is a pressing – yet equally confusing – ordeal. So, if you’re curious about when your Pitbull will finally hit its growth spurt, read on.
All dog breeds grow into different sizes, and pit bulls include a variety of different ones. Verily, the growth rate varies accordingly, even when they all look the same – more or less.
As babies, Pitbulls are small, dainty creatures, just look at the cute images on PetStruggles! And if you’ve never had one before, you’d be surprised to know that your dog will grow to double its size in the first few months, perfectly capable of walking alongside you on long strolls. As it ages, its bone structure will also develop and become more pronounced within the first two years.
With tissue expansion, the bones will harden when they reach full size. Just like with human babies, this process is crucial to proper development, and pet owners should pay extra attention to the well-being of their pups. While going on a walk or playtime is completely fine, you shouldn’t engage your Pitbull pup in extended periods of exertion. Simply put, do not push your dog beyond what its age allows. If bone development is interrupted or modified, there may be abnormalities during final calcifications, which can lead to potential health problems down the line.
Pitbull Growth Guide
Factors affecting growth and size
Pitbulls include several breeds such as Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bully, American Pit Bull Terrier, and more. Over the years, the pool has increased due to aggressive cross breeding which has led to smaller sized animals.
Breed
Most shelter pit bulls are crossbred, which means they will probably never mature to the size of a large dog. At best, they’ll be medium-sized, if not small. One way to predict their growth would be to look at their parents. For instance, to find out the age your dog will mature, take an average of the parent breeds. While the answer may not be precise, it will give you a good idea of what to expect. Likewise, you can also estimate the size by drawing a median.
However, if you got your pet from a breeder, that’s a whole other story. Pure breeds like the American Bulldog can grow up to be as big as giants. The male usually weighs more than 100 pounds on average, and you can forget about carrying it around in your arms once it is an adult. That said, growth is directly dependent on the type of dog you have.
Gender
In the animal kingdom, the sex of an animal can sometimes determine its size and weight. Pit bulls are no different. These breeds have a smaller female relative to the male sex, with the latter usually being heavier by an extra ten pounds. In terms of height, however, there is little difference. Both adult sexes are around as tall as 21 inches and don’t deviate significantly from this figure.
So, When do pit bulls stop growing?
A standard Pitbull grows till the age of three, but most of the visible changes stop around the first year. This is primarily because you see their physical attributes transform at a rapid pace. Regardless of the breed you have, the fastest growth will take place between four to nine months. Also, Pitbulls develop in height much sooner than they do in weight. The weight-gain sets in after approximately a year and a half.
Factors affecting growth
Apart from gender and breed, there are a few other factors that impact the growth of your pitbull. Just like humans, dogs of the same sex and breed can vary in size, and when this variation is significant, it is classified as an abnormality occurring as a result of external influences. Here’s what a few of those external influences are:
Diet
Dogs that are fed a nutritious diet at an early age tend to be bigger than others. With the right amount of minerals, vitamins, and protein, a Pitbull’s muscular and bone structure is allowed to develop fully.
In the initial years, it is crucial for pet owners and breeders to provide these dogs with calorific foods that strengthen their immune systems. Consequently, whether you prepare homemade meals or buy store-bought dog food, make sure that the ingredients are high in meat-based protein as adequate nourishment limits the risk of developing health conditions in the future.
Genetics
Interbreeding has been going on for years, and as a result, many crossbred Pitbulls grow up to be the exact opposite of what their owners expect. The practice introduces a mix-matching of recessive genes, which in some cases, translates into a more compact body. Moreover, cross-breeding can also lead to inherited diseases and/or abnormalities that can act as serious growth impediments.
Health condition
Unfortunately, man’s best friend is susceptible to the same things as men themselves – disease. If a dog inherits a disease from its parents or develops one on its own, it can hinder growth. And if your pup contracts an infection, the effects will be the same. Keep in mind, identifying infections in dogs is not always easy, which is why you should never miss your pet’s appointment with the vet. Certain infections can prove to be fatal if left untreated.
Injury
Pitbulls are an energetic breed, and this puts them at greater risk of injury. When a Pitbull physically hurts itself during its early years, it may lead to stunted growth. In such situations, the body focuses on recovery, and growth takes a back seat. This interruption may be another reason why you should be careful not to let your dog exert itself too much when it’s young.
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