American Pit Bull

Breed Type: Terrier
Weight: 60 pounds for Males and 50 pounds for Females
Height: 22 inches for Males as well as Females
Coat Type: Short and smooth coat

American Pit Bull is one of the famous dog breeds of America. It is best known for its herding, guarding, hunting, policing, cart pulling and ratting skills. American Pit Bull looks very much similar to American Staffordshire Terriers and the difference between the two is a difficult task even for the breeders. American Pit Bull is always obedient and eager to please its master. They are found in a variety of colors and all coat colors are acceptable.

History
American Pit Bulls are thought to be developed from the Bull and Terrier types of the past. The firmness and accompanying strength of these dogs are rarely found in other dog breeds. The history of this breed is very rich and fascinating. It has also been argued by some that this breed belongs to the original bulldog of the past. Old prints and woodcarvings of dogs reveal that their look is exactly similar to the present breed of American Pit Bulls. Earlier, the Pit Bull was considered a much-loved and trustworthy companion. A Pit Bull, named Band Dog Dread, has received the highest number of canine working titles than any other breed. Although these dogs are capable of many tasks, they are becoming unpopular due to some of their biting and aggressive stories. It has been argued by some that these stories are wrongly spread by media as they themselves are not sure that the dog, they mention in such stories, are the original breed of American Pit Bulls or some mixed breed.

Appearance
American Pit Bull is a very powerful and passionate dog. The shape of its head is brick-like and the neck is thickly muscled and well-defined. It has a thick and well-sprung chest. This breed is generally very muscular, stocky and extremely strong. In some American Pit Bulls, cropped ears are generally seen, though this is discretionary. Docked tails are not accepted by the UKC or the ADBA. The eyes of this breed are round in shape, and any color of eyes is acceptable by all dog standards. The teeth of American Pit Bull are very sharp and can form a scissors bite. Their coat is generally made up of thick, short, shiny hair. They are found in variety of colors and all coat colors are acceptable. In the pure breed of American Pit Bull, the tail tapers to a point. They are usually available in black and white colors. but other colors and combinations are also found and accepted.

Temperament
American Pit Bulls prove to be excellent, loving and protective companions. They also have good stamina and are known to be good watchdogs. They can be bossy with other dogs, but nice with children in the family. American Pit Bulls also need to be watched carefully, when they are with unfamiliar children. They need to be trained at an early age, especially for behaving well among strangers. This breed is willful by nature and needs consistent training. They are naturally aggressive toward other dogs and animals, but this is not the case with people around it. If they are properly trained to be socialized, they are very calm, confident, and less aggressive even with strangers. The American Pit Bull is a good-natured, amusing, extremely loyal and affectionate in temperament and thus become a very good family pet. It is always obedient and eager to please its master. This dog is extremely courageous and intelligent. As a guard dog, it is highly protective of its owner and his property.

Genetic Disease
The American Pit Bull is generally said to be a healthy breed. Although like other dog breeds, some dogs are prone to hip dysphasia and hereditary cataracts. They may also suffer from allergies to grass and congenital heart disease. American Pit Bulls require plenty of regular exercise and need to be taken on long walks on daily basis.

Grooming
The smooth, short-haired coat of American Pit Bulls is easy to groom. Brushing regularly with a firm bristle brush and giving bath or shampoo, whenever necessary, can be enough for them. Rubbing with a piece of towel will make the coat gleam. This breed is an average shedder.