Gifts for pit bull lovers: tough toys, strong-dog gear and more

Probably none: Goughnuts and West Paw both say no dog toy is indestructible, and KONG labels the Extreme for supervised use only. What helps is buying toys their makers rate for power or tough chewers and going up a size, since KONG says power chewers may need to size up one or two sizes. Replacement policies soften the cost: Goughnuts replaces a ring once the dog reaches the red safety layer, and West Paw replaces a damaged Hurley once.

Indirectly. Best Friends Animal Society notes that many rental insurance companies won’t cover pit bulls or dogs who look like them, and it suggests owners bring a pet résumé, references from their vet, past landlords and neighbors, and renters insurance with pet liability coverage. The ASPCA has helped pass laws in Nevada, New York and Colorado that bar insurers from denying coverage by breed. A good-manners class, such as the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen program, which is open to all dogs, gives them something positive to add to that résumé.

Some do. PetMD notes that some pit bull terriers may benefit from a coat because their very short hair doesn’t provide insulation. Fit matters as much as warmth: PetMD suggests a coat that is neither too snug nor too loose, and checking the neck and armpits for rubbing. A jacket with leash portals, like the Ruffwear Powder Hound, lets them keep the dog in its harness.

PetMD’s vets say pit bulls have a high energy level and usually need at least 45 minutes to an hour of exercise and play a day. A flirt pole packs a lot of running into a short session, and a stuffed, frozen KONG gives the dog mental work on days when walks are short. Watch the treats, too: PetMD lists obesity among the breed’s common health problems.