A Guide to the Stages of Pit Bull Puppy Development

Are you excited about the growth journey of your adorable Pit Bull puppy? This article will guide you through the various growth stages week by week to ensure your pup grows healthy and strong!

As your Pit Bull puppy goes through each crucial stage of development, it’s essential to stay informed about their needs. From birth to one year, understanding your Pit Bull’s growth patterns will not only give you peace of mind, but it will also ensure you’re providing the best possible environment for them to thrive.

So, get ready to embark on an incredible journey together with your Pit Bull puppy growth, and rest assured that every step of the way, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and tools to support your loved one as they grow and develop into a loyal and lovable companion.

Pit Bull Puppy Growth Stages Week-By-Week Pictures

Stage #1 – 1 to 3 Weeks

Pit Bull puppies are born with their eyes and ears closed and are therefore blind and deaf for the first couple of weeks. They also have no teeth at birth. During this period the puppy will spend most of his time sleeping and eating.

This is when most of the puppy’s growth occurs. About 2 weeks of age his eyes will begin to open and at 3 weeks his ears will open. At this stage his teeth will also begin to emerge as white points through his gums.

At the end of three weeks the puppy will begin to bark and to interact with those around him.

Stage #2 – 3 to 7 Weeks

During stage 2 the Pit Bull pup will learn how to behave from his mother and littermates. His brothers and sisters will not tolerate a lot of bullying, too rough play or hard biting from him. During this stage the pup will continue to grow rapidly and become more social with his littermates and the humans he encounters.

It is important for him to experience socialization with other dogs and as many humans as possible during this time. This is when the most rapid period of learning occurs. Gentle management and guidance are critical during these weeks.

Be sure to consider his physical limitations and short span of attention during your interactions with the pup. Do not subject the puppy to anything that may cause him to become very frightened.

By 7 weeks the pup should be running short distances, barking appropriately, wagging his tail and eating puppy food. He should receive his first shots and worm at 6 or 7 weeks of age. Try to make any trips to the veterinarian as fun as possible.

Any large physical or psychological traumas during this stage have a more lasting effect than at most other times because adverse events are generalized and he may develop an avoidance response.

Stage #3 – 7 to 12 Weeks

A pup should not be taken away from his mother until he is 7 to 10 weeks of age. It is important for his mom to have time to wean him and teach him so he will develop well and become an emotionally mature, well-behaved dog.

It is appropriate for a puppy of this age to attend puppy classes or be “homeschooled” in obedience and simple commands.

Lots of socialization is important at this stage. A Pit Bull puppy may be afraid of humans at first but will rapidly learn the fun and benefits of contact and interaction with people. A lot of playtime with other dogs and humans is very beneficial for a Pit Bull pup at this stage of development.

Do not exhaust him or do anything that will be too stressful for him at this young age.

Stage #4 – 12 to 16 Weeks

Willie – 3 months

Your puppy will become more independent at this stage and may begin to question your authority and challenge you. He may not come when called or play fetch as he formerly did. If you have not previously done so, bring your Pit Bull puppy to obedience training at this stage so he will learn what is acceptable behavior for a good pet dog.

Be consistent with what is and is absolutely not allowed.

Sexual maturity will have begun around this time. He may become more protective and territorial and have a stronger resurgence regarding dominance with his owners. He may become more apprehensive, shy and timid around new people. His puppy coat will begin to be replaced with his adult coat, beginning along the spine.

About this time his adult teeth will be coming in and your pup will start chewing everything he can get his mouth around. Put everything you don’t want chewed out of his reach, such as shoes and your child’s stuffed animals.

Supply appropriate chew bones or toys for him to teethe on. You can find toys and more here.

Cora – 3 months

Stage #5 – 16 to 40 Weeks

The pup will continue to mature and grow at an astounding rate during this time. The Pit Bull puppy is likely to escalate by testing your authority during this stage. Stay consistent and firm in teaching him who is boss by firmly scolding him for bad behavior and rewarding good behavior.

Continue with socialization skills during this time and teach him commands such as going outdoors or getting into his crate. Do not encourage mouthing or biting as this can lead to big problems later.

Avoid too many rounds of games such as tug-of-war with your Pit Bull pup because this type of game can lead to dominance issues in some puppies.

As sexual maturity progresses the male will begin to lift his leg and the female may go into her first heat anywhere from 6 to 12 months of age. You should get your pup spayed or neutered at this age to prevent potential behavior and health problems and unexpected, unwanted puppies.

Stage #6 – 40 Weeks to 1 Year

Your dog will probably reach mature size during this stage. Even though he may look like an adult dog, he will still act like a puppy. At this stage he will need three to four hours a day of running around or active play to burn off his boundless energy.

Keeping a pet of this age in the house or fenced in so he cannot get enough exercise can cause behavior problems. Do not give an aggressive response to bad behavior.

Discourage bad behavior with a firm voice and give treats or other rewards for good actions.

Stage #7 – Over 1 Year

Your Pit Bull will reach full sexual and growth development between 1 and 2 years of age. His growth rate will decrease as you begin changing his puppy food to adult dog food. His nutritional needs will change as he matures.

Dogs of this breed must be kept well fed to reach their full potential.

You must wholeheartedly invest in the consistent training, socialization and exercise of your Pit Bull to have a good result. You will now see the culmination of all your love, training and exercise routines. Firm but loving care will result in a fine adult dog.

Pit Bull Growth – FAQ

How Fast Do Pit Bulls Grow?

