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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: Long with muscles developed. Hocks down and straight.

Coat: Glossy. Short and stiff to the touch.

Color: Any color or markings are permissible.

Weight: Not important. Females preferred from 30 to 50 pounds. Males from 35 to 60 pounds.

Scale of Points

General appearance, personality and obedience: 20

Head, muzzle, eyes and ears: 25 Neck, shoulders and chest: 15 Body: 15

Legs and feet: 15

Tail, coat and color: 10

Total: 100

The Pit Bull’s body should convey an overall impression of strength, power and athleticism.

Any color or marking is acceptable according to the standard. This dog’s glistening jet-black coat color is an attractive variety.

Selecting an American Pit Bull puppy is a serious task. You must choose a properly bred pup from a responsible breeder who concentrates on sound temperament.