Other Name(s) American Pit Bull, Pit, Pit Bull, Pit Bull Terrier
Breed Type Pure
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Breed Spotlight
Origins
The American Pit Bull Terrier comes from a long lineage of strong working dogs. The breed descended from bulldogs and molossoid dogs that were used to catch large game (such as wild boar), and some of the grittiest terriers used to hunt and dispatch dangerous game (such as foxes and badgers). As agriculture became the norm and hunting became less of a necessity and more of a sport, these bulldogs, molossoids, and terriers were sent after bears, bulls, and one another as blood sports competitors, with the most vicious dogs bringing in the most money and fame.
Animal fighting was prohibited in 1835, including the baiting of dogs against bears and bulls, as well as each other. However, while one blood sport’s era of terror had finally ended, another was in line to take its place. Although concealing a bear or bullbaiting was difficult, a dog fight was a different story. Unlike in the bear and bull ring, where size and strength won the day, in the dogfighting pits, grit, stamina, and survival instincts ultimately determined whether a dog should live to see the next match. Many of today’s beloved dog breeds originated in the pit, including the Boston Terrier, the Bull Terrier, and of course, the American Pit Bull Terrier. Considered a champion breed, the ancestors of today’s American Pit Bull Terriers weren’t known for their size and strength, but their fierce reputations as “pit bulls” preceded them, and the moniker stuck. Thus, these pit bulls became famous far and wide, especially in areas of the United States where dog fighting had not been prohibited. In 1898, the breed was officially recognized as the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) by Chauncey Z. Bennet, a dogfighter, breed enthusiast, and founder of the United Kennel Club.
Dog fighting remained legal in the United States for many decades until its prohibition in 1976. Even after being made illegal, dog fighting was largely ignored and continued underground until recently. Today, dog fighting is considered a felony in all 50 states and U.S. territories. A dark past and an association with criminal elements dealt the breed a hard blow that many people thought was irreparable. However, thanks in part to the push from law enforcement to ban dog fighting and responsible breeding efforts by CKC dog breeders, the American Pit Bull Terrier is now thriving in positive new roles. They serve as wonderful family companions and hard-working dogs while also fulfilling roles in law enforcement, therapy work, and as assistance for individuals with special needs.
Breed Characteristics
Head: Somewhat brachycephalic in skull type. The head gives the impression of strength and power without appearing bully or overly coarse. It is broad, appearing somewhat viper-like. The skull is at least as wide (measured across the top in front of the ears) as it is long (occiput to stop). The skull is deep when viewed from the side, with the skull being as deep (from the top of the skull to the lower jaw line) as it is long (from stop to occiput). When viewed in profile or from the front, the skull may be flat or with slightly prominent temporalis muscle arches. The skull is broad between the ears. The brow is well-defined. The head is clean-cut without excess skin or wrinkles. Some wrinkles may appear on the forehead when the dog is alert. Under the eyes and the cheeks are well-developed and well-padded.
Eyes: Moderate in size, may be somewhat round, oval, or almond in shape, and obliquely set. They may be any shade from blue to dark brown color. The eye rims are well-fitted and well-pigmented in areas in which color surrounds the eyes. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes.
Ears: The ears are set on the highest and outermost corner of the skull. Ears may be left natural or cropped. Natural ears should be small to medium in size and may be drop-shaped, rose, half-prick, or button ears. Cropped ears are cut short. The ears are never long or overly large.
Muzzle: The muzzle is deep, broad, strong, and well-developed. The plane of the muzzle may be straight or have a slight taper from the stop to the tip of the nose. The muzzle tapers and ends bluntly, forming a wedged box shape. The lips are tight, covering the teeth completely. The jaws are well-developed and strong. The muzzle should never appear snipey or so short that it hinders breathing.
Nose: The nose is well-pigmented and black or self-colored according to the coat. The nostrils are large and well-opened.
