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Have you ever looked at a Pitbull and marveled at their well-built physique, covered with a shiny single coat?
But why pitbulls have so much muscle, especially when compared to other people-oriented dogs?
The robust physical build of Pitbulls is not a factor of chance. It is rather a compounded chemistry of factors ranging from their lineage, exercise, and feeding.
What’s the secret behind the brawny looks of Pitbulls? Continue reading this post as we unpack the reasons why pitbulls are muscular and highlight some benefits of owning a muscular breed.
Reasons Why Pitbulls Are So Muscular
Pitbulls are often referred to as ‘muscle dogs’ by canine lovers and it’s because of their robust body build which is hard to overlook.
The following are some of the reasons that these gentle giants have muscular bodies compared to other family-friendly dog breeds:
1. Genetic blueprint
For us to understand why Pitbulls are muscular, we have to take a journey back in time and look at the lineage of these lovely dogs.
Pitbulls were originally bred for bull-baiting – an outlawed blood sport where sportsmen pitted strong dogs against bulls.
Pitbulls come from a lineage cluttered with Bulldogs and Terriers, both of which possess desired attributes that could be beneficial for bullfighting activities.
The breeders were looking for a strong dog with powerful stamina who could take on a bull by themselves and subdue it in a ring.
With detailed selective breeding, the breeders were able to come up with a well-sized dog who could take on animals way bigger than their size.
2. Muscular fiber marvel
The skeletal muscle fibers in Pitbull can be broadly categorized as fast-twitch (type 2) and slow-twitch (type 1) fibers.
Fast-twitch fibers contract quickly and generate explosive power, while slow-twitch fibers sustain muscle contractions over longer periods.
The muscular fiber composition of Pitbulls is made of a higher proportion of fast-twitch muscles which provide them with the strength required for immediate energy needs and agility.
The higher prevalence of fast-twitch muscle fiber in Pitbulls has contributed to their strong muscles which adds to the robustness of the dog.
This ideal muscle composition in Pitbulls gives them the power to run faster and engage in vigorous sporting activities.
3. Exercise’s role
Genetics and the composition of muscles in Pitbulls are not the only reasons for the strong muscles in Pitbulls.
These dogs have a natural inclination to athleticism and active lifestyles, making them an easy breed to take out for daily workouts.
Pitbulls have historically been used as working dogs to assist farmers in the field by pulling heavy loads, and sometimes they were tagged along by hunters to chase game in the woodlands.
Being high-energy dogs, Pitbulls require consistent activities and exercise to keep them relieved and satisfied.
In addition to improving overall health, regular physical activities can make Pitbulls add some toned mass to their skeletal structure.
Pitbull owners already know that ‘a tired dog is a good dog’. Taking your dog for a daily workout is not only about improving physical appearance, but it also enhances your dog’s mood.
What Breed of Pitbull Is the Most Muscular?
Pitbulls are categorized under the terrier group and they are subdivided into distinctive breeds with comparable traits.
Although all Pitbulls are heavily built and physically strong, some specific breeds are slightly more muscular than others.
Knowing the body mass and frame of various Pitbull breeds may help you when deciding to add a new furry member to your family.
The following are the three most common Pitbull breeds, with a brief description of their physical appearance and muscular frame:
1. American Pitbull Terrier
The American Pitbull Terriers have a wider chest with a big square head compared to the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Most people refer to American Pitbull Terriers as ‘Pitbulls’ because they are the most popular dog breed under this category.
These dogs have a historical lineage of the Bulldogs and Terriers, making them blocky offspring with desirable features for hard activities.
Although the American Pitbull Terrier is a powerfully built dog by all standards, they stand out as moderately muscular compared to the American Bully.
2. American Bully
The American Bully was originally bred in the United States during the late 1980s, and it is the most muscular Pitbull breed.
The breeders crossed the American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pitbull Terrier and other Pitbulls to come up with what they termed a ‘family-friendly Pitbull’.
When it comes to ranking the muscular bodies of Pitbulls, the American Bully will take the day compared to other breeds.
These dogs were selectively bred for thicker muscles, broader chests, stocky necks, and friendly temperament.
The breeders were looking forward to creating a muscular dog with a similar build to a Pitbull but with a much more friendly personality.
3. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier can trace their origin back to the Mastiff-styled dogs in ancient Greece, known as Molossians.
These dogs were originally bred as bull-baiters but were later used to fight other dogs in pits. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier has a moderately muscled body compared to the American Bully.
They have a characteristic broad chest and powerful hind legs to propel them for strenuous activities such as working on farms and hunting.
Advantages of a Muscular Body
1. Physical potency
Muscular dogs such as Pitbulls have a greater potential to engage in demanding physical activities compared to less muscular breeds.
Throughout history, Pitbulls have been used as working dogs to serve on farms, hunting grounds, and sometimes to guard property.
They are capable of performing these tasks because of the energy reservoir found in their powerful muscle frame.
Pitbulls can also stand out in search and rescue work due to their stamina to endure long walks in seeking missing persons.
If you’re the type of person who loves going for intense outdoor activities with your dog, then you should consider having a Pitbull because they will form the best companion for your high-energy needs.
2. Adaptability and versatility
The other benefit of having a muscular dog is the adaptability and versatility to perform various functions while still maintaining their gentle appeal.
The powerful nature of Pitbulls can be harnessed in various roles ranging from less demanding to high-energy work.
With a highly-toned dog, you can be sure to tag them along for your outdoor adventures and engaging recreational activities without tiring them up.
The high versatility of Pitbulls cannot be explained further than their love for people including children, and their natural inclination to athleticism.
Having a highly versatile and adaptable dog is a dream come true for many dog owners who need an active canine companion.
3. Health and vigor
A healthy Pitbull is less prone to acquire some of the most common health conditions due to their muscular frame.
The brawny build of powerful dogs means they are less likely to have chronic canine health issues like hip dysplasia and joint issues.
This is not to say you should overlook the aspect of a healthy diet and exercise needs. Make sure to offer your dog high-quality foods and regular workouts to ensure they’re not overweight.
With a highly packed body frame, Pitbulls are more likely to jump with joy when you open the door for outdoor adventures.
Stronger muscles mean more vigor to enjoy exercise, and this can translate to a healthy lifestyle and longevity.
Impact of Diet on Pitbulls’ Muscles
In addition to the exercise requirements for your Pitbull, the type and size of food you offer them play a direct role in framing their bodies.
1. Protein Pinnacle
Proteins are composed of essential and non-essential amino acids that act as the building block for your dog’s muscular tone.
Providing your Pitbull with a high-protein diet can help in bodybuilding, maintaining muscles, formation of tissues, and repairs.
Just like all other dog breeds, Pitbulls need a balanced diet with a generous touch of all essential nutrients, but their demands for animal protein are higher thanks to their toned physique.
Feel free to prepare your Pitbulls food at home, while focusing on animal protein sources such as lean meat, fish, and chicken.
The ideal food serving for your Pitbull will vary depending on their age, activity level, health condition, and individual metabolism, among other factors.
2. Balancing Nutrients
Even though proteins should form a major part of your Pitbull’s diet for muscle development, you also need to consider offering them other essential nutrients.
Some of the key nutrients to consider for your dog’s diet include carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
Each of these nutrients has important roles to play in improving your dog’s overall health and supporting their brawny physique.
Carbohydrates will provide your Pitbull with the necessary energy needed to achieve an active lifestyle. It acts as the fuel that propels your Pitbull to use their muscles for various activities.
Healthy fats are important in supporting your dog’s skin health and coat, while vitamins can help support various bodily functions such as improving immunity.
Dietary fiber helps support the digestive health of your dog and makes them feel full with an apportioned meal.
High-quality dog treats can form part of your dog’s daily diet, but they should never constitute more than 10 percent of the food intake per day.
Feel free to chat with a vet nutritionist about how you can improve your dog’s diet and ask for recommendations on the best store-bought food brands you can buy.
Exercise Impact on Pitbulls Muscles
The muscular frame of Pitbulls is not only because of their genetic makeup, it also has more to do with the type of exercise they receive each day.
Just like many muscular dogs, Pitbulls love to work out. They require physical stimulation to expend some of their excess energy.
A Pitbull with pent-up energy can be destructive and may also tend to develop emotional issues such as stress and anxiety.
