in type among the Pit Bull breed—those that make the best working dogs would often not be successful in the show ring.
Working-form Pit Bulls, also referred to as the game-bred type, tend to be smaller, finer boned, more terrier-type dogs. Temperamentally, these dogs tend to be aggressive toward other dogs, but not toward people. In fact, years ago, the game-bred Pit Bull had the reputation of being one of the most useless of breeds for protection work because they were so reluctant to display aggression toward people.
Show-form Pit Bulls tend to be larger, more refined, bigger boned dogs with greater, more expansive chests and larger heads. Temperamentally, these dogs tend to be less dog-aggressive and not very aggressive toward people.
The “backyard-bred” dog tends to be larger than the working dog. It is not a refined-looking animal. It is not bred to last in long sustained dog matches and it is not bred to win any shows. It is generally bred to be attractive to those seeking a very macho-looking dog. Temperamentally, these dogs tend to be more aggressive toward people and often more outwardly aggressive toward other animals as well. After all, those who want a macho-looking dog are generally also in the market for a dog that will threaten others. Those who see a market in selling Pit Bulls to these people tend to selectively breed for this quality.
Acquire your pet American Pit Bull from stock that has been bred for temperament rather than fighting ability. Investigate the background of the parents and the breeder.
In selecting a Pit Bull for your own home, it is perhaps more important than with any other breed to do your homework carefully. The game-bred dog might not be the poor choice for a pet that you thought it to be. The show dog is often a fine pet. But the backyard-bred dog is what has given rise to the “Pit Bull problems” and negative reputation we have seen in recent years.
Some lines of Pit Bull produce dogs that are noticeably stockier and larger than dogs of other lines.
According to the standard, it is not important whether the dog’s ears are cropped or uncropped. Uncropped ears give the Pit Bull a softer look.
Breed Standard for the American Pit Bull Terrier
WHAT IS A BREED STANDARD?
Every breed of dog is guided by a standard, a blueprint of sorts that describes the breed’s physical properties and temperament, and the traits necessary for the task for which the dog originally was bred. Although Pit Bulls today are seen as pets, in the show ring and as guard dogs rather than in their original capacity as fighting dogs, the physical characteristics that made the dogs able fighters are what define the breed’s type, and these qualities of strength and athleticism should not be lost in today’s breed representatives. Standards are written by knowl-edgeable breed experts who hope to ensure the quality of their given breed for future generations. Breeders follow the standard when planning a mating, and show judges use the standard to evaluate dogs in the ring. Without such guidelines, specific inherent breed characteristics may be altered or completely eliminated. The following breed standard is that of the United Kennel Club, the first organization to recognize and register the American Pit Bull Terrier.
A head study of a dog with cropped ears.
The upper teeth should meet outside and in front of the lower teeth, in what is known as a scissors bite. Strong teeth and jaws are hallmarks of the breed.
THE UNITED KENNEL CLUB STANDARD FOR THE AMERICAN PIT BULL TERRIER
Head: Medium length. Bricklike in shape. Skull flat and widest at the ears, with prominent cheeks free from wrinkles.
PHYSICAL STRUCTURE OF THE AMERICAN PIT BULL TERRIER
This dog exhibits attractive brindle coloration and a head of desirable shape. You can see how wide and flat the head is between the ears.
Muzzle: Square, wide and deep. Well-pronounced jaws, displaying strength. Upper teeth should meet tightly over lower teeth, outside in front.
Ears: Cropped or uncropped (not important). Should be set high on head, and be free from wrinkles.
Eyes: Round. Should be set far apart, low down on the skull. Any color acceptable.
Nose: Wide-open nostrils. Any color acceptable.
Neck: Muscular. Slightly arched. Tapering from shoulder to head. Free from loose skin.
Shoulders: Strong and muscular, with wide sloping shoulder blades.
Back: Short and strong. Slightly sloping from withers to rump. Slightly arched at loins, which should be slightly tucked.
Chest: Deep, but not too broad, with wide sprung ribs.
BREEDING CONSIDERATIONS
The decision to breed your dog is one that must be considered carefully and researched thoroughly before moving into action. Some people believe that breeding will make their bitches happier or that it is an easy way to make money. Unfortunately, indiscriminate breeding only worsens the rampant problem of pet overpopulation, as well as putting a considerable dent in your pocketbook. As for the bitch, the entire process from mating through whelping is not an easy one and puts your pet under considerable stress. Last, but not least, consider whether or not you have the means to care for an entire litter of pups. Without a reputation in the field, your attempts to sell the pups may be unsuccessful.
Ribs: Close. Well sprung, with deep back ribs.
Tail: Short in comparison to size. Set low and tapering to a fine point. Not carried over back. Bobbed tail not acceptable.
Legs: Large, round boned, with straight, upright pasterns, reasonably strong. Feet to be of medium size. Gait should be light and springy. No rolling or pacing.
Thigh:
