25 Unbiased Facts to Know About Pit Bulls

Originally bred to be farm dogs, the American pit bull terrier is known for its strong stature and protective nature. While you won’t find many pit bulls on farms in America, you will find this breed used commonly as a family dog, and even sometimes used in military work.

Don’t let the stereotype of this breed scare you away. There are many amazing and notable qualities that most people don’t know about pit bull terriers. We rounded up 25 unbiased facts about the breed, from average size to medical costs and temperament to help interested owners, and the general public, get a holistic read on the breed.

1. They're Multitalented Dogs

The pit bull terrier is skilled in many activities and commonly participates in agility, carting, competitive obedience, hunting, tracking and weight pulling.

2. They're Costly to Insure

The American Pit Bull Terrier ranked No. 19 for the highest medical costs.

3. Their Grooming Requirements Are Minimal

This dog’s short hair makes for easy grooming. Light grooming and bathing are only required once in a while for upkeep and cleanliness. No stripping or trimming is required.

4. They're a Good Size

Pit bulls range in height from 17 inches to 22 inches tall. The breed grows quite steadily, reaching full size by age one.

5. They're Easy to Train

This breed is easier to train than many other breeds. Pit bulls are more likely to obey their owners and require fewer command repetitions.

6. They're Not Very Adaptable

This breed is not the best suited for apartment living due to its activity level. However, the breed will thrive in a small- to the average-sized yard.

7. They're Active Dogs

For owners who love to be active, pit bulls will keep you well exercised. This breed is very energetic and requires daily activity to stay in shape and remain content.

8. Their Price is Fairly Low

This purebred dog costs less than many other breeds, at an average of $600 for a puppy. This breed is also rated as the most adaptable, making it easy to find many affordable canines who need a loving home for the cost of a donation or rehoming fee.

9. They Can Struggle With Other Animals

While pit bulls can be great around a lot of humans, they are not the best with other animals. The breed requires a lot of socialization as puppies.

10. They Fare Well in The Heat

This breed does well in hotter climates, but don’t expect a pit bull to adjust well to cold locations.

11. Their Food Costs Are High

Pit bulls are larger dogs and require 2.5 to 3 cups of food per day. The average cost to feed a pit bull is around $235 per year.

12. They Have Long Lifespans

A pit bull will be part of your family for many years to come. The average life span is eight to 15 years.

13. They Rarely Bark

The breed rarely barks, so if a pit bull does have a barking problem it is probably due to boredom or rambunctiousness.

14. They Can Be Trained as Service Dogs

Since these dogs are highly affectionate, many have made excellent therapy and service dogs.

15. They Come in A Wide Variety of Colors

Pit bulls range greatly in coat color and color combination. The most common coat colors are black, black and tan, blue, brown, gray, red, white, and yellow.

16. Their Medical Bills Can Add Up

Since the pit bull is considered a large dog breed, it can suffer from large breed health issues as it ages. Some common health problems can include hip dysplasia and knee problems, along with thyroid disease, allergies, and mange.

17. They Suffer From Few Dental Problems

You won’t have to worry about this breed’s teeth. Pit bulls have great dental health and very few, if any, dental problems during their lifetime.

18. They're Not Hypoallergenic

For owners with allergies, this breed might cause some sneezing. Pit bulls are not hypoallergenic and can shed moderately.

19. They're Famous

Interesting enough, pit bulls are the only breed to appear on the cover of Life magazine three times.

20. They've Attacked The Most People

Unfortunately, pit bulls have incurred the highest number of attacks. In total, 1,355 child victims and 1,312 adult victims were accounted for between 1982 and 2014. It is also important to note that 295 deaths and 2,110 maimings occurred during that time frame.

21. They Can Be Great With Kids

When trained properly, the American pit bull terrier is considered playful and great with children.

22. They're Excellent Fence Climbers

Due to its muscular build, this breed can scale a large chain-link fence. Keep this in mind before bringing your pit bull home.

23. They Often Have A Cheerful Temperament

Under the right training and a loving family, American pit bull terriers are known to be affectionate, cheerful, friendly, loyal and social. They are also alert and intelligent dogs.

24. They Require Higher Home Insurance

Pit bulls are considered a blacklisted pet or a dangerous breed to many home insurance companies. This can cost homeowners more in insurance or cause them to be denied by certain agencies.

25. They're Not Strong Watchdogs

Pit bulls are not considered great watchdogs since they rarely bark and can be too trusting of humans. Their loyal nature can, however, lead the breed to protect its owner in times of crisis.

The Bottom Line

Pit bulls are not inherently dangerous. Like any other dog, they can become violent, aggressive, and mean through a lack of training, abuse, neglect, and irresponsible ownership and breeding as well as a lack of attention to health and temperament issues. Properly training and socializing your pitbull is the key element in raising a well-behaved and non-aggressive pitbull!