Pitbulls are natural workers with an inherent predisposition to engage in physically stimulating activities, thanks to their genetic makeup.
Versatile exercise routines
Exercising your Pitbull for muscle growth doesn’t have to be an uphill task. The following are some of the most effective exercises you can try with your beloved pooch:
- Tug of War: This game not only strengthens your dog’s jaw muscles but also works their neck and body muscles to become stronger.
- Climbing stairs: Encouraging your dog to climb up and down moderately steep stairs can help develop their muscular tone, in addition to improving their balance and coordination.
- Walking uphill and downhill: Taking your dog for hikes on hilly terrains can make them break a sweat during the activity and this will help in building a muscular frame.
- Running on shallow water: If you live along the coastline, you can take your Pitbull to the beach for some quick runs along the shallow waters. Running along a restricted pathway can be tough for dogs but it helps to build limb muscles.
- Playing fetch: A classic game of fetch is great for their cardio and also works out their leg muscles.
- Swimming: Taking your dog out for a cardio workout like swimming can help improve their cardiovascular health and add some mass to their muscles without subjecting them to strenuous activities.
- Agility training: This form of exercise can help work out your dog’s fast-twitch muscle fibers to improve their agility and explosive powers.
As you take your dog out for exercise, you should keenly observe them and watch out for signs of exhaustion throughout the period.
Do not force your Pitbull to perform heavy tasks beyond their limit.
Excessive exercise may cause your dog to suffer joint injuries, back problems, heat stroke, and cardiovascular issues, among other problems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are all Pitbulls naturally muscular?
Not all Pitbulls are naturally muscular. Even though Pitbulls have a genetic inclination to form brawny bodies with muscular tones, some breeds may have a much leaner frame.
2. Do Pitbulls require specific diets for muscle development?
Yes! Pitbulls need a protein-rich diet to support muscle growth and development. Proteins are made with amino acids that help with bodybuilding and the repair of tissues.
Putting your Pitbull on a premium animal-based diet such as lean meat and fish, can help in supporting their muscle development while improving their overall health.
3. Can female Pitbulls be as muscular as males?
Despite having similar genetic roots, female Pitbulls tend to be less muscular and less bulky than male Pitbulls.
Female Pitbulls have an average height of 17 to 20 inches, while their male counterparts stand between 18 to 21 inches.
In terms of weight, a healthy female Pitbull can average a weight of between 30 – 50 pounds, while a male Pitbull may tip the scale within the range of 35 to 60 pounds.
In general, female Pitbulls have a lesser body height, weight, and muscular physique compared to male Pitbulls of the same age.
4. Is aggression linked to their muscular build?
Pitbulls have been the victim of a long-held bad reputation for being naturally aggressive and having the ability to lock jaws.
All these myths are due to their unfortunate history of being exploited for use in dog fighting rings and performing other outlawed activities.
People who haven’t interacted with Pitbulls may think that these myths are related to the muscular body frame of these gentle giants.
On the contrary, Pitbulls are among the most people-oriented dogs who love staying close to their caregivers all the time to the extent of becoming clingy sometimes.
The powerful and brawny frame of Pitbulls is attributed to the genetic lineage of Bulldogs and Terriers.
Just to make it clear, aggression in dogs is a behavioral issue that develops due to poor upbringing and lack of socialization.
Conclusion
By looking at both the genetic factors and outside factors, we can see why pitbulls have so much muscle.
Although Pitbulls are naturally wired to have a muscular frame, you should pay more attention to their diet and exercise requirements.
Focus on providing a protein-rich animal-based diet without sacrificing the other essential nutrients for your dog’s overall health.
With a muscular dog, like a Pitbull, you can be sure they will always be happy to join you for outdoor adventures which helps improve health and social bonding.
Heavily-toned dogs are prone to overexcitement during exercises and physical activities, so make sure to know the limits and watch out for the signs of exhaustion.
Laura is the founder of Furs'n'Paws. She is a also a pet writer and expert with more than 20 years of experience of working with dogs and cats. She developed a very strong love for animals at a young age. Her passion led her to establish a thriving pet sitting and dog walking business in Dubai. As an expert in pet training, behavior, and nutrition, Laura is committed to helping pet owners and pet lovers by offering high-quality information on a wide range of topics.
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