Pitbull Growth Chart: Male And Female Weight & Height

The Pitbull is a strong and athletic breed. They are affectionate, fun, and enjoy being part of a family. Monitoring their growth, especially during puppyhood, is crucial as your new companion grows. This includes their weight and the milestones that come with growing up.

Every dog is unique; some may be bigger than the breed standard, while others may be smaller. Measuring them allows us to see if our dogs are on track. Some grow bigger faster, whereas others take longer. Keeping note of milestones gives us points of comparison to see just how well our dogs are developing.

Our comprehensive guide gives you a look into your Pitbull’s growth throughout his early years. We’ve also provided a growth chart to serve as a handy resource to refer to during your dog’s life. Finally, we answer the most frequently asked questions about your Pittie’s development.

What To Expect

Let’s take a look at what to expect during their growth period. It is important to note that although growth charts are helpful, all dogs are different, and their growth stages may differ. All this information will help you prepare for changes as your puppy grows. This is also an excellent time to learn the different developmental changes in your dog’s life during his most vital developmental stage — puppyhood.

Reminders

This article explores the growth patterns of a typical Pitbull. However, remember that your puppy’s results may vary. They may have growth spurts or plateaus that slow down or speed up overall growth. This is normal and is no cause for worry. Pitbulls typically reach their full height at around twelve months. Bigger-sized Pitbulls can take as long as eighteen months old, though their weight continues to develop until they are 24 months old. This growth also depends on nutrition and overall health, so be sure not to overfeed or underfeed your dog. You must also keep them away from injury. Ultimately, your puppy might be slightly smaller or larger than the averages we provide. If you find yourself alarmed by this, it’s always a good idea to contact your veterinarian.

Puppy Growth Timeline

Here is a timeline of your Pitbull’s growth, plus the different developmental milestones and needs your puppy may require.

Pitbull Puppy

Here’s what to expect from your Pitbull for the first year.

Birth To 2 Weeks

Sometime around the two-week mark, your puppy’s eyes start to open, and they begin hearing sounds. Your puppy is not very interactive at this time because they are both blind (due to sealed eyelids) and deaf. They rely on their mother to give them the care and milk they need. Allow your puppy to drink as much milk as needed. If you are also caring for their mother, be sure she is eating and resting enough to provide the puppies with good care.

1 Month

At the one-month mark, your dog has developed much of his senses. It’s adorable to see them be more social around their littermates. This is especially important for their early development, as this is their first chance to socialize. One month old is also when they begin to wean off their mother’s milk. You can start feeding them soft, wet dog food. It’s important not to shock them with too much food at once.

• Males weigh an average of 3-5 pounds.
• Females weigh an average of 2-4 pounds.

2 Months

When your puppy reaches two months old, they may be separated from their mother, as they are now fully weaned off milk. You can begin teaching them basic commands and start with obedience training. You can start giving them three meals a day, changing portion sizes according to their size and weight.

Pitbulls adapt very well to training, so starting early would be great! It’s essential to train them now because they are the most receptive when they are very young. This sets a foundation for a well-behaved dog later down the line. Here is the weight you can expect from your Pitbull at two months old.

• Males weigh an average of 5-15 pounds.
• Females weigh an average of 5-15 pounds.

3 Months

You should continue your puppy’s training and socialization. You could start leash training to get them used to the feel of the harness and leash. Ideally, you should prepare your Pitbull not to pull on the leash, or else he will be walking you since they are strong dogs. It is also the right time to get them used to grooming. Consistency and patience are key here. They are very playful and particularly mouthy. Do your best to curb bad behavior and encourage acceptable behavior.

• Males weigh an average of 10-20 pounds.
• Females weigh an average of 10-20 pounds.

4 Months

Your puppy starts being a lot more playful by the time they reach four months old. At this point, they will have happily settled in with you at home. You should continue their obedience training and socialization using positive reinforcement as much as possible. Pitbulls respond well to positive reinforcement training. If you’re less experienced in training a dog like a Pitbull, you may want to enroll in training classes. You can also let your dog join puppy kindergarten classes to teach them to behave appropriately around other dogs. This makes for a confident, friendly, and well-rounded puppy.

• Males weigh an average of 15-25 pounds.
• Females weigh an average of 10- 20 pounds.

5 Months

You may be astonished at how large your Pitbull has gotten at around five months. This is the stage where they learn, grow, and play more. We encourage you to continue with positive reinforcement. This can make a huge difference in how your dog will grow and behave as an adult. Pitbulls grow to be very affectionate and loving, but puppies will be puppies. Patience is key here, so try to enjoy them while they are still young.

