American Pit Bull Terrier

Strong and stocky, yet light on his feet, the pit bull may pack more muscles per pound of body weight than any other breed.

Size

Weight

Male 30-80 lbs.

Female 30-80 lbs.

Height (at withers)

Male 19 in.

Female 18 in.

Coat

Length

Short

Texture

Flat

Color

Any color

Care

Exercise

20-40 minutes/day

Energy Level

Average

Longevity

11-13 yrs.

Needs

High

Traits

Barking

Snoring

Drooling

Grooming

Social Needs

Digging

Club Recognition

AKC Class.

Terrier

UKC Class.

Terrier

Prevalence

Common

The American pit bull is strong and stocky, probably packing more muscles per pound of body weight than any other breed.

About

The pit bull has a low center of gravity, and appears slightly longer than tall. The muscles of the neck and head are especially well developed. The eyes are small, and the ears may be cropped or uncropped (the latter are rose-shaped).

This dog is heavy for his size, weighing about 55 to 70 pounds (25 to 32 kilograms). He stands between 17 and 19 inches. The coat is short and sleek. Any color is acceptable, although coats with more than 80 percent either white, black and tan, or liver are least preferred.

Personality

Most pit bulls are fun-loving companions, gentle and patient with all their family members (with the very likely exception of other pit bulls). As with all breeds, there are exceptions.

Pit bulls were bred to be courageous and game, to continue whatever they are doing in the face of adversity. These qualities make them stubborn, tenacious and fearless. As with any large dog, pit bulls should be supervised when with children.

What to Expect

Life with a pit bull is always an adventure. These are fun-loving dogs that are always up for a game. They must have a vigorous exercise period every day. Although they are tough dogs, they are not cold weather dogs and should be shielded from the elements.

Pit bulls should be obedience trained because it is a good bonding activity. Because they are very often not good with other dogs, they should be kept on a leash when around them.

History

The ancient Greek Mollossian war dogs gave rise to several tough strains of dogs, including dogs that specialized as gladiators.

A pit bull owner formed the United Kennel Club (UKC). The UKC remains to this day a strong registry for the American Pit Bull Terrier. Similarly, the American Dog Breeder's Association was formed in 1909 just to register pit bulls.