The Pit Bull
The American Pit Bull Terrier, more commonly known by its nickname, the pit bull, is known nowadays for its ferocious strength and muscular abilities. It is also known by its name abbreviation, the APBT. The American Pit Bull Terrier is most often the one mistaken for the sole breed of pit bull. Other breeds often nicknamed pit bulls and confused with the American Pit Bull Terrier include the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier.
History of the Pit Bull
The pit bull was developed during the nineteenth century as a cross between the bulldog and a terrier. This combined the spirited, eager terrier with the strong, agile qualities of the bulldog. The pit bull turned out to be strong, courageous, determined, protective, willing, loyal, and gentle. They also retained an ability to withstand injury--which became very popular when dogfighters found out that they could survive for long hours in the ring.
These dogs, before they became popular in the ring, were used as farm dogs, to drive livestock and "hold" prey until the hunters came to collect it. They were very loyal and loving and often used as family pets.
Even after pit bulls started fighting in the ring as part of the then-popular dogfights, they remained a popular family pet. When the pit bulls were fighting, it was important for them to be gentle and loyal to their owners, in case they had to be separated during a dogfight.
Many sources say that pit bulls would never intentionally bite or harm their owners. During the off-season, or while they were healing from their injuries, pit bulls often lived with the families. There, they earned the nickname, the "nursemaid's dog", because they were so good with children.
Appearance of Pit Bulls
COAT COLOR AND APPEARANCE
The Pit Bull Terrier is very short, stocky, and muscular. They come in many colors, and are accepted by the UKC in every color or color combination except merle. Their tail is straight, and their coat is short, glossy (when well-brushed), and stiff.
HEIGHT AND WEIGHT
The males measure from 18-21 inches tall at the withers and females measure 17-20 inches tall at the withers. Males weigh anywhere from 35 to 60 pounds, and females weigh anywhere from 30 to 50 pounds.
OTHER FEATURES
The pit bull has almost humanlike eyes with wide pupils and large irises that fill the eyes. All colors of eyes are acceptable, except blue. The head of the pit bull is strong and muscular-looking, without being overly large or clumsy. It portrays power and control. The body of the pit bull is strong and powerful, but not too well-muscled as too appear overly stiff or strong. It is proportionate tot he head and the rest of the body. The pit bull retains its dewclaws and feet are proportionate to the rest of the body. The tail is an extension of the spine, and slopes down from the spine and over the hindquarters before closing in a point.
The pit bull walks with a powerful attitude and seems confident and ready for everything.
History of the Pit Bull
The pit bull was developed during the nineteenth century as a cross between the bulldog and a terrier. This combined the spirited, eager terrier with the strong, agile qualities of the bulldog. The pit bull turned out to be strong, courageous, determined, protective, willing, loyal, and gentle. They also retained an ability to withstand injury--which became very popular when dogfighters found out that they could survive for long hours in the ring.
These dogs, before they became popular in the ring, were used as farm dogs, to drive livestock and "hold" prey until the hunters came to collect it. They were very loyal and loving and often used as family pets.
Even after pit bulls started fighting in the ring as part of the then-popular dogfights, they remained a popular family pet. When the pit bulls were fighting, it was important for them to be gentle and loyal to their owners, in case they had to be separated during a dogfight.
Many sources say that pit bulls would never intentionally bite or harm their owners. During the off-season, or while they were healing from their injuries, pit bulls often lived with the families. There, they earned the nickname, the "nursemaid's dog", because they were so good with children.
Appearance of Pit Bulls
COAT COLOR AND APPEARANCE
The Pit Bull Terrier is very short, stocky, and muscular. They come in many colors, and are accepted by the UKC in every color or color combination except merle. Their tail is straight, and their coat is short, glossy (when well-brushed), and stiff.
HEIGHT AND WEIGHT
The males measure from 18-21 inches tall at the withers and females measure 17-20 inches tall at the withers. Males weigh anywhere from 35 to 60 pounds, and females weigh anywhere from 30 to 50 pounds.
OTHER FEATURES
The pit bull has almost humanlike eyes with wide pupils and large irises that fill the eyes. All colors of eyes are acceptable, except blue. The head of the pit bull is strong and muscular-looking, without being overly large or clumsy. It portrays power and control. The body of the pit bull is strong and powerful, but not too well-muscled as too appear overly stiff or strong. It is proportionate tot he head and the rest of the body. The pit bull retains its dewclaws and feet are proportionate to the rest of the body. The tail is an extension of the spine, and slopes down from the spine and over the hindquarters before closing in a point.
The pit bull walks with a powerful attitude and seems confident and ready for everything.
Temperament
The pit bull is often known as the "nursemaid's dog", because it is so good with children. Pit bulls are extremely loyal, and were often chosen for dog fights as they would rather die than bite a human. They make very good guard dogs, as they appear to be very scary and loud. In reality, though, they're often cowards. Pit bulls are very smart, and ranked higher than Labradors in a 2002 temperament test. In the 99th percentile, they are extremely high, more so than other dogs.
The pit bull is often known as the "nursemaid's dog", because it is so good with children. Pit bulls are extremely loyal, and were often chosen for dog fights as they would rather die than bite a human. They make very good guard dogs, as they appear to be very scary and loud. In reality, though, they're often cowards. Pit bulls are very smart, and ranked higher than Labradors in a 2002 temperament test. In the 99th percentile, they are extremely high, more so than other dogs.