• Males weigh an average of 15-30 pounds.
• Females weigh an average of 15-25 pounds.

6 Months

At around the six-month mark, your Pitbull is getting taller and heavier. She may be asking for a lot of exercise, but it is important not to overexert her, as this can injure her since she is still growing. More seriously, it can result in hip dysplasia. They need to learn discipline and structure. By six months, you have most likely established a routine in your everyday life with your dog. Keep being the firm, consistent, and confident leader they need.

• Males weigh an average of 20-35 pounds.
• Females weigh an average of 15-30 pounds.

7 Months

It would be best if you had established a routine and rapport with your dog by the time he is seven months old. Continue being firm in your discipline with them, and always reward exemplary behavior. You can start taking your dog on longer walks. You could even split the walks into two smaller sessions. Pitbulls are prone to hip dysplasia, so their exercise needs to be moderated, especially young. You can also give your dog two meals per day now, as long as they get enough food for their age, size, and activity level.

• Males weigh an average of 20-40 pounds.
• Females weigh an average of 15-35 pounds.

8 Months

When your dog gets to be around eight months old, you should have a great friendship and bond established with them. The problem here is that they may start to get anxious when you aren’t around. This is called separation anxiety and takes a toll on your mental health. It can also take a toll on your belongings because destructive behavior usually surfaces when dogs feel this way. Pitbulls love being with their family and having someone home. It’s best to have somebody with them as much as possible, so they don’t get lonely. Besides this, your pup is on his way to adulthood, close to being his final weight.

• Males weigh an average of 25-45 pounds.
• Females weigh an average of 20-35 pounds.

9 Months

You can expect your dog to start behaving a little more maturely at around nine months old. This may not be true for all puppies. Still, they are calmer and are happy to behave more as long as their needs are addressed. Pitbulls are people pleasers at heart, so they will be more willing to obey, but training will be a big help. Toys are an effective way to provide mental and physical stimulation and minimize destructive behavior. Pitbulls are intelligent dogs and will enjoy puzzle toys to keep them engaged and mentally engrossed. 

• Males weigh an average of 25-50 pounds.
• Females weigh an average of 20-40 pounds.

10 Months

You will see less apparent physical growth at around ten months since your pup is getting close to being fully grown. He will still fill out and put on weight at a much slower pace than when he was a baby. They start listening to your commands more eagerly than before at around ten months old, provided you have been consistent about their training. Now that their body is getting stronger, you can take them out for a longer walk. Try not to over-exert them as their bones are still developing.

• Males weigh an average of 25-50 pounds.
• Females weigh an average of 20-40 pounds.

11 Months

Homelife should be very comfortable for your doggy now that they are almost one year old. Pitbulls are more than happy to be part of a family. You can now try to give them sixty minutes of walk time each day, split into two sessions to make it easier to manage. Try not to run with them on a leash but walk to not disrupt bone formation. 

• Males weigh an average of 30-55 pounds.
• Females weigh an average of 25-45 pounds.

1 Year

It’s time to wish your doggy a happy birthday. He has most likely filled out by this time. You can check in with your veterinarian to see if your dog has grown sufficiently. Before they reach two years old, they may continue gaining weight. However, they should be right on track as long as they have eaten properly, gotten enough rest, and were not severely ill or injured.

You and your dog have done an excellent job in training and socialization. Your rapport and bond are most likely solid with your doggy. He should be more behaved as well. Your dog may still act like a puppy, especially since Pitbulls are playful and energetic.

• Males weigh an average of 30-55 pounds.
• Females weigh an average of 25-45 pounds.

What Happens Next?

At this point, your dog is growing up nicely. You can use the standard weights and heights listed as markers, but you can always compare notes with your veterinarian to see how well your dog has grown. There should be no issue with their growth as long as they weren’t overfed or underfed and kept healthy throughout puppyhood.

Full Grown Pitbull

Your dog has done a lot of growing during his puppyhood. Male and female dogs have similar weights throughout puppyhood but differ slightly in adulthood. A full-grown male weighs around 35-60 pounds, while females weigh about 30-50 pounds. Males are taller, standing around 18-19 inches, while females average 17-18 inches.

Weight Growth Chart

Factors To Consider

Many different factors affect your Pitbull’s growth. Understanding each one can help you better understand the development process.  

