Pitbulls are no doubt one of the most misunderstood dog breeds. They are muscular, athletic, and stout. Even though they have a bad reputation, they are sweet and loyal dogs that make excellent family companions when raised properly and in a good dog owner’s hands, which is true with any dog breed. Given their strong physique, they can jump pretty well, which may be intimidating, especially if they are jumping on you to say hi. So, how high can they jump? A typical Pitbull can jump 4 to 5 feet with no problem, and some may be able to jump even higher.
Read on to learn more about the Pitbull’s jumping abilities and how you can keep them safe on your property and with others.
How High Can a Pitbull Jump?
Jumping is a Pitbull skill, and sometimes, this skill can be undesirable, especially if you’re worried about your Pitbull jumping the fence in your backyard. Not all Pitties will jump a fence, but some may not have the ability to control the urge if there is something that piques their interest on the other side. That said, ensure the fence is at least 6 inches in height for the best protection against your Pitbull jumping the fence. If you have a chain-link or some other style of fence that is not at least 6 inches, you’ll want to replace the fence for safety if possible, especially if your Pitbull is a jumper.
Remember when we said some Pitbulls can jump even higher than 4 to 5 feet? Well, a Pitbull holds the world record for canine vertical wall climbing, climbing a height of 13 feet. Pitbulls have short but very strong legs, which enables them to jump great heights if the urge strikes. However, on average, a Pittie can jump 4 to 5 feet, but a professionally trained Pittie can scale 10 to 13 feet.
Below, we’ve created a comparison chart of other dog breeds so you can put their jumping abilities into perspective.
| Pitbull | 4–5 feet |
| Great Dane | 2–5 feet |
| Rottweiler | 3–4 feet |
| Greyhound | 5–6 feet |
| Doberman Pinscher | Up to 6 feet |
| Golden Retriever | Up to 6 feet |
| Border Collie | Up to 6 feet |
Why Do Pitbulls Jump Fences?
Why Do Pitbulls Jump Fences?If you’re concerned about your Pitbull jumping the fence or are having behavioral problems with your Pittie jumping on people when they come to your home, don’t fret, as you can train them not to engage in this behavior. But first, it’s essential to determine why your Pitbull loves to jump to aid in the training process. Here are possible reasons:
1. Boredom
A bored Pitbull, or any bored canine for that matter, can get into mischief if not exercised, both mentally and physically. A rule of thumb to remember is a mentally and physically stimulated dog is a happy dog. That said, your Pittie will more than likely have no desire to jump the fence if he is tired.
Take your Pittie on walks each day or engage him in a game of fetch. In case of rain or bad weather, play with your Pittie indoors with his favorite toy.
2. Anxiety or Fear
Some dogs are fearful of unexpected noises, such as fireworks, thunder, children yelling while playing, and other similar factors. If your Pittie has been known to jump the fence, ensure you keep him inside during such events if possible.
3. Hunting Instincts
Some Pitbulls have a strong prey drive, but some do not. If yours does, he may jump the fence hunting a rodent, bird, or some other animal. When a dog is in hunting mode, there is no stopping him, making a 6-foot-high fence essential during these unexpected events.
4. Mating/New Friends
If your Pitbull is intact, you may have an issue if your female Pittie is in heat or your male smells a female on heat. Having your Pit spayed/neutered is an excellent way to curb this desire, and it also provides other health benefits, such as eliminating the chance of developing cancer.
Pitties love the company of other dogs, and your Pit may see another dog and simply want to say hello. Having another dog for company can help your Pitbull have less of a desire to meet other dogs, and if adding another dog is out of the question, ensure you socialize your Pitbull to get him used to seeing other dogs.
How to Prevent Your Pitbull From Jumping Fences
1. Ensure the Fence is at least 6 feet high
Most chain-link fences average 4 feet high, which a Pitbull can easily jump. If you have a chain-link fence, consider replacing it with a more secure, 6-foot high fence, preferably a privacy fence so your Pit cannot see other dogs on the other side.
2. Install an Electric Fence
If you cannot install a privacy fence due to funds or neighborhood restrictions, consider an electric fence. Training takes time and patience, but with perseverance, you can train your Pit not to charge the fence.
3. Distract the Behavior
An effective way to keep your Pit from jumping the fence is to create a distraction. A Pitbull allowed to bark, leap, and charge the fence will be more prone to jumping the fence. Try distracting these behaviors with a toy or bring your Pittie inside—bringing him inside will teach him this is unacceptable behavior and will aid in the training process.
4. Keep Your Pit Exercised
Keeping your Pittie exercised is important for his overall health and to prevent unwanted behaviors, such as jumping fences. Be sure to take your Pit on daily walks and engage in games of fetch or tug-of-war with his favorite toy.
- Related Read: How Fast Can Pitbulls Run?
Summary
Pitbulls have excellent jumping abilities, which makes having the correct type of fence crucial, as well as behavioral training you can do at home. Remember to distract your Pittie if he charges the fence, and ensure your fence is at least 6 feet high.
If you have a chain link or some other type of fence shorter than 6 feet, consider using an electric fence as an extra safety measure.
- See Also: When Does a Pitbull Go into Heat
Featured Image Credit: Magnus Ronding, Shutterstock
