If you own a Pitbull puppy, you may wonder if they are growing the way they should. You might ask yourself, “Is my puppy too small?” or “Are they eating enough?” This guide will help you understand how your Pitbull should grow at each stage of life.
We’ve included charts and simple tips to track your Pitbull’s weight and height. You’ll also learn what signs to look out for to make sure they’re healthy. Whether your dog is a male or female, this guide will help you know what to expect as they grow.
Overview: Fun Facts About the American Pit Bull Terrier
In the U.S., “Pitbull” is a general term for several dog breeds, while in the U.K., it often refers specifically to the American Pit Bull Terrier. Breeds under the Pitbull umbrella include the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and American Bully.
You may also hear terms like “Red Nose” or “Blue Nose” Pitbulls—these are simply American Pit Bull Terriers with unique coat coloring due to a dilute gene. Because of the different types of Pitbulls, size can vary a lot. For this guide, we’ll focus on the American Pit Bull Terrier, also known as the “Pittie.”
Average Size and Weight of a Pitbull
American Pit Bull Terrier puppies are tiny at birth, weighing just 7 to 10 ounces. As adults, they grow into strong, medium-sized dogs ranging from 15 to 21 inches tall and weighing between 30 and 65 pounds. Males are typically larger than females. If a “Pitbull” weighs over 100 pounds, it’s likely a mix with a larger breed like the Mastiff. For comparison, American Bulldogs can reach up to 125 pounds. So if you prefer bigger dogs, that breed might be a better match.
Pitbull Puppy Growth Chart by Weight
Pitbull puppies can grow into strong adult dogs weighing up to 65 pounds. If you’re curious about how big your Pitbull might get, a weight chart can help you estimate their adult size. This chart tracks average growth by age and can give you a general idea of what to expect.
Keep in mind, every dog is different. The chart is meant to be a helpful guide—not a strict rule. Your puppy’s final size can vary based on genetics, diet, and overall health.
Pitbull Female Puppy Growth Chart (lbs & kg)
Female Pitbull puppies usually start off smaller than their male siblings, but they grow steadily each month. Here’s a general guide to their average weight during the first year:
| Pitbull Female Age | Female Average Weight |
| 1 month | 7.2 lbs (3.3 kg) |
| 2 months | 16.6 lbs (7.5 kg) |
| 3 months | 26.7 lbs (12.1 kg) |
| 4 months | 36.2 lbs (16.4 kg) |
| 5 months | 44 lbs (20 kg) |
| 6 months | 50.1 lbs (22.7 kg) |
| 7 months | 54.4 lbs (24.7 kg) |
| 8 months | 57.5 lbs (26.1 kg) |
| 9 months | 59.7 lbs (27.1 kg) |
| 10 months | 61.5 lbs (27.9 kg) |
| 11 months | 63.1 lbs (28.6 kg) |
| 12 months | 64.2 lbs (29.1 kg) |
Pitbull Male Puppy Growth Chart (lbs & kg)
Male Pitbulls tend to be bigger and heavier as they grow. Use this chart to get a rough idea of how much your male puppy might weigh during his first year:
| Pitbull Male Age | Male Average Weight |
| 1 month | 9.2 lbs (4.2 kg) |
| 2 months | 19.9 lbs (9 kg) |
| 3 months | 31.3 lbs (14.2 kg) |
| 4 months | 41.8 lbs (19 kg) |
| 5 months | 50.6 lbs (22.9 kg) |
| 6 months | 57.4 lbs (26.1 kg) |
| 7 months | 62.6 lbs (28.4 kg) |
| 8 months | 66.4 lbs (30.1 kg) |
| 9 months | 69.4 lbs (31.5 kg) |
| 10 months | 72 lbs (32.7 kg) |
| 11 months | 74.3 lbs (33.7 kg) |
| 12 months | 76 lbs (34.5 kg) |
Pitbull Puppy Growth & Development Stages (with Pictures)
Watching a clumsy little Pitbull pup grow into a strong, confident adult is a rewarding journey. Let’s walk through each stage of development with real examples—just like Argos, who grew from a 20-week-old pup into a full-grown dog:
📹 Watch Argos’ Transformation:
YouTube Video: Argos’ Growth Journey
🐶 Newborn to 3 Weeks – The Neonatal Phase
In the first few weeks of life, Pitbull puppies are totally dependent on their mother for warmth, feeding, and cleaning. They mostly sleep and nurse during this time.
