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Short History of the Breed

From the United Kennel Club:
Sometime during the nineteenth century, dog fanciers in England, Ireland, and Scotland began to experiment with crosses between Bulldogs and Terriers, looking for a dog that combined the gameness of the terrier with the strength and athleticism of the Bulldog. The result was a dog that embodied all of the virtues attributed to great warriors: strength, indomitable courage, and gentleness with loved ones. Immigrants brought these bull and terrier crosses to the United States. The American Pit Bull Terrier's many talents did not go unnoticed by farmers and ranchers who used their APBTs for protection, as catch dogs for semi-wild cattle and hogs, to hunt, to drive livestock, and as family companions. Today, the American Pit Bull Terrier continues to demonstrate its versatility, competing successfully in Obedience, Tracking, Agility, Protection, and Weight Pulls, as well as Conformation.

Physical Description & Size

Although the correct size and weight is somewhat vague, the ideal APBT weighs in between 30-50 lbs and is solid muscle. UKC conformation (and AKC for the American Staffordshire Terrier) stresses correct proportion between height and weight more than size alone. The American Pit Bull Terrier was created to be an athlete; quick, light on its feet and agile. A more recent trend among irresponsible breeders has been to mix in Mastiff breeds to obtain more massive dogs, often weighing 100 lbs. These dogs tend to have more massive heads, wider chests, and shorter legs and are a far cry from the athletic and agile standard that defines a true American Pit Bull Terrier. These giant dogs are often referred to as "King" pit bulls or "Bully" pit bulls and are usually only bred for looks. Please see the American Pit Bull Terrier breed standard page for a thorough description of ideal conformation.

Temperament

According to the UKC breed standard, the ABPT should have "strength, confidence, and zest for life, eager to please and brimming over with enthusiasm." When correctly socialized, trained, and cared for, the ABPT is friendly with strangers and has always been known for its gentleness with children. Though some aggression toward other animals may be expected, aggression toward humans should never be tolerated and is uncharacteristic of the breed. In its history of use as a fighting animal, the ABPT had to be game enough to engage in battle with other dogs, but sound enough for its handlers to be in the ring during the fight, able to be handled safely. Dogs aggressive to their handlers were worthless and therefore euthanized.

These dogs are known for their loyalty to people, and also their intelligence, drive, focus, and eagerness to learn and please. American Pit Bull Terriers are a very versatile breed and ofen excel in a variety of activities including search and rescue, weight pull, tracking, dock jumping, agility, and obedience. Tenacity, focus, and drive are some of several characteristics that have been bred into these dogs for hundreds of years and makes them the wonderful breed they are today.

In recent times the ABPT has become a dog of status, used as an accessory to those wishing to appear tougher or mean. In the majority of cases these dogs are mistreated, poorly (if ever) socialized and trained to be untrusting of and aggressive toward humans. Because of this poor ownership and lack of responsibility, the ABPT has been shoved to the forefront and labelled a "vicious, unpredictable" dog and attempts have been made to exterminate the breed altogether through BSL, or Breed Specific Legislation.

American Pit Bull Terriers are no more dangerous than any other dog of similar size. Several myths circulate regarding their strength and temperament. They do not have "locking" jaws or an abnormally high PSI with their bites. Through years of breeding for bull baiting their instinct is to bite and hold on, rather than bite multiple times and shake like many other breeds. They do not suddenly "turn" on their owners or other people. Any breed of dog who bites a person has had a series of experiences leading to the behavior, which could range over weeks or even years. This is why appropriate socialization and proper training techniques are important in any dog.

Dog Care (exercise, grooming, diet)

Socialization is a must for this breed, beginning in early puppyhood. Because of its roots, the ABPT could have aggressive tendencies toward other animals. If socialized properly, this aggression can be well managed. However, responsible owners should never trust their ABPTs or ASTs not to fight another dog and should have appropriate knowledge and always be prepared to break up a fight. ABPTs tend to be quite energetic and enthusiastic; they are not a breed to be purchased and placed in a backyard. They require mental stimulation and sufficient exercise. When left without a job to do, the ABPT is very bright and will invent its own job, usually not to its owner's liking.

Because of the short, glossy coat, grooming is minimal. Weekly brushings will be enough to keep the coat appearing healthy.

Health Issues, Life Expectancy

Like most medium-sized dogs, life expectancy is approximately 10-12 years. This can vary depending on genetics and breeding, and other environmental factors. Hip dysplasia and skin allergies are common ailments found in American Pit Bull Terriers. However, these are not the only health issues this breed faces.

AKC Group

The ABPT is not recognized by the AKC, though the closely related American Staffordshire Terrier is, placed in the Terrier group. The American Pit Bull Terrier is in the Terrier group of the United Kennel Club.

Additional Resources

• Your Online Community for Purebred Dogs!
• Pit Bull Talk
  
  
  
• Pit Bull Online Community - DogBreed.org


• Informative website about Bully Breeds and BSL
  
• Pit Bull Rescue Central- Education about the Breed and BSL
  
• UKC Breed Standard
  
• Working Pit Bull
  
• A Better Place - Pit Bull Education
  WonderBull.com
  
• WonderBull.com
• Southern Ontario Animal Rescue (S.O.A.R.)
  
• Pit Bull Terrier History and Care Guide
  

See also:

American Staffordshire Terrier

Pit Bulls on WikiFido

• Adam Brody and Rachel Bilson, and Penny Lane