•What is a "pit bull"?

•Pit bull myths and facts

•The pit bull (over)population problem

•Obtaining a pit bull

•Ownership issues

•Photo album

•Aggression

•Breed-specific legislation

•Dog bites / Dog safety

•Friends and enemies

•How you can help

•Positive pit bull stories

•FAQs

•Bookstore

•Merchandise for pit bull lovers

•Toys

•Links

•About the author

•Felanie and Dozer

What is a "pit bull"?

What is a pit bull? | History of the pit bull | The pit bull's characteristics

The "pit bull" is NOT a breed. It is a category of breeds which were once (and in some places still are) associated with bull baiting and dog fighting. The term is very vague. Breed-specific legislation uses the term "pit bull" to encompass a number of breeds. Humane societies use the term "pit bull" for any dog that has a certain appearance. The media uses the term "pit bull" to describe a vicious dog (or a vocal politician).

Most people agree that the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT), the American Staffordshire Terrier (AST), and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier (SBT) are "pit bull" breeds. Some people believe that the American Bulldog, the English Bulldog, and/or the Bull Terrier are also "pit bulls" - but that is not true, since these breeds were used neither for bull baiting nor pit fighting.

Identifying a "pit bull" can be notoriously difficult. Because pit bulls were, and in many cases still are, bred for performance rather than appearance, individual dogs vary greatly in appearance. Sizes range from 40 lbs to 70 lbs, some dogs are rangy while others are bulky, and don't even get me started listing coat colors and patterns. Many "fad" breeders are breeding grotesque caricatures of the breed-type - dogs weighing well over 100 lbs, incredibly blocky heads, broad chests, and stubby legs - in total violation of the breed standard for any of the three pit bull breeds. Pit bull mixes are all over the board. Check out my photo pages to see some pit bulls and pit mixes.

The pit bull's body structure is similar to a packed handful of other breeds. American Bulldogs, Bull Terriers, Bull Mastiffs, Boxers, Dobermans, Rottweilers... even Labs and mixed dogs have been labelled pit bulls. The vagueness of the term "pit bull" leads many people, politicians, and the media to wrongly label any vicious dog a "pit bull". Breed-specific legislation freqently refers to pit bulls and pit mixes without giving a definition of what is considered a "pit bull/mix". This leads to serious constitutional questions and frequent identification problems.

Can you identify a "pit bull" correctly? Take this quiz from understand-a-bull.com and find out!

History of the pit bull

Most researchers agree that the Molossus, a large, mastiff-like, war dog, is the ancient ancestor of a number of large breeds. The Molossus seems to have originated in Greece and made its way to Britian via trading ships. The huge war dog also impressed the Romans, who brought them from Britian into other areas of Europe.

From the Molossus descended a variety of dogs, including Mastiffs, Bandogs, Alaunts, and Bulldogs - so named because they were used to catch and hold bulls for the butcher to slaughter. Blood sports, including bull and bear baiting, gained in popularity over time until they became grand events. The Humane Acts of 1835 in England put a stop to bullbaiting, and dog fighting quickly became the new "sport".

There are many theories of pit bull evolution. One of the major problems with reviewing historical data about the pit bull is the lack of solid information. In the early development of the canine, dogs were named after their use, not their appearance. "Bulldog" was a term often used vaguely and indiscriminately, making it confusing and difficult to trace the pit bull's early origins. A great deal of information has to be extracted from artists' paintings and writers' stories, neither of which are particularly reliable.

Most researchers believe that the pit bull-type dog was created by crossing a bulky Bulldog with a smaller, faster Terrier, resulting in a Bull-and-Terrier, which was said to excel at dog fighting because it possessed the strength and tenacity of a Bulldog with the speed and determination of a Terrier. Thus the pit bull breeds carry the name "Terrier" in their registered breed names.

