If you’re considering becoming a Pitbull owner, it’s worth considering the differences between male and female Pitbulls.
Although both male and female Pitbulls can make great companions, it’s important to consider their unique differences in order to determine which one may be better suited for you.
In terms of size, male Pitbulls typically have a larger build than females and tend to be more playful, and enjoy spending time with children. Meanwhile, female Pitbulls are often more cautious and calmer, making them easier to train compared to males, who are easily distracted.
This is just among the several differences between the two sexes of Pits. Let’s get straight into the discussion of male and female Pitbulls to discover whether a male or a female is the right choice for you!
Physical Differences
Male Pitbulls
The most apparent difference between male and female Pitbulls is their size. Male Pits are typically taller, more muscular, and heavier than females. They stand around 18 to 21 inches and weigh about 35 to 60 pounds.
The heads of male Pitbulls are wider and feature eyes that appear closer to each other. Aside from their body that can pack more muscle than other breeds, their necks can also be pretty brawny.
Pitbulls are already naturally muscular dogs, but there are several ways to make your Pitbull more muscular. These procedures are usually done in male Pitbulls rather than females.
If you’ve seen Pits with permanently erect ears instead of triangular and floppy ones, chances are their ears have been cropped. This feature is not inherent to either sex and is a controversial practice among Pit owners.
Female Pitbulls
Female Pits are generally a bit smaller, ranging from 17 to 20 inches tall and 30 to 50 pounds on average. They also appear slimmer and less muscular.
Their faces are smaller than their male counterparts. In addition, if you look closely, most female Pits have hairs that are tighter around their mouth area. Their backs are also narrower and slightly longer than males.
While male and female Pits have some subtle distinctions, overall, they still have the same physical characteristic that gives them that signature Pitbull look.
Watch this video to see some of the physical differences between male and female Pitbulls:
Temperamental Differences
Male Pitbulls
For the most part, both male and female Pitbulls are friendly and affectionate dogs. However, male Pitbulls tend to be more playful. If you have kids, expect them to be playing with male Pits all the time!
Male Pitbulls often get excited around new people and will be eager to play with them. They are also more likely to be sociable with their new friends compared to female Pits.
Despite their high energy and playfulness, male Pitbulls can also be independent. However, at times, they can be a little stubborn and hard-headed.
Unneutered male Pits may also display some aggression and need for dominance. This can cause some undesirable behavior towards other dogs and humans. That said, these traits are not so common among neutered dogs.
Pitbulls, especially males, get a bad rap for being aggressive and vicious dogs. However, it is important to keep in mind that these traits are associated with illegal dog fighting and a lack of training and are not ingrained in Pits.
To secure yourself a Pitbull with a good temperament, ensure that you deal only with reputable breeders who practice ethical breeding standards.
Female Pitbulls
Female Pits tend to show less need for dominance than their male counterparts. That said, they are generally not as aggressive as males. However, same-sex aggression can still happen in female Pitbulls.
Females also go into heat cycles every six months if they aren’t spayed. During this period, female Pits are usually restless, on edge, and less affectionate.
When female Pitbulls get pregnant, they can get aggressive. Take note, however, that this tendency is not specific to the Pitbull breed only. In fact, it happens to all dog breeds due to their motherly instincts.
Compared to male Pits, females can be more independent and don’t usually demand much attention. They also tend to bond more closely with an individual rather than with all the family members.
Behavior and Training
Male Pitbulls
Training young male Pits can be a challenge for owners because these pups tend to be stubborn and uncooperative. They also love to play, so it can be hard to keep their attention during training; hence, patience is essential.
An additional factor that can make training male Pits more demanding is that unneutered males can get easily frustrated and aggressive. They can show warning signs like growling or showing their teeth before snapping at you.
Don’t be discouraged, though, because it is not impossible to train male Pits. You will need to assert your dominance as the owner and have perseverance and patience with them.
Another common issue faced with having male Pits is their territorial marking. Although it is natural for dogs, both male and female alike, it is observed more in male dogs.
This is associated with males’ need to be dominant and the alpha. Fortunately, most of the time, neutering and housetraining them can address this issue.
On the other hand, a trainer colleague of mine who has been asked to perform obedience and socialization training for a lot of Pitbulls for the past 15 years has mentioned that Pitbulls are usually misunderstood.
Though it is true that they may display aggression when mishandled, so are all the rest of the dog breeds out there. He further reiterated that most domesticated Pitbulls, even males, are currently easier to train as they have adapted very well to the home environment over time.
