Pit bull puppies develop muscle over time.
Pit bull dogs have a reputation as big, aggressive, scary dogs, but nothing could be further from the truth. When properly cared for and trained, pit bull puppies are loyal and steadfast companions with gentle demeanors. Nothing about their appearance betrays their softer side: pit bulls are muscular and compact, but it doesn't happen overnight. Pit bull puppies gain muscle and size as they grow.
Genetics
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) "Complete Guide to Dogs," fully grown adult pit bulls weigh in between 50 and 70 pounds, most of it muscle. As a general rule, males weigh more than females and are more muscular. Since pit bulls are naturally muscular as defined by genetics, it doesn't take much for a pit bull puppy to get big muscles. For the most part, muscle growth happens on its own.
Diet and Exercise
As with humans, muscle in pit bulls is built via exercise. Newborn puppies never fully rest, even while asleep. Muscles are constantly twitching and legs are moving. This is called active sleep and helps newborns build muscle tone and quality. Young pups play and run as a means of exploring the world and finding their skills and talents. Adult dogs exercise out of instinct to hunt or in search of a breeding partner. Dog owners should encourage exercise to help maintain a proper weight and stave off boredom that can lead to destructive behaviors. Running, agility exercises, pulling, packing and other active exercises help pit bull puppies gain muscle. A nutritionally complete diet is essential to a pit bull's well being and health. Protein is sometimes called the building block of muscle. The canine diet is naturally high in protein, ensuring enough available nutrients to build a fair amount of muscle.
Anabolic Steroids
Dogs used for illegal fighting are sometimes injected with anabolic steroids to increase muscle growth. Anabolic steroids belong to a class of drugs called corticosteroids and mimic the effects of the hormone testosterone. Steroid use speeds up the process in which protein is converted into muscle. Steroid use is accompanied by an increase in aggressive behaviors and overproduction of the hormone cortisol, which in turn leads to fat gain and changes in body shape and condition. Because of the dangers these steroids pose to the dogs and potentially to those who come in contact with them, the use of anabolic steroids in pit bull dogs to increase muscle mass is highly unethical and inhumane. It is also illegal in some areas.
Considerations
Pit bull dogs vary in shape and size just as humans do. Some dogs are naturally more muscular than others. Speak to a licensed veterinary professional if you feel your pit bull puppy is developing slowly or are concerned about its muscle mass. A nutritionally sound diet and plenty of exercise are the safest and most effective ways to encourage healthy muscle growth in your pit bull puppy. Although exercise is beneficial to your pit bull puppy, avoid strenuous training or exercise regimens for the first year and a half of life. During this time the puppy is still growing and any available energy should go towards growth. Engaging in strenuous exercise routines while a pit bull is still a puppy can lead to long-term issues including but not limited to malformation and chronic energy deficiency.
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