- By 2 weeks, their eyes open and they begin to respond to touch.
- Around 3 weeks, their hearing develops, and tiny teeth start to emerge.
🐾3 to 7 Weeks – Discovery and Social Learning
This stage is packed with rapid growth. Puppies start to move around more confidently, and they learn vital social skills by interacting with their littermates and mom.
- They begin playing, barking, and even wagging their tails.
- Solid food is introduced around 6 to 7 weeks, and they become more curious.
🏠 7 to 12 Weeks – Settling into a New Home
Most puppies go to their forever homes around 8 weeks. It’s a crucial phase for social development and early training.
- Ideal weight: 6–10 lbs
- Begin teaching basic commands like sit and wait.
- Expose them to normal household sounds to build confidence.
⚠️ Important: Don’t bring your puppy home before 8 weeks. Staying with their litter helps them develop good social behaviors.
🦴 12 to 16 Weeks – Teething and Exploration
Around 3–4 months old, Pitbulls start losing their baby teeth. A tougher, adult coat also starts to grow in.
- Introduce safe teething toys.
- Begin gentle exposure to things like vacuums, kids, and other animals.
- Consider enrolling in a puppy training class after vaccinations.
🧠 4 to 10 Months – Adolescence and Testing Boundaries
This is the “teenager phase.” Your Pitbull becomes more independent and may test your rules.
- Typical weight: 25–50 lbs at 4 months
- Avoid rough games like tug-of-war that can encourage dominant behavior.
- Stick to a routine and use positive reinforcement.
- Some may show signs of sexual maturity. Spaying or neutering is an option to consider.
🐕 10 Months to 1 Year – Almost Grown Up
Although they may look like adults, Pitbulls at this age still have puppy-like behavior and energy.
- Keep their minds and bodies busy with play and regular walks.
- Avoid extended confinement—they need room to move or they may act out.
💪 1 Year and Beyond – The Final Stretch
By the time your Pitbull hits a year old, they’re close to their adult height but will continue to “fill out” over the next couple of years.
- Switch to adult dog food around 12 months.
- Muscles will continue to develop until around 2 to 3 years old.
- Introduce more advanced physical activities like long hikes or jogs.
- Keep reinforcing good behavior with ongoing training.
Each Pitbull grows at their own pace, so use these stages as a guide—not a rulebook. With love, structure, and consistency, your Pittie will grow into a loyal and well-balanced companion.
What You Need to Know About Your Pitbull’s Growth
Pitbulls are known for their strong, muscular frames and tend to weigh more than other dogs of similar height. As they grow, it’s important to understand what’s normal and what may require a vet’s attention.
Do Different Pitbull Breeds Grow at Different Rates?
Yes — but not drastically. While all dogs grow at different speeds, most Pitbull-type breeds, like the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Bully, or Staffordshire Bull Terrier, follow similar growth patterns. However, it’s not unusual for some dogs to grow slightly faster or slower depending on their genetics, environment, and diet.
Don’t compare your Pitbull puppy’s growth with smaller breeds like Pomeranians or Chihuahuas. A better comparison would be with medium to large breeds like Labradors or Boxers.
How Can You Tell How Big Your Pitbull Will Get?
One quick way to estimate your Pitbull’s adult size is by looking at their paws. If their paws seem oversized compared to the rest of their body, your pup still has some growing to do!
For a more accurate estimate, you can refer to a Pitbull puppy growth chart or try a puppy weight calculator. These tools can help you track if your pup is gaining weight at a healthy pace.
Is Your Pitbull at a Healthy Weight?
A quick check to see if your Pitbull is growing well is by feeling their ribs:
- You should be able to feel the ribs easily, but they shouldn’t be sticking out.
- Visible ribs? Your pup might be underweight.
- Can’t feel the ribs? Your pup may be carrying extra pounds.
Both underweight and overweight conditions can affect your puppy’s development. If something feels off, your vet can help rule out common causes like:
- Parasites (which can lead to weight loss)
- Hypothyroidism (which can lead to weight gain)
- Poor diet or overfeeding
When in Doubt, Ask Your Vet
Every Pitbull is different. If you’re ever unsure whether your pup is growing properly or gaining weight too fast (or too slow), don’t hesitate to ask your vet. Early checkups can help prevent long-term issues and ensure your Pitbull grows into a healthy, happy adult.
