American Pit Bull Terrier | Dog Information & Facts – Pictures

Last Updated on November 21, 2021 by Pets Feed

The American Pit Bull Terrier Terrier is one of the most popular dogs today. While it’s hard to imagine today due to the stigma it faces, the story of the Pit Bull begins on the farm like a watchdog for livestock. Subsequently, he became popular in dog fighting, an undesirable practice that seemed to distance him from his past as a nanny.

The American Pit Bull Terrier dog does not have a given behavior, the education and training he receives will completely influence his adulthood with a friendly, reserved or reactive temperament.

The pit bull does not have a certain behavior, the education and training it receives totally influence its adult stage, whether with a friendly, reserved or reactive temper. For this reason, in this ‘ Pets Feed ‘ breed sheet, we will explain everything you need to know about this beautiful dog.

By its nature, the American Pit Bull Terrier will not tolerate an amateurish approach to upbringing – an owner who cannot pay enough attention to training will not suit such a dog

In addition to the character of the pit bull, we will also review its physical characteristics, history and the care that is essential to it and that must be taken into account if we are considering adopting one. Read on and find out all about the American Pit Bull Terrier:

Photos of the American Pit Bull Terrier

Breed standard

Many people often mistake it for the American Staffordshire Terrier for its great similarity. However, we will detail some of the physical characteristics of the American pit bull terrier:

Description

The pit bull’s head is long, wide and powerful, but should not be out of proportion to the body. The front view has the shape of an inverted trapezoid, that is to say that it looks like an inverted triangle whose lower end has been cut. The cheeks are bulging and protrude from this imaginary trapezoid. The stop is moderately defined, and the eyes are low on the skull. The pit bull’s eyes can be any color except light blue. The ears are rose-shaped or semi-erect and their insertion is high.

Like the head, the body of the pit bull is very striking. Although it is strange for those who do not know this breed, the body of the pit bull is not excessively large or large. According to the breed standard accepted by the United Kennel Club (UKC), the pit bull should have a body slightly longer than tall, with a deep chest and should never appear thick or excessively muscular. In fact, the same standard states that the chest should not be wider than deep. All of these “canine bodybuilders” do not meet the pit bull standard.

One of the most pleasant physical characteristics of the pit bull is its short and shiny coat, which invites caress even to those who do not like dogs very much. It is certainly very pleasant to pet the shiny coat of a pit bull … as long as the dog is clean, of course. All colors are accepted for this breed, except the blackbird (marbled background with spots of solid color).

Size

The breed standard does not specify a certain height, but rather favors the harmonious construction of the body. This is why there are very heterogeneous pit bull dogs. However, the pit bull is a medium-sized dog. The weight must be proportional to the size, so it is also very variable in this breed. However, the weight of males is generally between 15.9 and 27.2 kilograms; while the weight of females is generally between 13.6 and 22.7 kilograms.

Bite

The bite of the pit bull is among the most powerful and it is one of the characteristics that has fueled some myths about this breed of dog. One of these myths says that the pit bull is unable to release its prey because its jaws are somehow locked. Another myth attributes pressure of 1600 pounds per square inch to the bite. These absurd myths have contributed to distort the image of this breed of dog. In reality, the pit bull is ranked 14th of the dog breeds with the strongest bite.

American Pit Bull Terrier character

The media and society in general have spread many myths and legends about the character of pit bull dogs. Most people nowadays think PitBulls are dangerous, unstable and very aggressive dogs. And while this idea may be true in some cases, it is not for the breed in general. This idea is incorrect, but its proponents are trying to support it based on the story of the pitbull dog and data from occasional attacks caused by pitbulls or similar dogs.

The truth is that the PitBAmerican Pit Bull Terrier ull is a dog with a highly developed pulse of prey, but it is not a killer by nature. In fact, he tends to be a very sociable dog with people. In general, it is a dog which, if it is well socialized, gets along very well with children and adults and can be an exceptional animal. However, the good character of any dog ​​(including the PitBull) depends on its good socialization since puppy

Usually these dogs are friendly, playful and reliable with people. Either way, you should never leave a small child alone with a American Pit Bull Terrier or another dog, as it is an invitation to accidents.

According to statistics from the American Temperament Assessment Society (ATTS), the Pit Bull has a more stable character than the average dog. In addition, in assessments carried out by this organization in 2006, the American Pit Bull Terrier obtained a higher “score” than that of breeds such as the beagle and the golden retriever. Now, although this breed does not tend to be aggressive with people, there are pit bulls who are aggressive. This is due to the improper care and irresponsibility of their owners, and can occur with all breeds of dogs.

We are talking about a very special dog appreciated by those who enjoy his company. He is enthusiastic, very vital and fun. The American Pit Bull Terrier is a very protective dog who understands basic changes and behaviors. He is a complacent dog who likes to perform tasks and although it may seem different, he is not a good watchdog, as he is generally friendly with strangers.

