American Pitbull Terrier: intelligent family member with a lot of joie de vivre

Consistent training allows the American Pitbull Terrier to show his family qualities. Obedience, intelligence and a dash of silliness are among his true talents. He is less suitable as a dedicated guard dog: The Pitbull prefers to be good friends with children and strangers alike.

From a dedicated working dog to a sporty family dog

In over 150 years, the American Pitbull Terrier has hardly changed visually. In the 19th century, breeders in England, Scotland and Ireland crossed bulldogs and terriers with the aim of combining the strength of the bulldog with the terrier’s play instinct. The ancestors of the American Pitbull Terrier were therefore used, among other things, in so-called Pied Piper fights. Here, bets were placed on how quickly a dog could kill a certain number of rodents. Illegal dog fights followed later. These took place in arenas, which were also called “pits” (german: “pit, hole”). This is where the name pit bull comes from. However, the breed should only be aggressive towards other animals. If the dogs bite people, they were excluded from breeding as “man biters”.
In 1835, the fights were finally banned. In 1898, the United Kennel Club (UKC) was founded. This was the first breed club to recognize the American Pitbull Terrier as an independent breed and awarded it a breed standard.
With the emigrants to the New World, the strong and driven breed came to America. There it was used as a trapping dog to drive cattle for semi-wild cattle and pigs and for hunting. In the USA, the American Pitbull Terrier is also officially recognized as a breed in various clubs. Today, the versatile dog is also allowed to prove its special character traits in dog sports or as a rescue and detection dog. The police often use pit bulls as narcotics and explosives detection dogs. However, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) has not yet recognized them.

Character of the American Pitbull Terrier: Family dog with good socialization

Pitbulls have a reputation as aggressive fighting dogs. However, well-socialized pit bulls are also suitable as family dogs. Hardly any other dog breed is as closely associated with children as the American Pitbull Terrier. No wonder, as he brings all the peculiarities that many know all too well from their offspring: attachment and curiosity, but also childlike rumbling. Last but not least, he is a real stubborn man who can be convinced with loving upbringing. This dog lives in and with the family. He is a philanthropist and sports ace. Intelligence and the urge to move characterize him. At the same time, he enjoys cozy hours together on the couch. And sometimes the terrier’s stubbornness comes to the fore, but it is presented without aggression. He is usually neutral or even friendly towards strangers. If you are looking for a reliable guard dog, you are not well advised to use the pit bull. The dog has too high a stimulus threshold for that. He is not easily disturbed.

Training and keeping of the pit bull terrier

In order for all these wonderful qualities to come to light, the pit bull needs a loving, consistent hand from an early age that socializes him with children, strangers and other dogs. Experience in dog ownership is very advantageous here. In general, the pit bull is not considered a beginner’s dog, as he has a certain willpower and independence by nature. With poor training, it is possible that his willingness to fight comes to the fore in stressful situations.

The American Pit Bull Terrier tends to be so-called loudmouthed in his puppy and adolescent months. This means that he often uses his mouth as a “steering tool” during play. This is a point that you have to correct from the beginning and steer in the direction of nibble toys. In general, your new family companion must learn to reduce his strength.

However, the clever four-legged friend learns quickly and has the necessary obedience due to the breed. In this regard, be sure to take advantage of the opportunities and assistance for socialization that puppy clubs and dog schools offer you. A “Bully” loves exercise and play. He needs a lot of exercise in the fresh air and proves to be a docile companion in sports such as obedience, rally obedience, tracking, agility, lure coursing and dock jumping. It’s best to offer your bundle of energy variety. Then you have a well-utilized, satisfied dog at your side.
If this occupancy is guaranteed, you can also keep the pit bull in an apartment. However, a house with a garden is more suitable. You should know that the pit bull is an extremely good climber. In addition, it jumps enormously high. Your property must be well secured and fenced accordingly.

Is the pit bull a fighting dog?

The pit bull terrier owes a bad reputation and classification as a dangerous list dog to numerous shady dog owners – this is the correct term for supposed fighting dogs. Numerous studies now show that the dog does not have any breed-specific aggressiveness.
If you want to keep a pit bull in Germany, you have to meet certain requirements depending on the federal state. These include, for example, a character test for the dog or a certificate of competence for the owner. A listed dog is also usually accompanied by a higher dog tax rate. On top of that, the classification as a listed dog has an impact on whether the four-legged friend is allowed in a rented apartment or a tenement house.
Before buying, be sure to find out which regulations apply in your state:

Different Pitbull Species

At first glance, the American Pitbull and its relative, the American Staffordshire Terrier – Amstaff for short – could be twins. At second glance, the Amstaff is the largest among the Pitbull Terriers. It is also wider, stockier and less agile than the American Pitbull Terrier. In terms of nature, the Amstaff is somewhat more reserved. For a long time, the two Pitbulls formed one and the same breed. Around 1900, there were different breeds, as the breeders could not agree on a uniform breed standard. In 1936, the Amstaff was registered for the first time. Like the American Pitbull, the Amstaff is one of the listed dogs in Germany.

