Terrible animals with a touching look appeared in our lives thanks to the efforts of breeders. The American Pit Bull Terrier was bred specifically to compete in dog fights.
The dog has endurance, a powerful jaw, and a low sensitivity threshold. He has a different idea of pity and the correctness of actions.
In some countries of the world, such as Great Britain or Spain, the breeding of four-legged fighters is strictly limited and carried out under government control.
In Germany, Denmark and some other countries, the American Pit Bull Terrier is prohibited.
Description of the American Pit Bull Terrier breed
Popularity 198th place among 263 dog breeds
Lifespan:
13-15 years old
Breed group:
Fighting
Height:
males: 46-53 cm, females: 43-51 cm
Country of origin:
USA
Average price:
15-20 thousand rubles
Weight:
males: 16-27 kg, females: 14-23 kg
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Breed standard and characteristics
The American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) is a breed not recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale, so there are no strict standards.
Height at withers: 43-49 cm Weight: 14-28 kg, but there are representatives weighing 36 kg.
Color: any except merlot (marble).
- The coat is short, smooth, close-lying, there is no undercoat.
- The pita's head is the “calling card” of the breed. In a pit bull it is large, but at the same time proportional to the body, shaped like a wide wedge.
- The muzzle is massive, with strong jaws, cheeks with developed muscles.
- The ears are set high, cropped at the owner's request or hanging on cartilage.
- The eyes are almond-shaped and widely spaced. Any eye color except blue.
- The color of the nose is any color that is in harmony with the color.
- Legs are strong and muscular. The hips are wide and the muscles are clearly visible on them.
- The tail is of moderate length, thick at the base and tapering towards the end, hanging down when calm.
Differences between the Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier
Those who are familiar with the breed only from the outside confuse the American Pit Bull Terrier with the Staffordshire Terrier. It is difficult to distinguish them, because these breeds are relatives (the pit bull terrier is the “dad” of the Staffordshire).
The breeds split at a time when dog fighting involving pit bulls was banned. Pit breeding has become illegal. Then the division into pits and staffs appeared. At the same time, they tried to preserve pit bulls as working and sports dogs, and staffs are show dogs, pets and companions.
Externally, pitas differ from staffs only slightly: the former are taller, but look lighter. According to the standard, Staffords have a black nose, they are stockier and wider in the chest than pit bulls. By and large, staff is a “beautiful” show pit.
Psychologically, the American Staffordshire Terrier is more balanced and peaceful than the Pit Bull Terrier. The American Staffordshire Terrier is recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale.
Key facts
The American Pit Bull Terrier (Pitbull) is a breed of dog of medium height with well-developed muscles. The height at the withers is 45-60 cm, and the weight of the American Pit Bull Terrier ranges from 13 to 27 kg (the male weighs 15-27 kg, and the female weighs 13-22 kg).
The country of origin, paradoxically, is Britain, but many sources indicate the USA. And all because breeders from the New World began to breed this breed, which arrived on the continent, and put a lot of effort into its development.
Before official recognition in 1898 by the British Kennel Club (UKC), and 5 years later by the American Kennel Club (AKC), the description of the American Pit Bull Terrier breed included all sorts of names: pittdog, pitterrier, bull terrier, half and half.
We usually use the abbreviated name for this breed “pit bull”, which is essentially erroneous. From English “pit” is translated as “pit”, where dog fights were held. This means that a pit bull terrier is a “fighting bull terrier,” but a pit bull is a “fighting bull.”
No dog in history has suffered at the hands of “black PR” as much as the American Pit Bull Terrier. The characteristics of the American Pit Bull Terrier breed as a killer dog haunt the dog to this day. Always faithfully serving her master, she took part in bloody games at his whim: she tore apart rivals and brought in considerable income, and sometimes died from many wounds, but never betrayed her human friend. Her strength caused her to be bullied by people.
