American Pit Bull Terrier

While the Pit Bull is often maligned for its dog-fighting history, the breed should be better known for its sweet, intelligent, outgoing and affectionate, people-oriented nature.

Pit Bulls are fiercely loyal to their guardian and that is why, like all dogs, their disposition depends entirely on their pet parent.

In the 19th century, Pit Bulls were brought over from England and Ireland as fighting dogs bred from bull-and-terrier crosses. The dogs bred were allowed to be dog aggressive but never to show aggression towards the owner and thus became known as a good companion or guard dogs.

In 1936 the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club. Pit Bulls are have long been used for everything from police to farm to therapy work.

Sadly, due to the Pit Bull’s dark history of dog fighting, thugs will often raise these dogs to fight or be aggressive guard dogs. This has made the Pit Bull the most legislated-against dog in the world, and the most common dog found in animal shelters.

Fortunately, many people are realizing it is bad owners that are dangerous – not the breed. Celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Biel, Jon Stewart, Bernadette Peters and Rachael Ray are proud Pit owners.

American Pit Bull Terriers are also known as Pit Bull Terrier or American Pit Bull.

While the American Pit Bull Terrier is recognized as a different breed than the American Staffordshire Terrier, it is difficult to find many differences between the two besides the American Pit Bull Terrier’s larger size.

Personality

Fiercely loyal to owner
Exuberant and energetic but not hyper
Often need to be “top dog” with other dogs
People-oriented

Size

50-80 pounds
18-22 inches at the withers (shoulders)

Lifestyle

Does best with discipline mixed with love
Needs stimulus like daily walks, fetch, agility training or obedience classes
Known to be overly exuberant (“The Pit Bull Wiggle”) and may unintentionally knock children over
Would rather be with people than with other dogs
Natural guard dogs due to their innate sense of loyalty

Training & Exercise

Excel at training because they are both intelligent and extremely eager to please
Excellent running partners due to their large, strong physique
Some (especially if rescued or adopted) may not do well at dog parks – unfortunately their possible fighting past, combined with their need to be “top dog,” may be dangerous with multiple dogs and personalities running around

Coat

Coat is short, thin, stiff to the touch and glossy
Common colors are white, black, tan, brindle or with patches

Care

Fine in apartments if given sufficient exercise
Due to their thin coats they are better in milder temperatures and require a dog coat/sweater for colder weather
Average shedder; brush using a bristle brush and add some grooming oil to make coat shine

Health

Strong, healthy breed
Like most big dogs they are prone to hip dysplasia or hereditary cataracts in old age
White Pit Bulls often have skin allergies

Lifespan

12-14 years

Rescue

Visit Pit Bull Rescue Central to learn more about the many rescued Pit Bulls that desperately need a home

PHOTO: Kpo!:D

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