Female Pitbulls
Because female Pits usually mature at an earlier age — usually around two years old — they are generally easier to train as puppies. This means they can be behaved and housetrained at a younger age.
In addition, they are also more focused and less distractible during training as compared to male Pits. Hence, owners of female Pits have a less challenging time training their pets, especially when using positive reinforcement.
Unspayed females in heat, however, might be harder to train when they’re more agitated and impatient. It is important for an owner to be aware so that they can expect some stubbornness during this time.
Health Differences
Male Pitbulls
Pitbull breeds, in general, are pretty healthy dogs. They have lifespans that range anywhere from 8 to 16 years as long as they are given the proper care they need.
It is still important, however, to be aware of possible health issues that a male Pit can face if you are planning on getting this dog as your canine companion.
Some health conditions that are more common among males than females include bone injuries, torn ligaments, and joint problems.
Take note that these are health conditions that are common in Pitbulls, in general. However, given the playfulness and high energy of male Pits, they are more prone to these issues.
Male Pitbulls are also more affected by skin problems like allergies, tumors, and mange because they have slightly shorter coats.
Other diseases and conditions you should be aware of among Pits include hip dysplasia, thyroid problems, gastric dilatation-volvulus, ichthyosis, and cataracts.
Female Pitbulls
Like their male counterparts, female Pits are also generally healthy dogs. However, they are also at risk of developing similar health conditions as males.
One thing to note, though, is that female Pitbulls are more prone to urinary bladder stones. This is usually a result of a urinary tract infection, which is more common among female dogs because of their anatomy.
They are also prone to getting infections in their uterus called pyometra because of the hormonal changes in their reproductive tract. This is a life-threatening condition but can be prevented through spaying.
Spaying can also decrease the risk of female Pits developing tumors in their breasts. However, some disadvantages of this procedure include an increased risk of obesity and urinary incontinence.
While it is important for all Pitbulls, male and female, to have a proper diet, this becomes even more important for spayed dogs because of their slower metabolism.
Knowing how much food to give your Pitbull will help your dog stay in tip-top health condition.
With Other Dogs and Pets
Male Pitbulls
Male Pitbulls tend to be more sociable and friendlier with other dogs compared to their female counterparts. However, intact or unneutered males may try to assert their dominance over other males, causing some aggressive behavior.
Asserting dominance can manifest as showing hostility and marking their territory around other dogs. Fortunately, the issue of aggression can be avoided with proper obedience training and early socialization.
Despite the history of Pitbulls being bred to fight, they can live amongst other animals and be friends with them. Of course, this is as long as they are trained and socialized as puppies.
That said, it is still wise to keep an eye on your male Pit when playing with pets like cats and other smaller animals because there is a chance that they see them as prey and may cause some harm.
Female Pitbulls
In contrast to male Pits, females are less likely to assert their dominance over other dogs they meet. At the same time, they also tend to be less friendly. They may, for example, play with their owner in the park instead of other dogs.
Keep in mind that it is still possible for them to become agitated by loud noises and make unpredictable movements. Hence, it is important to keep them on a leash and supervise them as they play outside.
If you have other dogs in the house, you might notice that a female Pit will get along better with your male dogs rather than other female dogs. This is usually associated with them being jealous of other females.
As with male Pits, behavior training and early socialization are essential for female Pits. This ensures they grow up as happy and good-natured pooches, especially around other dogs and pets.
With Children
Male Pitbulls
Pitbulls, in general, are great pets for families with children because of their affectionate and goofy nature. Male Pitbulls are more favored around them since they are usually more playful than female Pitbulls.
However, while they make great playmates, it is still necessary to monitor your male Pit while they’re with your kids. Keep in mind that accidents can still happen, especially with the big and heavy bodies of Pitbulls.
It is also important to teach children how to interact with Pitbulls in a way that they won’t cause any anxiety or agitation to your pet.
Children would need to know that pulling tails and ears can cause a Pitbull to snap at them. Likewise, disturbing them while they eat or sleep can result in some aggressive behavior.
Nonetheless, with proper housetraining and socialization, male Pitbulls are definitely great companions for families with kids.
Female Pitbulls
Female Pitbulls are also good with kids since they are also gentle and loving. However, compared with their male counterparts, they are usually calmer and more cautious around kids.
Females also bond very closely with specific members of the household. If you have kids, it is highly likely that they will be your Pitbull’s favorite people.
Because of this, your female Pitbull may insist on sleeping in the same room as them. If properly trained, your female Pitbull may even act as a nanny to your kids!
However, if your female Pit is intact, it can display maternal instincts around children. This means they can be overprotective at times or may try to discipline your children.
