All Dogs Welcome

18 - 22 inches 

*35 - 60 pounds 

square and muscular 

short and smooth 

any

Round and dark, usually black.

When natural are of medium length and flopped at the midline, but are often cropped to a point by breeders or owners.

medium length and tapered to a point 

*APBT's average 35 - 60 pounds.  However they can actually range up to 110 pounds.  But this is not the norm and is generally the result of another breed being mixed into the line.

The body of the American Pit Bull Terrier is square, broad and muscular. The head is broad, brick-like and well muscled. The eyes are round and generally black although any color except blue is acceptable.  The neck is also thick and muscular leading to a broad and deep chest.  The entire body is well defined in its musculature and should be slightly longer than the height of the dog.  The tail is naturally of medium length and tapers to a point but is often docked by the owners or breeders.  Likewise the ears are naturally of medium length and flopped over but are often cropped.
The appearance of American Pit Bull Terriers displays confidence, intelligence, curiosity and affection.

The APBT is known to be extremely loyal to family and friends and extremely friendly with strangers.  The American Temperament Testing Society rated this breed with a score of 86% on the positive temperament scale.
Given their history of ratting and livestock herding these dogs exhibit a strong tendency to chase and seize cats and other fleeing animals. They may also exhibit aggression toward other dogs, particularly those of the same sex.
This breed exhibits a strong desire to please. They are also known to exhibit tremendous emotions toward and connections to their humans.  They are affectionate, good natured, amusing,  intelligent and obedient.  They are good with both adults and children.  However this breed instinctively senses when it's owners or property are in jeopardy and will display fearlessness and great courage in protecting those to whom it is loyal.

While the APBT is capable of being very calm and quiet it should be exercised daily.  Long walks will help and a good run is even better.  These dogs will fetch and frolic like most terriers.  Physical exercise is also good mental stimulation for all dogs.  Remember, the ground is their newspaper - how they know what's going on in the neighborhood.  It's important for them to have all of the stimulation their senses require.  Adequate exercise and mental stimulation helps all high energy breeds avoid becoming bored, frustrated or destructive.
These dogs excel at agility, weight pulling, flyball, lure coursing and other canine sports.
The APBT requires very little in the way of grooming.  An occasional brushing and regular baths are sufficient.  If the dog is regularly walked on hardtop surface it may not even need its nails clipped.

American Pit Bull Terriers are one of the longest living large breeds, on average 12 to 14 years. They are inclined to allergies and cataracts and have a higher than average incidence of hip displasia and patella problems.  Thyroid problems and congenital heart defects have also been observed in this breed.

Several countries, twelve at last count, have enacted breed specific legislation regarding pit bull type dogs.  These laws vary from restricting owners and living situations to outright bans.  Many planned communities also have restrictions against these breeds.  Be sure to find out if the area or community in which you live has enacted any legislation before considering an APBT as a pet.
The American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) and the American Pit Bull Terrier are very similar breeds.  For awhile APBT owners evaded the breed specific laws by claiming their dog was actually an AmStaff.  Both breeds are now considered 'pit bull types' or 'bully breeds' that are covered under the breed specific regulations.
Not all kennel clubs and SPCA's recognize these as separate breeds.

Pit fighting was developed as an afterthought to ratting.  Ratting was a sport that came into play when using the dogs as bait to attract bear was deemed inhumane.  Ratting involved putting a number of rats into a pit with the dogs for a predetermined length of time.  The strongest and most athletic dogs caught and killed the rats.  The dogs also fought each other to get the rats, thus the inception of pit fighting.

APBT dogs were utilized during WW I and WW II to deliver messages on the battlefield.

More American Pit Bull Terriers have earned the UKC's 'superdog' status than any other breed.  'Superdog' status is achieved by earning championships in obedience, weight pull, agility, and conformation.

American Pit Bull Terriers should be owned by someone who will establish themselves as the pack leader, be willing to put in the time to train and socialize the animal and will provide the necessary exercise.  It is important that large breed dogs not be allowed to deem themselves the pack leader.
APBT's can live comfortably in an apartment as long as adequate exercise and stimulation are provided.

The stock breeds for the APBT were bulldogs and terriers.  These breeds were intentionally cross bred in the UK during the nineteenth century.  The intention was to develop a breed that displayed the energy and determination of a terrier coupled with the strength and athleticism of the bulldog.
The offspring of this cross breeding were brought to the United States where careful breeding created the APBT.  These dogs were originally developed to be guard dogs, bait bulls and bears and even as companions.  Unfortunately they are most notorious for pit fighting, the activity for which they became named.  Pit fighting is now illegal.

CKC, Mastiff Group
UKC, Terrier Group

ADBA, ACR, APBR, APRI, BBC, CKC, DRA, NAPDR, UKC, NKC,   PBFSA