Pitbull in India. All you need to know guide

Introduction: Pitbull in India

Did you know that Pitbull refers to a group of dogs and is not a single dog breed? Pitbull-type dogs are a cross between the Bulldog and Terrier-type dogs. 

In India, people think of the Pitbull as a separate dog breed, like the Rottweiler and the German Shepherd. There is very little reliable information about the Pitbull.

Pitbulls in India are gaining in popularity. Most Indian homes prefer a large and impressive guard dog. The Pitbull, with its sturdy frame and an intimidating reputation, fits the bill perfectly. Does it mean that the Pitbull is for you?

At barks.in we love dogs. With so much misinformation about them in India, we have made it our mission to spread the truth about dogs.

In this post, we answer the following key questions about Pitbulls in India.

• What is a Pitbull dog?
• Can I own a Pitbull in India?
• Does law ban Pitbulls in India?
• Are Pitbulls dangerous dogs?
• What is the price of a Pitbull in India?
• Can Pitbulls survive in India?

Please note, the Kennel Club of India does not recognize the Pitbull. In other words, you will not be able to find a KCI certified Pitbull dog in India.

What is a Pitbull dog in India? 

Before we get into the ownership of Pitbulls in India, we must first be clear about this breed. A Pitbull-type dog refers to a group of dog breeds consisting of four breeds. They are.

• American Pit Bull Terrier
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• American Bully
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier

All of these dogs are fighting dogs. Even though dogfighting is banned, it continues as an underground sport. Most countries across the globe have strict bans for using dogs in blood sports such as dogfighting, bull-baiting, bear-baiting, and catch dogs.

In India, breeders use the name Pitbull for the American Pit Bull Terrier. Of the four Pitbull-type dogs in the world, only two are available in India, American Bully, and the American Pit Bull Terrier. 

Since the Kennel Club of India does not recognize this breed of dog, there are no breed standards for a Pitbull in India. Lack of breed standards, no KCI certification, and misinformation makes it difficult to find a Pitbull in India.

In this post, we present the American Pit Bull Terrier as the Pitbull dog in India. The American Pit Bull Terrier is the most popular Pitbull-type dog in India.

Pitbull in India quick facts

Pitbull dog in India – The Indian context

Dog ownership in India is unique to India. Our mostly hot and tropical climate, culture, way of life, and food are unique. Hence, you cannot Google Pitbull ownership guide and hope to find information that is relevant to the Indian context.

Pitbulls in India fascinate some and terrify others. Some people find Pitbulls, loving, irresistible, and affectionate, while others hate them and find them aggressive and dangerous.

There are several reports of Pitbulls attacking people in India. These are not dogs that every household should own. Statistically, Pitbulls are the most dangerous dogs in the world. If you are considering bringing home a Pitbull, we want you to reconsider your decision.

We at barks.in believe the average Indian pet owner, who has prior experience with dogs, will still find a Pitbull challenging to manage it. There are several other dog breeds that you can consider. Rajapalayam, for instance, is similar to a Pitbull but much easier to manage.

History of Pitbull dog

The precise origins of this breed are unclear. In England, during the 17th-century, bull-baiting and bear-baiting were famous. In this blood sport, people used specially trained dogs to tackle and pin, bulls. Bulls and dogs were let loose in pits where the dogs fastened their teeth on the bull’s snout.

Pitbulls have their origins in this blood sport. Breeders crossed bulldogs and terriers to combine the strength of the Bulldog with the agility of the Terrier. This combination made the Pitbulls excel in bull-baiting and dogfighting.

These are dogs bred explicitly for fighting, strength, and aggression. They are not your average household pets or guard dogs.

History of Pitbull dog in India 

Pitbulls arrived in India only in mid-1990. The first dogs imported from the USA were American Pit Bull Terriers (APBT). Since their arrival, Pitbulls have become a popular breed in India.

The American Bully, on the other hand, reached India recently after the APBT. Unlike the APBT, the American Bully is a companion dog.

Today in India, several breeders own and breed a Pitbull. Without the recognition of KCI, it is difficult to know if the dogs that we see today conform to breed standards.