He has a high level of intelligence. This is why many owners use it in sports such as canicross and perform activities with it daily.

The American Pit Bull Terrier is generally an excellent dog with children, because he is patient and tolerant, contrary to what many people think of him. He lets himself be manipulated and discreetly participates in the games. Having lots of energy is great for having a PitBull terrier in a family with children, as the two complement each other and create a very special bond.

As for the treatment of Pit Bull terrier with other pets, it will directly depend on the socialization that the dog receives since his childhood. Being a powerful and strong dog, if we train him incorrectly, we will have real problems in adulthood because he will not know how to behave with smaller dogs and we will observe a real change in behavior outside of the House.

Health

If the pet is an American Pit Bull Terrier, the owner should be aware of what health problems most often occur in this breed. In general terms, pit bulls are considered tough animals with strong immune defenses, but they are also prone to the following diseases:

• Hypothyroidism is an overweight problem with the thyroid gland. Most often, middle-aged dogs are affected. This condition requires daily medication prescribed by your veterinarian.
• Allergy – causes severe itching. It can be both a food and an allergic reaction to environmental irritants (plants, skin parasites, dust).
• Cardiovascular disease is often a congenital defect, but other heart diseases do occur.
• Dysplasia – accompanied by severe pain and deformation of the joints. The more severe the degree of the disease, the stronger the pain. At the last stage, immobilization is possible, the harbinger of which is lameness.

Many health problems can be avoided by taking regular checkups with your dog at the clinic and getting vaccinated on time. Also, do not forget about the treatment of the animal with drugs for skin parasites.

Exercise

The American Pit Bull Terrier has a high activity level, so the Pit Bull needs at least two walks a day of at least 3/4 of an hour. Combining walks with exercise is a good practice to strengthen your muscles and relax inside the house. Its energy levels are high and we need to be aware of this once we adopt it.

Being so active and dynamic, it will also be useful to take care of your mind with intelligence games for dogs, such as the black kong, the most suitable toy for the Pit Bull. In addition to developing your mental capacities, we will promote play and pleasure. Kong is also great for treating separation anxiety, a common problem in Pit Bull dogs that take short walks or have mental stimulation.

Basic care

The American Pit Bull Terrier can be called an apartment dog. In other words, the representatives of the breed are not adapted to enclosure keeping, and even more so to keeping on a chain. There are two important reasons for this:

1. The American Pit Bull Terrier does not tolerate the cold well, in severe frosts, being outside around the clock, he can become seriously ill.
2. The American Pit Bull Terrier does not tolerate loneliness, suffer away from his owner, does not like very much if he is left without attention for a long time.

Of course, you can equip a spacious aviary with a warm booth, but at the same time, the communication between the owner and the dog will not be close enough for proper education.

In an apartment, even a small one, the American Pit Bull Terrier gets along well, without causing any particular trouble to the household. Such a dog does not take up a lot of space, from him, subject to regular combing, very little wool. You do not need to follow the advice of ignorant people who recommend harsh and strict handling of the American Pit Bull Terrier. This will only harden the pet. With an early society and proper upbringing, he will become the best friend and protector for all family members, from small to large.

The peculiarity of the breed lies in its excessive activity. American Pit Bull Terriers, even in their “retirement” age, frolic like puppies. Such a dog requires daily physical activity. Therefore, the owner must be ready for long walks with the pet, during which it is necessary to load the dog with targeted tasks. The American Pit Bull Terrier should be able to throw out the accumulated energy and show his ingenuity. If this is not done, the dog will begin to spoil the things of the owners, gnaw on furniture and do other unacceptable dirty tricks.

The hygienic care of a American Pit Bull Terrier is not difficult at all. The main thing is to teach him from puppyhood to all procedures and perform them on time, according to all the rules:

• Brush the coat once a week.
• Bath only when necessary. To remove dust from the wool, you can simply wipe it off with a damp piece of cloth.
• Shear nails every 30-40 days, if the dog does not grind them off naturally.
• Clean the ears once a week using a special cleaner and tampons.

Regular brushing is required. Thanks to this procedure, there will be no unpleasant odor from the mouth, the gums will be healthy, and the risk of various dental problems will also decrease.

An adult American Pit Bull Terrier should be fed twice a day. Nutrition should be balanced. Portions are determined based on the weight, age and health of the dog.

The short coat, combined with the medium size, makes the pit bull an ideal pet, which can be kept both in the apartment and in the backyard.

American Pit Bull Terrier training and education

The transformation of a little cocky puppy with an explosive character into a well-mannered, obedient, adequate dog begins with socialization. From puppyhood, the American Pit Bull Terrier must be closely acquainted with the world around it. He must learn to behave calmly in crowded places, next to children, next to animals.