Over time, the Bull-and-Terrier evolved into the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, which, when brought over to the United States, eventually became the American Pit Bull Terrier. The UKC (United Kennel Club) was the first major national kennel club to register the American Pit Bull Terrier. The AKC (American Kennel Club) followed suit years later, but they changed the name "American Pit Bull Terrier" to "Staffordshire Terrier", and later to "American Staffordshire Terrier" (to distinguish it from its English cousin, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier)

The American Staffordshire Terrier is the AKC show version of the APBT. In general, both AST and APBT breeders deny that the breeds are anything alike anymore. The AST continues to be bred for appearance and conformation, while the APBT is in many cases still bred for function. Additionally, I do not believe that ASTs are considered "proper" fighting dogs among dog fighters due to the fact that they have been bred away from that purpose for decades now.

I should note that the AKC tends to overlook or gloss over the American Staffordshire Terrier's history in the pit.

The pit bull's characteristics

The pit bull's ancestor, the bulldog, was bred for a variety of work, including farming, hunting, protection, and companionship. Bulldogs and their offspring were also bred for bull and bear baiting and pit fighting (fighting against other dogs). Such dogs were required to be loyal, human-friendly, intellegent, hard working, and persistent. Many of these qualities still remain in modern pit bulldogs.

Today's pit bulls are somewhat different from the original working bulldogs. In today's society we rarely need farming and hunting dogs, and pit fighting, bullbaiting, and other cruel bloodsports are, thankfully, outlawed. Today, pit bulls are less of a working dog than a household companion and guardian. Some pit bulls find work in the agility field, in weightpulling competitions, on a search-and-rescue team, or as a therapy dog at a nursing home.

There are today four very different breeders trying to create four very different types of pit bulls: show dogs, fighting dogs, pet dogs, and backyard-bred dogs. In addition, many pit bulls are crossed with other breeds, like mastiffs or retrievers, and acquire some of the characteristics of these breeds. This means that the pit bull's physical and mental characteristics vary widely among different strains, and it makes it almost impossible for me to describe an average pit bulldog to you.

Registered Show Dogs

The first kind of breeder is the show breeder. These breeders, like all other show breeders, are concerned primarily with a "breed standard" created by the various dog organizations. They breed for stable temperament and physical conformation to that standard. These dogs are registered with one of the national dog associations and usually come from champion lines. These pit bulls are generally attractive and friendly - but they can be expensive. They are not really suitable for someone who is not interested in showing their dog. Quality breeders do not sell their dogs for $200 in the local newspaper! Their dogs are easily $1000 apiece and generally there is a waiting list. They will also put potential owners to the test, asking all kinds of questions to determine whether their puppies are going to the right homes. Most have lengthy contracts designed to protect buyer, breeder, and puppy's best interests. And responsible breeders are also involved in some form of rescue work. Honestly, though, the absolute most responsible breeders are not breeding anymore due to the severe overpopulation crisis the breed-type is facing.

Fighting Dogs

Another kind of breeder is the pit fighter. The pit fighter engages in the inhumane activity of dog fighting. Pit fighters breed for aggression. In the novice fighting world, it is generally believed that the more aggressive the dog, the better it will fight. Thus, those who breed pit bulls with intent to fight them often mistakenly breed and "train" (read "abuse") for human-aggression as well. Some pit fighters, especially more experienced fighters who fight under a tried-and-true set of rules and regulations, understand that their pit bulls must be human-friendly. This is because dog fighters must be able to handle their dog in the midst of a heated dog fight, and they are also expected to bathe the opponent's dog before the fight. Human-aggressive dogs are not acceptable under such rules. However, in either case, this kind of pit bull is bred and trained for endurance to pain, gameness (willingness to persist), and viciousness. This is the kind of pit bull you hear about constantly in the media, and these owners and breeders are primarily responsible for the breed's onerous reputation. These dogs are NOT representative of the breed. They are a minority.