History of Pitbull in dogfighting

Dogfighting is an ancient blood sport that has continued until today. Despite being illegal, this cruel blood sport continues in India and across the globe.

Historically dogfighting involved breeds like Roman Molossus, Tibetan Mastiff, English Mastiff, Great Dane, and Bulldog. With dogfighting gaining popularity in the middle ages, people started breeding dogs like the Pitbull specifically for dog fights.

Underground dog fights today include the Pitbull, Dogo Argentino, Tosa, Fila Brasileiro, and Perro de Presa Canario. These dogs are large, sturdy, and hardy.

We want to remind our readers, Pitbulls are fighting dogs. The sole purpose of this dog breed was to excel in the fighting pit. Don’t bring home a Pitbull if you don’t have extensive experience dealing with large and powerful dogs.

What roles do Pitbulls fulfill?

Pitbulls, due to their strength and agility, excel in several dog sports. These dogs are capable of climbing fences and scaling high walls. If you plan to take home a Pitbull, have your fences raised.

Pitbulls excel in dog sports such as weight pulling, dog agility, lure coursing, obedience trials, and flyball competitions. Pitbull-type dogs have won several accolades in United Kennel Club’s (UKC) Superdog sports.

Pitbull is an able working dog capable of excelling in several areas that require agility, speed, and strength. They excel in the following working roles.

• Search and rescue dog
• Police dog
• Detection dog 
• Border Patrol dog
• Hearing dog for the hearing impaired
• Service dog

What are the traits of a Pitbull dog? 

The UKC is among the few Kennel Clubs that recognize the APBT. The UKC breed standard for the American Pit Bull Terrier states.

“The American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized, solidly built, short-coated dog with smooth, well-defined musculature. This breed is both powerful and athletic.”

A Pitbull must be a dog that combines all the attributes required for a great warrior, strength, courage, and gentleness. Pitbulls are the bodybuilders of the doggie world.

The breed standard disqualifies Pitbulls that are aggressive towards people and dogs. Please note, the Kennel Club of India does not recognize Pitbulls. If you buy a Pitbull, you won’t get a KCI certificate from the breeder.

Head 

The APBT is an athletic dog that is well balanced and agile. The head should reflect its warrior nature, wedge-shaped, powerful, and with a courageous expression. The jaws are muscular with teeth meeting in a scissors bite.

The Pitbull is not a Mastiff, and the head should not have any wrinkled or loose skin. Pitbull’s eyes are medium-sized, all eye colors, except blue, are accepted.

Body

Pitbulls are descendants of Terriers and Bulldogs. Terriers are hunting dogs with a muscular body. Pitbulls are similar to Terriers. These dogs have a deep chest, with a firm and strong back.

Like the German Shepherd, the Pitbull too has a sloping topline but not as prominent as the GSD. However, the slope is gradual, starting from the withers to the back.

Coat, color, and markings

The coat of the Pitbull is short and smooth. The Pitbull’s coat closely resembles the Indian Pariah’s coat. This short coat is one of the reasons for the Pitbull to adapt well to Indian conditions.

Pitbulls come in a wide array of colors and markings. The UKC and the Canadian Kennel Club accept all colors and marking except merle.

Height and Weight

Both UKC and CKC does not accept Pitbulls that have exaggerated features. For some reason, most Indians think, the larger the dog, the better it is. Just because a dog is big, it does not mean that it conforms to the breed standards. 

Pitbulls are medium-sized dogs. The acceptable weight for a Pitbull is between 15 kg to 27 kg. Pitbull’s height ranges from 18 to 21 inches at the withers. The breed standards allow for minor deviations from this norm, but significant variations are a severe fault.

Popular Pitbull bloodlines 

There are three popular strains of APBT. Dogs from each of these bloodlines have some distinct identification feature.

• Colby Pit Bulls – Colby dogs are the oldest of the three bloodlines. These dogs are black-nosed and are fighting dogs used by the dogmen in dog fights.
• Old Family Red Nose – The dogs from the OFRN bloodlines have their roots in Ireland. These dogs have a distinct rose-colored nose.
• Jeep bloodline – Mr. James Crenshaw started the Jeep bloodline. Jeep dogs were renowned for their gameness.

