that did not conform to this strict ideal.
Appearance
Size
There is some degree of diversity in appearance among American Pit Bull Terriers. APBTs can range in size from 30 pounds to 75 pounds (14 to 34 kg). Some breeders, as they have in so many other breeds, have even produced giant versions of the APBT, approaching 100 pounds (45 kg) or more. Some of the original pit fighting dogs imported from the British Isles were very small by today’s standards. In the pit, some of the greatest fighters of all time weighed less than 35 pounds (16 kg). These dogs gave rise to the popular expression, “It is not the size of the dog in the fight; it’s the size of the fight in the dog.”
Color
The APBT can be any solid shade or combination of colors. Solid colors often show off the rippling muscles of the breed. Spotted or bicolored dogs are often quite attractive. Their white markings provide striking contrasts. Brindle (a red or tan dog overshot with black striping), fawn (in many tones), red, blue, or black APBTs can be beautiful. Solid white is allowed in the APBT, but not in the APBT’s cousin-breed, the American Staffordshire Terrier (Amstaff).
Color really never played much of a role in the APBT. The imported Irish dogs of the late 1800s were often solid red or red with white markings. Perhaps the result of closely bred lines, the early imported red dogs—especially with red noses—were often descendants of a well-known strain or family of pit dogs. Even today, when legendary pit dogs are discussed, the term, “Old-Family Red-Nose,” usually comes up in the conversation. Several well-known modern American dog breeders have continued to propagate dogs of this color and of this bloodline or family.
What Your APBT Needs
The well-bred, well-socialized American Pit Bull Terrier can be an excellent family pet, but the APBT is not the dog for everyone. First-time dog owners would certainly be well advised to serve a lengthy apprenticeship with some other kind of dog before undertaking the challenge of owning an APBT, the Amstaff, or any of what is called the “bull breeds.” An experienced dog person, intent on learning about the APBT, should have no difficulty owning a dog of this breed. Much like a spirited horse, the APBT requires a human owner that can handle such a dog, meet its needs, and avoid potential problems.
Socialization
Socialization (page 85) is crucial for any young dog, but absolutely essential for the APBT puppy. Smart dog owners know that a “no surprises” attitude is best when owning dogs of any large and powerful breed. Everything that is true for these other breeds is even truer for the APBT.
Training
No other breed of dog needs the benefit of good training more than the APBT. For any breed with an aggressive heritage, ample training is an absolute must. If you don’t want to take the time to see that your pet is thoroughly trained, or if training is an aspect of dog ownership that doesn’t interest you, forget the APBT and find some other breed, or maybe just forego dog ownership altogether!
Traits
Loyalty and Fun
As a pet, the well-bred, well-socialized, and well-trained American Pit Bull Terrier is a great choice. Before “pit bull hysteria” started, stories about great APBTs were common. Thousands of APBTs lived long and happy lives. They are very loyal and there is absolutely no breed readier to give his life in protection of his family. They are also easy to groom. The breed is generally blessed with robust health. Seemingly built in to APBTs is an active love of life and, running counter to their public perception, an innate clownishness.
Aggressiveness
There are aspects of owning an APBT that require alert, aware, and careful owners. For example, some APBTs may show aggression especially to other aggressive dogs. Since, pound for pound, the APBT is the strongest dog in the world, one must be prepared to prevent impromptu scuffles and other problems before they occur.
Most other breeds and breed types briefly tussle, then one or the other will submit to the more dominant and thus the conflict ends. This matter of dominance/submission does not work the same way with the pit dog breeds.
Most APBTs that are family pets never get into a serious fight, and many go through their entire lives without ever showing overt aggression to a nonthreatening dog. This is largely due to the fact that these APBTs have owners who understand them. To an APBT, and to similar dog breeds and types, fighting can be like alcohol is to an alcoholic or drugs to a drug addict. Temperance is always recommended, and abstinence is desired; wise dog owners will strive to keep their APBTs out of situations where fighting is a possibility.
Good Health
The American Pit Bull Terrier is an unusually healthy breed. The rigors of his pit dog history have not given way to the many hereditary diseases or physical conditions that plague so many other purebred dog breeds. Good basic veterinary care is usually enough to give the APBT a chance at a long and full life. Preventive care and accident avoidance should be all that is needed to keep such a pet healthy.
The APBT can be just right for those humans capable of understanding him and of providing the right training, care, and environment for this breed. No dog of any breed or mixture of breeds should be obtained on impulse and certainly not an APBT. If you want a great dog, take great care to find and develop one for yourself and your family. You’ll be happy you did. Act impulsively and you will come to rue the day you ever thought about owning a dog.
The APBT Versus the “Pit Bull” Terror
A number of breeds have been forced to wear the unjust mantle of “canine Frankenstein.” Great Danes, now one of the mildest of dogs, once wore it. Malamutes, German Shepherd Dogs, Dobermans, and Akitas have worn it. Wolf-dog hybrids, Rottweilers, and Chow Chows still sometimes wear it. But no breed of dog in history has ever been loaded down with as much terribly evil baggage as has the APBT.
Fans of the breed look back to the good old days when their dogs got positive, or at least neutral, grades in the minds of the general public. In the past two decades, the instant-information society caught up with and chronicled every dog bite and attack occurring anywhere in the civilized world. Tabloid journalists—and some writers and broadcasters who simply didn’t dig deep enough—got the most exposure possible out of these incidents.
