The American Pit Bull Terrier: A Devoted and Intelligent Canine Ally

Understanding the APBT and Its Distinctiveness from Staffordshire Terriers

The APBT, often affectionately referred to as "Pit Bulls," is frequently confused with Staffordshire Terriers. The United Kennel Club (UKC) considers the APBT and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier to be variations of the same breed, a stance that is subject to debate. The American Kennel Club (AKC), on the other hand, distinguishes between the two, recognizing the American Staffordshire Terrier as a separate breed. Breeders have noted that the lineages of these dogs have diverged significantly over time, reinforcing the argument for their distinction as separate breeds (AKC).

To be dual-registered, a dog must first be recognized as an AKC American Staffordshire Terrier before it can be listed with the UKC as an American Pit Bull Terrier. The reverse process is not accepted by the AKC.

Key Characteristics of the American Pit Bull Terrier

• Category: Terrier
• Living Environment: Adaptable to both outdoor and indoor settings
• Coat: Smooth, shiny, thick, and short
• Colors: A wide variety of colors
• Height: Typically between 18 and 22 inches
• Weight: Ranges from 30 to 60 pounds
• Temperament: Known for their courage, high energy, and loyalty; early socialization with other animals and children is crucial
• Health Issues: Some may be prone to heart murmurs and mange

Care and Exercise

• Bathing: Only as needed
• Coat Care: Occasional brushing with a firm-bristled brush
• Coat Maintenance: Use a towel or chamois to remove loose hairs
• Exercise: Regular activity is essential, including daily playtime and/or running alongside a bicycle while leashed
• Public Interaction: Should always be leashed in public spaces

The Rich History of the American Pit Bull Terrier

The ancestors of the APBT arrived in the United States in the mid-19th century with Irish-Boston immigrants. Initially bred from bulldogs and terriers for fighting, the American variety was developed to be slightly heavier with a more robust head. Despite the prohibition of bull baiting and dog fighting in England, the APBT gained popularity in America for various roles, including:

1. Symbolizing the country in WWI artwork.
2. Serving as mascots for companies like the Buster Brown Shoe Company and RCA.
3. Starring in the children's TV series "Our Gang."
4. The mixed breed war hero Stubby from WWI.
5. Accompanying pioneer families on their travels.
6. Featuring in Laura Wilder's "Little House" series of books.
7. Being owned by notable individuals such as Helen Keller and President Theodore Roosevelt.

The UKC was established in 1898 to provide guidelines and registration for APBTs as fighting dogs. However, as breeders moved away from dog fighting, they sought AKC recognition for their dogs to participate in performance events. In 1935, the AKC registered these dogs as Staffordshire Terriers, named after the English region associated with the breed's origins. This led to dual-registration for many dogs, with the first being Petie from "Our Gang."

The AKC later closed its studbooks to APBTs, only allowing registration for those with lineages listed as Staffordshire Terriers. In the 1970s, the AKC briefly opened its studbooks to APBTs again, and in 1973, the breed's name was amended to include "American" to distinguish it from its English counterpart. Today, dogs with mixed APBT-Staffordshire parentage are recognized by the UKC and the American Dog Breeders’ Association as American Pit Bull Terriers.

The APBT in Modern Roles

Nowadays, the APBT excels in various roles, including search and rescue, police and military service, livestock management, and therapy work. They are also competitive in dog sports such as herding, obedience, conformation, French Ring, and Schutzhund. The breed's physical resilience and stable temperament make them ideal pets and working dogs. To ensure a well-adjusted APBT, it is crucial to provide proper socialization and training from a young age.

A Few Surprising Statistics

Despite their controversial reputation, APBTs have demonstrated remarkable success in temperament tests. According to the American Temperament Test Society, the APBT has a passing rate of 87.4%, which is higher than many popular breeds (ATTS). Additionally, they are one of the most popular breeds used in therapy work, due to their gentle nature and ability to bond with people.

In conclusion, the American Pit Bull Terrier is a breed that embodies loyalty, intelligence, and versatility. With proper care, socialization, and training, they can be extraordinary companions and dedicated working dogs.