Today the dog comes to the aid of the police, specializes in finding drugs, serves the disabled, she is an invaluable therapy dog and supernanny for children, a warrior, a security guard, a defender, and an athlete. The media is not very fond of covering such an unusual image in the newspapers. Therefore, clubs and societies are being created to protect dogs of this breed from sinister propaganda.
Interesting fact:
In Spain, Germany, Portugal, Poland, Switzerland, France, as well as in the homeland of dogs - in the UK - there is a ban or restriction on owning a pit bull.
It is convenient to keep pit bulls both in a private house and in a city apartment. Dogs of medium height do not make a lot of noise, do not shed or drool - these dogs are always looking for communication with a person and are happy to become part of the family.
Pit bulls are very smart and have good self-control and are able to make their own decisions. Aggression towards people is not typical for them and is considered a breed defect. A pit bull terrier easily gets along in the same apartment with a cat, but will still chase other people's cats.
The life expectancy of an American Pit Bull Terrier is on average 12-15 years; with decent maintenance and care, the pet’s “retirement” can be extended.
Buying a pit bull puppy in Russia is not at all difficult. The price depends on several factors (presence of pedigree, color, reputation of breeders, etc.) and can vary from 200 to 1000 dollars.
How much does it cost and where to buy
A specialized nursery is the best place to buy a puppy. Pitbull is very popular in Russia, so there are many registered kennels. To buy a baby, you don’t have to go to St. Petersburg or Moscow.
List of nurseries:
- Strong Spirit (St. Petersburg);
- Pit Real (St. Petersburg);
- D&M's Pit Kennel (Perm);
- BRIDEL (Ryazan);
- RAMBO (Tyumen);
- BEST STAR (Moscow);
- BRAVE FIGHTER (Moscow).
The average price for puppies is 20,000-60,000 rubles.
Pitbull and Stafford: differences
Externally, these dogs are very similar. They look like variations of the same breed. The Stafford is 6 cm taller than the pit bull. It is distinguished by a wide chest, square jaws and longer legs. Pitbull is stocky and squat. The color of his nose depends on his coat. Amstaffs have it exclusively black. Pit bulls are more prone to aggression. Amstaffs are show dogs. Hostility is unacceptable to them.
Both breeds are pain-resistant and aggressive towards their peers. The Pit Bull is primarily a service and guard dog, while the Stafford is a protector and companion.
History of the origin of the pit bull terrier
The breed was first developed in England at the beginning of the 19th century by crossing an Old English Terrier and an Old English Bulldog. Bull or bear baiting, popular in those days, brought considerable income. The Bulldogs, although angry and fearless, lost all the time. The reason was their clumsiness. Having inherited the agility and mobility of the terrier, the bull terrier became the most popular fighting dog until animal rights activists sounded the alarm.
Already in 1835, the law prohibited such events, considering them too cruel to four-legged animals. Such a short time was enough for the newly introduced breed to gain fame as a fearless fighter. Pit bulls still participate in (now illegal) fights today.
The breed has existed for more than 300 years. In 1898, the United Kennels Club (UKC) was created; breeders who wanted to preserve the purity of the breed joined it. The club continues to operate successfully today. Only one breed is available for registration here – the American Pit Bull Terrier.
The American Dog Breeders Association (ADBA) began its work in 1909. American Staffordshire Terriers from all over the world also received registration here (their representatives do not participate in battles, but attend various exhibitions).
Pit bull weight table by month
To understand how correctly an individual puppy is developing, you need to compare its individual indicators with the average. Useful data contains a table of weight by month.
| Age (months) | Boys (kg) | Girls (kg) |
| Newborns | 0,3-0,5 | 0,25-0,45 |
| 1 | 2,5-4 | 2-3,5 |
| 2 | 8-9 | 6-8 |
| 3 | 10-14 | 9-12 |
| 4 | 17-20 | 14-17 |
| 5 | 19-24 | 17-21 |
| 6 | 25-28 | 19-24 |
| 9 | 28-33 | 24-28 |
| 1 year | 30-35 | 25-29 |
| 1.5 years | 35-38 | 25-30 |
| 3 years | 35-40 | 26-32 |
As for adult animals, the specific parameters are as follows:
- American Staffordshire Terrier: 28-40 kg.
