Variety Overview
English Name: American Pit Bull Terrier
Alias: American Pit Bull
Origin: United States
Size: Medium-sized dog
Price: Above $500
Shoulder Height: 45-48 cm
Weight: 13-27 kg
Coat Length: Short hair
Function: Companion dog, fighting dog, guard dog
Feeding Difficulty: Easy to raise
Development Origin
In 1835, the British Parliament outlawed bull-baiting. Despite this ban, bulldog breeders continued to admire the bravery, fearlessness, and resilience of these dogs. They shifted their focus towards breeding bulldogs for dog fighting. By crossbreeding bulldogs with more aggressive animals, they aimed to develop dogs that matched their desired traits. These hybrid bulldogs exhibited fierce and ruthless qualities, along with an extraordinary tolerance for pain and the determination to fight until the very end.
The hybrid breed reached America in the 1800s where they were used for guarding farms and protecting borders. In 1898, the American Kennel Club (AKC) officially named this breed “American Pit Bull.” The Buster Brown Shoe Company featured a small pit bull named “Tige” as a mascot on every shoe to signify durability. RCA Radio used an image of a small pit bull named Nipper (origin unknown) listening intently to its owner’s voice to highlight their radio’s high-definition sound quality. In 1914, it symbolized America’s neutrality and fearlessness as well as Levi jeans’ toughness and commitment to “defending old honor.”
By 1936, AKC stopped using “pit bulls” due to public awareness linking it with Staffordshire Bull Terriers—a breed named after a British miner who began breeding them. In 1972, this name was changed to “American Staffordshire Terrier” to differentiate from “British Staffordshire Bull Terrier.” In 1974, AKC recognized their ancestors as “British Staffordshire Bull Terriers.” The British standard specifies a height of 14-16 inches and weight under 45 pounds; whereas their American counterparts stand at 18-19 inches tall and weigh under 80 pounds. According to UKC standards, ideal weight for an American Pit Bull ranges from 30-60 pounds with females being slightly smaller.
Characteristics and Identification of Pit Bulls
Pit Bulls are a robust and energetic breed known for their loyalty and bravery. They are often considered excellent family pets and working dogs. Here are the main characteristics and identification methods for Pit Bulls:
- Size and Structure: Pit Bulls are typically medium-sized, muscular, and well-boned. Adult males stand between 18 to 21 inches (about 45 to 53 cm) at the shoulder, with females being slightly shorter. They weigh between 35 to 60 pounds (about 16 to 27 kg).
- Head: Pit Bulls have broad heads, with ears that are usually cropped or naturally drooping. Their eyes are oval-shaped and come in various colors, though brown or black is common.
- Coat and Color: Pit Bulls have short, hard, glossy coats that are easy to groom. Their coat colors vary widely, including but not limited to black, white, brown, blue, and red.
- Temperament: Known for their friendly, loyal, and brave nature, Pit Bulls are very affectionate towards their families but may be wary of strangers.
- Exercise Needs: Pit Bulls require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. They need at least one hour of high-intensity activity daily.