Please note, we are not sure about any specific bloodlines in India. With no KCI recognition, it is impossible to say if the Pitbulls in India are from pure bloodlines.

Exercise requirements of a Pitbull dog

Pitbulls are agile, intelligent, and excellent guardians. Pitbulls require extensive training to keep them occupied. Exercises also provide a positive outlet of energy for these dogs.

If you plan to bring home a Pitbull, then plan to spare two hours daily with the dog. These dogs love walks, runs, and play. Ensure that your dog has a positive outlet to release its energy. 

Most attacks by Pitbulls are because of bad owners who neglect the dog. Pitbull without exercise, training, and socialization is a ticking time bomb.

Common Pitbull health issues in India 

Pitbulls are generally a healthy breed with an average life span between 10 to 15 years.

• Hip Dysplasia –  Hip dysplasia is a painful condition that affects the dog’s spine. This dog also suffers from problems with its patella.
• Skin allergies – Indian weather plays a significant role in a dog’s skin. Dogs suffer from allergies, Demodex Mange, and other skin disorders during the hot summer months.
• Other issues – Other ailments such as thyroid dysfunction and congenital heart defects are also common in Pitbulls.

Indian home remedies for Pitbull health issues 

Ancient Indian medicine is a safe and proven way to treat common problems with dogs. Indian home remedies for dogs are plant-based and proven by science. We recommend that you read our post on home remedies for dogs to learn more.

Pitbull Temperament – Are Pitbulls dangerous and aggressive?

Pitbulls are the most misunderstood dog in the world. People across the globe have a love-hate relationship with Pitbulls. Some people love them, while others find them to be dangerous.

In this section of the post, we will depict the true temperament of the Pitbull. We want our readers to learn about the following.

• Pitbull’s mental makeup – Understand how a Pitbull responds to its environment.
• Choose a Pitbull with the right temperament – Some guidelines to determine your Pitbull puppy’s personality.

What is the true temperament of a Pitbull in India?

Before we look at the “true temperament” of a Pitbull, we must first understand why this breed of dog has a negative public image. And how much does this negative image influences our views about this breed?

General public view on the Pitbull’s temperament 

Pitbulls suffer from a strong breed stigma (breed’s image). According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, people tend to associate Pittbull’s temperament with its owners. 

When we look at a Pitbull, we typically associate this dog with underworld dog fights and criminal activity. This dog, more often than not, also ends up on the wrong side of the media. Hence our image of this breed of dog is mostly negative. 

What does the breed standards say about Pitbull’s temperament?

The United Kennel Club’s breed standards describe the APBT’s temperament as follows.

“This breed is eager to please and brimming over with enthusiasm. APBTs make excellent family companions and for their love of children. Because most APBTs exhibit some level of dog aggression and because of its powerful physique, the APBT requires an owner who will carefully socialize and obedience train the dog.”

Are there any scientific studies that prove Pitbulls are dangerous? 

Due to the infamous image of the Pitbull, several studies on their temperament exists. The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is one of the world’s leading canine temperament test societies. Studies conducted by ATTS prove that Pitbulls are not aggressive.

The ATTS conducts ten subtests to measure a Pitbull’s stability, shyness, aggressiveness, friendliness and protection of handler, and self-protection. This test found that Pitbulls and Golden Retrievers (a dog that all of us consider friendly) are no different when it comes to aggression.

Please note, this does not mean Pitbull is an average household pet. Everyone acknowledges that Pitbulls display some form of aggression towards other dogs and people. With no KCI certification to ensure breed conformance, we don’t recommend Pitbulls for an average Indian home. You are better off with any of our beautiful Indian dog breeds.

Understanding the Pittbull’s mental makeup

To understand Pittbull’s psychological makeup, we must answer these questions?

• Why did people develop this dog? 
• How do breeders select their breeding stock?
• How does a Pitbull perceive the world around it? 

Answers to these vital questions will reveal clues about how a Pitbull thinks. It will also help us understand this breed of dog better and, in turn, learn to manage them better.

Why did people develop this dog? 

