What to Look for in a Healthy Pitbull

Over the past few years, pitbulls have gotten a bad and completely false reputation for being a violent and difficult breed to train. But as more pitbull advocacy groups have been educating others on the truth, more people are starting to accept them again. Pitbulls are becoming more popular in the United States, and there are plenty of people that are looking for a sweet pitbull puppy or dog as a pet. 

Picking a pet is like a making any other major purchase; you need to make an informed decision in order to ensure a companion that you'll be happy with. Some people simply see pitbulls for sale and pick out the first dog they think is cute, but judging your potential pet on cuteness alone can lead to problems in the future. If you want a loving and healthy pet, look for these traits when you pick out your pitbull:

Appearance

There's nothing more heartbreaking than adopting a pet, and then realizing that it has a dangerous and difficult medical problem. You don't need to be a trained vet to see signs of health and vigor in a dog, and there are a few telltale signs of health problems that are easy to spot. The dog or puppy's eyes should be clear and clean, they shouldn't look bloodshot, yellow, runny, or very crusty. Their coat should look shiny, and have no missing patches of fur or sores (those can be signs of mange, fleas or other skin problems). Look at their stomachs for signs of extreme swollenness. A little pot belly or some chubbiness is normal on a puppy or dog, but an abnormally large stomach can be a sign of worms. 

Temperament

Judging a dog's usual disposition can be a little tricky. When dogs see potential owners they can get very excited and act a little more rambunctious than usual, so you shouldn't view this enthusiasm as a sign that your dog is going to be constantly bursting with energy. In fact, a happy and excited dog is a good sign that you've picked a pooch that will love spending time with you and your family. What you should look out for are signs of abnormal aggression. A dog that cowers in a corner may be a little shy, but a dog that immediately snaps at you or growls may be too aggressive for your tastes.

General health

Making sure that your chosen dog appears healthy when you see them is easy, but finding out about past health issues that could lead to future problems may require a little digging. Ask if the dog you're interested in has had any past health or dental problems that you should know about. A little infection or cold isn't much to worry about, but if you notice recurring symptoms and visits to the vet, that could be a sign that a dog is prone to certain problems. Also, find out what vaccinations they have already had, and arrange to get them caught up on anything they may need as soon as you adopt them.

Considering Buying a Pitbull? Read these Tips First!

Have you been thinking about getting a dog, but you want a unique one – one that maybe not everyone in the neighborhood will have (we're looking at you, Golden Retrievers)? Pitbulls might be on your list of likely dogs, which is a great thing! These dogs are loving, loyal, and more family-friendly than their big bad reputations would suggest. Owning a pitbull (or any dog for that matter) can be a very rewarding experience, but buying one is not something to be taken lightly. Before you reach out to Iron King Kennels about one of our beautiful pitbulls for sale, take a moment to read our tips.

Tip 1: Consider your lifestyle.

Owning a dog, particularly a puppy, requires a tremendous investment of time, money, and energy. You must be willing to commit to your dog. Do you have the time to walk your dog each day and the patience to socialize him or her by entering into different situations? This is particularly important with energetic pitbull puppies; it is not recommended that you let a pitbull run around off leash with other dogs, particularly unknown dogs, so the dog park might not be an option for getting out all that excess energy. Do you have the financial resources for food, shots, and medical care, as well as money for boarding or a pet-sitter if you travel? Are you willing to be diligent and consistent in training and disciplining your dog? Will you be devastated if your dog destroys your shoes, furniture, or other items? Be honest with yourself!

Tip 2: Be willing to be a breed ambassador

The stigma against pitbulls is a reality in our society. While most people would not be alarmed to see an off-leash golden retriever, Chihuahua, or cocker spaniel running towards them or their child, reactions to pitbulls are entirely different. In the event of an altercation between a pitbull and another dog, most people will assume the pitbull is at fault. By buying a pitbull, you are signing up for the responsibility of training, socializing, and disciplining a dog who arouses suspicion and fear in a lot of people, however unjustly. So you'll need to have energy, patience, and a positive attitude in order to not only train your dog, but win over the skeptics around you. With an obedient, friendly dog at your side, you'll do more to dispel the stigma than any number of advocacy campaigns.

Tip 3: Ask a lot of questions.

What are the local laws where you live about pets in general, and pitbulls in particular? Some cities and towns ban pitbulls; make sure this is not the case where you live! And what about your insurance? Will your homeowner’s or renter’s coverage be in jeopardy if you bring a pitbull into your home? Before you go and pick up your pitbull, do your research!

Hopefully these tips will help you make the right decision when it comes to purchasing one of our pitbulls for sale at Iron King Kennels. Getting any type of dog is a big life event. Make sure that yours turns out well by considering every aspect of your life and adding a dog to the equation. Contact us today at Iron King Kennels for more information: 1- 352-857-9007. 

4 Questions to Ask Yourself before Adopting a Dog

Why are you thinking about adopting a dog? It seems like a pretty obvious question. Dogs are loyal, fun, and playful companions that are a joy to have, but wanting something cute and fun to play with isn't exactly the best reason for wanting a dog. Dogs are more than just fun for us; they also require a lot of work and care to make sure that their needs are being met. It can be tempting to check out pitbull puppies for sale and walk out with the first dog that catches your eye, but that wouldn't be fair to you or them. Before you dedicate yourself to finding a dog, you should make sure that you can answer these important questions that we, at Iron King Kennels, have provided about pet ownership.

Do I know how my family/roommates feel about having a dog?

Whether you're living with your family, a few roommates, or a significant other, you have to take their feelings into consideration before you adopt a dog. If you live with other people, make sure that they're okay with having a dog in the house. See how they would feel about occasionally having to take care of some feedings and walks when you're unable to. A dog can be a great way to teach your children about responsibility, but only if they're ready to handle it. Make sure that your kids understand that they'll be responsible for some feeding, brushing, walking, and other pet responsibilities. If you don't, you could end up caring for the family dog by yourself. 

What do I see myself doing in the next 10-20 years?

A dog is a big commitment, one that you'll have for hopefully a very long time. Before you adopt a dog, imagine how it will fit into your life over the next decade or so. Do you see yourself being able to give them the love and attention they need if you get a new job or have to change your work schedule? If you think you'll be traveling a lot, do you know how your dog will be cared for when you aren't around? If you're planning on doing a lot of moving or traveling, now may not be the best time to bring a dog into your life. All dogs deserve a certain level of stability in their day to day routines, and a constantly missing master or changing environment can give them a lot of stress.

Would I be willing to foster a dog/care for a dog before adopting one?

If you have never owned a dog before, you may want to consider fostering a dog or watching a friend's dog so that you can learn what it's like. You can read a lot about owning a dog, but there's nothing like hands-on experience to teach you. After a few days of taking walks, preparing meals, and entertaining a dog, you can see if ownership is truly right for you.

Can I afford medical care?

If you think that healthcare for humans is pricey, wait until pay for your dog's first round of shots. Dogs need consistent vet care, and a regular checkup with medicine can cost you a few hundred dollars. If you're worried about covering health costs, you should consider getting health insurance for your pet. It can help you cover regular vet costs, and can be very cost effective if your dog needs emergency treatment or coverage for a future health problem.   

Iron King Kennels believes in responsible pet ownership. When people take proper care of their pitbulls, they will get a more obedient and loving companion than they ever imagined. Contact us today if you are interested in one of these loyal pets or if you have any questions about their training or upbringing. We are happy to help!