<C>Height:</C> 18 to 20 inches (male); 16 to 20 inches (female).
<C>Weight:</C> 35 to 60 pounds (male); 30 to 55 (female).
<C>Size:</C> Medium.
<C>Availability:</C> May take some effort to find.
<b>History:</> The American Pit Bull Terrier originated in the 1800's when early bullbaiting dogs from England were crossed with a variety of terrier breeds to create what was then known as the Bull and Terrier. The Bull and Terrier was a tough pit-fighting dog. The breed has since been called by many names, including the American Bull Terrier or Yankee Terrier. The RCA Victor mascot was an American Pit Bull, as were Buster brown's dog "Tige" and "Petey" of the Lil Rascals. Though the breed has received a great deal of negative publicity, the American Pit Bull Terrier can be an excellent working dog and family companion, given the right socialization and training. The American Pit Bull Terrier is recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the A.D.B.A.
<b>Description:</> An athletic, very strong, yet agile dog with a deep chest and squarely built, sturdy body. The medium length head has a flat skull and a broad, square or slightly tapering muzzle with powerful jaws. The teeth should meet in a tight scissors bite. The high-set ears may be either cropped or uncropped. The back is short, a bit higher at the withers and slightly arched at the loin. The front legs should be straight. never bowed. The tapering tail is rather short and low-set. It should never be carried over the back. The coat is short and smooth to the touch. All colors are permissible for the coat, eyes and nose. The dog should move with a springy gait.
<b>Notes:</> The standard for the American Pit Bull Terrier is looser than for many other breeds, as this dog was bred for working and fighting ability and not for his looks. For example, some weight pulling competitors weigh up to 95 pounds. Because of their short coat, the APBT likes to sleep indoors in cold weather.
<b>Personality:</> Alert and outgoing. Spirited. Intelligent, trainable and willing to please.
<b>Behavior:</>
<C>Children:</C> Good with children.
<C>Friendliness:</C> Fairly friendly with strangers.
<C>Trainability:</C> Easy to train.
<C>Independence:</C> Fairly independent.
<C>Dominance:</C> Very high.
<C>Other Pets:</C> Good with other pets if raised with them from puppyhood.
<C>Combativeness:</C> Very dog-aggressive.
<C>Noise:</C> Average barker.
<b>Grooming and Physical Needs:</>
<C>Grooming:</C> Very little grooming needed.
<C>Trimming & Stripping:</C> No trimming or stripping needed.
<C>Coat:</C> Short coat.
<C>Shedding:</C> Light shedder.
<C>Docking:</C> The ears are customarily docked.
<C>Exercise:</C> Needs lots of exercise.
<C>Jogging:</C> A good jogging companion.
<C>Indoors:</C> Moderately active indoors.
<C>Apartments:</C> Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised.
American Bulldog Association, HC 67, Box 117, Bruno, AR 72618
Look for books about the American Pit Bull Terrier by Richard Stratton.
<b>Photo Caption:</> AMERICAN PIT BULL TERRIER
Slide 1-Holbeche's "Alligator" and "His Regret", owned by Sean and Maruzzella Holbeche. Photos by Sean Holbeche; Slide 2 (and small picture) -Holbeche's "Pac Man", owned by Sean and Maruzzella Holbeche. Photos by Sean Holbeche.
