Pitbull Puppy Weight Chart β APBT, AmStaff & Pit Mix Growth
Expected weight for American Pit Bull Terrier, AmStaff, and Pit mix puppies from 8 weeks to adult. Adults: males 35β65 lb (APBT) or 55β70 lb (AmStaff); females 30β55 lb. Medium-breed growth curve β full size by 12β18 months.
Calculator
American Pit Bull Terrier growth chart
| Month | Expected (lb) |
|---|---|
| 0 | 1.5 |
| 1 | 5 |
| 2 | 10 |
| 3 | 17 |
| 4 | 24 |
| 5 | 32 |
| 6 | 38 |
| 7 | 43 |
| 8 | 47 |
| 9 | 50 |
| 10 | 52 |
| 11 | 53 |
| 12 | 54 |
How to use the Pitbull puppy weight chart
- Weigh weekly through 6 months β Growth trend matters more than single measurement.
- Pick breed type β APBT (smaller), AmStaff (larger), Staffy (smallest), or Pit mix.
- Compare to breed percentile β Wide normal range β mid-percentile is the target.
- Switch to adult food at 12β14 months β Pitbulls finish growing earlier than larger breeds.
Pitbull growth curve by month (APBT reference)
| Age | Male (lb) | Female (lb) |
|---|---|---|
| 8 weeks | 10β12 | 9β11 |
| 12 weeks | 18β22 | 16β20 |
| 4 months | 26β32 | 23β28 |
| 6 months | 32β42 | 28β38 |
| 9 months | 40β52 | 35β46 |
| 12 months | 45β58 | 38β50 |
| 18 months | 48β62 | 40β52 |
| Adult (24+ mo) | 35β65 | 30β55 |
For AmStaff-type Pitbulls, add approximately 15 % to these values; for Staffordshire Bull Terriers, subtract approximately 25 %.
Why Pitbull sizes vary so widely
βPitbullβ is not a single recognized breed but a loose colloquial grouping of related bully-type breeds and mixes. The four most commonly called βPitbullsβ:
- American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT): UKC-registered; adults 35β65 lb males, 30β50 lb females. Originally bred for farm work and pit fighting; now pet companions + sport dogs.
- American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff): AKC-registered; adults 55β70 lb males, 40β55 lb females. Stockier and heavier than APBT.
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Staffy): English breed, AKC recognized; adults 24β38 lb. Smallest and most compact.
- American Bully: XL, Standard, Classic, Pocket, Extreme variants β 30β120+ lb depending on type. Recently recognized by UKC (2013).
- Shelter βPit mixβ: Often a mix of these breeds with Boxers, Mastiffs, or other bully types. Size unpredictable.
Without breed registration documentation, predicting adult size from an 8-week-old puppy is unreliable. The general rule: adult weight is approximately 4β5Γ the 8-week weight, but the wide genetic variance means this can be off by 10β15 lb either way.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should a Pitbull puppy weigh at each age?
Male Pitbull puppy weights: 8 weeks 10β12 lb; 12 weeks 18β22 lb; 16 weeks 26β32 lb; 6 months 32β42 lb; 9 months 40β55 lb; 12 months 45β58 lb. Female Pits track 10β15 % lighter. Adults: males 35β65 lb, females 30β55 lb. Pitbulls have wide variance because “Pitbull” is not a single breed but covers APBT, AmStaff, Staffy, and mixes.
When do Pitbulls stop growing?
Pitbulls reach about 90 % of adult weight by 12 months and finish filling out by 18 months. Muscle mass continues developing through age 3 β a 2-year-old Pit that looks “lanky” will often fill out noticeably over the next year. Skeletal growth plates typically close by 12β15 months. Switch to adult food at 12β14 months.
What's the difference between APBT, AmStaff, and Staffy size?
American Pit Bull Terrier (UKC-registered): adults 35β65 lb males, 30β50 lb females. American Staffordshire Terrier (AKC): adults 55β70 lb males, 40β55 lb females (AmStaffs are heavier). Staffordshire Bull Terrier (English breed): smaller at 24β38 lb. “Pit mix” or “shelter Pitbull” is often AmStaff-leaning and falls in the 45β70 lb range. Use the calculator with the specific breed registered for most accurate projection.
My Pitbull puppy is smaller than the chart β is that a problem?
Usually not, unless significantly below the 10th percentile for several weekly measurements. Pitbulls vary widely because the breed encompasses several size types. Rescue or backyard-bred Pits have especially unpredictable adult sizes. Monitor growth trend over 4+ weeks β a puppy steadily gaining at its own percentile curve is fine even if below average. Concerning: weight loss, flat-lining growth curve, lethargy, or any change in appetite.
How much should I feed a Pitbull puppy?
Standard all-life-stages or puppy formula (large-breed puppy formula not strictly needed β Pits are medium, not large-breed). Feed 3β4 meals/day through 6 months, then 2β3 meals. Approximate calorie needs: 3 months 750β1,000 kcal/day; 6 months 1,000β1,500 kcal; 9 months 1,100β1,600 kcal; 12 months transition to adult. Target mid-percentile growth for the breed.
When should I spay/neuter a Pitbull?
Current AAHA guidance for medium-breed dogs (under 45 lb adult): neuter at 6 months; spay females before first heat cycle. Larger AmStaff-type (45+ lb adults): wait until 12β18 months to allow growth-plate closure, which reduces orthopedic disease risk per recent research. Always discuss with your vet β behavioral factors (intact-male aggression, unwanted breeding) may tip the balance toward earlier altering.
Sources & References
- [1]UKC American Pit Bull Terrier Standard β United Kennel Club
- [2]AKC American Staffordshire Terrier β American Kennel Club
- [3]ASPCA Position on Pit Bulls β ASPCA
- [4]Spay/Neuter Timing in Medium-Breed Dogs β American Animal Hospital Association
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