What Affects How Big Your Pitbull Will Get?
A Pitbull’s final size isn’t just luck — it’s shaped by several key factors, including genetics, diet, exercise, and health. If you’re wondering what might influence how large your pup will grow, here’s what you should know:
1. Genetics: The Blueprint of Your Pitbull’s Size
Your Pitbull’s genes play the biggest role in determining their size. If their parents were large, muscular dogs, there’s a good chance your pup will follow suit. Looking at your dog’s parents or even the breeder’s records can give you a solid estimate of your Pitbull’s future height and weight.
If you don’t have access to their family history, you can still make predictions by observing your pup’s current growth and build.
2. Nutrition: Fueling Healthy Growth
Feeding your Pitbull a balanced diet is essential for proper development. Puppies need a high-protein, high-fat diet to support muscle growth. Just as important is the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio — ideally between 1.1:1 and 1.3:1 for large breed pups — to help bones grow at a steady, healthy rate.
Poor nutrition or overfeeding can lead to stunted growth or long-term joint issues. Always choose high-quality dog food designed for medium to large breed puppies.
3. Spaying or Neutering: Timing Matters
Spaying or neutering your Pitbull too early can delay the closing of their growth plates, causing them to grow taller than they naturally would. These dogs often end up leaner and less muscular than those fixed at a later age.
Talk to your vet about the best time to spay or neuter based on your pup’s health and development.
4. Health Issues: Silent Growth Stoppers
Certain health conditions can affect how well your Pitbull grows. Intestinal parasites like worms are common in puppies and can cause weight loss or stunted growth. Regular deworming and checkups are a must.
Serious or ongoing health issues can interfere with nutrient absorption or place stress on the body, making it harder for your pup to grow properly.
5. Exercise: Don’t Overdo It Too Soon
While adult Pitbulls thrive on strength-building workouts like weight pulling or agility training, puppies shouldn’t do intense exercises too early. Overworking their growing bones and joints can cause damage, especially to developing growth plates.
Instead, stick to light, playful activities. Short walks, gentle fetch games, and socialization are ideal. Your vet can help you create a safe exercise plan that supports healthy growth.
6. Stunted vs. Accelerated Growth: What’s the Risk?
- Stunted growth due to poor nutrition or illness can often be corrected with proper care and diet.
- Accelerated growth, however, is riskier. Growing too fast can lead to joint problems like hip dysplasia, which may cause long-term pain and mobility issues.
The key is to let your puppy grow at a natural pace — not too slow, and definitely not too fast.
7. When Do Pitbulls Stop Growing?
Pitbulls generally reach their full height between 12 and 18 months of age. However, they’ll continue to fill out and gain muscle mass until about 2 to 3 years old. So, while they may stop getting taller early on, their bodies will keep developing for a while.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pitbull Growth and Size
🐾 What should I do if my Pitbull isn’t gaining enough weight?
Keeping your Pitbull at a healthy weight is one of the most important parts of being a responsible pet parent. If your Pittie isn’t gaining weight as expected, start by checking their diet. Are they eating enough? Are you giving them high-quality food rich in protein and healthy fats?
If your dog is eating well but still looks underweight, it could point to an underlying health issue — such as parasites or digestive problems. Don’t wait to see if it gets better. A visit to the vet will help rule out anything serious and get your pup back on track.
🐾 What if my Pitbull is growing too quickly?
Rapid growth can be a concern, especially for developing bones and joints. If you think your puppy is getting too big too fast, speak with your vet. One possible cause is overfeeding, which can lead to long-term health problems like joint issues and obesity.
A common sign of overfeeding is soft or runny stools. In young puppies, it’s actually safer to slightly underfeed than to overfeed. Your vet can help you adjust meal portions and ensure your dog is growing at a healthy, steady rate.
🐾 Do Pitbull mixes grow to different sizes?
Yes, absolutely. Pitbull mixes can vary a lot in size depending on the breed of the other parent. For example, a Pitbull crossed with a larger dog like a Mastiff may grow bigger than a Pitbull-Labrador mix.
If you want a better idea of what to expect in terms of size, check the growth patterns of both parent breeds — or explore our [Pitbull Mixes Guide] for more insights on common crossbreeds.