Are Pitbulls Better in Pairs? The Pros and Cons to Help You Decide

Pit Bulls have a reputation for being aggressive toward other dogs, which is why many owners often wonder whether it’s a good idea to bring a second dog into their household.

But is it possible for them to be aggressive toward their own breed, or are Pitbulls better in pairs? 

Pit Bulls can be good in pairs as the two dogs will keep each other’s company and reduce separation anxiety. The training process will also be easier as the second dog will follow the first one’s lead. However, keeping a pair of dogs will require more costs, time, effort, and space to maintain their well-being.

Continue reading to learn more about whether Pit Bulls get along with other dogs, the pros and cons of having a pair of Pit Bulls, and the best companion dog breeds for Pit Bulls.

Do Pit Bulls Get Along with Other Dogs?

Pit Bulls are known to be very territorial, and they have a reputation for being aggressive toward other dogs due to their history of being bred and trained to participate in dog fighting rings.

However, this doesn’t mean that it’s impossible for Pit Bulls to get along with other dogs, as their behavior mainly depends on how good their training is and whether they have been socialized with other dogs.

If Pit Bulls receive proper training and socialization from a young age, they will be more likely to get along with other dogs. They will not become aggressive unless they are provoked, or their territory is threatened.

Should You Get a Pair of Pit Bulls?

First-time dog owners usually wonder whether it’s a good idea to get a pair of Pit Bulls to raise them together, while dog owners who already have a Pit Bull wonder whether it’s a good idea to introduce a second dog into their household.

Pit Bulls are considered a high-maintenance breed, so before getting a pair of them, you need to weigh the pros and cons and ask yourself a few questions, such as:

• Will you be able to cover the cost of purchasing and taking care of two Pitbulls?
• Will you be able to provide the time, effort, and space needed to train two dogs and maintain their well-being?
• Will both dogs, whether they’re from the same breed or different breeds, be able to get along with each other?

If you’re a first-time owner, getting a pair of Pit Bulls from the get-go is not recommended, as you might not have enough experience with dogs to train and take care of them properly.

However, if you are already a Pit Bull owner, you need to make sure that your first dog is properly trained and socialized so that it will get along with the new dog without any trouble. You also need to make sure that you can train the new dog while still making time for the old dog so neither of them will feel neglected.

One more thing to keep in mind is that if you’re getting a pair of Pit Bulls, it may be wise to get one male and one female. That’s because two dogs of the same sex have more difficulty getting along than dogs of opposite sexes.

You can learn more about this in our guide to raising two female Pit Bulls here, where I also discuss how to make the introduction and some specific guidelines you really should know and follow for their safety and yours.

The Pros and Cons of Getting a Pair of Pit Bulls

There are pros and cons to getting a pair of Pit Bulls, and you need to consider them very carefully before making your decision.

So, let’s break down these pros and cons in more detail:

The Pros

They Will Keep Each Other’s Company

Pit Bulls are social animals. They tend to seek company, and they don’t like being left alone for too long, which makes them prone to developing.

If you get a pair of Pit Bulls, they will keep each other’s company when you’re not at home and reduce the symptoms of separation anxiety.

It Will Be Easier to Train Them

Pit Bulls are smart, and they can learn a lot from each other.

If you get a pair of Pit Bulls, it will be easier to train them as the second dog will follow the first dog’s lead and pick up on commands and good behavior traits more quickly.

The Cons

It Will Take More Costs, Time, and Effort to Maintain Their Well-Being

It will typically cost more to keep two dogs instead of one, as you’ll have to get more food, treats, toys, and other dog supplies.

There are also the costs of registration, insurance, vaccinations, veterinary visits, and medical treatments.

It will take more time and effort to care for two dogs. This includes playing with them, taking them on daily walks, exercising them, and keeping up with their grooming needs.

They Will Need More Space

Dogs generally need to have a big enough space to be able to move around freely without feeling confined. So, having two dogs will require more space as each dog might want its own personal territory.

You can learn more about how much space Pit bulls need in this guide.

The Best Companion Dog Breeds for Pit Bulls

If you’re looking for a companion for your Pit Bull that’s from a different breed, you need to make sure that the breed you get will have similar or complementary characteristics to your dog so that they will get along smoothly.

Let’s take a quick look at some of the best companion dog breeds for Pit Bulls:

German Shepherds

German Shepherds share a few characteristics with Pit Bulls, including being intelligent and energetic, which makes them excellent as potential companions.

However, keep in mind that it takes German shepherds a while to warm up to other dogs, so you’ll need to introduce them to your Pit Bull slowly and keep a close eye on their interactions during the first few weeks for any signs of aggression.

Basset Hounds

Basset Hounds are known to have calm, laid-back personalities that complement the Pit Bull’s personality very well.

They were also originally bred to hunt in packs which means they will have no trouble being around other dogs.

Beagles

Beagles are very friendly and gentle, which means they will get along with Pit Bulls very well.

They won’t feel the need to challenge your Pit Bull for its territory or your attention. They are also smaller in size, so your Pit Bull won’t feel too threatened by them. Beagles are smaller than Pitties, though, so make sure you know how to introduce your Pit Bull to smaller dogs.

Golden Retrievers

Golden retrievers and Pit Bulls make an unlikely good match as they have various similar characteristics.

Both breeds are highly energetic, so they will be able to keep up with each other during exercise or playtime. They are both also eager to please their owners, so they will be easy to train and very obedient.

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