American Pit Bull Terrier

The American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) is a breed of dog in the terrier group, one of several breeds loosely classified as pit bulls. These dogs are known for their strength, loyalty, and “gameness,� or tenacity. more...

Many young (predominantly male) people purchase them on the grounds of wanting a 'tough dog', which often ends up maltrained and in poor health. Due to bad publicity caused by these irresponsible owners, people unfamilar with the dogs often consider them a scary dog and may even avoid walking near them. However, it is widely acknowledged that the problems that people associate with the breed, mainly aggression, are most likely due to many people having bred them specifically for fighting, having abused them, or both.

Appearance

The APBT is the midsized breed of the three generally referred to as pit bulls (see also American Staffordshire Terrier (AST) and Staffordshire Bull Terrier (SBT)). Males should weigh 35 to 65 pounds (16 to 29 kg), females 30 to 60 pounds (16 to 27 kg), with height being proportional. The coat is short, single layered, and stiff but glossy. Any color is accepted and dogs may either have patches or be solid. All eye colors are accepted except blue. Ears are rose or semipricked, and may be cropped, although uncropped is preferred. The tail is short and tapering. The body is solidly built and muscular, with a wide chest. The head is wedge shaped with some slight forehead wrinkles.

Confusion among Pit Bull breeds

The three “pit bull� breeds all have nearly identical standards, with only the acceptable sizes and colors varying. Also, the AST and the APBT have the same heritage. Many people still consider them to be simply different types of the same breed. Dogs registered with the AKC as an AST are often dual registered with the UKC as an APBT. Adding to the muddle is the fact that many people refer to any dog of these breeds, as well as American Bulldogs, as “pit bulls.�

Temperament and/or characteristics

APBTs can be very sweet, curious, and clownish. As typical with many in the terrier family, they can also be stubborn and pushy. They are noted for their outgoing, affectionate, and playful disposition and their fondness for people, even children, and can make a wonderful family pet. The American Temperament Test Society, Inc. breed statistics as of December 2004 show an 83.4% passing rate for the APBT as compared to an 81% overall pass rate. However, a firm, even hand and early obedience training are musts for this breed. They are strong dogs for their size and will walk their owners rather than the other way around when on lead and so absolutely must be taught to heel from a young age. APBTs often display some level of dog aggression, especially towards dogs of the same sex or level of assertiveness; because APBT's do not reach maturity until late (at about 2 1/2 years) these tendencies may not always be readily apparent. However, with early socialization and knowing each individual dog's limits, their aggression towards other dogs can be quite easily controlled. (Unbridled aggression towards man is actually a serious and perilous fault.) APBTs are extremely attached to their owners and families and are known for their eagerness to please their masters; once they understand their master's wishes they will do their best to obey. However, inexperienced owners tend to find them to be too much to handle—they are the Tigger of the dog world. Pit bulls typically have a lot of physical and mental energy to expend; they need exercise and stimulation or else they may find a way to occupy themselves. As a breed they are fairly bright.

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