Pet Dogs

This website focuses primarily on pet pit bulls. The pet pit bull can come from a variety of sources - hobby breeders, rescue groups, or the local animal shelter. I urge anyone looking for a pet pit bull to adopt a homeless dog. Remember: Just because a dog is not purebred doesn't mean it isn't pet quality. Some poor saps erroneously believe that buying a purebred dog guarantees that they will be smarter/nicer/more talented, etc. than an adopted dog. In truth, there are no such guarantees. Still, if you're deadset on getting a purebred pit bull, you should be aware that a large chunk of all shelter/rescue dogs are purebred. There is simply no good reason to buy a dog from a breeder unless you are extremely interested in showing.

Mutants

Pit bull breed standard is frequently broken by greedy breeders looking for a cash cow. They churn out dogs to make money, and they usually manage to rake in gullible customers looking for the stereotypical "pit bull" - the huge, intimidating, vicious, unstoppable beast. This stereotype is now so exaggerated that the dogs that are being produced are not "pit bulls" in any shape or form. They are mutants, no matter how many times the breeder calls them pit bulls. Those mentally unstable mutants and their owners give real pit bulls (and their owners) a bad name.

Characteristics of the Pet Pit Bull

Please keep in mind that all of the information below is variable according to the dog, and that each and every dog is different, so you should not assume that all of this will hold true for any single "pit bull". Keep in mind that genetics is a tricky thing, which means if you get a puppy, you never really know what you're going to end up with. Remember - even a "registered" or "papered" dog is not necessarily a perfect representative of the breed! It only means that the dog's parents were registered. It does not mean that the dog meets the breed standard, is of good temperament or health, or is a good-quality pet.

Basics about the Pit Bull

The pit bull is a medium-sized dog with broad shoulders and powerful muscles. There are two general kinds of pit bulls. The first are the larger, "gamey" pit bulls - usually taller and more slender. Most are American Pit Bull Terriers. The second are more compact pit bulls, often the American Staffordshire Terriers, which tend to be shorter, thicker, with blockier heads and stubbier legs. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is the smallest "pit bull" breed.

Height: as short as 16 inches, as tall as 22 inches
Weight: 30-70 lbs - NO MORE
Life Span: 11-13 yrs
Coat Colors: Red, white, "blue", black, brown, brindle, or a combination. Multiple colors in the coat, including spots and stripes, are common.
Face: Often has a blocky appearance due to powerful jaw muscles. Contrary to popular myth, pit bulls do not have "locking" jaws, but strong muscles and persistence combine to create this illusion. Ears are sometimes cropped (this practice is common in the U.S. although many vets are beginning to refuse to perform such cosmetic surgery. It is not necessary to meet the breed standard and is also illegal in many countries).
Health Problems: Not many, but can include hip dysplasia and heriditary cataracts.

Personality Traits

Pit bulls are energetic, playful, loyal, loving, protective, and intelligent. As pets, they are unlike any other breed of dog. When properly raised, socialized, and obedience trained, the pit bull makes an ideal dog for couch-lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. However, it should be noted that this is NOT a good breed for a beginning dog owner, a careless/lazy owner, or a child. My reason is this: As with any breed, if you do not know what you are doing (i.e. you are clueless about owning a dog), you may end up with an out-of-control dog. However, for a pit bull to become an out-of-control dog is dangerous for the dog, its owner and family, its neighbors, and the breed in general. Like any large, powerful dog, a pit bull can do damage if it is allowed/taught to be dominant or aggressive. In addition, an uncontrollable pit bull is another black mark on the breed's already damaged reputation. If pit bull owners want their dogs to enjoy the same freedoms that other breeds enjoy (in other words, prevent breed-specific legislation), they MUST understand the issues facing pit bulls and their owners, understand how to train and control a dog, and go above and beyond the responsibilities of ordinary dog owners! That being said, novice dog owners can succeed with a pit bull, but they must be willing to take the extra responsibility to educate themselves thoroughly not just on pit bulls, but on dog care in general.

