When Is A Pitbull No Longer A Puppy? 13 Clear Signs

When it comes to puppies, many people think of the loveable and playful Pitbull who would make their every day brighter.

But when is a pitbull no longer a puppy? How long does the cuteness last? As it turns out, the answer to that question varies depending on the dog. Most Pitbulls are not considered puppies anymore once they reach 18 months old. 

At this age, they have usually reached their full size and their personality is pretty well-formed. They are also past the age of teething and are less likely to bite or chew on things.

So how can you tell when your pitbull has stopped being a puppy?

In this post, I’ll take a look at some of the things that change as Pitbulls grow older, and also offer some tips on how to keep your pup happy and healthy for as long as possible.

So stay tuned!

What Is The Average Life Span Of A Pitbull And When Do They Stop Being Considered Puppies?

The average life span of a pitbull is 12-14 years. However, some individual dogs may live much longer or shorter lives depending on their overall health and genetics.

Pitbulls typically reach full size by around 18 months old, but they may continue to fill out and add muscle mass until they are 2-3 years old. Once they reach adulthood, they are no longer considered puppies.

While Pitbulls are generally healthy dogs, there are some health problems that are more common in the breed.

These include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and congenital heart defects. Some of these conditions can be mitigated through proper nutrition and exercise, but others may require medical intervention.

13 Signs When Is A Pitbull No Longer A Puppy

There are some commonly observed changes that take place when a Pitbull is no longer a puppy. A few of these are listed below:

1. Their Energy Levels Start To Decline

Puppies have a lot of energy and need a lot of exercise to burn it off. As they reach adulthood, their energy levels start to decline and they become more content to lounge around and relax.

However, Pitbulls are still an active breed and need daily exercise to stay healthy and happy.

2. They Become More Independent

Puppies are highly dependent on their owners and need a lot of supervision. As they mature, they become more independent and are able to entertain themselves for longer periods of time.

Moreover, they are also less likely to get into mischief when left alone.

3. Their Sleeping Patterns Change

Puppies typically sleep 18-20 hours per day, while adult dogs sleep 12-14 hours per day. As your pitbull matures, you may notice that they start sleeping more during the day and taking shorter naps.

This is normal behavior for an adult dog as their bodies do not need as much rest as a puppy’s body does.

4. They Lose Their Baby Teeth

Puppies have 28 baby teeth, which they will start to lose around 4-6 months of age. Adult dogs have 42 permanent teeth.

You may notice that your pitbull’s breath smells worse as they lose their baby teeth and grow their adult teeth. This is because their adult teeth are larger and have more surface area, which traps more bacteria.

5. Their Weight Increases

Pitbulls are a large breed of dog, so it is not unusual for them to gain weight as they mature. An adult pitbull should weigh between 35-65 pounds, depending on their sex and height.

If your pitbull starts to gain weight rapidly or loses weight unexpectedly, this could be a sign of an underlying health condition and you should take them to the vet for a checkup

6. His Coat Changes Color And Texture

Pitbulls are born with a short, smooth coat that is typically blue, black or brindle in color. As they mature, their coat will begin to change color and texture.

The new adult coat will be longer and coarser than the puppy coat, and it may be a different color than the puppy coat. For example, a blue pitbull may turn silver or gray as an adult.

7. Their Appetite Changes And He Will Eat Less

Puppies have a voracious appetite and will eat anything in sight. As they reach adulthood, their appetite will begin to decline and they will become more selective about what they eat.

Adult dogs should be fed two meals per day, each containing about 1-2 cups of food.

8. He Will Be Less Destructive

Puppies are notorious for chewing on anything and everything they can get their teeth on. As they mature, they will outgrow this destructive phase and will be less likely to chew on your belongings.

However, it is important to provide your dog with plenty of chew toys and bones to gnaw on to avoid boredom and destructive behaviors.

9. He Will Be Having Fewer Accidents In The House

Puppies have small bladders and can’t hold their urine for very long. As they mature, they will be able to control their bladder for longer periods of time and will have fewer accidents in the house.

Adult dogs should be able to hold their urine for 6-8 hours. So as a result , you may find that your dog starts sleeping through the night without having to go outside to relieve himself.

10. He Will Be More Trainable

Puppies are notoriously difficult to train. They have short attention spans and are easily distracted. As they mature, they will become more trainable and will be able to focus for longer periods of time.

This is the ideal time to start working on obedience training and tricks. With patience and consistency, you can teach your adult dog just about anything.

11. He Will Need To Be Brushed More Often

As your pitbull’s coat becomes longer and coarser, it will need to be brushed more often to avoid mats and tangles.

Adult dogs should be brushed at least twice a week, and more often if they are shedding heavily. Additionally, you will need to trim your dog’s nails more frequently as they grow longer.