Pitbulls are descendants of the Bulldog and Terriers. The extinct Old English Bulldog was an expert in bull-baiting, strong and powerful, and Terrier, on the other hand, was nimble, agile, and courageous. 

Pitbulls are a combination of these dog breeds. They combine the power and aggression of the Bulldog with the agility and intelligence of the Terrier.

How do breeders select their breeding stock?

In England, dogfighters developed the Pitbull for the dog fight arena. They chose aggressive and dominant dogs as their breeding stock to ensure success in dog fights. This practice continues even today.

How does a Pitbull perceive its world and the environment? 

Pitbulls are a combination of muscle, strength, and agility. These dogs are also aggressive towards other dogs and wary of strangers. These traits were necessary for these dogs to be successful in dog fights.

They trust their master with their life and will protect them and their home till the end. These traits were desirable until the early 19th century. Today we live in a world that is connected and open. Sadly, Pitbulls don’t understand this. To a Pitbull, someone walking into your home is a threat. They deal with it swiftly and aggressively.

Remember, these are bull-baiting dogs. In other words, when they lock their jaws, they don’t let go. That’s the reason why Pitbulls are responsible for the most number of human fatalities. They attack with aggression and great intensity.

Why is a Pitbull attack deadly?

Pitbulls are not like other dogs and are not your average household pet. Pitbull attacks are vicious and repeated. When on the attack, a Pitbull is relentless. It uses its powerful jaws to inflict severe damage and sometimes even death.

Pit Bull rescue center, a leading Pitbull website, asks Pitbull owners to carry a break sticks to ensure that you can open their jaws in case of an attack.

According to Kory A. Nelson.

“Pit bulls inflicted more serious wounds than other breeds because they tend to attack the deep muscles, hold on, shake, and cause ripping of tissues.”

We see a similar pattern in India as well. News reports about Pitbull attacks show that this dog attacks repeatedly and sometimes without provocation.

Pitbull attack statistics

The Government of India’s National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) keeps track of dog bite statistics in India. However, they don’t maintain a breed-specific database.

Pitbulls are not common in India. They are new to India. Hence the data about Pitbull attacks on people in India may not be conclusive. However, several renowned organizations across the world keep track of Pitbull attacks on people.

• Centers for disease control and prevention (CDC)
• European centers for disease control and prevention (ECDC)
• Dogsbite.org

The following are vital statistics of Pitbull attacks on people as per these organizations.

• Statistically, Pitbulls are responsible for more fatal attacks on people than any other breed of dog.
• From 2005 to 2017, Pitbulls are responsible for 284 deadly attacks on people.
• Pitbulls are responsible for 66% of all fatal attacks on people in the US.
• Pitbull is also responsible for the most severe attacks. This dog doesn’t merely give you a warning bite; it attacks.
• Pitbulls are 2.5 times most likely to attack multiple areas of your body than any other dog.
• Pitbulls are 48% more likely to attack when unprovoked than any other breed of dog.
• Attacks from Pitbulls are more severe and more likely to result in death.

Are Pitbulls banned in India? Breed-specific legislation

India does not have breed-specific legislation against Pitbulls. There are no bans against Pitbull ownership in India. However, this does not mean that these dogs are safe pets. We urge our readers to reconsider your decision to bring home a Pitbull.

The purpose of this post is to educate people about this dog. Don’t make the mistake of bringing home a Pitbull. Without training and close supervision, a Pitbull can be deadly.

Are Pitbulls in India killer dogs?

The answer to this question is both yes and no. Yes, Pitbulls can become deadly at the hands of the inexperienced dog owner. No, Pitbulls, by nature, do not look at people as enemies. Like all other breeds of dogs, they are loving and affectionate dogs that need consistent leadership and close supervision 24×7.

Caring for a Pitbull in India 

The first section of our post is all about Pitbulls in India. This section of our post is for people who own a Pitbull or planning to bring one home.

Pitbulls with their short coat and medium-size adapt well to Indian conditions. They are among few non-native Indian dogs that thrive in Indian conditions.

What is the recommended diet for a Pitbull dog in India?

One good thing about owning a Pitbull in India is that they adapt well to Indian homemade food. Like all dogs Pitbulls, need a protein-rich diet for their growth. 