In a nutshell, female Pits may be better companions for kids. However, it is important to introduce them early on. It is also crucial to still keep an eye on children when they’re playing with your Pitbull.
Pros and Cons of Male and Female Pitbulls
Male Pitbulls
Having a male Pitbull usually means you have a confident, fun-loving, and affectionate pooch. They can be great pets for owners who love socializing and making new friends because they are very friendly.
At the same time, male Pits are great at protecting the whole family or your house rather than protecting one specific person only.
This is because they can form bonds with all family members. They are great playmates for kids, too.
A disadvantage, however, is that they are a bit harder to train as puppies because of their high energy and mischievousness. In addition, they can also be aggressive and more prone to territory marking.
Compared to females, male Pits are often less neat and can be rowdier. Their bigger size can also make them prone to damaging things around the house.
Below is a summary of the pros and cons of owning a male Pitbull:
| Pros | Cons |
| Confident, playful, smart | Can be aggressive toward other dogs |
| Friendlier, less suspicious of strangers | Distractible, harder to train as a puppy |
| Good guard dog for the whole family | More aggressive during feeding |
| Bonds with all family members | Tend to be more stubborn |
| More playful with children | Less clean and neat |
Female Pitbulls
Like male Pits, females also make fantastic pets. They are also loving, loyal, and energetic, although to a lesser degree. Owners who prefer a calmer Pitbull will do well with a female Pit.
They can be a great companion for single owners since they are great at protecting individuals — rather than a whole family — and demand less attention than male Pits.
Also, if there are other pets in the household, especially other male dogs, female Pits are more likely to get along well with them.
On the other hand, female Pits are more wary and shy around strangers. Hence, they may want to be on their own from time to time. They can also get jealous and hostile around other female dogs.
When they are in heat or pregnant, they can also be moodier and show some aggression, although not as much as males. They can also be more agitated and easier to snap at people when triggered.
Summarized below are the pros and cons of owning a female Pitbull:
| Pros | Cons |
| Confident, smart, affectionate | More cautious of strangers |
| Calmer and easier to train as a puppy | Less playful and energetic |
| Less demanding of attention | May have a favorite family member, less likely to bond with everyone |
| Great at protecting an individual | Gets jealous of other female dogs |
| Less aggressive during feeding | May be aggressive during the estrus cycle |
| Usually less stubborn | Tends to need space and alone time |
Should You Get a Male or Female Pitbull?
Overall, Pitbulls can make wonderful pets because they are fiercely loyal, loving, goofy, and energetic. Choosing between a male and a female Pit highly depends on your preferences and lifestyle.
However, remember that no two dogs are alike, and although we know the usual traits of males and females, your dog’s personality and traits still depend on many factors.
If you want a bigger Pitbull that is more muscular, then a male Pitbull is the better choice. But if you prefer a more slender Pitbull, you should go with a female Pit.
If you have kids at home who like to play with their pet dog, a male Pitbull will most likely be a good fit for your family. On the other hand, those who want a calm and more independent pooch can go for a female Pit.
These are just some of the factors to consider when deciding between a male and a female Pitbull. If you plan on having your own Pit, you should do your own research and consider your personal preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Male or Female Pitbulls Calmer?
While it is hard to be sure of the temperament of a dog, between a male and female Pitbull, the latter tends to be calmer and less aggressive. Keep in mind, however, that this still depends on the environment and training of the Pitbull.
In addition, this doesn’t mean that all males are aggressive and all females are calm. Female Pits can also be agitated, especially when they are in heat or pregnant.
Are Male or Female Pitbulls More Affectionate?
Male Pitbulls are usually more affectionate compared to female Pitbulls. This is because they often love to play and bond with humans. Females are also affectionate but not as much as males.
Are Male or Female Pitbulls Easier to Train?
Since female Pits mature at an earlier age than males, they are typically easier to train as puppies. Their calmer and less distractible nature also makes them more amenable to training, in contrast to the fun-loving male Pits.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, there are various differences we commonly see between male Pitbulls and female Pitbulls. Hopefully, by now, you have an idea of which one is a better fit for you and your lifestyle.
Despite the misconception that Pitbulls are vicious and dangerous dogs, there are still a lot of dog lovers who want them as pets, and for a good reason! These dogs are charming, affectionate, fun-loving, loyal, and highly trainable.
They are also generally healthy dogs, given the right care, nutrition, and training. As with any dog, the amount of time and attention you give them determines their behavior and relationship with you.
Please leave a comment if you have decided on which Pitbull to get. Any insights and tips about male and female Pitbulls are welcome in the comments below!