Neck: The neck is of a moderate length, sufficient enough to allow freedom of motion range and good head carriage. It is tightly yet smoothly muscled, with a slight arch. The skin is well-fitted, tight, and never in excess, wrinkling, or with dewlap. The neck tapers from the head to the well-laid back shoulders.
Chest: Deep and broad, but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows.
Body: Compact, solid, and of good substance. The body should never appear overly massive, heavy, or of heavy bone and muscle. The body of the American Pit Bull Terrier is built for agility and stamina. The width at the forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters.
Feet: Oval to round, compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads.
Tail: Set neither high nor low on the croup but as a natural extension of the topline, thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. Carried in accordance with the dog’s mood and energy level, but never tucked, curled, or carried up over the back. The tail is always left natural, never docked, and of a medium length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down. The tail may be straight, pump-handle, or gently curved.
Movement: The American Pit Bull Terrier’s movement must be light, springy, effortless, and tireless. It should never appear heavy, constrained, or as a rolling gait. The characteristics of a healthy structure are evident. When moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither moving in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the center line of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in line with the nose. When extended, the width between the forefeet should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and a good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring.
Temperament: The American Pit Bull Terrier's temperament is one of the breed’s best attributes. Confident, intelligent, watchful, alert, self-composed, courageous, and hopelessly devoted to their families are apt descriptions. Their terrier ancestry and bulldog size make socialization and training necessary to ensure that they serve as goodwill ambassadors to their breed. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.
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Breed Standard
BREED GROUP 4: Bull Breeds
Proportions: The American Pit Bull Terrier can range in size and proportions from the smaller, squarely built terrier type to the larger, rectangular stock type and any intermediate type between. Both varieties should be kept and presented in hard working condition; ribs should be felt but not seen. Females may be slightly longer than males. Terrier Type: The terrier-type American Pit Bull Terrier is a well-balanced dog that is smaller in size, lighter in bone, lean, and athletic, yet still exhibits good substance throughout. This variety should appear wiry yet never weedy or with fine or delicate bone. The body is well-equipped with hard-yet-smooth muscle throughout. The body height from the withers to the ground is equal to or slightly less than the body length, measured from the point of the chest to the point of the rump. Standard Type: The standard type American Pit Bull Terrier is well-balanced and off-square to a slightly rectangular dog of medium size, moderate bone, and good substance. It should never appear overly bulky, heavily boned, or with excess prominent muscle. The weight of a male or female is always in proportion to height.
Head
General Appearance: Somewhat brachycephalic in skull type. The head gives the impression of strength and power without appearing bully or overly coarse. It is broad, appearing somewhat viper-like. The skull is at least as wide (measured across the top in front of the ears) as it is long (occiput to stop). The skull is deep when viewed from the side, with the skull being as deep (from the top of the skull to the lower jaw line) as it is long (from stop to occiput). When viewed in profile or from the front, the skull may be flat or with slightly prominent temporalis muscle arches. The skull is broad between the ears. The brow is well-defined. The head is clean-cut without excess skin or wrinkles. Some wrinkles may appear on the forehead when the dog is alert. Under the eyes and the cheeks are well-developed and well-padded.
Expression: Keen, intelligent, self-composed, anticipating, and watchful.
Stop: The stop is well-defined and moderately deep.
Skull: The ideal muzzle-to-skull ratio is between 1:1 and 2:3, with the topskull being equal to or just longer than the muzzle. The ideal muzzle-to-skull axis is parallel or may be slightly convergent.
Muzzle: The muzzle is deep, broad, strong, and well-developed. The plane of the muzzle may be straight or have a slight taper from the stop to the tip of the nose. The muzzle tapers and ends bluntly, forming a wedged box shape. The lips are tight, covering the teeth completely. The jaws are well-developed and strong. The muzzle should never appear snipey or so short that it hinders breathing.
Lips or Flews: The lips are clean and fit tightly over the teeth and jaws, with no sign of looseness or pendulousness.
Nose: The nose is well-pigmented and black or self-colored according to the coat. The nostrils are large and well-opened.