Your Pitbull might like the taste of the biryani or the masala chicken, that does not mean it is suitable for him. Avoid feeding spicy food for your dogs. Indian spices have a rich flavor and are not ideal for your Pitbull.

We recommend that you read our post on the best dog food in India to get an in-depth view of dog nutrition.

Feeding an adult Pitbull

We recommend feeding your adult Pitbull two meals per day. Since Pitbulls adapt well to Indian conditions, one meal can be homemade food and the other, commercial dog food.

Pitbulls are prone to bloat, a condition in which the dog’s intestine twists internally in its stomach. Bloat occurs when the dog plays immediately after food. 

Feeding a Pitbull puppy

Pitbulls are agile and playful. A Pitbull puppy enjoys rough play and has unlimited energy. You need to ensure that your Pitbull puppy gets adequate nutrition to match its active lifestyle.

We recommend up to 5 meals per day for puppies between 3 months to 6 months old. Even as the puppy becomes old, you can gradually reduce its food intake.

Feeding high-quality protein-rich food will ensure that your Pitbull puppy reaches its full potential. Underfed or overfed puppies suffer from ailments when they become older. Ensure that you provide balanced nutrition for your dog.

Can a Pitbull survive in India?

Yes, Pitbulls thrive in India. Their short-coat and the medium-sized frame is well suited for India’s hot and humid conditions. Pitbulls also thrive in Indian homemade food as long as they get the necessary protein from their diet.

Pitbull puppy care and tips 

Pitbull puppies are playful and enjoy playing rough. If you have other dog breeds, you will notice that Pitbull puppies typically take over the dominant position.

Like all puppies, Pitbulls need proper care, nutrition, and close supervision all through their life. Remember, puppies are much easier to manage than large adult dogs. Hence, you must become the pack leader.

Becoming a pack leader does not mean being aggressive towards your puppy. A pack leader is always in control and is quick to spot and stop any challenges.

We encourage you to introduce as many new people as possible to your Pitbull puppy. If you have other pets at home, make sure the puppy gets to play, sniff, and explore.

The most vital aspect of Pitbull puppy care is leadership. If you cannot offer consistent leadership, then don’t choose a Pitbull.

Puppy home

When you bring a new puppy home, make sure that it has a quiet and comfortable place. Puppies, while they are playful, also need a place to get away and feel safe.

Having a safe place for your puppy will help build positive energy and self-confidence. A dog like Pitbull must not become nervous or shy when they grow up.

Puppy food

We recommend a high-quality and protein-rich dog food for your Pitbull puppy. There are several popular dog food brands available in India. For a Pitbull puppy, we recommend selecting dog food made for medium-sized dogs or maxi-sized dogs.

For puppies younger than three months of age, you can select puppy milk or puppy starter food.

Play

Play is a crucial factor in Pitbull’s development. Through play, your Pitbull puppy learns several vital lessons in life. Playing with your puppy builds trust and also teaches your puppy to control its bite force.

Never neglect or beat your puppy because of a playful bite. The mouth is the only organ using which a puppy feels its world. Playing tug or fetch builds trust and will help you establish pack leadership. Being close to your dog will also help you understand your dog’s body language better.

Training and socializing your Pitbull puppy 

Pitbulls are one of the most dangerous dogs in the world. They are aggressive and can attack without any provocation. Pitbulls when on the attack are unstoppable. They can maul their victims.

All of the dangerous traits of a Pitbull make training and socialization a critical part of Pitbull ownership. Ignore this aspect, and your Pitbull is an accident that is waiting to happen.

Pitbulls are territorial, have a high prey-drive, and by nature, are aggressive to strangers. We recommend that you start training your puppy the day that you bring it home.

Train your Pitbull puppy on the following.

• Train your puppy to release on command daily. You want to ensure that your dog releases whatever it has on its mouth at your command.
• Have your friends, family, neighbors, and people who frequent your home pet your puppy. Pitbulls need to learn that people are friends, and not every stranger is dangerous. The more people your puppy meets, the better.
• Teach your puppy to recall. Your dog must come to you on command. 

