Pitbulls are well-known for their speed, strength, and agility. They make great guardians and are known for their bravery and loyalty. The max speed of a well-trained Pitbull is quite impressive, ranging from 25-30 miles/40-48 kilometers per hour. But can they outrun other dogs or even humans? How much stamina do Pitbulls have? In this article, we will explore these questions and more to get a better understanding of these amazing dogs.
Firstly, let’s define what a Pitbull is. The definition of a Pitbull is a bit of a gray area, as it depends on who you’re asking. The UKC officially categorizes the American Pitbull terrier as a breed, while other esteemed clubs like the AKC use the term Pitbull to describe various dog breeds that “look like” Pitbulls. Essentially, if a dog is fast, strong, and has a square-shaped head, fleshy nose, and larger-than-average eyes, it will likely be called a Pitbull. Common breeds that are often categorized as Pitbulls include American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and American Bulldogs.
But why are they called Pitbulls in the first place? The word “Pitbull” dates back to the early 19th century, when bull baiting was gaining momentum in the British Isles. Bull baiting was a barbaric and inhumane “sport” where a bull or a bear was chained to a stake and set upon by groups of dogs. The dogs used in these events were English Bulldogs and terriers, and the dogs that managed to “pin” the bear/bull were called Pitbulls. Although bull baiting was banned in 1835, we still use this term to describe dogs with similar attributes and traits.
Now, let’s talk about how fast Pitbulls can run. On average, Pitbulls can run as fast as 25-30 miles per hour (40-48 kilometers per hour), making them among the fastest canines on the planet. By mating terriers with bulldogs, dogfighting clubs managed to create a tough, speedy new breed, and the genes are still there. Modern-day Pitbulls are just as muscular and strong as their ancestors, and their speed is just as impressive.
But how do Pitbulls compare to other breeds? Most dogs can cover 15-20 miles per hour, but the fastest dogs can speed up to 25-45 miles per hour. Greyhounds, the Saluki, and other lightning-fast dogs are among the fastest canines. Compared to greyhounds, Pitbulls aren’t nearly as fast, but they can still run at impressive speeds, which is why they’re often used in hunting.
Can Pitbulls outrun humans or other animals? Humans can run at an average speed of 5-10 miles per hour, whereas rabbits and deer can run at 25-30 miles per hour. While a healthy, well-trained Pitbull can outrun a human, they have about the same speed as rabbits and deer. Pitbulls can even keep up with a bike (depending on how fast you go) and will be able to stick close for at least 20-30 minutes.
How much stamina do Pitbulls have? Expect a healthy Pitbull to slow down after one mile of top-speed running. This is equivalent to a 30-40 minute run. However, when running at a speed of 13-15 mph, Pitbulls can go on for 2-7 miles. It’s important not to push these dogs to their limit unless absolutely necessary. If you notice that a Pitbull is starting to lag, slow down and give them time to rest.
In conclusion, Pitbulls are amazing dogs with impressive speed, strength, and agility. They make great guardians, hunters, and even service animals. While they may have a bit of a scary reputation, they deserve just as much love and affection as any other breed. By understanding their capabilities and limitations, we can appreciate them even more. Whether you’re jogging, hunting, or just spending time with your furry friend, Pitbulls are always up for the challenge.