Pit Bull puppies experience rapid growth in their early months. From the first to the sixth month, your Pit Bull puppy will typically gain about 2-5 kilos (4.4-11 lbs) each month. This rapid growth phase is essential to their development, and proper nutrition plays a huge role in ensuring they reach their full potential.

As your Pit Bull puppy reaches the age of six months, you can expect their growth rate to slow down. During this stage, gaining 1 to 2 kilos (2.2-4.4 lbs) per month is more common. Factors such as genetics, nutrition, and overall health can influence the growth rate of your Pit Bull. It is important to provide your pup with a well-balanced diet and regular exercise to support their development.

Keep in mind that Pit Bulls usually stop growing between 12 and 18 months old. However, growth rates differ among individual dogs. Since every dog is unique, it is crucial to monitor your Pit Bull’s progress to ensure they are developing at a healthy pace. Regular veterinarian check-ups will help you stay informed about your dog’s overall health and growth.

In summary, while your Pit Bull’s growth pattern may vary, you can generally expect a rapid growth phase during the first six months, followed by a slower growth rate until they reach maturity. By providing proper care, exercise and nutrition, you can support your Pit Bull’s development and ensure they grow into a healthy adult dog.

When Do Pit Bulls Stop Growing?

On average, Pit Bulls stop growing between 12 to 18 months of age, but this can vary depending on several factors like genetics and nutrition. During this period, your Pit Bull will achieve their adult height and develop into their full grown-up weight.

It’s important to monitor your pup’s growth closely and provide them with appropriate nutrition and exercise to ensure their proper development. Keep in mind that male and female Pit Bulls may reach their full size at different rates, with males generally growing larger and taking longer to reach their final size.

By the time your Pit Bull reaches 1 to 1.5 years of age, they will typically achieve their adult height, while their weight will continue to increase until they reach 2 to 3 years old. However, every dog is unique, and some Pit Bulls may still grow after age 2.

Remember to always ask your veterinarian to make sure that your Pit Bull is developing properly and to address any concerns you may have about their growth. Proper care, balanced nutrition, and regular check-ups all contribute to a healthy, well-developed Pit Bull.

When Do Pit Bulls Mature?

It is estimated that Pit Bull puppies mature into adults around the age of 1 year. However, the progression can vary from dog to dog, with some reaching maturity earlier and others later.

During the first stage of puppyhood, newborn Pit Bulls heavily depend on their mother for warmth, nourishment, and socialization. At around 7 to 10 weeks of age, they begin to learn how to socialize with other dogs, and it’s the best time to introduce them to their forever homes. This stage is vital for their emotional and behavioral development, so ensure they have the proper socialization opportunities to mature into well-adjusted adults.

Throughout their adulthood, which generally begins at 1 year of age, your Pit Bull will fully develop physically and require regular mental stimulation, exercise, and socialization to maintain their happiness and health. As they continue to grow and learn, ensure you remain consistent with your training and provide them with activities that challenge them mentally and physically to help them become a well-rounded, mature dog.

Remember, while age can be a helpful indicator of your Pit Bull’s maturity, it is essential to consider their individual temperament, personality, and learning abilities as well. Monitor your Pit Bull’s progress regularly and adjust your training or socialization techniques based on their unique needs. This will help ensure their successful development into a well-mannered and emotionally mature adult Pit Bull.

When Do Pit Bull Puppies Start Walking?

Pit Bull puppies, like other puppies, typically begin walking around the age of 4 weeks. At this stage of development, your Pit Bull puppy’s legs have grown strong enough to support their weight, allowing them to take their first wobbly steps. Keep in mind that the exact age at which they start walking might vary slightly.

During this period, it’s important for you, as the caretaker, to provide a safe environment for your Pit Bull puppy to explore their surroundings. Make sure the area is clean and free of any potentially hazardous objects. It’s also vital to keep the floor as slip-resistant as possible, using non-slip mats if necessary.

As your Pit Bull puppy continues to develop, their walking will become more stable and confident. Be prepared to offer guidance and support, but give them plenty of space to experiment and naturally develop their skills. Remember to supervise your puppy at all times when they are walking and exploring.

To further aid in your puppy’s growth and development, consider introducing some age-appropriate activities and toys. This will help improve their balance, coordination, and muscle strength. Additionally, interacting with your puppy during this time will help strengthen the bond between you two.

In summary, Pit Bull puppies generally start walking at around 4 weeks of age. As a responsible caretaker, it’s essential to create a secure environment for them to practice their newfound skill. Support their development and help them progress through age-appropriate activities and games to foster a healthy and strong bond.

Conclusion

Pit Bull puppies go through various developmental stages as they grow and mature. Understanding these stages will help you better care for your puppy and provide the necessary support for optimal growth and wellbeing.

During the first three weeks, your Pit Bull puppy is born deaf, blind, and without teeth. They spend most of their time sleeping and eating, which is crucial for their growth. Their eyes start to open around the second week, and by the third week, their ears open and teeth begin to emerge.

From two to four weeks, puppies transition into a stage where they interact more with their litter mates and mother. Their senses of sight, hearing, and smell develop, and their baby teeth emerge. This period is a time of exploration and curiosity, setting the stage for effective socialization during the later stages of puppyhood.

Moving on to the pre-adolescence stage (12-24 weeks), Pit Bull puppies become less fearful and increasingly curious and independent. This stage plays a significant role in shaping their place in the family and their overall behavior.

In summary, caring for a Pit Bull puppy involves being aware of these developmental stages and catering to their needs accordingly. By providing appropriate care, support, and socialization, you can help foster a well-adjusted, healthy, and happy Pit Bull.