Originated from bulldogs and terriers, Pitbull is a name used in the United States for a similar kind of dog. Famous and rich people owned these dogs due to their loyalty and loving nature. They are solid and sturdy dogs with broad heads. Pitbulls tend to grow quickly into an adult within a span of one year.
A pitbull’s head splits when they are above 6 months of age. A Head split does not imply any split or crack in the skull. It only means a line appearing on the head of a pitbull. This appears when the pitbull enters adulthood which is caused by muscle advancement. It makes the pitbull’s head look like it is split into two.
Read on to know more!
At What Age Does a Pitbulls Head Split?
Pitbull’s head usually splits at the age of around 6 months or even older. It usually happens when they enter their adulthood and this can vary from each other. This splitting is usually referred to as spreading or cracking, but not in the real sense.
Descended from bulldogs, pitbulls have inherited this head-splitting which indicates the dogs reaching their adult age.
Will My Pitbulls Get Bigger?
Pitbulls can grow up to 21 inches tall and weigh a maximum of around 60 pounds. This will be achieved around 18 months of their age and they may stop growing henceforth.
Male Pitbulls can weigh between 35-60 pounds and grow between 18-21 inches tall. Females can weigh somewhere between 35-50 pounds and grow between 17-20 inches tall.
One can know if their pitbulls will get bigger by looking at the size of their paws which helps in predicting how big they can get. If they feel too big for their body size, it indicates a higher growth. If it feels the right size, then it will not grow bigger.
Usually, they will reach half of this height when they are around 4 months old and about two-thirds when they are around 6 months old. Hence, they become a grown adult by the age of one year but can continue to grow bigger up to 18 months.
Under any normal circumstance, Pitbulls will stop growing after they reach 3 years of age if they are maintained properly with proper nourishment and grooming. They should also be vaccinated correctly and get the right amount of exercise, just like humans!
What Type of Head Does a Pitbull Have?
Pitbulls are strong and sturdy dogs with huge and wide heads. Usually, all Pitbull dogs have heads that are square-shaped. They may vary in size such that some may have chunky and broader heads, while some may be taller and slender.
They are also usually identified as light-bulb-shaped dogs that are short and muscular. Their heads are of Brachycephalic type which has a wide skull and shortened muzzle, which means the part of the face including the nose and mouth.
They have a square plump nose with round almond-shaped eyes. They also have ears that are rose-shaped and sometimes may be cropped.
Pitbulls have descended from bulldogs and terriers which makes them appear similar to them. Hence, they have a big square-shaped head similar to those.
The original Pitbulls had a smaller head as compared to those now. But due to the changing periods, they have got a big head. There are two main reasons why they have a big head. The first reason is selective breeding in which Pitbulls are bred to have the desired qualities. They were particularly used for dogfighting.
Another reason why they have a big head is due to the crown linked with their jaw muscles, making them look bulkier. This also gives them extraordinary biting abilities.
Do Pitbulls Have an Underbite?
Any dog can have an underbite or overbite, and Pitbulls are no exception. Pitbulls can also have an underbite.
Underbite or overbite is a dental condition in which there is a misalignment in the teeth, causing difficulty in chewing.
An underbite is a condition in which the lower teeth are misaligned with the upper teeth that extend from the jaw forward. Overbite is a condition in which the upper teeth are extended forward from the lower teeth.
As Pitbulls are a mixed breed, their features are inherited from those dogs, particularly bulldogs and terriers. Hence, there is a possibility that they can have an underbite.
Underbites, if becomes severe, can cause trouble to the dogs which can be painful and uncomfortable too. If it is left untreated, it can hinder the smile of your dog and result in a painful life.
Unfortunately, underbites cannot be corrected and require treatment if they turn out to be severe.
Underbites can be fixed at a young age using braces, just like humans! But this should be done before they reach around 10 months of age.
Conclusion
You should not be much concerned about your Pitbull’s growth or development. They are like any other living beings whose growth varies individually, depending on their genetic and other environmental factors.
You cannot estimate accurately the growth or development of your Pitbull. But in case of any abnormality found in them, it would be necessary to worry and take precautionary measures.
Pitbulls’ heads are one of the most eminent features that can be noticed to determine their growth and development. The size of their head is a significant factor and is not parallel to other parts of their body.
Pitbulls, just like other living beings, including humans, grow in different ways and in different timelines.
After they are older than a year, the growth will not be physical. Hence, one has to take care of their mental well-being as well. This will keep them playful and joyful and ensure they have a beautiful life.