Cheeks: Well-padded and pronounced, denoting strength and giving the head and face substance and width.
Dentition and Bite: Forty-two strong, clean, and white teeth. The bite may be level, scissor, or reverse-scissor. Contact must be made between the top and bottom incisors. Missing or broken teeth due to routine work are not to be penalized.
Eyes: Moderate in size, may be somewhat round, oval, or almond in shape, and obliquely set. They may be any shade from blue to dark brown color. The eye rims are well-fitted and well-pigmented in areas in which color surrounds the eyes. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes.
Ears: The ears are set on the highest and outermost corner of the skull. Ears may be left natural or cropped. Natural ears should be small to medium in size and may be drop-shaped, rose, half-prick, or button ears. Cropped ears are cut short. The ears are never long or overly large.
Body and Tail
General Description: Compact, solid, and of good substance. The body should never appear overly massive, heavy, or of heavy bone and muscle. The body of the American Pit Bull Terrier is built for agility and stamina. The width at the forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters.
Neck: The neck is of a moderate length, sufficient enough to allow freedom of motion range and good head carriage. It is tightly yet smoothly muscled, with a slight arch. The skin is well-fitted, tight, and never in excess, wrinkling, or with dewlap. The neck tapers from the head to the well-laid back shoulders.
Chest: Deep and broad, but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows.
Topline: Level from slightly prominent withers to croup or with a gentle, almost imperceptible arch at the loin. The back is broad, strongly muscled, and straight, yet supple. The loin is taut and may be flat, level, or slightly arched yet supportive. The topline is never swayed or roached.
Croup: The croup is very slightly arched and sloping downward.
Underline: A slight tuck-up may be present, or the underline may run parallel to the topline. The underline is taut and firm, without any indication of sagging or excess weight.
Ribs: Long, well-sprung, well-laid-back, oval-shaped, never barrel-chested or slab-sided.
Tail: Set neither high nor low on the croup but as a natural extension of the topline, thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. Carried in accordance with the dog’s mood and energy level, but never tucked, curled, or carried up over the back. The tail is always left natural, never docked, and of a medium length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down. The tail may be straight, pump-handle, or gently curved.
Forequarters and Hindquarters
Forequarters: The forequarters are always balanced with the hindquarters and well-angulated with well-laid-back shoulder blades. Shoulder blades are approximately equal in length to the upper arm and forearm.
Elbows: The elbows are close to the body. The point of the elbows is approximately half the dog’s height at the withers.
Forelegs: Frontal View: Straight, of good muscle and bone, and parallel to one another. Side View: The forelimbs appear straight with strong pasterns.
Pasterns: Never weak or broken.
Hindquarters: The upper and lower thighs are equal in length, strong, sturdy, of good bone, and well-muscled. Rear View: When viewed from the rear, the rear pasterns are parallel to one another. Side View: Good angulation will allow the rear toes to align with the point of the rump or within one paw-length behind the point of the rump, with the rear pasterns remaining perpendicular to the ground and parallel to one another.
Stifle Joint: Well-angulated with a good bend to well-let-down rear pasterns.
Angulations: The angulation of the hindquarters is always in balance with the angulation of the forequarters.
Feet: Oval to round, compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads.
Coat
Skin: Well-fitted, yet supple. The skin should never obstruct the outline of the dog.
Coat Type: Short, glossy, smooth, close, and stiff to the touch.
Coat Color or Pattern: CKC recognizes two color varieties of the American Pit Bull Terrier breed: the standard and the nonstandard.
Standard coat color: All coat colors and patterns are permissible except Merle.
Nonstandard coat color: Merle variations of any standard color pattern. Large patches or amounts of white indicating homogenous merle genotype/phenotype is undesirable.
Movement
The American Pit Bull Terrier’s movement must be light, springy, effortless, and tireless. It should never appear heavy, constrained, or as a rolling gait. The characteristics of a healthy structure are evident. When moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither moving in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the center line of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in line with the nose. When extended, the width between the forefeet should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and a good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring.
