Why Do Pit Bulls Have Big Heads?

Pit Bulls are wrongfully considered intimidating by many, not only because of their history as fighting dogs but also because of their physical appearance as they have large muscular builds.

One of the most distinguishing physical characteristics of Pit Bulls is how large their heads are in comparison to other dog breeds. So, let’s answer the main question here to get a better understanding of the size of a Pit Bul’s head.

Why Do Pit Bulls Have Big Heads? Pit Bulls have big heads due to main reasons. The first reason is that they were selectively bred to achieve this particular physical characteristic. The second reason is that it’s their inherent anatomy since they have powerful jaws connected to the crown of their heads.

Keep on reading to learn about why Pit Bulls have big heads and whether this might cause them to develop any health problems.

Why Do Pit Bulls Have Big Heads?

Pitbulls are recognized for their athletic and strong physique, and one of their most distinguishing characteristics is their square-shaped head, fleshy square snout, and huge almond-shaped eyes.

The large size of a Pit Bull’s head is attributed to two main reasons, which are selective breeding and inherent anatomy. So, let’s take a closer look at both of these reasons:

Selective Breeding

Most breeders will actively try to achieve certain physical characteristics in Pit Bull puppies through selective breeding or linebreeding.

Having a big, boxy head is considered a desirable physical characteristic in Pit Bulls as it fits into their official breed standard. It also contributes to the Pit Bull’s intimidating appearance that many owners seek. That’s why breeders try to keep the large head size going through different generations of Pit Bulls.

Inherent Anatomy

Pit Bulls have powerful jaw muscles that are connected to the crown of their skull. So, they might have big heads to accommodate the size and function of their jaw to make it easier for them to grip or bite.

Do All Pit Bulls Have Big Heads?

All Pit Bulls have big heads compared to other dog breeds; however, not all Pit Bulls have the same head size as some Pit Bulls might have larger heads than others. It depends mostly on the dog’s genetics. It could also depend on the dog’s diet and exercise.

For instance, if a Pit Bull loses a huge amount of weight or becomes underweight, its head will seem bigger than other Pit Bulls. With certain exercise routines, some Pit Bulls might grow certain parts of their bodies quicker than others, leading to a relatively larger-sized head.

The Physical Appearance and Characteristics of Pit Bulls

The physical appearance and characteristics of Pit Bulls depend mainly on their genetics.

As previously said, Pit Bulls are known to have large heads, square fleshy noses, and huge almond-shaped eyes.

When it comes to their size, they tend to weigh up to 80 pounds and stand at 19 inches in height, with the males being larger than the females.

They’re often confused with American Bulldogs due to having a similar appearance. However, Pit Bulls tend to be smaller in size compared to American Bulldogs, and they have slightly different builds.

Do Pit Bulls Develop Health Issues Because of Their Big Heads?

While Pit Bulls do not develop health issues because they have big heads, they are prone to developing some health issues because of the selective breeding done to achieve that physical characteristic.

The healthy issues any dog might develop and their severity will mainly depend on the dog’s genetics.

So, let’s take a look at some of the health problems that Pit Bulls are prone to develop.

Heart Diseases

They’re prone to develop various disorders that affect the heart, but they all have similar symptoms, including coughing, trouble breathing, weakness, and lack of appetite.

If you notice any symptoms of heart disease in your dog, make sure to take it to a vet immediately to get the proper diagnosis and treatment.

Obesity

Pit Bulls generally have a large appetite due to their big size and large energy levels. If they do not eat healthily and exercise regularly, they’re prone to become obese.

Make sure to establish a suitable diet plan and exercise routine for your dog while taking into consideration its age and energy levels.

Hypothyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland fails to produce the necessary hormone, known as “thyroxine,” responsible for the functioning of the dog’s digestive tract.

It’s a genetic condition that can be managed with medication, but if left ignored, it would cause further complications. If you notice any symptoms of Hypothyroidism in your dog, make sure to take it to a vet immediately to get the proper diagnosis and treatment.

Allergies

Allergies are the most prevalent health issues in Pit Bulls, and they can cause a variety of symptoms.

Your Pit Bull might be allergic to anything, including certain kinds of food, dust, household cleaning chemicals, or certain ingredients in its shampoo. So, it’s important to monitor the dog’s reaction when exposing it to new environments and avoid making sudden changes to its diet or shampoo product.

If you notice any symptoms of Allergies in your dog, make sure to take it to a vet immediately to get the proper diagnosis and treatment.

Infections of the Skin

Pit Bulls are prone to develop various kinds of skin conditions, the most prevalent of which is skin infections.

Symptoms of skin infections in Pit Bulls include itchiness, red patches of skin, and hair loss. If you notice any symptoms of Allergies in your dog, make sure to take it to a vet immediately to get the proper diagnosis and treatment.

Why Do Pit Bulls Have Big Heads?