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AMERICAN PIT BULL TERRIER — BREED DESCRIPTION & INFORMATION
Breed Description / Health Issues / Breed Standards / Training / Additional Information
Breed Description
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| Breed Registries: |
— United Kennel Club (UKC) - Terriers
— American Rare Breed Association (ARBA) - Terriers
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Note: In North America, the American Pit Bull Terrier has been recognized under this name by the United Kennel Club (UKC) since 1898. Starting in 1936, the American Kennel Club (AKC) accepted for registration in the AKC Stud Book, the breed known as Staffordshire Terrier. However, to avoid confusion with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the name was changed effective 1 January 1972 to the American Staffordshire Terrier. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier gained official acceptance by the AKC in 1974. The Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) does not recognize the American Pit Bull Terrier, however both the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are officially recognized in the Terrier group. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is acknowledged as a breed of British origin and was officially recognized by the CKC in 1953.
Note: The breed registries indicated above are the most recognized all-breed registries. The breed may be recognized by other registries not indicated here. For further details about dog registries, please see the document: Dog Breed Registries in North America.
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| Height: |
Males—18 to 19 inches at the shoulder;
Females—17 to 18 inches |
| Weight: |
Ranges from 50 to 75 lbs
Height and Weight should be in proportion |
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The development of the American Pit Bull Terrier started sometime during the 19th century in the United Kingdom with the cross of "Bully" type dogs and Terriers with the aim of developing a dog who had the combination of a Terrier's gameness with the strength and athletics of the Bulldog. This resulted in today's American Pit Bull Terrier — a dog of strength, courage, and gentleness with loved ones. Early "Pit Bulls" were used for bull baiting and dog fighting. After being imported into the United States, farmers and ranchers took notice of the APBT and used them for protection, as hunters, to drive livestock and as family companions. Today, the American Pit Bull Terrier is seen competing in Obedience, Tracking, Agility, Weight Pulling, Conformation as well as working in Protection.
The APBT is a solidly built, medium-sized dog. He is both powerful and athletic. The American Pit Bull Terrier is confident, courageous, eager to please and makes an excellent family companion. He is, however, not the dog for everyone and socialization and obedience training is an absolute must.
One of the major characteristics of the APBT is his "gameness" — the determination to master a situation and never back down. This is what allowed the original "Pit Bulls" to continue fighting for hours even after severe injury or exhaustion. Today, this characteristic gives the APBT a "can-do" attitude toward many challenges, such as agility and weight pull. A dog with this quality is generally stable and easy going and this should not be confused with aggressiveness.
The term "Pit Bull" is often used to refer to several different breeds of dogs. The most common are the American Staffordshire Terrier, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier. Some believe that these breeds of dogs all originally came from the same pit fighting stock over 100 years ago but have been bred to differing standards and are now known as distinct and separate breeds. Others believe that these dogs are simply different strains of the same breed. History aside and whether or not they are distinct breeds, if well bred, they all share the Bulldog as a common ancestor as well as a natural love for people. Contrary to popular belief, the APBT is very human-friendly and is not naturally aggressive towards humans. They are, however, extremely loyal and eager to please. Therefore, if trained by an owner to be aggressive toward humans from an early age, there is a possibility that the dog may become aggressive toward humans as an adult.
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Health Issues:
If you are considering the adoption of a American Pit Bull Terrier puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)
Additional Health Resources:
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Breed Standards:
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Training Resources:
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a strong, powerful, and determined breed. Early socialization and obedience training is extremely important for this breed.
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Additional Information:
- What is a "Real" Pit Bull? — Understanding the difference between: American Pit Bull, American Staffordshire, Staffordshire Bull
- Pit Bulls — The Real Deal — From Pit Bull Rescue Central (PDF Format)
- American Pit Bull Terrier & American Staffordshire Terrier Awareness (ASTAO)
- Information About Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) — What is BSL; which breeds are affected.
- Clubs, Sports & Activities — Interested in getting involved in a particular dog sport or activity with your APBT? This section of Canada's Guide to Dogs includes information on various dog sports and activities, including Obedience, Agility, Weight Pull, and much more. Also included here is a listing of nono-breed specific Clubs from across Canada. (Note: For APBT specific Clubs, see the Breed Clubs section.)
- Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section of Canada's Guide to Dogs provides information and listings of organizations who are involved in various jobs, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Protection Dogs, and much more.
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Copyright © P.Mitchell 2004-2007. All Rights Reserved.
All content, including graphics, on the Canada's Guide to Dogs Website is Copyright-P.Mitchell,
unless otherwise noted, and may not be copied or reproduced without prior written permission.
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Last Updated: 28 March 2008
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