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American Pit Bull Terrier
The American Pit Bull Terrier originated in the British Isles and descends from the Mastiff-type dogs introduced to England in antiquity. The breed was brought over to the United States by English immigrants in the 1800s, and quickly became one of the most popular and widespread breeds there.
Fun Fact
One of the most famous American Pit Bull Terriers is Pal, the dog who played the beloved Petey in The Little Rascals.
Height
Male: 18-19in
Female: 17-18in
Weight
Male: 35-65lb
Female: 30-60lb
Though they are descended from the bull-fighting breeds of England and still have a scary sounding name, the American Pit Bull Terrier is a sweet, talented, and affectionate dog.
American Pit Bull Terriers have been subject to a significant amount of controversy due to their tendency to fall prey to dog fighting rings and unscrupulous owners. Because of their high energy, strength, and eagerness to please, they have sometimes become popular for the wrong reasons.
The truth is that American Pit Bull Terriers are best as family dogs—they tend to get along very well with children and enjoy the company of their family members. American Pit Bull Terriers can be tricky with other dogs, male or female, so it is best to do a lot of research before bringing an American Pit Bull Terrier into a home with other dogs. It will be a matter of personality and the individual dogs involved, so be sure to consult the shelter or breeder. However, it is much easier to introduce an American Pit Bull Terrier to other dogs when they are puppies.
American Pit Bull Terriers have proven themselves to be multifaceted and multitalented dogs. They have served as search and rescue dogs and therapy dogs, and they excel at dog sports such as weight pulling and agility. They are working dogs, so they do require a decent amount of physical activity and thus are not always well-suited to apartment living. They prefer a suburban or rural home, but they can still thrive in the city. As long as they are given enough opportunity to run around, whether at a park or jogging with their beloved master, American Pit Bull Terriers can be very adaptable dogs.
Due to some breed specific legislation, American Pit Bull Terriers are not allowed in certain countries and certain cities. It’s important to check the local laws before welcoming one of these dogs into a home. If adopted responsibly, treated correctly, and properly trained, American Pit Bull Terriers can make exemplary pets and wonderful additions to any family.
The American Pit Bull Terrier is one of the most recognizable dog breeds in the world. In fact, it is the #1 most common breed in Embark-tested dogs. American Pit Bull Terriers are very loving toward people and can make excellent family dogs. They’re considered intelligent, enthusiastic, strong, and eager to please. Having these admirable attributes has made them diversely useful. American Pit Bull Terriers work as therapy dogs and search and rescue dogs, and they excel at dog sports involving pushing and pulling.
The American Pit Bull Terrier is the perfect example of a breed with a tough exterior but a soft heart. Learn more about the American Pit Bull Terrier and get information on the genetic health risks tests that Embark Veterinary provides.
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-to-large-sized dog with a stocky, well-defined muscular build. Their size and color vary considerably because of the variety of bulldog and terrier breeds used in their foundation. They are long with a short, whip-like tail and a short and smooth coat that comes in many colors and patterns. Their heads are broad and flat with a wide, deep muzzle and small-to-medium-sized ears that are set high.
Typically, males of this breed are 18 to 19 inches in height and weigh 35 to 65 pounds, while females usually measure 17 to 18 inches in height and weigh 30 to 60 pounds. The size of an American Pit Bull Terrier depends on a combination of breeding, diet, and exercise.
In order to thrive, a Pit Bull requires a balanced diet that consists of 35%-40% protein, 14%-17% animal fat, 20%-30% carbohydrates, and 1%-1.5% calcium. However, while they’re puppies they will require extra nutrition, and high-quality puppy food is recommended. Use wet food in moderation, as too much can lead to plaque formation on their teeth. Additionally, avoid the temptation to feed them human food and too many treats, as this can lead to digestive health problems. Be sure to speak with your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet.
Fortunately, Pit Bulls do not require too much grooming. Their short coat sheds minimally, and a once-a-week brush will help them to shed excess hair while stimulating the production of natural oils, helping their coats to maintain a shine. Regular baths, ear cleaning, tooth brushing, and nail trimming are needed, and the quality of their skin and coat is enhanced by a healthy diet. Regular veterinary visits to assess the need for a professional dental cleaning, detect skin problems, and provide parasite preventatives will help them to thrive.
This breed typically lives between 8 and 15 years old.
With proper care, American Pit Bulls can live long and productive lives as the companions they were idolized to be during their time as America’s mascot. Learn more about your dog with an Embark Dog DNA Test, the most accurate on the market.
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Hyperuricosuria and Hyperuricemia or Urolithiasis, HUU SLC2A9Kidney and Bladder
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L-2-Hydroxyglutaricaciduria, L2HGA L2HGDH, Staffordshire Bull Terrier VariantBrain and Spinal Cord
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Progressive Retinal Atrophy, crd1 PDE6B, American Staffordshire Terrier VariantEyes
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Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis, Cerebellar Ataxia, NCL4A ARSG Exon 2, American Staffordshire Terrier VariantMultisystem
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Methemoglobinemia CYB5R3, Pit Bull Terrier VariantBlood
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