There are several YouTube videos that you can use to learn about training your Pitbull puppy.

Veterinary care for your Pitbull puppy 

All dogs in India need mandatory vaccination and periodic medical attention. Ensure that you vaccinate your puppy for Parvovirus. Parvo is common in India, and it spreads through contact. Most stray dogs in India carry Parvovirus. Your Pitbull puppy can easily contract it during your daily walks. Anitrabies is another important vaccination for your Pitbull. 

In India, most of us are guilty of feeding calcium supplements to our dogs. The quality of food has greatly increased in the last decade, and there is no need for any supplements.

Breeding Pitbull in India

This section is only for breeders who have vast experience in breeding dogs. Pitbull breeders carry a great responsibility and need to ensure that their breeding stock has the right mental and physical features.

We are against all forms of cruelty towards animals. Breeding Pitbulls for dog fights is not only illegal but also unethical. Dogs are companion animals and bring joy and happiness to millions across the world. 

Pitbull breeder responsibilities

More than any other breed of dog, a Pitbull breeder needs to be accountable for his/her dogs.

• Before you breed, check with local authorities to see if you need special permits for breeding them. Most countries have breed-specific legislation that prevents breeding Pitbulls.
• If you don’t have prior experience in breeding dogs, Pitbull breeding is not for you. By prior experience, you should know how to breed for breed standard conformance. 
• Never breed Pitbulls for illegal purposes. This beautiful dog breed already suffers from a damaged public opinion.
• Never choose your breeding stock (male and female) because they are big or aggressive. Choose your breeding stock so that they conform to Pitbull standards.
• Never breed Pitbulls that are aggressive towards people or other animals.

Tips for breeding Pitbull in India

• Ensure that both male and female dogs are over two years. Breeding younger pair is not suitable for their health, and younger mothers tend to neglect her pups.
• Ensure both that your breeding Pitbull pair has no history of violence or aggressive behavior. Your dogs should have a balanced temperament.
• Plan only one litter per year. Don’t breed your dogs twice a year. Your female Pitbull will need time to recover and regain her strength.
• Never breed dogs that are sick or have congenital disabilities.

Tips for taking care of a pregnant/nursing Pitbull 

• Pregnancy in dogs causes stress. If you know your dog is pregnant, start feeding high-quality dog food. Puppy food is the best when it comes to feeding pregnant dogs. Puppy food has more nutrition than adult dog food.
• Pitbulls can become defensive soon after birth. Ensure that your dog has a comfortable and quiet place to nurse her puppies.
• Never allow visitors or strangers near a nursing Pitbull. The mother can become defensive and can potentially attack.

Tips for newborn Pitbull puppies

• Pitbulls are born with their eyes and ears closed. Newborn puppies rely on their sense of smell. Ensure puppies are in a safe and clean place.
• Not all puppies are born with the same strength and stamina. The little ones will need your help in nursing.
• Keep the area clean. We recommend daily mopping with a disinfectant to prevent Parvo and other deadly viruses.
• Don’t let friends and family handle newborn puppies. Parvovirus spreads through contact. If your friend comes in contact with an adult dog, he might pass the infection to your puppies.

Registering your litter with Kennel Club of India

The Kennel Club of India does not recognize Pitbulls in India. You will not be able to register or get a KCI certificate for your Pitbull. Today in India, there are several native dogs, and non-native dogs are available. Unless you are particular about Pitbull, you can always choose a different dog breed.

Selling Pitbull puppies in India

Pitbulls are gaining in popularity in India. However, they are not among the top 10 most popular dogs in India. Also, Pitbulls have a poor public image. You will find selling Pitbull puppies more challenging than other breeds like German Shepherds or Rottweilers.

• Before you breed your Pitbull, ensure that your city has sufficient demand for Pitbulls. You can talk to other Pitbull breeders and dog lovers in general to get a good idea.
• You will need to advertise in multiple avenues such as local magazines, Facebook, dogsindia.com, and other ad-mediums.
• Pitbull buyers generally expect guarantees about your dog’s temperament. As a responsible Pitbull breeder, you must guarantee your litter’s temperament.