With pit bulls, early training and socialization are key to a well behaved dog. Owners should not leave this dog to spend its life bored and alone in a backyard. This dog must be a close and beloved pet, and owners should devote much time and attention to it. In addition, owners must not indulge any tendency to dominate, but must control the dog at all times with consistency and fairness. I do not recommend a pit bull, or for that matter any dog, as a companion for a young child because the child will not have the knowledge, consistency or discipline needed to train the dog and lacks the strength necessary to handle an untrained pit bull. If you are looking for a good pet for a child, get a fish or a small lizard.

With owner
Pit bulls are extremely loyal, friendly, loving, adoring, and cuddly. Their every wish is to be with their owner. Pit bulls can be stubborn, so early training is a must! The training should be positive, and negative feedback (yelling, hitting) should almost never be given, because the pit bull wants only to make its owner happy. Hitting and yelling only confuses the dog and causes it to avoid its owner out of fear. Quiet corrections and redirection solve most behavioral problems quickly.

With children
In general, pit bulls are as stable with children as many other dog breeds. They are generally very kid-friendly, especially due to their ability to ignore painful things (tail pulling, poking, etc.) and their enthusiasm to play with and be a part of the family. In England, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier bears the nickname "The Nanny Dog" because of its reliability with children.

However, children are also significantly smaller and not as strong as many of the larger-breed dogs, pit bulls included. Dog owners should never break the cardinal rule of dog ownership: never, never, never leave a dog alone with a child!!!

I can not possibly say this enough. Over half of all dog bite victims are children. The vast majority of those bites come from the family or neighbor's dog.

Alone
Pit bulls HATE to be alone! They are very social and strongly attached to their owners. They want nothing more than to be with their owner. For that reason, I strongly recommend keeping pit bulls as indoor dogs with plenty of outdoor time (with the owner, not just running around in the backyard by itself). Of course, even so, there are times when the pit bull will be alone. It is important that these times be full of toys and puzzles. A bored pit bull is a destructive pit bull.

Alone in the yard, pit bulls do not typically dig despite their "terrier" name (they are not terriers in the truest sense). However, they can jump fences if given a reason, and weak, rotten, or broken fences are not sufficient to keep a pit bull contained. Most pit bulls will not attempt to leave the yard unless they are given a really, really good reason - provided they are not bored, ignored, or neglected.

Alone and loose in the home, a bored pit bull will find something to chew and shake, like sofa pillows or shoes. Again, it is best to keep the dog in a secure kennel when the owner is not home, to ensure that the dog does not damage something valuable.

Come to think of it, these guidelines are pretty much the same as with any other breed.

With strangers
A properly raised pit bull will be extremely friendly towards people, including nonthreatening strangers - so friendly, in fact, that pit bulls are in danger of being stolen out of their own backyards! Pit bulls love greeting strangers with a wagging tail and a grin. Proper training and socialization doubly ensures such an attitude. Depending on how the dog was raised, a pit bull may bark at strangers knocking on the door or entering the yard or home.

A human-aggressive pit bull is usually an abused, poorly bred, or improperly raised dog. Some illicit APBT breeders produce human-aggressive pit bulls because they are ignorant morons who have fallen for an erroneous stereotype. Some people would have you believe that pit bulls make good protection/attack dog. This is absolutely not true, and attempting to make a pit bull into an attack dog is an abusive and dangerous thing to do. It will absolutely ruin the dog. I consider guard/attack dogs to be extremely dangerous, and I do not think they are pet quality. There is too much potential for an accident to occur with a dog that is trained to attack a strange person (mailman, meter reader, electric/phone service, Girl Scout, UPS guy, neighborhood children whose ball landed in your backyard - think about it).

I suppose I should note that many pit bulls will exhibit defensive aggression toward threatening strangers (strangers coming at them screaming, waving stick, pointing weapon). They have fairly good judgement. However, this behavior should be discouraged whenever possible, because accidents happen, and such accidents are unacceptable. Children also tend to run around screaming and waving sticks, and such behavior can be misinterpreted as a threat by a dog which has been encouraged to react defensively or otherwise improperly trained/socialized.

