How to Groom a Pitbull

"Pit bull" is a term used to reference several of the so-called "bully breeds," usually the American pit bull terrier, the American Staffordshire terrier and the Staffordshire bull terrier, and sometimes the American bulldog and the bull terrier. These breeds share physical characteristics, most notably the deep chest, good-natured face and smooth, short-haired coat that's easy to care for. But remember, bathing and brushing the coat are only part of a pit bull's grooming regimen. Eyes, ears, teeth and toenails all need attention, too.

Things You'll Need

  • Short-bristled brush or de-shedding tool
  • Dog shampoo
  • Facecloth
  • Eye drops or eye wipes
  • Anti-bacterial ear wash
  • Cotton ball
  • Nail clippers or grinder
  • Dog toothbrush or cotton gauze
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Instructions

  1. Brushing

    • 1

      Lift your pit bull onto a grooming table, counter or other elevated surface. Talk cheerfully to your dog, so it knows a pleasant experience is forthcoming.

    • 2

      Allow your pit bull to see and sniff the brush or de-shedding tool before you begin. Never startle a dog by abruptly brushing without warning.

    • 3

      Brush your pit bull's coat, stroking the brush against the direction of the hair. Brush vigorously to loosen hair and dander and stimulate the skin, but not so vigorously that you hurt your dog. Take special care around the sensitive belly area. Lift your pit bull off the table and offer a treat.

    Bathing

    • 4

      Lift your pit bull into a bathtub. Close the bathroom door so you don't end up chasing a wet, soapy dog all over your home.

    • 5

      Wet your pit bull's coat thoroughly, using a spray attachment on the shower head or a plastic cup. Wet the neck, flanks, belly and tail, but not the ears. As soon as you wet the ears, the dog will shake, drenching you and everything else in the bathroom.

    • 6

      Drizzle dog shampoo on your dog's coat and work it into a lather. Rinse, holding its head up so shampoo does not get into its eyes. Rinse again. Shampoo left in a dog's coat will irritate the skin, so make sure you get all the lather out.

    • 7

      Lift your pit bull out of the tub and rub dry with towels. Offer a treat.

    Ears and Eyes

    • 8

      Wet a facecloth and wash your pit bull's face. Getting the face and ears wet is usually the most unpleasant part of bathing for a dog. Your pit bull will appreciate the out-of-tub treatment.

    • 9

      Tilt your pit bull's head back and place two or three drops of eye drops in each eye. Any over-the-counter eye-wetting agent sold for humans is fine. If you prefer, you can use eye wipes available at any pet supply store.

    • 10

      Grasp your pit bull's ear between your thumb and forefinger so it creates a pouch. Be gentle; dog's ears are sensitive, especially if the ears have been cropped, which is the case with many pit bulls.

    • 11

      Squirt ear wash into your pit bull's ear. Five to 10 drops is usually enough. Fold its ear over and gently massage the ear canal for 10 seconds. Release the ear and clean it with a cotton ball. Repeat with the other ear.

    Teeth and Toes

    • 12

      Squirt dog toothpaste onto a toothbrush. Do not use human toothpaste.

    • 13

      Lift your pit bull's jowl with your thumb, exposing the teeth.

    • 14

      Brush its teeth with the toothbrush, getting as far down to the gum line as you can. If your pit bull is not used to this treatment and protests, wrap wet cotton gauze around your finger, squirt some dog toothpaste on it, and rub the gauze over your dog's teeth and gums.

    • 15

      Grasp a paw in your hand and hold it up to a light. If your dog has light-colored nails, you should be able to identify the pinkish "quick" or core of the nail. Many pit bulls have black toenails; proceed with care when trimming these nails.

    • 16

      Cut a little bit of the nail, taking care not to cut the quick, which will cause pain and bleeding. Continue making small cuts until the nail is even with the pad of the foot. Repeat with the other three paws. Offer another treat.