American Pit Bull Terrier
A strong, athletic bull and terrier dog that is eager to please people, and a breed you should check local law on before you buy.
Overview
The American Pit Bull Terrier descends from the bull and terrier dogs of nineteenth century Britain that came to the United States in the late 1800s. The United Kennel Club recognised it in 1898 and the American Dog Breeders Association registers it too, but the American Kennel Club does not: its closest AKC relative is the American Staffordshire Terrier, and whether the two are one breed or two is still argued. Males stand 18 to 21 inches and weigh 35 to 60 lb, females 17 to 20 inches and 30 to 50 lb.
Temperament
Confident, strong and keen to please, and well bred dogs are reliable with people. Both main registries treat aggression toward people as a fault that disqualifies a dog, which says what the breed is meant to be. As with the American Staffordshire Terrier, the honest caveat is other dogs: the bull and terrier history means some individuals do not tolerate other dogs whatever their upbringing, so introductions need care and management rather than an assumption that socialisation fixes it.
Care and grooming
A short, smooth, stiff single coat in almost any colour except merle, with red, black and buckskin the most common. A weekly rub down covers it. Health conditions seen in the breed include hip dysplasia, kneecap dislocation, degenerative myelopathy, skin problems including demodectic mange, thyroid problems and congenital heart defects. Ask a breeder for health results on both parents, and keep vaccinations current, since unvaccinated dogs of this breed are especially vulnerable to parvovirus. Expect 12 to 14 years.
Living and exercise
An athletic dog that needs real daily exercise and something to work at; the breed does well at weight pull, agility and flyball. It can climb, so good, tall fencing is a must. Before you buy, check the law where you live and where you might move: some countries, states and cities ban or restrict the breed, from outright bans to compulsory neutering, though many places have repealed such rules in recent years. Rental agreements and home insurance can also exclude it.
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