American Pit Bull Terrier Dog breed or breeds
The American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) is a medium-sized, solidly built, short-coated dog whose early ancestors came from England.
Pit Bull is not a specific breed of dog, but rather a term used to describe several breeds of dogs with similar physical characteristics. The American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier commonly fall under the category of "Pit Bull." There are several other breeds that can fall under the rubric of “pit bull,” including: the Argentine Dogo, the English Bull Terrier, the American Bulldog, Perro de Presa Canario and the Boxer.
The American Pit Bull is a very muscular, stocky, yet agile dog which is extremely strong for his size. The ears are generally cropped, though this is optional. Docked tails are not accepted by the UKC or the ADBA. The eyes are round, and any color is acceptable. The teeth should form a scissors bite. Its coat is made up of thick, short, shiny hair. All colors are admissible. The tail tapers to a point. It has a short coat and smooth, well-defined muscle structure. Its eyes are round to almond shaped, and its ears are small to medium in length and can be natural or cropped. The tail is thick and tapers to a point.
The coat is glossy, smooth, short, and slightly coarse and can be any color. The breed ranges from a height of about 18 to 22 inches (45.7 cm-56 cm) at shoulders, and weighs between 35 and 65 lbs (16 to 27kg)
The essential characteristics of the American Pit Bull Terrier are strength, confidence, and zest for life. This breed is eager to please and brimming over with enthusiasm. APBTs make excellent family companions and have always been noted for their love of children. The American Pit Bull Terrier has always been capable of doing a wide variety of jobs so exaggerations or faults should be penalized in proportion to how much they interfere with the dog's versatility.
The American Kennel Club allowed pit bull terriers into their registry under the name of the Staffordshire terrier in the 1930s. Along with the new breed name came the need for specific standards for the breeds. A committee visited several kennels and ended up choosing a dog named Colby’s Primo as the dog used to create the standards.