How to Choose the Right Pitbull Puppy for Your Family

Choosing the right American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) puppy is an important and deeply personal decision. This isn’t just a pet you’re bringing home for a few months or years — this is a 12–14 year commitment. The puppy you choose will grow into a family member who will share your daily life, adapt to your routines, and become a part of your home for over a decade. At Leland APBTS, we believe that selecting the right puppy goes far beyond coat color or markings. It’s about matching temperament, energy levels, and personality to your family’s lifestyle, values, and needs.

Don’t Choose Based on Looks Alone

While it’s tempting to fall in love with a particular puppy because of a striking coat pattern or unique facial marking, looks should never be the primary factor in your decision. APBTs come in a variety of colors and styles, and they’re all beautiful in their own way. However, what truly matters in the long run is how well a puppy’s personality matches your household.

Think about your daily routine: Are you an active family that hikes on weekends? Or are you looking for a calm, affectionate companion to lounge at home with you? Some puppies are more confident, others more reserved. Some are naturally high-energy and thrive on daily structure and stimulation, while others are more easygoing and content with a simple walk and some playtime. The way your puppy fits into your family’s rhythm will make all the difference in your long-term relationship.

The Importance of Temperament Testing

At Leland APBTS, we go the extra mile to ensure that each family is matched with a puppy that will thrive in their care. One of the most valuable tools we use is temperament testing, which we conduct on every litter at 7 weeks of age. These tests are performed by a credentialed dog trainer with professional experience assessing puppy behavior.

We use the Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test, which is one of the most widely respected temperament testing methods in the world. It evaluates puppies on traits like:

• Social attraction and confidence

• Sound sensitivity

• Touch sensitivity

• Prey drive and retrieve instinct

• Reaction to new environments

• Response to restraint or stress

• Willingness to follow

These results give us a well-rounded understanding of each puppy’s personality and behavior tendencies before they leave for their new homes.

Matching Puppies with People

Once the test results are in, we sit down with each family to review the findings. We talk through the scores and explain what each test tells us about that puppy’s likely personality and behavior as it matures.

For example, if a puppy scored high in confidence and energy, that pup might be a great match for a family that loves the outdoors, has older kids, or wants a dog that can be trained for performance or sports. On the other hand, a puppy that scored calmer and more reserved might be a better choice for a quieter home, first-time dog owners, or a family with small children.

It’s not about which puppy is “best.” It’s about which puppy is best for YOU.

That’s where our experience comes in. With nearly two decades of breeding and raising APBTs, we have a strong sense of how these early behaviors translate into adult traits. Our goal is to help every puppy thrive — and the best way to do that is by ensuring they go to a home that understands and complements their nature.

Your Role in the Process

When you work with Leland APBTS, we treat the puppy-picking process as a two-way conversation. We’ll ask questions about your lifestyle, your dog experience, your family structure, and what kind of relationship you’re hoping to have with your dog. We take time to understand your goals — whether you’re looking for a jogging partner, a future show dog, a loyal companion, or a confident pet for your kids to grow up with.

Armed with that information and our temperament test results, we help you choose the puppy that best aligns with your needs and energy.

The Result: A Happy, Lifelong Bond

Matching the right puppy to the right home isn’t just about making you happy — it’s also about ensuring that our puppies go on to live safe, fulfilled, and well-adjusted lives. When the right pairing is made, training becomes easier, behavior problems are less likely, and you build a bond that will only deepen over time.

So while color might catch your eye first, it’s the puppy’s heart and mind that should guide your decision.

At Leland APBTS, we’re here to support you through every step of that journey — from selection to placement and beyond. Contact us today to learn more about our available puppies, temperament testing process, and how we can help you find the perfect new family member.