Why Are Pitbulls Good Running Dogs?
Let’s look at a few reasons why Pitties make good running dogs.
If you have ever met a Pittie, then you’re probably familiar with the fact that they are extremely energetic dogs that need plenty of exercise.
They were bred to be hunting and sporting dogs, so they have all the energy required to get up and out the door with you for your run.
While some breeds are less energetic or cooperative by nature, like Chow Chows or Bulldogs, who may be reluctant to go for a run, you can always count on your Pitbull to be ready to go.
Because of their history, Pitbulls naturally have a ton of endurance. They’ll be able to keep up with you for the duration of your run (assuming you’re not marathon training).
Some breeds like Rottweilers or other Terriers may be very excited to get started running with you, but will likely get tired or lose interest after only a few blocks.
Unless you are going jogging in the snow the short coat on the Pitbull is another asset when it comes to running.
Their short coats do not insulate them as much as their long-coated counterparts. This keeps them cooler when they are outside exerting themselves while running.
The fact that it’s fur means that it shouldn’t be prone to matting either. Matting is a common problem for dogs with hair that go running. The friction causes their hair to knot, especially in their armpits, but that’s not a problem for Pitbulls.
And while it may seem like the less hair you have the better, that’s not necessarily the case when you’re running in the sun.
While a Pitbull’s fur is nice and short, it’s still thick enough to shield them from the sun and prevent them from getting a sunburn.
While not everyone will agree that Pitbulls have appropriately earned their reputation as an aggressive breed, the fact remains that that is what a lot of people will see when you are out running with your Pitbull.
This is something that a lot of people may like about running with a Pittie, though.
Pitbulls definitely look intimidating, intimidating enough to scare off any would-be criminals or wrongdoers you may encounter on your run.
People who run in urban areas, alone, out in the country, or, frankly, anywhere you may encounter another person, may be much safer with a loyal Pittbull at their side.
Finally, Pitbulls are the perfect size to be your running partner.
Pitbulls are typically between 35 and 45 lbs and are not usually more than two and a half feet tall at the head.
That makes them pretty much a medium-sized dog, but keep in mind that they have a lot of energy and endurance packed into that average size body.
Dogs that are smaller than 35 to 45 lb will struggle to keep up with you on a long-distance run. Because of their small size, they’re going to have to work too hard to keep up with you to be able to last that long.
Conversely, dogs who are much larger than that typically end up wasting a lot of energy trying to move their giant bodies along with you. It’s much harder for them to move all that weight.
Some larger dogs are not always lumbering though. Tall, lanky dogs like Weimaraners and Borzoi also make great running dogs.
However, since both of these breeds can easily when twice as much as a Pitbull, you are going to end up spending a lot more on food and maintenance costs, especially since you are probably going to need to feed them more if you take them jogging regularly.
Not only that, but these larger dogs may be so big that it is difficult to hold them close to you while you run but not so close that they get in a way.
So Pitbulls, right smack dab in the middle of the weight chart, end up being an excellent choice for joggers.
How much exercise does a pit bull need?
A pit bull is a breed with a lot of innate energy and enthusiasm that it can run all day long and come back asking more. So how do you know how much exercise does a pit bull need? Or when to make them stop?
Pit bulls in general need at least 1 hour of vigorous exercise. That being said they wouldn’t bother anything more than that too. It is important that they get this minimum 1-hour exercise to release all that pent up energy. Anything less than 1hr can lead to them developing reckless behavior.
It is also important to keep in mind that putting them through rigorous exercise for a longer duration can cause unwanted behavioral changes in them. For instance, barking, digging, destructive behavior and aggression.
A pit bull needs 3 main types of exercise
Not just pit bulls every dog loves going out for a walk. Apart from helping the pit bull release the pent-up energy it also helps them stimulate their mind. If you have noticed a dog while it is out for a walk, you might have observed them sniffing around and marking their territories.
Owing to their physique and innate energy a pit bull can walk a long distance in one go. It is only limited by your time and energy. However, it is advised to take them out on a minimum of 45 minutes’ walk.
Other than this, you should also try and make walking a routine.
As said, pit bulls have a lot of pent-up energy in them which should be released. The best way to go about this is to find activities that can help them burn large chunks of energy in a short period.
For instance, playing fetch with your dog or playing Frisbee can be the ideal workout. Other activities include jolly ball, obstacle course, stair exercise, and so on.
Among the many outdoor activities, pit bulls in general love to do weight pulling activities like tug of war. These games can help them expend energy while helping them build muscles and strength.
Owing to their intelligence, pit bulls need to be given an opportunity to challenge their minds else they would start finding them on their own which can be quite destructive. For instance, digging and excessive barking are common ways in which a pit bull keeps itself engaged.
The common ways to provide mental stimulation includes letting them play scenting and nose games and letting them play with chew toys. These two activities are found to help pit bulls release endorphins, the relaxation hormone.
All these said exercises are the best when it comes to pitbull in general but choosing the apt exercise and duration and frequency of exercise has to be solely dependent on the age and characteristics of your pitbull.
For instance, a pit bull pup does not need a long and strenuous schedule of exercise. Similarly, for an aged pitbull, it needs more time to relax than going out on a long walk.
When to start running with your pitbull?
You can start running with your pitbull when they are six months old, at this age, you can start going for 1-mile runs and slowly build their stamina and speed, you should start easy and give them rest days when needed.
It’s really important that you keep an eye on the needs and behavior and make sure you don’t overexert your pitbull puppy as they can get fatigued quickly.
It’s also important to note that not all puppies develop at exactly the same rate, so don’t compare them to other puppies or, even worse, try to rush them into running if they are not ready for it.
Now that you know all the basics of running with Pitbulls, it’s time to discuss how to actually train your pitbull to start running.
15 mistakes new pit bull owners make!
Running is great exercise for a dog. The faster and further your dog is running the more energy they burn. However, not all dogs are suitable to run long distances. We will look at the different breeds and their suitability for running.
Running with your dog is also a great way to exercise yourself. This not only is limited to you running with them. You can also cycle or skate along side them.
So how many miles can a dog run? There are many factors to take into consideration. With the right training and conditioning many dogs can run 5 to 8 miles (8 to 13 km) clocking up 25 to 40 miles weekly. Some highly athletic and conditioned dogs can run 15 to 20 miles or in excess of 100 miles (160 km) a week.
If you are considering starting to run with your dog the first thing you need to do is to consult with your vet. Have them do a complete checkup to ensure that your dog is healthy and suitable for this type of exercise.
It is important to condition your dog for running and gradually increase the distance and intensity over a period of time. For tips on conditioning your dog for running see here.
Some dogs may not be suitable for running such as shortnose breeds like bulldogs as they can overheat easily and their respiratory function isn’t suitable. Dogs that have back or joint are also not suitable for running. The high impact nature of running will make these issues worse.