American Pit Bull Terrier Information

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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.

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Natural ears are allowed in shows, and are actually preferred according to the standard.

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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.


This breed has a lot of energy and a lot of daily exercise is necessary to prevent unwanted behavior.

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Size

18 – 22 inches
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Weight

22 – 110 pounds
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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, they tend to overheat quicker than longer nosed breeds. Also, be sure to buy pups/dogs from kennels that OFA screen and CERF clear their dogs. APBT, just like any other breed, are prone to hip and eye problems. They are not immune to such genetic diseases.

The Pit Bull may suffer from allergies. Dog food with lots of preservatives, corn or potatoes may cause allergies.

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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.

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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.


Exercise is very important Pit Bulls. It may be better not to own this breed unless you are planning to do some sort of challenging sport or exercise. Running, Jogging, hiking, swimming, agility, fly ball, weight pull, obedience, something. APBT are meant to work and they enjoy a good task.

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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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Dog Training!

If you're having problems training your dog or getting control, you should read our review of DogProblems.com. Adam will do whatever it takes to help you whip your dog into shape. I've used them to help with my Great Dane as well as help friends train their dogs. It's the first place I go to help answer users Questions. Many training issues are too extensive to answer in this forum, which is why I refer a lot of the load to his site. Update: I've been using and recommending DogProblems for three years now. I, as well as my users, value the techniques we've learned. I get weekly emails from users who have become better owners from the information they received.

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American Pit Bull Terrier Q&A

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I have a female pit bull pup and she had a period in April, a few months ago, and hasn't had another since. Is this normal?

Yes this is completely normal. Dogs go into heat about every 6 months or so. You`ve got nothing to worry about.

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How am I supposed to know when to or what vaccines to give my APBT, which one for monthly and which for annually? I currently give Duramune Max 5 CVK/4L once a month it's an 8 way shot.

as a responsible dog owner, you need to find a trustworthy veterinarian. take your dogs to the vet regularly and follow their advice. a good vet will know everything about all the medications your dog may need.

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when can i expect my female pit bull to go into heat? she's 6 months and she is swollen and bleeding and this happened only after she was in contact with another male dog?

A female dog is in heat as soon as they start bleeding and sometimes they don't bleed that much or you don't notice, but if she is swollen and bleeding then she is in heat, female dogs go into heat usually every 6 months, they don't need to be in contact with a male dog to be in heat. If she is in contact with an intact male, most likely they will mate and she will become pregnant.

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My pit has never had a litter herself but she developes breast milk when ever shes in contact with a kitten or puppy i allowed her to nurse them. Is this ok?

Yes its okay, most female animals will produce milk when a baby animal is around. Its fine for the kitten or the puppy to drink.

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should i have to trim the APBT's tail or not?

No, a Pit Bull is not supposed to have their tail docked or trimed, it is supposed to be tappered.

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Do pit bulls have web feet?

No, Pit Bulls do not have webbed feet.

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We have a 5mos old female APBT. I understand her teething and wanting to chew on something-but how do we get her to only chew on her toys and not EVERYTHING else? She will chew and tear up anything-doesn't matter what it is. Any help would be great!

when she starts chewing on anything other on her toy tell her no! and give her the chew toy instead this should be repeated everytime she tries to chew something shes not suppose to

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I have a one year old Pit bull/American Bulldog mix. She is great with our family, extremely loyal and playful. She was well socialized with people as we have a family of 6 and people are always coming and going. Only recently she has become aggressive/protective, particularly towards men. I'm not sure why this occurred all of a sudden? Any feedback and way to combat this problem would be terrific.

The protective instinct usually applies to one person or a small number. There isn't much you can do. They tend to favor one person.

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Somebody gave me a 2 yr old pit, and she is deaf. How do i get her to stop chasing my cats. I'm worried that my one male cat is seriously going to hurt her.

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my pit bull was spotting blood at 8 months and now she is bleeding in heat for sure at 10 months is this her first heat or was the spotting?

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