With other dogs
Over the last one hundred and seventy years or more, pit bulls have been selectively bred to ensure their success in a dog fight. This means many, if not most, pit bulls tend to aggress towards other dogs. Today, some breeders continue to select for dog aggression, while others select against it. The significant genetic inconsistencies between individual pit bulls, therefore, cause each dog to possess a different level and strength of dog aggression, and different triggers that prompt the aggression.

Dog aggression is most commonly seen between two adult, unaltered, same sex dogs. Pit bull owners must spay/neuter their dogs. If they are considering getting a second dog, I recommend that the new dog be of opposite sex to the resident dog. Preferably it should also be in a different life stage (i.e. puppy, adult, senior) than the resident dog.

Pit bull owners must be extremely vigilant when their dog is around other dogs. Pit bulls should never be left alone with another dog, even if it seems like they are best buddies. Dog fights happen on occasion, even between friends - and pit bulls have been bred for over a century to win. In multiple-pit bull households when the owner is away from home, each pit bull needs to go into its own separate kennel. They should never be left together.

Owners whose pit bulls are exhibiting dog aggression should either 1) seek professional help, or 2) carefully manage the aggression. The owner's best course of action depends on the severity of the aggression and the owner's lifestyle.

Owners whose pit bulls are not dog aggressive, or have extremely manageable, mild dog aggression, should do everything they can to show their dog off - whether in canine sports, through search-and-rescue or therapy activities, earning CGC certification, or anything else that can improve the pit bull's public image.

And note - just because a dog is aggressive towards other dogs does not mean that it will also act aggressively toward people. Dog aggression and human aggression are two different behaviors.

To read more about dog aggression, please check out my page on aggression.

With other animals
Many pit bulls, when thoroughly socialized around other dogs and animals, will ultimately be fine with other household pets. It should be noted, however, that pit bulls are DOGS. No one can force a dog to eliminate its urge to chase cats, splash after ducks, or bark at squirrels. These are natural doggy traits. Therefore, owners must always be prepared for their dog to encounter, and possibly chase, other small animals.

Never leave a pit bull unsupervised with a small animal. Always remember that dogs will be dogs.

Agility
This quality shines brightly in some pit bulls and not at all in others. Some pit bulls are capable of amazing feats of agility, including high leaps, lightning-fast speed, perfect catches, and spinning and stopping on a dime. Others, however, prefer brute force to subtlety. They will simply mow down the ball or frisbee, grab and hold a rope for hours, or get a toy from another dog by crashing smack into them and hoping they'll drop the toy out of surprise.

Intelligence
This is, of course, as hard to measure in dogs as in humans. But I think it's safe to say that most pit bulls are extremely intelligent. Some dogs have a strong stubborn streak that can inhibit their willingness to perform on command, but this doesn't mean they don't understand what you're saying. Most pit bulls can quickly and easily learn every command in the books. They will also pick up on many words and phrases that they hear frequently, and they always seem to know what's going on. Early training is key to instilling a love for learning and stifling stubbornness.

Strength
Pit bulls are very strong and energetic. Their pronounced chest muscles help them primarily in pulling and tugging, and their jaw muscles allow them to chew through even the hardest dog toys in no time. They need early training to help them harness their energy in an appropriate manner, and because their jaw muscles need constant exercise, chew toys are a must. Either that, or owners should buy all their furniture at Goodwill.

Working and Competition
Pit bulls have traditionally been working dogs. If they are trained at an early age and kept active, the pit bull excels in many working sports. Depending on the dog's interests, intelligence, strength, and agility, any given pit bull may succeed in obedience, weight pulling, Shutzhund, agility trials, tracking, search and rescue, therapy, and more. The owner needs only be committed to the training necessary to achieve their goals. However, one should keep in mind that unless the dog is registered with one of the national dog registries, their pet may not be allowed to compete and claim some official titles. And, just like people, if the dog is permitted to lay around all day and be a couch potato, it will lose much of its will to work.