12. He Will Be More (Or Less) Social With Other Dogs

Puppies are typically more social with other dogs than adult dogs are. As they mature, they may become more or less social depending on their personality.

Some dogs will become more aloof and independent, while others will be more affectionate and social. It is important to provide your dog with opportunities to socialize with other dogs so that he can learn how to interact appropriately.

Tips For Training Your Pitbull As An Adult Dog

Pitbulls are an intelligent and trainable breed, but they can be stubborn at times. Here are a few tips to help you train your adult pitbull:

1. Start With The Basics

The first step in training your Pitbull is to teach them the basic commands of sit, stay, come, down, and heel.

These commands will provide a foundation for more advanced training later on. It is important to be consistent with your commands and rewards, as this will help your Pitbull to learn more quickly.

2. Use Positive Reinforcement

When training your Pitbull, it is important to use positive reinforcement techniques such as praise, treats, and petting.

This will help to motivate your dog and make them more likely to obey your commands.

Avoid using negative reinforcement techniques such as scolding or punishment, as this can make your dog fearful and less likely to listen to you.

3. Be Patient

Training a Pitbull can take some time and patience. It is important to remain calm and consistent with your commands and rewards. If you become frustrated, take a break from training and try again later.

4. Keep Training Sessions Short

Pitbulls have short attention spans, so it is important to keep training sessions short and sweet.

Start with just a few minutes at a time and gradually increase the length of the sessions as your dog becomes more proficient at following commands.

5. Use A Firm Voice

When giving commands, use a firm voice so that your dog knows that you mean business. Avoid using a high-pitched voice, as this can sound like you are speaking to a child.

Additionally, avoid using harsh commands such as “no” or “stop”, as these can sound aggressive and may scare your dog.

6. Be Prepared For Challenges

Pitbulls are known for being stubborn, so be prepared for some challenges when training them.

If your dog does not seem to be progressing as quickly as you would like, consult with a professional trainer for assistance.

7. Have Fun

Training should be fun for both you and your dog. Be sure to give plenty of praise and rewards when your Pitbull follows your commands successfully.

This will help to keep them motivated and make the experience enjoyable for both of you

How Can You Help Your Pitbull Live A Long And Healthy Life?

What you can do to ensure your Pitbull lives a long and healthy life and doesn’t succumb to any of the health issues common to the breed:

1. Proper Diet

One of the best things you can do for your pitbull is to feed them a proper diet. Pitbulls are a high-energy breed and need a diet that is high in protein and fat.

A good quality dry kibble or raw diet is ideal. Avoiding foods that are high in carbohydrates, such as grains and potatoes, is also important.

2. Plenty of Exercise

Pitbulls are a very active breed and need plenty of exercise to stay healthy. A minimum of 30 minutes of exercise per day is recommended, but more is better.

This can include walking, running, playing fetch, or any other activity that gets your dog moving.

3. Mental Stimulation

In addition to physical exercise, pitbulls also need mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. This can include training sessions, puzzle toys, and anything else that challenges their mind.

4. Regular Vet Check-Ups

It is important to take your pitbull to the vet for regular check-ups and vaccinations. This will help to catch any health problems early and keep your dog up-to-date on their shots.

5. Avoid Hot Weather

Pitbulls are susceptible to heat stroke, so it is important to avoid hot weather when possible. If you must be out in the heat, make sure to provide plenty of water and shade for your dog.

6. Be Careful Around Other Dogs

Pitbulls can be aggressive towards other dogs, so it is important to be careful when around other animals.

If you are introducing your pitbull to another dog, do so slowly and carefully. Always supervise interactions between your dog and other animals.

7. Spay or Neuter Your Dog

Last but not least, one of the best things you can do for your pitbull is to have them spayed or neutered.

This will help to reduce aggression and roaming behaviors, and can also help to prevent certain health problems later in life

8. Teach Them To Interact With Humans And Other Animals

One of the best things you can do for your pitbull is to teach them how to interact properly with humans and other animals. This includes socialization from a young age, as well as obedience training.

Teaching your pitbull to be well-behaved around other people and animals will help to make them a happy and healthy dog.

How Do You Care For A Pitbull Puppy As It Transitions Into Adulthood?

1. Start With The Basics House Training, Obedience Training, And Socialisation

The first thing you need to do when you get your Pitbull puppy is to start with the basics. This means house training, obedience training, and socialization.

House training is important in order to teach your puppy where it is appropriate to go to the bathroom. Obedience training is important in order to teach your puppy basic commands such as sit, stay and come.

Socialization is important in order to help your puppy become comfortable around other people and animals.

2. Establish Yourself As The Alpha

It is important to establish yourself as the alpha in your relationship with your Pitbull. This means being the one who makes decisions, being consistent with rules and limits, and providing leadership.

