General Description
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a strong and powerful dog that has a stocky, muscular body. The breed’s burly neck is thickly muscled and graduates into a well-sprung, deep chest. His athletic body is stout and he is extremely agile. American Pit Bull Terriers have a broad, brick-like head that features a commanding set of jaws. Their teeth close in a scissors bite. The tail should be tapered, and docked tails aren’t acceptable by the UKC or the ADBA. The breed’s ears are cropped, and their round eyes vary in color. American Pit Bull Terriers have a glossy, thick, short-haired coat that exists in a variety of colors.Natural ears are allowed in shows, and are actually preferred according to the standard.
Character
American Pit Bull Terriers are believed to possess more human-like qualities than any other breed. They have a natural propensity to be aggressive towards animals and other dogs, but they are not aggressive towards people or their families. If properly socialized and trained, an American Pit Bull Terrier will be kind and gentle with other animals, dogs, and pets. The breed is an excellent companion dog, as they are extremely affectionate, loyal, and kind-natured. They are a type of dog that aims to please, and they are almost always extraordinarily obedient. American Pit Bull Terriers are tenacious, loyal, and protective of their owners. If they feel as though their family is being threatened, they will fight to the death. They are very friendly, but aren’t recommended for most people. The breed requires a certain type of owner, and they shouldn’t be left unattended with unfamiliar children. American Pit Bull Terriers receive a bad name from breeders who choose to promote their fighting instincts. No breed of dog should be left unattended with children, familiar or unfamiliar.
pit bulls are not bad dogs. don't be afraid of them! they are very sweet and very intelligent. as a matter of fact, almost as smart as a border collie. pit bulls are not unpridictable or vicious.
Size
18 – 22 inches18-30 inches
Weight
22 – 110 pounds The TRUE American Pit Bull Terrier should weigh less than 60 lbs. This breed has been changed so much. People are breeding them with Bulldogs and Mastiffs to create dogs that weigh 100 lbs and have 32 inch heads. So remember, any Pit that weighs over 60 lbs is NOT a true American Pit Bull terrier!
General Health
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a comparatively healthy breed. Some known concerns include hip dysplasia, cataracts, allergies, and congenital heart disease. American Pit Bull Terriers typically live for approximately 12 years. They average 5 to 10 puppies per litter.As short-nosed dogs, breathing can sometimes become an issue in hot weather, where they overheat quicker than longer nosed breeds.
History
American Pit Bull Terriers were originally a fighting dog. The breed was developed from the Bull and Terrier types of years past. American Pit Bull Terriers have an irrefutable history of pit-fighting. Some argue that the American Pit Bull Terrier is the original bulldog. Although American Pit Bull Terriers make very loving companions, this breed has gotten a bad wave of press from the media. It’s important for people to be aware that many of the news stories (like attacks involving “Pit Bulls”) are performed by ill-bred, mixed dogs that are a different breed altogether. The American Pit Bull Terrier is an excellent companion dog and excels in many different canine talents and abilities. Few breeders are able to list characteristics (besides bloodline) that distinguish the American Pit Bull Terrier from the American Staffordshire Terrier. For this reason, many dogs of these breeds are dual registered as Amstaffs with the AKC and Pit Bulls with the UKC.Maintenance
American Pit Bull Terriers have a short coat that is easy to groom and maintain. A regular brushing and dry shampoo are all that is necessary. Rubbing the coat of this breed with a cloth will add a glossy sheen. This breed is an average shedder.Ideal Environment
American Pit Bull Terriers can live in a small household or apartment if they are sufficiently exercised. This breed is very active indoors and prefers warm temperature climates.
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love
These are the most wonderful beautiful and strongest dogs ever. I own four 2 girls and 2 boys i love how apbt are built and the loyalty these dogs have for their owners is fenomial my two year old loves to go out side and play or just take a nap with her puppies even if they are bigger that her. I love this breed and my dogs with everything that i have and if there is any one who has anything negative to say about a dog just because of their breed then they are just ignorant and plain dumb.
Pros: Greatest dog breed ever! trusting caring passionate brave and just awesome
Cons: none bad people giving great dogs bad names
Three Fools
I own three APBTs who are the loves of my life. They're amazing dogs and complete clowns. The oldest is a therapy dog at the nursing home and the middle dog is the top of his class in obediance school. The youngest is still getting started. They are great dogs and I will never own another breed.
Pros: Very loving with people and especially children. Loyal, brave and always ready for a good long hike in the woods.
Cons: Dog aggression and extreme escape ability when it comes to yards.
wonderful i could go on and on
they are great dogs for young and old with kids or with out. My husband and i have been breeding quailty apbt for a little while and we are just head over heals for the breed any one i have talked to once you own one you will never go to another breed. one thing is they need such good owners that will put the time in to educate the public when they are out with there dog so others can learn how wonderfull the breed is. Helen Keller owned one and many presidents. also one of the only dogs to get a war ribbon was a apbt and he was owned by a general pretty cool huh we have some good info on our page with some good links at www.americandreamkennels.com
Pros: great with kids and high tolerance to pain so tail pulls and steps on feet from kids doesnt faze them.very loyal,playful,and with forever show you as much love as you can handle
Cons: can be dog aggressive but with proper socilaztion from a puppy on up and trips to pet smart there will be no problem
My family pets
I rescued a male and female pit bull from my local shelter. Everyone told me I was crazy because the dogs were grown and they would turn on me. My husband picked the male up first and I returned in the car to get the female she hoped right in the front seat like she'd known me forever. I fell in love with them the first time I looked into their eyes. We've had our pits for almost a year now and they're part of our family and about 3 weeks ago my female gave birth to 7 healthy puppies. I'm so glad that i went to the shelter that day and adopted 2 new members to our family. I want to encourage people to go to their nearest animal shelter and adopt a new member to your family.
Pros: Loyal, brave,wonderful with kids, playful and alot of fun
Cons: No cons they're a wonderful breed of dogs they're a family pet just like any other dog
Lexi girl
my niece brought her home last year when she was 6 weeks old and i was freaked out and did not want her. I was afraid she would kill our other dog when she got older. BOY WAS I MIS-GUIDED ABOUT THIS BREED OF DOG!!!!. She has been nothing but an absolute joy to our family. She's a little spoiled (my fault) and cries when she dont get her way...lol...but i would never trade her for the world. She has been nothing but a delight for our whole family and always tries to please us. The only problem she and I ever have with eachother is who gets more of the bed at night!!!!. shes great with my boys and loves to run and if there is a stranger knocking on the door she runs right up to me and wont leave me be with them until i invite them in then when she knows im comfortable with them she'll love them up too. I, like so many others were wrong about this breed and feel everyone should own a pit. We would be lost without her now that we have her and I finally tell my niece that I was blessed the day she dropped her off my door!!!!!
Pros: always so loving and playful and very loyal to our family
Cons: our other dog is a collie mix and she loves him to death definately her best bud but toward other dogs she is dog aggresive