When raising a pit bull, special attention should be paid to his attitude towards children. If the dog treats the kids from his family with tenderness and friendliness, then he can show aggressiveness to other people’s children. It is important to instill in the dog that children are inviolable in any case.

Training lessons require a calm environment and patience. American Pit Bull Terrier If a dog goes on strike to a class, you can’t force him to study, even with the help of treats in the form of reward. So that the lessons do not bore the dog, they should not be too lengthy and too varied.

The American Pit Bull Terrier is endowed with high intelligence. He is able to think widely and make his own decisions. Therefore, the dog, doing impermissible things (takes food from the table, gnaws on shoes, does not respond to a call, etc.), checks how the owner will react to this, whether it will be possible to continue to behave in this way. In such cases, the owner should explain to the pet in a calm manner that this should not be done.

American Pit Bull Terrier Breed Facts

• The American Pit Bull Terrieris not a good choice for people who can give them little or no attention.
• This dog must be trained and socialized when he is young to overcome the tendencies of the breed to stubbornness and autonomy, which combined with his strength can make him difficult to manage if he has not learned that you are the manager.
• The Pit Bull must be kept on a leash in public to avoid aggression against other dogs. It is not a good idea to let these dogs run free in dog parks. If he may not be fighting, he will never back down and he is fighting until the end.
• If this dog is not properly socialized as a puppy, he can become aggressive towards other dogs.
• Breed-specific legislation almost always includes this breed. Take into account the rules in force in your region and in neighboring regions if you are traveling with your dog.
• The American Pit Bull Terrierhas a great need to chew and powerful jaws allow to handle inexpensive or fragile toys quickly. Only give strong, hard toys that cannot be chewed or swallowed.
• The Pit Bull is best suited for owners who can offer firm, fair training and gentle, consistent discipline.
• In a fight, the American Pit Bull Terrier never retreats and fights to his last breath.
• Pit bull has powerful jaws, because of this, he very often has a need to chew something. It is necessary to provide the pet with durable toys, otherwise it will chew on things, furniture …
• Many countries have imposed a ban on the maintenance and import of American Pit Bull Terriers into the territory of the state.

American Pit Bull Terrier Dog Breed Highlights

The American Pit Bull Terrier as a pet is completely unsuitable for children, the elderly, people with disabilities and those who have a weak, weak-willed character. Also, a pit bull should not be bought if there is no time to deal with the dog, educate, train and just love it. To decide whether this is your breed or not, you should familiarize yourself with its merits and demerits:

Positive points

1. Simple maintenance.
2. Unpretentiousness to food.
3. Not expensive upkeep.
4. Fast learning.
5. Excellent security and sentry qualities.
6. Good health.
7. Suitable for apartment maintenance.
8. Devotion.
9. Fearlessness.

Negative points

1. Requires daily, long, active walks.
2. The breed is not suitable for beginners.
3. Excessive aggressiveness, due to which, if improperly educated, a pit bull can turn into a dangerous animal.
4. Requires constant attention and control.
5. High predisposition to allergic reactions.
6. The hunting instinct is highly developed, because of which other pets, especially small ones, may suffer.
7. Not adaptability to yard living.

History

Today’s Pit Bulls have their origins in 19th century Britain, but their history dates back to the time of the Roman Empire. This breed comes from molded fighting dogs, originally used to fight bulls and bears. With the banning of these fights in England, fans of these “sports” began to breed lighter dogs to make them fight. Terrier dogs seem to have been used, thus obtaining greater agility without losing combativeness.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the American Pit Bull Terrier at one point, but was later removed from its records because it did not want the bad press that a fighting breed caused. Thus, American film buffs developed a new breed from the pit bull of that time, the American staffordshire terrier.

There is a common misconception in modern society that the Pit Bull is a type of dog and not a breed of dog, but in reality, the Pit Bull is a breed with all the necessary powers. Not only is it a set of dogs with similar hereditary characteristics, but there is a defined standard for the breed.

The fact that the American Kennel Club and many other canine organizations do not agree to register the American Pit Bull Terrier does not mean that it is not a breed. It is simply a breed that is not recognized by these institutions, but by other institutions such as the United Kennel Club.

Currently, the American Pit Bull Terrier is recognized by certain film enthusiasts, such as the United Kennel Club and the American Dog Breeders Association, but it is not recognized by the Fédération cynologique internationale (FCI) or the AKC. However, some entities affiliated to the FCI recognize the breed, as is the case with the Argentine Cynological Federation.

The breed is currently considered one of the potentially dangerous dog breeds, but it remains one of the most popular in the world.

Representatives of this breed of dogs are characterized by strong volitional qualities. Animals are endowed with intelligence and, in skillful hands, are able to become reliable defenders who, in any situation, will rush to the aid of their master without hesitation.