Full Grown Pitbull

Pitbulls can make wonderful family pets, but it's important to understand what caring for a full grown pitbull entails. In this guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about pitbulls at their mature adult size, including their physical attributes, personality, care requirements, and suitability as a pet. By the end, you'll be well-informed on whether a pitbull is the right dog for your household.

About the Breed

Before diving into specifics about full grown pitbulls, let's cover some background on the breed.

Pitbulls, also referred to as American Pit Bull Terriers, are a medium-sized, muscular dog breed that traces its ancestry to bulldogs and terriers in the United Kingdom.

In the late 19th century, Pitbulls were brought to North America and used both as fighter dogs in pits as well as companions and family dogs.

Today they remain popular pet breeds, though certain jurisdictions have breed-specific legislation either restricting or banning them due to misunderstandings about their nature.

When properly socialized and trained, pitbulls can make affectionate and loyal companions. As with any breed, responsible ownership is important for ensuring a pitbull's needs are met and any problem behaviors are prevented or addressed.

With the right environment and care, many people find them to be wonderful family dogs.

Size at Full Growth

On average, a full grown pitbull will reach its mature size between 18-24 months old. Here are the typical dimensions of a fully grown pitbull:

• Length: 2-3 feet from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail
• Height: 17-19 inches at the shoulder
• Weight: Usually between 35-80 pounds, though some larger specimens may reach up to 100 pounds

While pitbull sizes can vary a bit between bloodlines and individual dogs, the above figures represent a good baseline for their standard adult stature. Keep in mind females tend to be slightly smaller than males on average.

Appearance at Full Growth

Once a pitbull reaches maturity, here is what their appearance generally looks like:

• Stocky, muscular physique with broad chest and shoulders
• Short, smooth coat that is usually fawn, red, blue, white or brindle colored
• Large, triangular head that tapers toward the muzzle
• V-shaped ears that are thin and stand erect
• Dark eyes that are wide-set and vigilant
• Short tail that is typically docked

While not as bulky as some molosser breeds, the fully grown pitbull is powerfully built with a sturdy frame well-suited for strength and athletics. Their proportions, stance and expression give the overall impression of a solidly constructed canine with a no-nonsense visual persona.

Personality at Full Growth

When properly socialized and trained, pitbulls tend to exhibit the following personality traits as adults:

• Loyal and affectionate towards owners and family members
• Very energetic, playful and require daily exercise and stimulation
• Generally good with children but should be supervised due to their strength
• May be hesitant towards strangers until an introduction is made
• Sometimes wary of other animals like cats, especially if not raised with them
• Eager to please and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods
• Protectiveness kicks in if they perceive a threat to their pack;
• High prey drive means smaller pets may be at risk unless obedience trained

Of course, individual personalities vary and early life experiences play a role. But in general, an adult pitbull is intense yet gentle by nature when raised properly.

Price

The cost of acquiring a full grown pitbull can range widely depending on factors like its background, training, certifications and where you obtain it. Here is a general breakdown:

Adoption from Rescue/Shelter: Typically $75-$250 depending on the organization. Often includes spay/neuter surgery as well as vaccines.

Purchase from Breeder: Expect to pay $500-$2000 usually. Show/performance lines are higher-priced than pet-quality, and papers/certifications increase a dog's value.

Adoption from Particular Friend/Family: Sometimes you can take over ownership without a fee, but expect medical/gear costs.

On average, plan to invest $500-$1000 to bring home a fully grown pitbull, though rescue adoption is the most affordable option in many cases.

Food and Feeding

As with any dog, high-quality pitbull food and the appropriate quantity is essential for a fully grown adult's good health. Here are some tips:

• Pick a brand formulated for bully breed size and activity level
• Feed twice daily for a total of 1-2 cups per 30 pounds of body weight
• Fresh, clean water should always be available
• Consider adding premium wet food or raw feeding for coat/dental benefits
• Adjust portions up or down based on any weight gain/loss needed

A balanced diet provides the proper nutrition for energy, muscle and maintaining a fit physique in maturity.

Lifespan

When cared for properly, the average lifespan of a pitbull is 10-15 years. Some healthy specimens have been known to reach 17-18 years old. Proper preventive healthcare like vaccines, deworming and dental care in adulthood helps maximize a pitbull's longevity.

Health at Full Growth

As adults, fully grown pitbulls are generally quite hearty. Here are a few notable health points:

• Hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia are possible inheritable bone/joint issues
• Some lines are prone to eye issues like cataracts or retinal problems
• Skin allergies, parasites and other minor ailments are possible
• Heart disease, thyroid and cancer remain risks later in life
• Dental disease is common, so regular cleanings are a must

Maintaining a fit weight, high-quality preventive care from a veterinarian, and early symptom detection all help manage potential adult health concerns.