- American Pit Bull Terrier: 16-30 kg.
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier: 10-18 kg.
- American Bully: 30-55 kg.
Appearance of a pit bull terrier
Looking at the photo of the American Pit Bull Terrier, that is, such a powerful dog, you can be scared by its brutal appearance. The appearance of the pit bull is truly impressive.
Head
Large, with wide cheekbones and a powerful jaw.
Kind and affectionate eyes stand out: they are deep-set, small, almond-shaped, and come in different colors, with the exception of blue. The ears are normal - drooping or cropped, standing far apart.
Neck
Strong, short, with a massive muscular collar.
Torso
Strong, length exceeds body height. The pit bull's belly should not be very sunken, but excess weight is not allowed.
Forelegs
They are set obliquely and have a short length. The toes are collected and neatly rounded, the claws do not protrude too obviously.
Hind limbs
The thighs are elongated in shape, strong and muscular. The hock joint is well defined and slightly lowered.
Tail
Medium length, thin at the end, biting and mobile. In an excited state, the dog lifts it and aligns it with its back.
Wool
Evenly short, without undercoat, lying close to the body. Pleasant to the touch, smooth and shiny, does not cause any trouble during maintenance.
Color
There are no strict restrictions on the colors of the American Pit Bull Terrier, except for one thing - the standards do not recognize marble-colored Pit Bull Terriers. It's not just a matter of rejection of new things, but also bad genetics.
Size
An adult male dog reaches 50 cm at the withers and weighs 30 kg, while girls are 4-5 kg lighter. The height of a female American Pit Bull Terrier reaches a maximum of 43 cm. Considering the size of the American Pit Bull Terrier, it is necessary to place it comfortably at home. A fairly spacious apartment or country house is suitable for maintenance.
Distinctive features
Distinctive features of the breed:
- The head is wide in the cheek area. This is explained by the fact that there are powerful jaws there.
- The neck is muscular and clearly defined.
- The chest is deep, strong and formed.
- The body is sculpted with a lot of muscles.
- The front legs are strong.
- bite .
- The lower back protrudes slightly.
- The coat is smooth, short, shiny and without undercoat.
- The ears are set high. Their docking is done at the request of the owner.
- The eyes are small, widely spaced and almond-shaped. Color may vary except blue.
- The nose can be any color that matches the color of the coat.
- The hips are big.
- The tail is of medium length.
Character of the American Pit Bull Terrier
Before us is a representative of a multifaceted nature. The character of the American Pit Bull Terrier is capable of combining childish playfulness and adult wisdom. Dexterity and courage border on fearlessness. These dogs are always loyal to their owners, giving their last drop of blood for their safety. They can fight for several hours, enduring pain and serious injuries. He will not betray and will not retreat - this is not in his rules.
At home next to the owner, he will show the most tender feelings. A small dog hides a huge kind heart. This is a big fan of hugs with everyone in the household. Pitas take the youngest members of the family under their wing, playing the role of “nanny.” And they are masters at this!
Their natural intelligence gives them the ability to think independently, without waiting for the owner’s command. The pit bull is strong, knows and feels it, but will not look for an opportunity to demonstrate its superiority. He will not pay attention to small dogs barking tirelessly: he will be able to keep his feelings under control and remain cool-blooded.
Pitbull clenching jaw
You've probably heard that once a pit bull's jaws are closed, no one will be able to open them. This information is nothing more than a horror story so that people are afraid of fighting breeds and do not strive to increase their number. You really should be afraid, especially if you come across an angry specimen. But as far as the peculiarities of the jaw structure are concerned, there are no secrets here.
