1 Year Old Pitbull

1 Year Old Pitbull

And, since these breeds can be quite different sizes, they will look very different at 12 months. The smaller a dog is, the faster it reaches its adult size. So, a Miniature Bull Terrier and a Staffordshire Bull Terrier will be at their adult size, or much closer to it than the other 3 Pitbull breeds at 1 year old. As the other 3 are slightly larger, they will usually take around 18 months to reach their full height and weight.

To keep things simple, we will take a closer look at the American Pitbull Terrier for the rest of this article, since this is the breed that most people mean when they say “pitbull”.

1 Year Old Pitbull Size

A fully grown Pitbull (American Pitbull Terrier) will be somewhere between 17 and 21 inches tall. Males are often taller than females. Males will be at the larger end of this spectrum, often between 18 and 21 inches, whilst females are usually between 17 and 20 inches. In terms of weight, an adult Pitbull can be anywhere between 30 and 60 lbs, again with males more often weighing more than females.

However, at 1 year old, it’s unlikely your APBT will be at their adult size. These dogs usually take 8 months to reach their adult height and weight, so they will have a little more growing to do. It’s likely that your dog will be close to their adult height. But, over the next 6 months, you’ll see them pack on more muscle and mass.

How Much Should a 1 Year Old Pitbull Weigh?

Though a Pitbull’s adult size can range quite a lot, from a minimum of 30 lbs to a maximum of 60 lbs on average, they won’t be at their adult size by 1 year. In fact, the larger your dog’s adult size, the longer it will take them to reach it. So, as a general rule, male Pitbulls take longer to grow than females.

Your Pitbull’s weight at 1 year old will also depend on how much you’re feeding them. If you are overfeeding them, they may weigh more than you might expect. Since all Pitbulls are different, your veterinarian is the best person to guide you here. But, if you are struggling to feel your Pittie’s ribs, they may be overweight.

Weight will be a very individual thing for all dogs, so it’s best to speak to your vet rather than using general weight charts online. An adult Pittie at the smaller end of the size spectrum is naturally going to weigh much less at one year than one at the other end of the scale.

How Much Food Should a 1 Year Old Pitbull Eat?

Most commercial dog foods will have a feeding guide on their packaging. This will have the amount of food required depending on your dog’s weight. It’s a good idea to start with these guidelines, but bear in mind that they may need some adjusting. Often, these measurements are slightly more than your dog actually needs. So, you must keep a close watch on your dog’s weight and adjust their meal size accordingly.

If you can feel but not see your Pitbull’s ribs, they are likely in a healthy weight range. If their ribs are very prominent, and easy to see through their fur, they may not be eating enough. But, if you cannot see or feel them at all, they are overweight. Both underfeeding and overfeeding your Pitbull can be detrimental to their health and development.

So, use these observations to adjust their meal sizes if necessary. And, check in with your veterinarian if you are unsure. They will be able to help you plan your dog’s meals if you aren’t feeling confident about it.

Best Dog Food for a One Year Old Pitbull

At 12 months, some Pitbulls will be ready to transition to adult dog food. This should be a gradual process, not an immediate change. So, replace a small amount of their puppy food with your chosen adult food in each meal. Over the course of a week, change the quantities of each until you are only giving them the adult food. You may wish to speak to your veterinarian first, to ensure you are making the transition at the correct time for your individual dog.

The best dog food for your 1 year old Pitbull will be a balanced and nutritious recipe. Many dog foods are designed for specific breeds and breed types. So, you can choose a Pitbull specific food, or one designed for medium to large breeds. If you aren’t sure where to start, see if your current puppy food brand has an adult dog variety.

How to Train a 1 Year Old Pitbull

It’s highly likely that you will have already started training your Pittie. But, since they are nearing their adult size and strength, good obedience training and socialization is all the more important. Most socialization should happen before 12 weeks of age, but you should continue giving your Pittie positive new experiences to things throughout their life. So, keep introducing them to new people, animals, environment, and things. But, do this at your dog’s pace, especially if they are anxious or fearful.

Positive reward training is the best method for Pitties. Since they form strong bonds with their owners, they will be eager to please. Studies have linked aversive methods (such as positive punishment and negative reinforcement) to increased stress and anxiety levels in dogs. So, stick to positive methods for a more attentive and confident Pittie. Just make sure to subtract the calorie allowance of any training treats from your dog’s meals to avoid overfeeding them.

1 Year Old Pitbull – A Summary

A one year old Pitbull dog won’t yet be fully grown, but they will be most of the way there. You may be able to transition them to adult food at this age, but your veterinarian may recommend waiting a little longer. Keep track of your dog’s weight to ensure they are eating the right amounts, and keep working on their obedience training!

Do you have a one year old Pitbull at home? We would love to hear about them in the comments!

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