Temperament
The American Pit Bull Terrier's temperament is one of the breed’s best attributes. Confident, intelligent, watchful, alert, self-composed, courageous, and hopelessly devoted to their families are apt descriptions. Their terrier ancestry and bulldog size make socialization and training necessary to ensure that they serve as goodwill ambassadors to their breed. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.
Faults
All dogs should be in proper health condition free from disease or defect. Any departure from this description is considered a fault. Unless altered, all male dogs should have two fully descended testicles.
Snapshots
Read Full Standard
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Breed Standard
BREED GROUP 4: Bull Breeds
Proportions: The American Pit Bull Terrier can range in size and proportions from the smaller, squarely built terrier type to the larger, rectangular stock type and any intermediate type between. Both varieties should be kept and presented in hard working condition; ribs should be felt but not seen. Females may be slightly longer than males. Terrier Type: The terrier-type American Pit Bull Terrier is a well-balanced dog that is smaller in size, lighter in bone, lean, and athletic, yet still exhibits good substance throughout. This variety should appear wiry yet never weedy or with fine or delicate bone. The body is well-equipped with hard-yet-smooth muscle throughout. The body height from the withers to the ground is equal to or slightly less than the body length, measured from the point of the chest to the point of the rump. Standard Type: The standard type American Pit Bull Terrier is well-balanced and off-square to a slightly rectangular dog of medium size, moderate bone, and good substance. It should never appear overly bulky, heavily boned, or with excess prominent muscle. The weight of a male or female is always in proportion to height.
Head
General Appearance: Somewhat brachycephalic in skull type. The head gives the impression of strength and power without appearing bully or overly coarse. It is broad, appearing somewhat viper-like. The skull is at least as wide (measured across the top in front of the ears) as it is long (occiput to stop). The skull is deep when viewed from the side, with the skull being as deep (from the top of the skull to the lower jaw line) as it is long (from stop to occiput). When viewed in profile or from the front, the skull may be flat or with slightly prominent temporalis muscle arches. The skull is broad between the ears. The brow is well-defined. The head is clean-cut without excess skin or wrinkles. Some wrinkles may appear on the forehead when the dog is alert. Under the eyes and the cheeks are well-developed and well-padded.
Expression: Keen, intelligent, self-composed, anticipating, and watchful.
Stop: The stop is well-defined and moderately deep.
Skull: The ideal muzzle-to-skull ratio is between 1:1 and 2:3, with the topskull being equal to or just longer than the muzzle. The ideal muzzle-to-skull axis is parallel or may be slightly convergent.
Muzzle: The muzzle is deep, broad, strong, and well-developed. The plane of the muzzle may be straight or have a slight taper from the stop to the tip of the nose. The muzzle tapers and ends bluntly, forming a wedged box shape. The lips are tight, covering the teeth completely. The jaws are well-developed and strong. The muzzle should never appear snipey or so short that it hinders breathing.
Lips or Flews: The lips are clean and fit tightly over the teeth and jaws, with no sign of looseness or pendulousness.
Nose: The nose is well-pigmented and black or self-colored according to the coat. The nostrils are large and well-opened.
Cheeks: Well-padded and pronounced, denoting strength and giving the head and face substance and width.
Dentition and Bite: Forty-two strong, clean, and white teeth. The bite may be level, scissor, or reverse-scissor. Contact must be made between the top and bottom incisors. Missing or broken teeth due to routine work are not to be penalized.
Eyes: Moderate in size, may be somewhat round, oval, or almond in shape, and obliquely set. They may be any shade from blue to dark brown color. The eye rims are well-fitted and well-pigmented in areas in which color surrounds the eyes. The eyes are never bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes.
Ears: The ears are set on the highest and outermost corner of the skull. Ears may be left natural or cropped. Natural ears should be small to medium in size and may be drop-shaped, rose, half-prick, or button ears. Cropped ears are cut short. The ears are never long or overly large.