Research by Dr. Eye Lehr Brisbin has shown that the jaw and jaw strength of pit bulls is the same as that of other dogs. True, teeth and bite make it clear that one bite can be enough to cause serious injury.
Education and training
If a dog bites a person, there is a good reason for it. This is a sign of a defective individual or the result of improper upbringing.
There have been cases of pit bulls attacking people - but only when the owner himself gave such a command. Boundlessly devoted, capable of rushing to the defense of his master without hesitation, he does not know the moral laws of this world. Therefore, people, not dogs, should be blamed for a one-time display of aggression.
The owner of a dog must certainly be a person who is self-confident, self-sufficient, and with a strong moral foundation. Any dog must respect its place in the family hierarchy. This is achieved by a calm and confident tone of conversation, the slightest cruelty is excluded, otherwise a boomerang effect will arise. It is better for inexperienced and novice dog breeders to seek the help of a training instructor.
Pit bulls need to exercise a lot and have sufficient exercise. Unspent energy will result in hooliganism in the house. Any activity will become a game for Pete - dragging a rope, hanging on a ring, catching a stick, climbing trees - his joy will know no bounds.
Raising and training the American Pit Bull Terrier should begin from an early age. Inexperienced dog owners should definitely take a dog training course under the guidance of an instructor.
Key points in training
You should start training your puppy as early as possible. Until his character has been formed, training will be easier than with an adult dog.
Rules for successful training:
- Dogs live in the moment. You should not punish a pit bull for actions it committed 3 hours ago. The animal will not correctly understand the reason for the punishment.
- It is necessary to adhere to the established rules.
- It is necessary to reward the behavior of the dog that you want to observe constantly.
- The dog wants to please the owner . Therefore, the pet needs to be directed. Coercion can distract the dog or even intimidate it, which will slow down the training process.
- There is no point in repeating the command many times or shouting louder. This will not bring the pit bull any closer to understanding its owner.
- It is important to be patient and in a good mood . The training process does not always go smoothly; the main thing is to do everything consistently and with the right attitude.
Read about how to properly train a dog in the article: “Training a puppy: effective methods from dog handlers, learning commands at home.”
Pit Bull Terrier Health and Diseases
Possible diseases
These dogs are genetically endowed with good health.
A small nuisance is that pit bulls are sensitive to drafts and cold, and their paws can freeze. You should strictly follow the vaccination schedule for your pet (the veterinary clinic will inform you in detail). The first vaccination is indicated as early as 3 months - then you will have no need to worry about possible diseases.
Obesity or rapid weight loss indicate a malfunction of the thyroid gland. As you age, joint problems may arise. Many irritants contribute to the appearance of allergies. In this case, reconsider the diet and living conditions of your pet.
Reproductive health
The first estrus in a female dog begins 6-9 months after birth and lasts 20-23 days.
A healthy pregnancy lasts 8–9 weeks. Labor may begin a little earlier or a week later. Consulting with your doctor will help determine whether there will be complications during or after the birth process. After the birth of puppies, especially the first ones, the “young mother” will protect her offspring. Please be understanding about this. If you are not ready to be responsible for the lives of new family members, it is better to sterilize the animal.
Causes of premature death of a dog
Accidents, poisoning, and existing pathologies of internal organs lead to the sudden death of animals. Negative consequences are difficult to predict, however, it is preferable to know what potential dangers threaten your pet.
Common causes of premature canine death:
- poisoning;
- heart disease;
- pneumothorax;
- tracheal collapse;
- congenital abnormalities;
- expansion, volvulus of the stomach;
- ulcer;
- splenic tumor rupture;
- foreign body entering the throat;
- heatstroke;
- injury.
Dogs often suffer from poisons intended for rodents, poisons distributed to exterminate stray dogs. During a walk, be sure to keep an eye on your pet; if the dog does not respond to the command “ugh,” put on a closed muzzle so that the dog does not try questionable “food.”
