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The Canine Chronicles Directory
American Pit Bull Terrier
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized, solidly built, well-defined dog.
They are both powerful and athletic. The wedge-shaped head is medium in length with
a broad, flat skull and a wide, deep muzzle. The lower jaw is well developed and
strong. The nose is large and can be any color. The eyes can be any color except
blue and are set low. The ears are small to medium in size, set high on the head
and can be natural or cropped. This breed has muscular hindquarters and a deep chest.
The body is slightly longer than it is tall. The tail is relatively short, thick
at the base and tapers to a point. The coat of the American Pit Bull Terrier is
thick and short with shiny hair. They should not be more than 80% white. This breed
comes in all colors and color patterns. They combine strength and athleticism with
grace and agility. They are usually smaller than their counterparts, the American
Staffordshire Terrier.
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Temperament
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The American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) is strong, confident and has a zest for life.
They are eager to please and brimming over with enthusiasm. This breed makes an
excellent family companion and has always been well known for their love of children.
Most in this breed exhibit some level of dog aggression and because of its powerful
physique, the APBT requires an owner who will carefully socialize and obedience
train the dog. This breed's natural agility makes it a very capable canine climber
so good fencing is a must. The APBT is not the best choice for a guard dog since
they are extremely friendly, even with strangers. Aggressive behavior towards humans
is uncharacteristic of the breed. This canine does very well in performance events
because of its high level of intelligence and its willingness to work.
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Height, Weight
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Height: 18-22"
Male Weight: 35-60 lbs. ; Female Weight: 30-50 lbs.
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Health Problems
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Generally a healthy breed, some are prone to hip dysplasia, hereditary cataracts,
allergies to grass and congenital heart disease.
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Living Conditions
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This breed will do okay living in an apartment as long as it sufficiently exercised.
They will do fine without a yard as long as they get enough exercise.
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Exercise
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This breed requires lots of exercise and/or long daily walks.
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Life Expectancy
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About 12 years
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Grooming
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The APBT is easy to groom. Brush regularly with a firm bristle brush and bathe when
necessary. Rubbing the short-haired coat with a towel will make the coat gleam.
They are average shedders.
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Origin
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American Pit Bull Terriers were originally working dogs who drove cattle and guarded
their masters' property. At one time, this breed was used in the grueling sport
of bull baiting. This sport was outlawed in England in 1835. Originally bred from
a variety of bulldogs and terriers, American breeders increased his weight and gave
him a more powerful head. The Pit Bull was used to represent the US in WWI artwork;
popular companies like RCA and the Buster Brown Shoe Company used the breed as their
mascots. A Pit Bull name Petie starred in the popular children's television series,
Our Gang. At one time, the Pit Bull was a much loved and trustworthy companion.
People who chose to train these dogs to fight are chiefly responsible for the banning
of this breed that has been sweeping the US. The AKC will only register this breed
as American Staffordshire Terriers. The UKC and the American Dog Breeders Association
allow registrations with the name American Pit Bull Terrier.
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Group
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Terrier
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