American Pit Bull Terrier - History & Breed Standard
Breed History
During the nineteenth century, early dog fanciers in England, Scotland, and Ireland began to test crosses between Bulldogs and Terriers, looking for a dog that combined the gameness of the terrier with the strength and athleticism of the Bulldog.
These early dogs were used in the infamous blood sports such as badger-baiting and bear-baiting and eventually dog fighting until it was illegalized in Europe. The outcome was a dog that personified all of the virtues attributed to great warriors: strength, unconquerable courage, tenacity and tenderness with family members. Early Immigrants brought these bull and terrier crosses with them to the United States.
These were the early ancestors to today’s American Pit Bull Terriers. The American Pit Bull Terrier’s many talents did not go unnoticed by farmers and ranchers who used their APBTs for personal protection from man and beast, as catch dogs for dangerous semi-wild cattle and hogs, to hunt and help provide food for the family, to drive livestock, and as family companions.
The American Pit Bull Terrier was first recognized for breed registration in 1898. The American Pit Bull Terrier of today has changed little, it continues to demonstrate its versatility, athletic ability and courage by successfully competing varied activities such as Schutzhund, French Ring Sport, Obedience, Tracking, Agility, Personal Protection, Catch Work and Weight Pulls, as well as Conformation.
Breed Standard
The IOEBA’s official American Pit Bull Terrier standard is a detailed written description of the perfect “type” or “flawless” American Pit Bull Terrier.
A well written, detailed breed standard is a very effective tool that can be used to assists American Pit Bull Terrier breeders in the selection process and evaluation of American Pit Bull Terrier that are being considered for a structured breeding program or as a possible conformation show participant.
It is important that American Pit Bull Terrier breeders understand and use the IOEBA’s official American Pit Bull Terrier breed standard, as the offspring they produce will have an impact on the American Pit Bull Terrier breed in the future for many generations.
The goal of all reputable American Pit Bull Terrier breeders is to achieve perfection as far as correct breed type, health and temperament.
All IOEBA conformation judges use the IOEBA’s official American Pit Bull Terrier breed standard as a guide to give themselves a mental picture of breed perfection by which they select future IOEBA conformation champions.
General Description : The American Pit Bull Terrier instantly gives the impression of being a canine of power, passion and undaunted determination. The perfect American Pit Bull Terrier should be of medium to medium large in height and size with a brick-like head, which is especially broad in the cheek area due to the powerful muscles of the jaws.
The American Pit Bull Terrier’s muscular body gives the appearance of great athletic ability, a thick neck of medium length runs into a broad, deep and well-sprung chest. The APBT has a broad shoulder area and a thick powerful rear end. The American Pit Bull Terrier is a very muscular, powerful, yet agile dog which is extremely strong for it’s size. The American Pit Bull Terrier should have an excellent temperament, and are quite intelligent. The temperament is to be very stable, loyal and trustworthy. Their disposition should be outgoing, playful yet protective when needed.
Head : No other breed is as known for their unique head as is the American Pit Bull Terrier. Large, broad and brick-like in shape. It gives the impression of enormous power, but should not be disproportionate to the overall size of the body. The head appears to have been chiseled, combining strength, elegance and character. Very powerful looking in the cheeks.
Fault : Head too small or disproportionate to the body.
Ears : Set high, natural or cropped. If natural, semi-prick or rose are preferred. Prick or flat, wide ears are not desired.
Muzzle : Broad, deep and of medium to medium short in length tapering slightly from the head to the nose. The bite should be a scissor bite.
Fault : Muzzle too long, over or under shot bite.
Eyes : Round, wide apart , deeply set and of moderate size. Any color is acceptable. However, odd eyes (one dark, one blue or light) should be considered suboptimal. Serious Faults : Misshapen or bugged eyes. Lacking pigment around the eyes is undesirable. Crossed eyes or non-symmetrically shaped eyes are a disqualifying fault.
Nose : The nose should be large and broad. Fault : Completely pink nose (a small amount is acceptable).
Neck : Medium in length. Should appear strong and muscular. Slight taper from the shoulders to the head.
Chest : Ribs should be well sprung (rounded) and the chest of medium width and deep. Fault : Too wide or narrow in the chest.
Back : Solid and strong with a slight rise from the shoulders to the rump (level back is just as acceptable).
Legs : Forelegs should be stout and muscular, neither bowing out or turning in. Fault : Bowing or turned out resulting in poor movement.
Feet : Round and the pasterns should be strong and tight. Fault : Down in the pasterns or splayed feet.
Height : Males – 15 to 20 inches at the shoulder. Females – 14 to 19 inches at the shoulder. Fault : Too tall or large.
Weight : Males between 35 to 70 lbs and females 30 to 60lbs. No penalty for dogs above the standard weight as long as the dog is well proportioned.
Color : Any color or combination of colors is acceptable except merle. The coat should be short, bristled and glossy.
Coat : The coat should be short, bristled and glossy.
Tail : Down to hock naturally. Shape resembles a pump handle. Disqualifying Fault : Docked or screw tailed.