Heart diseases can manifest asymptomatically, but if a young dog gets tired quickly, is weak, or is breathing heavily, you need to visit a veterinarian for a diagnostic examination.
Air accumulation in the peripulmonary space (pneumothorax) occurs due to injuries to the sternum leading to damage to the emphysematous bladder or existing tumor on the lung.
Tracheal collapse is more common in small breeds, is expressed by a sharp cough after active mobility or the manifestation of strong emotions, and sometimes occurs as a complication of past infections.
A congenital pathology that leads to tragic consequences is the displacement of the cervical vertebrae as a result of insufficient development or defect of the ligaments. An accidental jolt to the problem area can cause pressure on the spinal cord and be fatal.
https://dog-care.ru/zdorove/voprosy/skolko-let-zhivut-pitbuli.html
Gastric dilatation and volvulus are more common in older dogs; both pathologies interfere with the normal blood supply to other organs and are considered deadly. Prevention of stomach problems is considered to be proper nutrition, adherence to a feeding regime and moderate exercise.
The premature death of the animal is caused by complications of peptic ulcer disease, expressed in the formation of a through hole in the wall of the stomach or bleeding. A precaution is the proper nutrition of your pet.
New growths on the spleen (benign and malignant) are susceptible to rupture, which can lead to fatal loss of blood. Tumor rupture is possible even with minor damage caused by difficult bowel movements or increased physical activity.
Swallowing a foreign object risks suffocation or injury to internal organs as the swallowed object moves inside.
Heatstroke is caused by severe overheating of the body and often occurs in dogs locked in a car in hot weather.
A dog can be injured on the street (being hit by a car, fighting with other dogs, etc.), at home (falling from a height, electric shock, etc.), the danger of injury depends on the degree of its severity and the provision of first aid.
Features of feeding and diet
As a rule, owners bring home a new family member at two months of age. The puppy receives balanced nutrition partly from dry food (only premium class, it should be soaked with water before feeding), and partly from natural products (boiled liver and beef, cottage cheese, kefir, porridge, grated carrots or apples, cheese, yolk once a week ). Porridge (rice, millet, buckwheat, oatmeal) is cooked in milk in a volume of 600 g, gradually it is recommended to reduce the portion to 400 g.
Meal frequency:
- at the age of 6-8 weeks - from 6 times a day;
- at the age of 10-12 weeks – 5 times a day;
- at 4-6 months – 4 times a day;
- at 6-8 months – 3 times a day.
From 8 months, the puppy receives food, like an adult dog, 2 times a day. As you grow older, the presence of four-legged protein in the diet is mandatory (100 grams of meat per day, offal once a week - liver, heart, kidneys). It is forbidden to feed your pet table scraps! There are allergenic foods for pit bulls: potatoes, broccoli, grapes, sweets, and baked goods. They need to be excluded.
Water should be available at all times and should be changed twice a day. The transition to dry food is carried out gradually, offering it in small portions and observing possible manifestations of allergies. If the animal reacts poorly, the food should be replaced with another.
At first, the puppy will be at home, so place a tray with litter so that the dog does not crap all over the apartment.
Size and weight
The UKC standards do not specify parameters such as size and weight. But there are other systems in which it is customary to monitor the pet’s weight and growth literally month by month.
- immediately after birth, the scale should show from 250 to 500 grams,
- in the first month of life – from 2 to 4 kilograms,
- in the second month – standard from 6 to 9 kg. Height – from 25 to 30 cm,
- at three months the weight should be no more than fourteen kg. Height increases to 30-36 cm,
- at four months the weight can already be twenty kg, and the height reaches forty-four cm,
- at five months, the permissible weight is twenty-five kg, and the maximum height approaches forty-six centimeters,
- a six-month-old puppy weighs from nineteen to twenty-eight kg. Height can vary from 38 to 48 cm,
- at nine months, growth is from 42 to 50, and from 28 to 46 kilograms.