Genetics

Although size is often determined through genetics, it is still not guaranteed. Some dogs can be larger or smaller than their genetic lines. Looking at the parents can usually give you a sense of how large your dog can grow though this is only an estimation. The parents are just a small part of a giant genetic puzzle. They may have genes that result in smaller, average or larger offspring. There is no real way to tell until your dog has reached full maturity. And, if you think your Pittie may be mixed with another breed, you might want to do an at-home dog DNA test to find out more about their genetic makeup.

Nutrition

Nutrition will play a significant role in helping your pup thrive. The amount of food your Pitbull consumes will depend on his size, age, and energy levels. This does not mean that overfeeding your dog means he will grow bigger. It’s important not to overfeed your dog as this paves the way toward obesity and may even create other orthopedic ailments. It can also lead to further health problems and add pressure to his cardiac system.

The most important consideration for his nutrition is to feed him a high-quality kibble that provides him with a well-balanced diet. A well-balanced diet should involve high-quality meats, fiber, carbohydrates, healthy omega fats, vitamins, and minerals. There is specialized pitbull food that can provide specific nutrients for the breed.

Growth Spurts And Plateaus

Growth spurts and plateaus can happen at any given time during your dog’s growth. These spurts occur randomly and can speed up or slow down the growing process. If you are worried about changes in your puppy’s growth, it’s always best to ask a veterinarian to see if your pup is developing healthily.

Neutering And Spaying

Spaying or neutering your dog early does not stunt his growth. However, their joints may be affected. Some studies show that early neutering or spaying can affect your dog’s growth plate, especially in larger canines. This delays its closure and may make your dog grow taller than usual. This can predispose them to joint disease later in their life. Be sure to ask your veterinarian when the best time is to spay or neuter your dog. 

Physical Health

Puppies who were ill for an extended time may have stunted growth. Poor health does not allow the body to reach its highest potential, so you should always check with your veterinarian to ensure that your puppy is as healthy as possible. Injury can also be a factor in the growth of a Pitbull. Please do not allow them to overexert themselves as they are growing. Always give your dog plenty of space to play so they don’t accidentally bump into anything and hurt themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will my Pitbull stop growing?

Their physical growth stops between twelve and eighteen months. This breed often reaches its adult height around twelve months but continues to gain weight until eighteen or two years of age.

How fast can I expect my Pitbull to grow?

Your Pitbull grows at a pretty steady pace. They may have a growth sprint between four and nine months, but each doggie is different.

Will my puppy experience growing pains?

Studies show that puppies do not experience growing pains, but certain orthopedic conditions may give them pain. If you notice limping, swelling, strange movement, and a hesitance to join normally engaging activities, there may be something wrong. It’s worth going to a veterinarian to check what is ailing your puppy. It’s also worth noting that your dog can get injured if allowed to play too rough or exercise too much. Pitbulls are strong and athletic, so they could play rough and hurt themselves.

What are some conditions common to growing Pitbulls?

One common condition your dog may be predisposed to as they grow up is hip dysplasia. This is a disease where your dog’s thigh bone does not fit properly into his hip socket. This can cause a lot of pain and often leads to degenerative arthritis later on. You can spot hip dysplasia in your dog if you notice limping, strange posture, or unusual walking.

You should bring your dog to the vet when they are two years old to check if they have developed hip dysplasia. Fortunately, good breeders screen for hip dysplasia and do not allow any dogs who have it to breed. If you have received your dog from a responsible breeder, they are likely safe from hip dysplasia.

Pitbulls can also suffer from Bloat or Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV). GDV is fatal and can be life-threatening. It is unclear why they develop this condition, but some possible ways to help prevent the onset of GDV include not overfeeding and exercising the dog before or right after a meal.

What do I do if my Pitbull isn’t the correct weight?

If you find your Pitbull is not growing healthy, check with your veterinarian. Numbers don’t always indicate if your dog is a healthy weight. To test if your dog is overweight or underweight, check his ribs. The ribs should not be visible as this is a clear indicator that your dog is dangerously underweight. Malnourished dogs need immediate veterinary assistance since they may need to be dewormed in case of internal parasites. If you cannot feel your pup’s ribs, he may be overweight. Ultimately, you should consult your veterinarian for treatment plans for your overweight or underweight doggie.

Final Thoughts

Pitbulls are robust, fun-loving dogs that enjoy pleasing their families. It is vital to have information on your Pitbull’s development and growth to ensure he will grow up healthy and happy. As the newest family member, knowing about your pup’s different growth factors is beneficial. Our final recommendation is to bring your puppy for routine checkups. This way, you can closely monitor if your dog is growing to his full potential.