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Sean Mitchell · Jul 27, 2005, 11:56 AM

Hello, I am interested in getting a puppy (American Pit Bull Terrier)... Here is a little background... The current breeder who owns the puppy said that it was the runt of the litter, but it is healthy.. The puppy is about 12 weeks old and around 20 lbs. THe parents are 125 lbs (Sire) and 80 lbs (Dam)... Here are my 2 questions. How can I make sure that this dog is going to be healthy, and is this dog going to get that big... I have an 85 year old mother who just moved in with me, and I do not want a 100 lbs dog. I was told that the puppy is catching up in size, Shouldn't the dog not get that big, because it is a runt? Please let me know...
Thanks,

labman · Jul 27, 2005, 04:54 PM

Runts frequently grow to be healthy, but smaller than the rest of the litter. Could be a good dog for you. On the other hand, to survive, they develop a very strong will, standing up to the larger pups in the litter. They can be fun dogs, but a challenge. 12 weeks is late for best adapting to the new home. You will need to get started right away. The dogs see all the
People and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in
The pack and a top dog. Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members
Outrank the 4 legged ones. You can learn to play the role of top dog by
Reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class
Or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with
A treat. Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/. He will be too young to take to an obedience class. Work with him at home, a few minutes at time, several times a day. Just do a couple of repetitions of a command each time.

Now is the time to teach him not to jump up on people. The cute 20 pound puppy jumps up to your knee, and you pick it up and pet it. Not near as cute when the 50 pound dog plants its paws on your chest. Both biting and jumping take a long time to train out of a puppy. In both cases, it calls for 0 tolerance. Never petting for it, but at least a firm ''Bad dog!'' and withdrawing your attention. A well behaved dog goes a long ways in countering a poor public image of the breed.

Sean Mitchell · Jul 28, 2005, 06:37 AM

So you think the dog will be about 50 lbs? I can't have a bi dog... I understand the responsibility with a runt, but I do no want a dog to get to be 100 lbs... My family can't handle it... This will pretty much decide if I will get the pup... I was leaning toward no, because I saw the parents, and they are huge... If you think she will only get to about 50 lbs, then I will get her, but not if you think there is a chance that she might be over 80 lbs... Let me know.
Thanks,
Sean

labman · Jul 28, 2005, 10:39 AM

Maybe if it is that critical, you should look around more and find a puppy with smaller parents. Any puppy is a pig in a poke. Usually they turn out much like the parents, but not always. Even litter mates do not turn out alike. Perhaps you would do better to start with an adult. One of the best sources for dogs that are a known quantity is the rescue dogs. These are dogs that lost their home, but were taken into a foster home to be retrained as necessary and placed in the right home for them. You may find a rescue near you starting at http://www.akc.org/breeds/rescue.cfm You could find a great dog whose only problem was its owner's narrow minded insurance company. It might be best to check with yours ahead of time too.

Sean Mitchell · Jul 28, 2005, 10:54 AM

I will look around, because the more I see pictures of her I see, her paws are really big, and if she weighs 20 lbs at 12 weeks, I doubt she will stop at 50 lbs... thanks for the advice.

LoveMyBooBooGirl · Jul 31, 2005, 04:45 PM

From what you tell me about the needs of your family, I do not believe a pit bull is the dog for you at this time. I have a "runt of the litter" pit bull. At 5 yrs old, she is easily 70 lbs. they are wonderful pets, when you can accommodate them. Good luck!