By the year the dog has grown to the level at which it will most likely stop. In rare cases, a dog can grow another couple of centimeters by the age of one and a half years. The maximum height of an adult is fifty centimeters. The maximum weight for an adult is set at forty kilograms.
Care and maintenance
There are no excessive requirements for the care and maintenance of American pit bull terriers.
Pit cats have short fur and are brushed twice a year during seasonal shedding. The rest of the year, they simply tidy up by lightly combing and removing dirt.
The claws wear down on their own during long walks. If they are long and interfere with walking, trim them with a nail clipper. Ears are treated as they become dirty.
Oral care will help maintain white teeth and eliminate unpleasant odor in the mouth. It is easier to teach a dog to brush its teeth (with toothpaste, as it should be!) from an early age.
Bathing is enough 2 times a year. The dog tolerates this procedure very calmly. Place a rubber mat on the bottom of the bathtub to prevent your dog from slipping and scratching the bathtub. You can add a little water so that it barely covers your paws. Now we water the four-legged animal, avoiding getting its head and ears wet. Lather the shampoo into foam and apply to the coat (do not pour shampoo on the dog!), stroke the dog with this foam, and then rinse. You can dry the wool with a hairdryer with a warm jet or wipe it with a towel. Leave your pet at home for 2-3 hours after bathing and let him dry completely. It is not recommended to bathe pregnant, old, or sick dogs. If you bathe frequently, your skin may begin to crack due to dryness. So don't overdo it!
In summer, pitas willingly swim in ponds. Choose places where there are no people (observe hygiene rules!). If the dog does not dare to go into the water, set an example for it - take a swim first and call it to you. Don't forget to take off your collar! After each walk, the paws are washed in a basin and the belly is wiped with a damp cloth.
How long does a dog live?
American pit bulls are naturally in good health, but the quality of life and further condition of the pet depends on the care and attitude of the owner. On average, the lifespan of pit bulls is thirteen to fifteen years .
To read: Cute and very curious pet Scottish Straight cat (Scottish Straight): colors of the breed
When there were battles in the arenas, the dog died either from overwork or from injuries. Nowadays, under good conditions, pitas can live three years longer than expected. In order not to cause any disease, do not forget to undergo preventive examinations with a veterinarian twice a year.
Tips for choosing a puppy
If you want to have a little friend and a faithful companion at home, having well calculated your strengths, capabilities and means, you can begin to search for a suitable breeder. Having recommendations from other owners makes the task much easier and reduces the risk of falling into the trap of an unscrupulous seller.
Are you planning to participate in exhibitions? You need a show class puppy. Will you be breeding the breed? Take a breed-class puppy. The price for both will be higher. Pet-class American Pit Bull Terrier puppies (pets) will be cheaper, but this will not affect their character in any way. But he will delight you every day with his love of life and kindness. They are allowed to be taken from the breeder as early as 2 months, when habits have not yet been formed and training can be started “from scratch.”
For those who plan to conquer exhibitions with their pet, it is better to choose from eight-month-old puppies. At this age, the makings of a champion are more or less visible. Calm, balanced, cooperative, moderately active puppies are easy to train and do not cause trouble with their behavior. But you shouldn’t choose timid, fearful, and modest people. You may encounter difficulties in parenting.
How to choose a puppy
Basic Rules:
- You should find out more information about the dog's owner.
- If there is even one puppy with defects in the litter, then his brothers and sisters are also in doubt.
- There is no need to buy a supposedly prestigious puppy for a huge amount.
- There is no point in being seduced by a good pedigree. She has nowhere to come from, since the breed is not recognized in the RKF.
- Give preference to the most active and affectionate puppy.
- A healthy puppy is funny and lively.