Care and Nutrition Needs

Here are the main responsibilities and requirements for properly caring for a full grown pitbull:

• Daily exercise - at least one long walk as well as play time in a secure yard
• Grooming 2-3 times weekly for their short coat
• Regular brushing of teeth 2-3 times per week to prevent dental disease
• Yearly comprehensive wellness exams with a vet
• Up to date on core vaccines, heartworm/flea prevention as needed
• Trimming nails when they get too long
• Brush out shedding hair as it occurs seasonally
• Constant supply of food, water and shelter

While not needing excessive amounts of maintenance, pitbulls deserve daily time, exercise and preventive care as adults.

Cost of Ownership

Here is a breakdown of average yearly ownership costs to budget for with a full grown pitbull:

• Food: $240-480 per year for a good-quality kibble
• Supplements/treats: $50-100 per year
• Veterinary care: $300-600 average annual for wellness visits, tests, medications
• Grooming/supplies: $100-200 per year for shampoo, brushes, nail trims
• Toys/accessories: $50-150 per year to keep playtime fun!
• Training costs: $50-150 if needed for classes/private lessons
• Boarding/daycare: $1000-2500 per year if working full time
• Emergency fund: $500-1000 per year strictly for unplanned vet care

On average, expect to invest $1500-3500 annually for properly caring for a mature pitbull companion. While a higher commitment than some breeds, the rewards of the pitbull temperament are highly valued by many owners.

Possible Behavioral Changes

Most well-adjusted pitbulls do not undergo major personality shifts upon reaching adulthood. However, certain tendencies may emerge or strengthen as they mature:

• Increased confidence - less fearful as they grow into their size and strength
• More dominance as pack leader - important to establish yourself as top dog
• Stronger prey drive - need extra management if introducing small pets
• Protection instincts kick in when threatened - properly curb aggressive responses
• Stubbornness peaks - consistent and positive reinforcement training is essential

With age-appropriate exercise, mental enrichment and obedience training, any emerging behaviors are manageable in the average mature pitbull.

Notable Characteristics

Some noteworthy attributes that often typify fully grown pitbulls of at least 18 months age include:

• Clearly defined muscular bulk and sturdy powerhouse build
• Confidently forward head carriage and shoulders back stance
• Very large blocky head fully matured into their proportions
• Deeper brassy voice versus a puppy's higher tone
• Fully darkened coat color with no puppy fuzzy patches
• Adult canine teeth fully grown in proper scissor bite position
• Completely filled out paws and fully furred feet pads
• Attained their terminal growth height/average weight range

While some dogs keep developing until 2 years, these indicators confirm whether a pitbull is likely in the prime of adulthood.

When is a Pitbull Really Considered Fully Grown?

Most pitbull sources agree that for the purposes of health, training and care needs, the breed can be viewed as fully grown and mature at 18-24 months of age. This is when:

• Growth plates have closed off skeletal growth
• Brain development is complete leading to adult mindset
• Dental structure has finished forming
• Coat, paw and muscular development finalizes
• Height/weight statistics are reliably met
• Personality has stabilized post-adolescence

While pitbulls continue learning throughout their lives, this 18-24 month window marks transition from puppyhood to consistent grown dog routines.

Suitability as a Pet

For the majority of educated, responsible owners, a fully grown pitbull can absolutely thrive as a wonderful family pet. However, there are some considerations in their maturity:

• Needs an owner committed to their proper exercise and stimulation needs
• Children must be supervised - not a suitable pet for young kids unsupervised due to size/strength
• Home environment must be securely fenced to prevent roaming
• May not be tolerant of other animals in some cases
• Significant training has likely been invested by maturity for best results
• Owner takes on potential stigma or BSL territory limitations

With care taken in selection, socialization and safety measures, the mature pitbull temperament showcases great loyalty and affection.

Conclusion

As one of the most misunderstood breeds, the pitbull in maturity deserves an equitable evaluation. When raised properly from a pup with consistent training, exercise, socialization and medical care, a full grown pitbull tends to embody an intensely friendly and devoted family member deserving of a loving forever home.

Their fun-loving play style, cuddly affection and joy for human interaction make them rewarding lifelong companions for suited owners fully committed to responsible care, guidance and advocacy for the breed. By gaining a well-rounded understanding of pitbulls in adulthood, families can make an informed choice on whether welcoming one is the right fit.