Body and Tail
General Description: Compact, solid, and of good substance. The body should never appear overly massive, heavy, or of heavy bone and muscle. The body of the American Pit Bull Terrier is built for agility and stamina. The width at the forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters.
Neck: The neck is of a moderate length, sufficient enough to allow freedom of motion range and good head carriage. It is tightly yet smoothly muscled, with a slight arch. The skin is well-fitted, tight, and never in excess, wrinkling, or with dewlap. The neck tapers from the head to the well-laid back shoulders.
Chest: Deep and broad, but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows.
Topline: Level from slightly prominent withers to croup or with a gentle, almost imperceptible arch at the loin. The back is broad, strongly muscled, and straight, yet supple. The loin is taut and may be flat, level, or slightly arched yet supportive. The topline is never swayed or roached.
Croup: The croup is very slightly arched and sloping downward.
Underline: A slight tuck-up may be present, or the underline may run parallel to the topline. The underline is taut and firm, without any indication of sagging or excess weight.
Ribs: Long, well-sprung, well-laid-back, oval-shaped, never barrel-chested or slab-sided.
Tail: Set neither high nor low on the croup but as a natural extension of the topline, thick at the base and tapering toward the tip. Carried in accordance with the dog’s mood and energy level, but never tucked, curled, or carried up over the back. The tail is always left natural, never docked, and of a medium length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down. The tail may be straight, pump-handle, or gently curved.
Forequarters and Hindquarters
Forequarters: The forequarters are always balanced with the hindquarters and well-angulated with well-laid-back shoulder blades. Shoulder blades are approximately equal in length to the upper arm and forearm.
Elbows: The elbows are close to the body. The point of the elbows is approximately half the dog’s height at the withers.
Forelegs: Frontal View: Straight, of good muscle and bone, and parallel to one another. Side View: The forelimbs appear straight with strong pasterns.
Pasterns: Never weak or broken.
Hindquarters: The upper and lower thighs are equal in length, strong, sturdy, of good bone, and well-muscled. Rear View: When viewed from the rear, the rear pasterns are parallel to one another. Side View: Good angulation will allow the rear toes to align with the point of the rump or within one paw-length behind the point of the rump, with the rear pasterns remaining perpendicular to the ground and parallel to one another.
Stifle Joint: Well-angulated with a good bend to well-let-down rear pasterns.
Angulations: The angulation of the hindquarters is always in balance with the angulation of the forequarters.
Feet: Oval to round, compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads.
Coat
Skin: Well-fitted, yet supple. The skin should never obstruct the outline of the dog.
Coat Type: Short, glossy, smooth, close, and stiff to the touch.
Coat Color or Pattern: CKC recognizes two color varieties of the American Pit Bull Terrier breed: the standard and the nonstandard.
Standard coat color: All coat colors and patterns are permissible except Merle.
Nonstandard coat color: Merle variations of any standard color pattern. Large patches or amounts of white indicating homogenous merle genotype/phenotype is undesirable.
Movement
The American Pit Bull Terrier’s movement must be light, springy, effortless, and tireless. It should never appear heavy, constrained, or as a rolling gait. The characteristics of a healthy structure are evident. When moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither moving in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the center line of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in line with the nose. When extended, the width between the forefeet should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and a good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring.
Temperament
The American Pit Bull Terrier's temperament is one of the breed’s best attributes. Confident, intelligent, watchful, alert, self-composed, courageous, and hopelessly devoted to their families are apt descriptions. Their terrier ancestry and bulldog size make socialization and training necessary to ensure that they serve as goodwill ambassadors to their breed. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.
Faults
All dogs should be in proper health condition free from disease or defect. Any departure from this description is considered a fault. Unless altered, all male dogs should have two fully descended testicles.
Dog Fact #61
The breed of a dog is a pretty good indicator for certain behaviors, one new study performed by Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School had concluded. For instance, trainability was pretty high on the list for most Border Collies, whereas sociability towards people was high for many Golden Retrievers tested. The test results were based on averages, so this didn’t mean there weren’t exceptions to every rule.