One way to establish yourself as the alpha is to provide calm and assertive energy. Another way to establish yourself as the alpha is to be consistent with rules and limits.

For example, if you do not want your Pitbull on the couch, then make sure that he or she never gets on the couch, even if you are not home.

3. Be Patient

Pitbulls can be a lot of work, so it is important to be patient when dealing with them. They are often very energetic and may not always listen to what you say.

It is important to remain calm and consistent when dealing with them. If you lose your temper or get frustrated, they will only become more difficult to handle.

4. Give Them Plenty Of Exercise

Pitbulls need a lot of exercise in order to stay healthy and happy. They should be taken on long walks or runs every day, and given plenty of opportunities to play and burn off energy.

If they do not get enough exercise, they may become destructive or aggressive.

5. Give Them New Things And Challenges:

Pitbulls thrive on new challenges. If you give them something new to do every day, they will be much happier and healthier. This can include things like learning new tricks, going for long walks in different environments, or playing new games.

This could also come from you as the owner, such as taking them to new places, meeting new people, or doing new things together.

6. Be Firm But Loving

When dealing with your Pitbull, it is important to be firm but loving at the same time. They need boundaries and limits in order to feel secure, but they also need love and affection in order to thrive.

Find a balance between the two and you will have a happy and well-adjusted Pitbull

What Should I Do If My Pitbull Is Not Following Commands?

If you’re training your Pitbull and they’re not following commands, it’s important to figure out why. Sometimes the problem is with the dog, but other times it’s due to ineffective training techniques. Here are a few things you can try if your Pitbull isn’t responding to commands:

– Make sure you’re using positive reinforcement. Dogs respond best to rewards, so make sure you’re offering your dog something they want (like a treat) when they do what you ask.

– Be consistent with your commands. If you use different words or phrases for the same command, your dog will get confused. Choose one word or phrase and stick with it.

– Avoid using punishment. Yelling at or hitting your dog will only make them scared of you and less likely to respond to commands. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement and making training fun for both of you.

If you’re still having trouble getting your Pitbull to follow commands, consider working with a professional trainer. They can help you troubleshoot the problem and find a solution that works for both of you.

Conclusion

In the end, I hope now, you have a much better understanding of when is a Pitbull no longer a puppy. They typically range between the age of 1-2 years old but can really become adults around 3 years of age. There are a few things you should keep in mind when making this determination such as their size, obedience level, and maturity.

If you still have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me in the comments below. I would love to help you out!

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

At what age is a Pit Bull fully grown?

A Pit Bull is fully grown by the age of 2 years. However, they may continue to fill out and muscularize until they are three or four.

Some people believe that a dog isn’t fully grown until they reach their full adult size, which can be anywhere from 18-24 months for a Pit Bull.

How big should a 6-month-old Pit Bull be?

On average, a 6-month-old male Pit Bull will weigh between 35 and 45 pounds, while a female will weigh between 30 and 40 pounds. Of course, there will always be some variation from these averages, but they provide a good starting point for assessing your dog’s size.

How much bigger will my Pit Bull get?

Most Pit Bulls will gain about 10-15% of their adult weight during their first 6 months of life. After that, they will continue to fill out and muscularize until they are 3-4 years old but will not typically gain any more significant amounts of weight.

Hight-wise, males will usually be between 18-21 inches at the shoulder, while females will be between 17-20 inches.

What is the size of a full-grown Pit Bull?

A full-grown Pit Bull can range in size from 18 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 30 and 60 pounds.

However, there is some variation in size within the breed, with some dogs being larger or smaller than average.

What is the average size of an American Pit Bull Terrier?

American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized dog breed with a short, smooth coat. The average weight of an adult American Pit Bull Terrier is between 30 and 50 pounds, with a height of 18 to 21 inches at the shoulder.

However, there is considerable variation in size within the breed. Some American Pit Bull Terriers are smaller than average, while others are larger. There is also a miniature variety of the breed, which weighs less than 30 pounds.

How do I make sure my Pit Bull is healthy?

If you’re considering adding a pit bull to your family, there are a few things you need to keep in mind in order to ensure your pet is healthy and happy.

First, pit bulls are very active dogs and need plenty of exercise.

A daily walk or run is essential, and you may also want to invest in some dog toys to keep them entertained.

Secondly, pit bulls are prone to certain health problems, so it’s important to take them for regular checkups and vaccinations.

Finally, socialization is key for pit bulls. With early socialization and obedience training, they can learn to get along with other animals and people.

Do Pitbull types have different growth rates?

Yes, there can be some variation in the growth rate of different pitbull types. For example, American Pitbull Terriers typically reach their adult size between 18 and 24 months, while Staffordshire Bull Terriers reach their adult size at around 12 to 18 months.

However, there is still a great deal of variation within each breed, so it’s important to talk to your veterinarian about your individual dog’s growth and development.