American Pit Bull Terrier

Country: USA
Weight: 50-80 pounds
Height: 18-22 inches
Coat: Short, smooth
Color: All colors
Other Names: American Pit Bull, Pit Bull Terrier
Registry: UKC
Group: Mastiff

The ancient molossus was the root of all fighting dogs, producing the bull-baiting dogs. They were later crossbred with terriers for ratting, badger hunting, and dog-fighting. For many years, the term "pit bull" was given to any dog of the fighting pits. The United Kennel Club originally registered these breeds of dogs and, at one time, regulated dog-fighting.

Pit Bulls are still registered with UKC, but dog-fighting is illegal and any that still occurs takes place "underground" without the kennel club's approval. In fact, both AKC and UKC outlaw any dog and/or owner involved in dog fighting, and the old "battle scars" are no longer allowable in the show ring. Although fight advocates claim most contests over in a couple minutes and few dogs die, some matches continue for as long as two hours. It is a sad, but true, fact that the Commission on Animal Care and Control of Chicago estimates 1,500 dog die annualy due to fighting. The fights draw gamblers and high stakes; one raid netted 20 people who had $500,000 along with assorted illegal weapons and drugs.

These dogs have recently been a victim of a witch-hunt. Because of their instinctive hostility toward other animals, the assumption is that they will attack people. This agression has been sought, encouraged, and malevolently intensified by some disreputable owners. These people have misdirected the dog's instincts toward other animals and humans. The breed has received bad press, and legitimate, dedicated owners of Pit Bulls have paid the price, along with their dogs. The breed has even been outlawed in several communities. Other breeds have also been placed on the "most wanted" list. Like all dogs, particularly those originally bred for agressive purposes, the Pit Bull should be selected from tempermentally sound parents. They should be bought from responsible breeders, socialized from puppyhood, trained and handled properly.

Not all Pit Bulls are bad, but they are strong, and when they do attack it is with a bone-crushing, mutilating bite. For the average owner they are too much dog. They should only be purchased by people who are willing and strong enough to channel that power into productive areas. Nevertheless, they are loving and protective of their families. Owners report them particularly responsive to training: herding, obedience, schutzhund and weight-pulling. An incredible Pit Bull weighing less than 70 pounds set a record by pulling 2,000 pounds. A host of admirers including Helen Keller, Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Edison (whose dog, "Nipper," was the RCA model) and Jimmy Carter, who had one as a boy. Current owners include Michael J. Fox and James Caan.

The AKC has called the breed American Staffordshire Terriers since the early 1900s; UKC registers them as Pit Bulls. Pit Bulls can be laid-back and calm, but they can also be robust, courageous and stoic. Thier ears are cropped, and grooming is almost non-existent. The "Pit Bull smile" and humorous play ingratiate them to their masters and others.

All the information here was acquired/adapted from "The Atlas of Dog Breeds of the World" - written by Bonnie Wilcox, DVM and Chris alkowicz.