Dog Breeds - American Pit Bull Terrier

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium sized Terrier. They are a broad built, muscular dog and were bred intentionally for blood sports actually meaning they were bred to be reliable and trustworthy with humans rather than other dogs but also for their very high prey drive among small animals.

Many countries have put legislation on pit bull-type dogs

  • Group: Terrier
  • Size: Medium
  • Exercise: Considerable
  • Grooming: Little
  • Lifespan: 9 - 15 years

American Pit Bull Terrier Background

American Pit Bull Terrier was originally bred for the purpose of bull baiting, a blood sport which was outlawed by Act of Parliament called the Cruelty to Animals Act 1835. After the change of law in 1835 dogs were then pitted against each other in an underground scene and this was often used to define the breed standard.

American Pit Bull Terrier Temperament

American Pit Bull Terrier is well known for their high aggression and very strong prey drive. It has been commented that the American Pit Bull Terrier gains bad press from being trained to show aggression and that this is a side effect of being so willing to please their owners. Studies have shown that despite the dog related fatalities in the United States between 1979 and 1996 the attacks were proven to be by pit bulls that were very under-socialized.

American Pit Bull Terrier Appearance

American Pit Bull Terriers are medium sized yet stocky and muscular looking dogs. Their rear legs are well muscled, they are slightly short in the foreface and lips which show no looseness.

American Pit Bull Terrier Care

The American Pit Bull Terrier is generally an obedient dog and relatively easy to obedience train. They are known to have a stubborn streak and thus firm handling can be a requirement however essentially it is noted that the flaws tend to be in the owners training of the breed and that they should be socialised from an early age. They can be quite a boisterous breed and can get quite destructive if left to get bored. This breed does require mental and physical stimulation to stop boredom.

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American Pit Bull Terrier Dogs