Physique of the American Pitbull Terrier

Externally, the medium-sized American Pitbull Terriers appear very impressive. They are strong and muscular without appearing cumbersome. The dense, shiny hair fits tightly and emphasizes the compact, sporty physique. The head is wedge-shaped, beefy and has a wide muzzle and a pronounced cheek area. The eyes are wide apart. They sit in deep eye sockets. Pigmented eyelids surround and protect them. The ears are set high and tilted. The American Pitbull Terrier carries its medium-length tail hanging.

By the way, the American Pitbull Terrier could be seen on numerous posters and in TV commercials of the US Army during the Second World War. His strong appearance together with his character – courage, loyalty and determination – were intended to symbolize the army.

How big and heavy can a pit bull get?

Male pit bulls reach a height of 46 to 53 centimeters shoulder height. grow to about 43 to 51 centimeters tall. Males weigh between 16 and 27 kilograms, the female representatives 14 to 23 kilograms. Deviations are tolerated as long as the dog is well-proportioned.

A Miniature Bull Terrier grows to a maximum of 35.5 centimeters in size. Mini Bull Terriers are a very muscular appearance. There is no weight requirement. The dogs should only look “harmonious” and not be overweight. Unique features are their “downface” – also known as the Roman nose – and the egg-shaped head. In terms of nature, they resemble the large American Pitbulls. However, the Mini-Bullies have the classic Bull Terrier as a model – a real American Pitbull Terrier Mini does not exist in the dog world.

Caring for the American Pitbull Terrier

American pit bulls prove to be relatively easy to care for. Regular brushing is sufficient for the short coat, which sheds comparatively little. Bathing is not necessary. Make sure that pit bulls do not have a warming undercoat. At low temperatures, your four-legged friend will be happy to have a coat or sweater. If you do bathe him, dry him well afterwards and only let him outside again when his coat is completely dry.

Health information about the American Pitbull

The pit bull is generally considered a robust dog breed. The life expectancy of American pit bull terriers is twelve to 13 years. The most common clinical pictures include skin diseases and hip problems such as hip dysplasia or hip osteoarthritis.

Buying pit bulls – what do you have to consider?

The American Pit Bull Terrier is not a breed recognized by the FCI. Breeding is prohibited in Germany. Importation and keeping is only possible in compliance with strict conditions – unless it is a holiday stay. This is allowed for up to four weeks.
If you have decided on a pit bull, the UKC (United Kennel Club) association offers you help in choosing a responsible breeder abroad. Here, attention is paid to merle-free breeding, which largely excludes hereditary diseases such as deafness, eye and inner ear damage. In addition, a reputable breeder should not promote the potential for aggression. So also look at the parents of a litter and find out exactly what the nature of the dogs is. Visit the breeder more often if possible. Don’t forget to find out about the legal framework for pit bull keeping in your state. Each federal state has different requirements for keeping it. If you want to travel with your dog later, you have to research the entry requirements. In some countries, pit bulls are completely banned. In Denmark, for example, the local authorities are allowed to confiscate your pit bull and, in the worst case, even euthanize it.
A pit bull puppy costs between 1,000 and 1,500 euros. An alternative is the animal shelter. Maybe you will find a pit bull there that can be given a new home. However, inform yourself carefully about its past here so that no surprises await you later.

ProfileAmerican Pit Bull Terrier

You might also like these terrier breeds:

• Bullmastiff: The animals, which were originally kept as protection dogs, are true powerhouses, but they have good control over themselves and have a high stimulus threshold. Bullmastiffs are peaceful companions by nature who are friendly to humans. The large four-legged friends are extremely yielding towards children.
• Bull terrier: The naturally extremely relaxed bull terrier is still exposed to many prejudices due to its history as a fighting dog. Like other dogs of the terrier breeds, however, the four-legged friends are usually easy to lead with appropriate socialization and education.
• Boston Terrier: The Boston Terrier is an American dog breed that has been experiencing strong growth for several years. The slender dogs are very people-friendly, playful and easy to train.
• Miniature Bull Terrier: The clown among dogs – that’s how breed lovers describe the Miniature Bull Terrier. His funny, bright and playful nature puts a smile on the face of every observer. At home, the dwarfs with the long nose are watchful and cuddly roommates.