- A pleasant, slightly bitter smell may indicate the puppy's health.
- Ears, nose, skin, eyes should be in normal condition.
A person who was able to understand the American Pit Bull Terrier, properly raise him and reveal all his talents (inherent in this dog by nature) will receive a faithful, loving friend.
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pros
- Minimal care . Of course, the health of pit bulls must be monitored. Be sure to provide sufficient walking time so that an active dog can burn off its energy. A pit bull should be treated the same as any other dog, but this breed does not require additional care. For example, you won’t have to regularly brush your pit bull’s hair – it’s a short-haired dog and doesn’t need such care.
- High intelligence . Like many fighting dogs, the pit bull is distinguished by high intelligence, allowing representatives of the breed to grasp new knowledge on the fly. For owners, this means that training and raising such a dog is very simple, although it cannot be done without a strict hand.
- Playfulness . There is never a dull moment with such a dog. Not being spoiled, not wanting to attract too much attention to itself, the pit bull always readily responds to the owner’s desire to play active games, without responding with aggression. Of course, there are exceptions to this too - but, most likely, if the dog does not want to play, this is a reason to think about whether he feels good. If not, what is the reason for this. One way or another, a pit bull will be fun for both adults and children.
- Friendliness . Although this may sound surprising, it is true: the pit bull is a very friendly dog that can get along with both children and other animals. Hostility awakens in a pit bull only when the need arises to protect its family.
- Unpretentiousness in food . We can say that the pit bull is an omnivorous dog, so it will eat everything that its owners can buy for it. The tastes of a breed representative are individual only when the dog requires a special diet - for example, for medical reasons. In all other cases, we can safely say that his tastes are quite unpretentious, and it will be very easy to please him.
- Low cost . Many of those who are interested in dogs, even puppies, know how difficult it is to find a purebred dog at a low price. For individuals with a pedigree you can pay up to 100,000 rubles! With pit bull puppies, everything is somewhat simpler: the average cost starts around 15,000 rubles and ends at around 25,000. For a dog that can participate in competitions and exhibitions on an equal basis with everyone else, this is not a lot of money.
Description and appearance
Translated, the name sounds like a fighting bull terrier, which reflects the character of the animals. Analyzing the history of the breed, it can be noted that the Pitbull was obtained as a result of crossing terriers, known for their lightning-fast reaction, and bulldogs, with tenacity and strength. These qualities made it possible to use Pit bull terriers for dog fighting.
When describing the appearance of these animals, marbled, solid, brindle color and a variety of shades are allowed: black, fawn, white, brown, red, brown.
Pit bull terriers have chocolate and gray coats. The exception is merle with different saturations of the same tone on any part of the body.
The Pit Bull Terrier looks like a strong and muscular animal. There are several types of pit bulls:
- terriers;
- bulldog type;
- mixed.
Since the English bulldog has become the source breed for the production of many types of individuals, when comparing one can find many common features in animals - activity, devotion, intelligence, but there are also differences.
The main difference between a pit bull and a bull terrier is that according to the standard, the latter type cannot be red-nosed. The iris should have a dark brown tone, but individuals with yellow eyes are allowed.
It should be noted that the French bulldog and the British bull terrier, who have common ancestors, are also very similar in character and appearance, but the first type is calmer and more homely.
In 1990, a dwarf pit bull terrier was bred, no less energetic than its ancestors - the Patterdale Terrier and the American Pit Bull. This miniature species is more suitable for home keeping. But you need to keep in mind that the mini breed also requires serious training to get a friendly and obedient pet.
Behavior and temperament
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a cheerful, active, gentle and loyal friend.
Pros:
- smart;
- brave;
- friendly;
- confident;
- playful;
- affectionate;
- hardy and hardworking.
Minuses:
- early socialization required;
- prone to dominance;
- an ill-mannered pit bull is dangerous;
- without exercise they become hyperactive;
- prone to fights with dogs.
