American Pit Bull Terrier: temperament, training and care

At a glance

Temperament

• Affectionate and eager
• Athletic and strong
• Needs careful dog introductions

Training tips

Give them tug with rules: it burns energy and teaches Drop It.

American Pit Bull Terriers can be independent thinkers. Find what your dog will really work for, keep sessions short and fun, and expect to repeat things more often than with an eager-to-please breed.

Start with a marker word, sit, come and leave it. For a puppy, see the puppy training guides.

Exercise and energy

A healthy adult American Pit Bull Terrier typically needs around 60 to 90 minutes of activity a day. Walks alone rarely cover it: add sniffing games, training and play so their brain gets tired too. Puppies need much shorter sessions while they grow.

See how much exercise a dog needs and our games and enrichment ideas.

Health to watch

Things the breed is known to be prone to. Ask your vet what to check for your dog.

• Skin. Folds and allergies need care: keep folds clean and dry, and watch for itching. See: Allergic Reaction.
• Hips and elbows. Prone to joint problems: keep them lean and ask the vet to check the joints each year.