30-60 lbs
17-22"
United States of America
The term Pit Bull or Pit Bull Terrier can refer to any number of stocky, short-haired dogs with a mixed heritage of Bulldog and Terrier. The American Pit Bull Terrier, on the other hand, is listed as a specific breed by the United Kennel Club, although not recognized by the American Kennel Club or the Fédération Cynologique Internationale.
A well-bred American Pit Bull Terrier can make a loyal and loving companion for the right pet parent. Responsible breeders focus on developing a more docile temperament, so these dogs have plenty of love and affection to share with their people. However, their muscular build and tragic origins mean that obedience training and socialization are essential to raise a well-behaved dog.
Keep reading to find out about the history, maintenance, and care requirements of the American Pit Bull Terrier to help you decide if this is the right breed for you.
The American Pit Bull Terrier, like other similar breeds such as the American Staffordshire Terrier, can trace its lineage back to the 1700s in England. Farmers sought a quicker-thinking, more agile dog than the Bulldog, so they crossed the Bulldog of the 1800s with several different breeds of terrier that were somewhat more aggressive and independently minded.
The results of these crossbreedings were extremely well-muscled dogs that were both agile and strong. These traits also made these dogs excellent candidates for the blood sports that developed in the late 1700s and early 1800s in England, such as bear baiting, bull baiting, and eventually dog fighting. It is from these dog fighting rings, known as pits, that the breed gets its name.
In the early 1800s, dog fighting also became popular in the United States, and dog fighting enthusiasts began importing these dogs into the country to fight. American breeders focused on developing larger and heavier canines. These dogs eventually became known as American Pit Bull Terriers in the United Kingdom and were also recognized as such by the United Kennel Club in 1898.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) sought to distance itself from the “sport” of dog fighting, however, and refused to recognize the breed. But in 1936, the AKC created a stricter standard, particularly in regards to the color and size of the dogs, then recognized them under the less-threatening name of the American Staffordshire Terrier. These two breeds have been developing separately for many decades.
Related: What States Allow Pit Bulls?
American Pit Bull Terriers are compact, medium-sized dogs with very muscular builds, particularly around the shoulder and neck areas. Their Bulldog heritage can be seen in their large, blocky heads, but while their muzzle is wide, deep, and very strong, it is much longer than the pushed-in snout that is commonly seen on the modern English Bulldog.
Their eyes are most often almond-shaped, and, unlike the American Staffordshire Terrier, any color is permissible, including blue and parti-colored eyes. Their natural ears are held in either a rose or half-prick configuration and are generally fairly short, although ears that are cropped will typically be held erect. The process of cropping ears is now illegal in many countries and is losing favor with breeders and dog fanciers in the United States as well — cropping is also regulated in some US states.
The Pitty can come in any color, although most breeders avoid breeding merle-colored dogs as blindness and deafness are sometimes associated with this type of coloration.
When it comes to grooming, Pitties are relatively low maintenance. Unless your Pitty is exceptionally good at getting messy, they should only require a few baths per year. Keep your pup's coat healthy and shiny with short, weekly brushing sessions with a slicker brush or grooming glove.
While you won't need to bathe or brush them very often, Pitties are prone to skin-related problems, which may require the use of medicated baths or ointments. Skin disorders can be expensive to treat — pet insurance can help protect your Pitty from high vet costs. Our pet insurance comparison tool lets you compare plans from leading providers in one convenient place. Fetch your quote today!
When the blood sports of the 1800s were outlawed here in the United States, responsible breeders of these dogs began to focus on a more docile and calm temperament, and this focus was continued even after the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier were split into two groups.
As a result, most of these dogs mature into loyal, affectionate, and gentle companions who are known for their patience with children. While these dogs are typically very gentle with even the youngest of children, always supervise interactions with these powerful canines closely — even a momentary lapse in judgement can be disastrous for both the child and the dog.
Unfortunately, this breed's patience doesn't always extend to other dogs, and they can be aggressive toward other canines. As a result, early socialization is crucial to ensure that your Pit Bull accepts other dogs, while you'll need to carefully supervise interactions with other canines.
However, it's also worth pointing out that there are a number of myths surrounding Pit Bulls and their temperament. Check out our guide to the truth about Pit Bulls to find out exactly what this breed has to offer.
This active and athletic breed thrives when given at least an hour of activity per day. These dogs are more than happy to come along on either long hikes or short runs, and they love energetic activities like agility training, rally sports, frisbee, and flyball. Some Pit Bulls also love the water, but their muscular physique means they're often not particularly strong swimmers.
American Pit Bull Terriers were also sometimes employed as farm dogs in America and may occasionally excel at herding exercises or tracking trials — activities that engage the mind as well as the body.
Related: Best Activities for Pit Bulls
Written by a Irish Setter lover Penny Sebring
Published: 01/18/2018, edited: 10/03/2022
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