Main Page Top Include

American Pit Bull Terrier

Thinking about purchasing an American Pit Bull Terrier? Then read our breed profile including a brief description, information on height, weight, color, coat, temperament, grooming, activity and history. Purchasing a new puppy is a commitment that may last ten or more years so please educate yourself on the American Pit Bull Terrier breed, including all stages of their life from puppy hood to older dog.

Ask yourself will I be a good owner? Do I have the time it takes to train a new puppy? Do I have the resources to give my new dog a rewarding life. Do I have a local veterinarian that I can take my new dog to? Do I have a groomer or can I do the grooming myself on a regular basis.

Fundamental requirements for a being a good American Pit Bull Terrier owner;

properly feed your new dog,
house them comfortably
train them in basic obedience.

Before making a purchase talk to the breeder, ask them many questions about their dogs and the breed in general. A good breeder will teach you about the American Pit Bull Terrier and they will have many questions for you about your home and life style and if this breed is suited for you and your family.

Questions you may want to ask an American Pit Bull Terrier Breeder:

When were your American Pit Bull Terriers born? When will they be allowed to leave?
Have your puppies received their first shots? being wormed? had a puppy check up with your veterinarian?
What type of socialization have the puppies received? with children? with other pets? in the home?
Have you seen genetic problems in previous litters? What are your health guarantees?
Are there any health certifications on the sire or dam?
What is the temperament of the puppies, of the mother? shy? boisterous? aggressive? skittish?
If you become unable to care for your new American Pit Bull Terrier, will the breeder help you find a new home?

It is recommended that you sign a contract with the breeder so that there will be no misunderstandings on the arrangements made. Then bring home your new American Pit Bull Terrier and enjoy as "there is no greater love then a dog's devotion."

Other Breed Profiles
Puppy Care & Training
Breeder Listings

American Pit Bull Terrier Breed Profile

The American Pit Bull Terrier is classified by the AKC as the American Staffordshire Terrier, but as the American Pit Bull Terrier by the UKC. The American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized, solid, and muscular dog that is slightly longer than it is tall. The large, broad, powerful head is shaped like a wedge and the muzzle is broad and deep, shorter than the length of the skull. The lower jaw is well developed and strong and the nose is large and can be many colors. The eyes are any color except blue and are set low. American Pits Bull Terriers have muscular hindquarters and and a deep chest. Known for their intelligence and loyalty, American Pit Bull Terriers make excellent, loving and protective companion despite the unfair press they receive. Choose from a responsible breeder and make sure the puppy is properly socialized and handled. A minimum of training will produce a tranquil, good, obedient, companion dog.

Other Names: American Pit Bull, Pit Bull Terrier

Type: Terriers

Height: 18 - 22 inches
Weight: 30 - 80 lbs.

Colors: All colors admissible.
Coat: Thick, short, shiny hair. They must not be more than 80% white.

Temperament: American Pit Bull Terriers are courageous, full of vitality, strong, confident, stoic, and fun loving. The American Pit Bull Terrier is friendly toward people but it tends to be aggressive to other dogs especially others of the same sex. They have been said to have a "zest for life." They are quite friendly, towards children and adults.
With Children: The APBT does well in a family environment if they have good breeding.
With Pets: They have an instinctive hostility towards other animals especially dogs of the same sex.

Watch-dog: Very High.
Guard-dog: High. This breed is very good at guarding and being a watchdog.

American Pit Bull Terrier Care and Exercise: The American Pit bull Terrier requires regular brushing with a bristle brush or rubbing down their coat with a chamois. This will keep the coat shiny and clean. Bathe them only when necessary. They need a substantial amount of vigorous exercise and they need to be on-leash when doing so. This breed enjoys running along side a bicycle.
Training: Obedience training is highly recommended because of their strong personality.
Learning Rate: High. Obedience - Medium. Problem Solving - Medium.

Activity: Outdoors - Very High. Indoors - High.
Special Needs: Exercise, firm but positive training, a job or activity and socialization.
Living Environment: A home with a fenced yard is recommended. The American Pit Bull Terrier is not the ideal choice for the first time owner as ownership requires a commitment to supervision and a rigorous schedule of exercise.

American Pit Bull Terrier Health Issues: Reasonably free of genetic weakness. Sometimes hey might have allergies, cataracts, or hip dysplasia.

Life Span: 12 years is average.
Litter Size: 5 - 10 puppies.

Country of Origin: United States
American Pit Bull Terrier History: Their ancestors were brought to the Unites States in the mid 1800s by Boston-Irish immigrants. Originally bred from a variety of bulldogs and terriers, American breeders increased their weight and gave them a more powerful head. A forbearer to the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, they were originally bred to be a fighting dog. Bull baiting was banned in England in 1835 and these dogs are no longer been bred to fight. There is some complication in registries of this breed. The AKC considers the American Staffordshire Terrier as separate and distinct from the American Pit Bull Terrier, yet the UKC will register both as American Pit Bull Terriers (APBTs).

UKC Breed Category: Terriers
Group: Mastiff
Registries: ADBA, CKC, UKC

American Pit Bull Terriers

Main Page Right Side Include

Home Page

Rate Chart
Directory of Breed Profiles.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008