American Pit Bull Terrier
Country/Date of Origin: United States/1800s
The ancestors of this breed were brought to the United States by Irish immigrants in the mid 1800s. The breed was descended from the English "Bull and Terrier," which was already a cross of the original English bulldog (they did not look like today's bulldog -- it did not have acrondoplasty as does today's bulldog, which was developed for the show ring in the 1890s) and various English terriers, including the English white terrier, now extinct, and the black and tan terrier. Staffordshire Bull Terriers have basically the same origin as the APBT (and the Boston Terrier is closely related). They were bred specifically for dog-fighting, which was outlawed in most states in the early 1900s. Although the APBT is often associated today with aggressiveness, many people will also remember Petie, the dog of the Little Rascals, an APBT. Careful breeding, accurate training and loving care are important elements to maintaining a sweet nature in this breed. They are not recognized by the American Kennel Club or the FCI. The primary registry body for this very popular breed is the United Kennel Club. It was the first breed recognized by them (1898).
UKC registered: Terrier
Other Names Body Type Personality Coat Health Concerns
Back to TopPit Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull, Yankee Terrier, APBT
AKC Group:
Breed Club: American Pit Bull Terrier Club
Rescue Club: American Pit Bull Terrier Rescue
Back to TopBody Type:
- A powerful dog, with a broad, slablike head and immensely strong jaws
- Height: 18-22 inches (at shoulder)
- Weight: 50-80 pounds
- The medium length tail is carried low and is not altered
- The ears are cropped short
Personality:
- Tenacious and fearless
- Has a strong assertive personality
- Can be aggressive toward other dogs
- Although this dog's name brings fear to the minds of many, mainly because of mis-informed media hype, when bred and raised by RESPONSIBLE breeders and owners, APBTs can be excellent family pets
Coat:
- Short, close and stiff
- Any color or combination of colors is allowed
- Minimal grooming is required
Health Concerns:
- Possible hip dysplasia
- Generally very healthy
Tasty Tidbits:
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