Pitbull buyers guide in India

Pitbulls are not your average household pet. These are fighting dogs, powerful, unrelenting, and aggressive. Unless you are a dog expert with several years of experience dealing with large dogs, Pitbull is not the right breed for you.

You can always choose a dog like Rajapalayam that is as impressive as a Pitbull but much easier to manage.

• Since Pitbulls have a reputation for being aggressive, ensure that you fully understand the responsibilities that come along with owning a Pitbull.
• If you have other dogs at your home, then Pitbull is not the dog for you. Pitbulls don’t get along with other dogs.
• Insist on meeting both parent dogs. Never buy a Pitbull from a pet shop or any place without knowing its parents.
• Never buy from a breeder who breeds his Pitbull for fighting or other illegal purposes.

Pre-requisites for owning a Pitbull in India

• You fully know about this breed of dog and ensure that your dog does not attack or hurt anyone.
• You are an expert in dealing with large dogs.
• You can provide sufficient time and space for your Pitbull.
• You don’t have other pets at home.
• You live in an independent property and not in an apartment.

Responsibilities of a Pitbull owner in India

As a Pitbull owner, you have the responsibility to ensure safety for both your Pitbull and the people around your dog.

• Proper training and socialization are vital for an aggressive breed like Pitbull. Your dog should obey on command without hesitation.
• You need to monitor your dog closely 24×7. Your Pitbull should never be let loose in public.
• You must ensure that your house has sufficient warning signs posted to warn visitors about your dog.
• Never indulge in anything illegal, such as dogfighting or hunting.
• Your Pitbull should wear a protective muzzle while outside your home.
• Never leave your Pitbull alone with kids. 

What is the annual maintenance cost of a Pitbull in India? 

Pitbulls adapt well to India’s hot and tropical conditions. Their short-coat enables them to withstand our hot summer months. Pitbulls are also healthy and a low maintenance dog.

The total cost of ownership – Pitbull in India 

Cost of the puppy

Depending on your city and state, Pitbull’s price varies between ₹20,000 to ₹35,000. Since the Kennel Club of India does not recognize Pitbulls, you will not be able to get a KCI certificate.

Food and treat cost

Pitbulls are medium-sized dogs. Dog food will be your biggest expense. The good thing about Pitbulls is that they adapt well to Indian homemade food. We recommend that you feed your Pitbull 2 meals per day, one, homemade, and the other, dry commercial dog food.

Vet cost 

Pitbull’s average life span is between 10 to 15 years. They are a healthy breed of dog with few ailments. We don’t anticipate your vet bill to be high. 

Other essentials for Pitbull in India

Unlike other dogs, Pitbulls will need additional items. Especially restraints and chains will be required. We recommend that you have a robust steel chain, a muzzle to restrain the dog’s mouth, and a training collar.

Pet insurance cost for Pitbull in India

Pet insurance remains unused in India. Most dog owners don’t insurer their dogs. If you own a Pitbull, we recommend that you get your dog insurance policy. Pet insurance covers medical expenses for your dog and also covers injuries caused by your dog to others. 

Interesting facts about Pitbull in India

• Out of the four Pitbull-type dogs, only two are available in India. The most common among these two is the American Pit Bull Terrier. American Bully is available in India but is rare.
• In India, the term Pitbull refers to American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT).
• Pitbull arrived in India only in the mid-1990s.
• Pitbulls are the most dangerous dog in the world. They account for 66% of all the fatal attacks by dogs on people.

Conclusion – Pitbull in India

We believe Pitbulls are not the dogs for an average Indian household. You are much better off with other dog breeds. While the average Pitbull is no more aggressive than a Golden Retriever, but when these dogs attack, there is no stopping them.

We at barks.in believe Pitbull ownership in India must be regulated. While most Pitbulls are gentle and affectionate, there is enough data that shows these dogs are also dangerous to people. With high population density, your Pitbull’s chances of running into some stranger are much higher in India than anywhere else in the world.

Please note the idea behind this article is to present Pitbulls as they are, without any bias. We love dogs and believe all dogs are great. We want anyone who is considering taking home a Pitbull to understand this breeds requirement fully. Please feel free to use the comments to express your views and agree/disagree with us.