American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) Dog Breed Information
American Pit Bull Terriers are a cross between a terrier and bulldog. During the 19th century, farmers wanted a Terrier that was tough as a Bulldog, but could still chase and kill vermin so the Bully/Terrier breeds emerged. Pit Bulls can do it all, honestly! They can hunt game like a terrier, herd cattle like a bulldog and are great family companions. Pit Bulls have many different names, but they are formally known as American Pit Bull Terriers.
Pit Bulls are negatively viewed due to breed-specific legislation claiming them a dangerous breed. This is far from the truth. Any breed of dog can be dangerous if they fall into the wrong hands and are exploited. Learn more about Anti-Breed-Specific Legislation FAQ where both the CDC and President Obama debunk this myth.
Temperament
Terriers were bred to work independently so they can be a bit scrappy with other dogs. While Pit Bulls are the larger version of Terriers, they can cause more harm due to their larger size if they are not taught how to greet dogs politely. Now, some Pit Bulls are fabulous around other dogs and some are not, it depends. However, as a whole, terriers can be a bit scrappy if dogs get in their personal space.
You may notice your Pittie gets very excited around fast movement. This is a Terrier thing, as they’re bred to hunt game. At times, Pit Bulls can become mesmerized by fast movement and they seem to tune out from their owners. They’ll usually vocalize and focus on what is moving, which can be a bit scary for unaware owners. When this happens, throw 10 treats in front of your dog. This will snap him out of his trance and focus on something else. And, it’s always best to redirect him before this happens so throw 10 treats in the opposite direction of whatever is moving really fast. Try to do this before your dog notices the fast movement.
Play Style (It’s different from most dogs!)
Most Bully breeds (Bull Dog/Terrier crossed) possess very different play styles than most breeds. They don’t understand personal space, which can easily offend another dog or person. Honestly, they don’t think they are too close. Pit Bulls will climb right into your lap. Pit Bulls play with lots of body contact, which means they will:
- Body slam: Bump their bodies against a dog usually at full speed, which most dogs find very rude
- Hip check: Bump their hips against another dog
- Shoulder check: Bump with their shoulders
It’s vital to find other dogs that mimic the same play style as your Pit Bull. Also, your Pit Bull needs to learn this is not polite behavior with humans. He will think it’s fun, but most humans do not. If you are not sure about your Pit Bull’s play style, consult with an experienced dog trainer. He will make recommendations and point you in the right direction.
Grooming
Pit Bulls need regular brushing, as they do shed often. I recommend the following:
- A rubber curry-style brush
- Weekly nail trims
- Ear cleanings
- Baths as needed
- Teeth brushing several times a week
A Few More Words About Pit Bull Terriers
I cannot say this enough: it’s not the breed of dog that is dangerous. Any breed of dog can and will bite. Following the trends, it seems people love to hate larger, shorter-coated muscled dogs, which were bred for guarding, working or herding. Many target these breeds because they can look scary. I’m not sure about that, but one thing I do know for sure is any dog can bite. Taking this into account, I would not recommend most American Pit Bull Terriers for new pet owners. They can be a bit plucky (very determined), which amounts to a huge handful for novice dog owners.
Learn more about Pit Bulls at UKC American Pit Bull Terrier Standard. They are registered through United Kennel Club (UKC). There are as many Pit Bull rescue groups, which is both good and bad, as Pit Bulls that need homes. Be sure to also check out these excellent sources for more information on rescuing American Pit Bull Terriers.
Tell me about your Pit Bull in the comment section below.
You may also like: Training Pit Bulls
Many times, I’m asked if specific breeds like Pit Bulls are more difficult to train. When teaching dogs polite behaviors, about 90% is the same learning principles, which means all dogs are able to learn. So let’s discuss the differences between Pit Bull Terriers and other breeds of dogs.