American Pit Bull Terrier

COUNTRY: USA

WEIGHT: 50-80 pounds

HEIGHT: 18-22 inches

COAT: Short, smooth

COLOR: All colors

OTHER NAMES: American Pit Bull, Pit Bull Terrier

GROUP: Mastiff

The ancient molossus was the root of all fighting dogs, producing the bull-baiting dogs, which later were crossbred with terriers for ratting, badger hunting and dog-fighting. For many years, the term "pit bull" was given to any dog of the fighting pits. The United Kennel Club originally registered these breeds of dogs and, at one time, regulated dog-fighting.

Pit Bulls are still registered with UKC, but dog-fighting is illegal and any that still occurs takes place "underground" without the kennel club's approval. In fact, both AKC and UKC outlaw any dog and/or owner involved in dog-fighting, and the old "battle scars" are no longer allowable in the show ring. Although fight advocates claim most contests are over in a couple minutes and that few dogs die, some matches continue for as long as two hours. It is a sad, but true, fact that the Commission on Animal Care and Control of Chicago estimates 1,500 dogs die annually due to organized dog-fighting. The lights draw gamblers and high stakes, with one raid netting 20 people who had $500,000 along with assorted illegal weapons and drugs.

American Pit Bull Terrier dogs have been the victim of a witchhunt in recent years. Because of their instinctive hostility toward other animals, it has been assumed they will attack people. This aggression has been sought, encouraged, and malevolently intensified by some disreputable owners. These people have misdirected the dog's instincts toward all animals and people. The American Pit Bull Terrier has received bad press, and legitimate, dedicated owners of Pit Bulls have paid the price, along with their dogs, since the breed has been outlawed in several communities. Other breeds have also been placed on the "most wanted" list. Like all dogs, particularly those originally bred for aggressive purposes, the Pit Bull should be selected from temperamentally sound parents, bought from responsible breeders, socialized from puppyhood, trained and handled properly.

Not all Pit Bulls are bad, but they are strong and, when tested, they do attack with a bone-crushing, mutilating bite. The American Pit Bull is too much dog for the average dog owner, and should only be purchased by people who are willing and strong enough to channel that power into productive areas. Nevertheless, they are loving and protective of their families, and owners report them particularly responsive to training: herding, obedience, schutzhund and weight-pulling. An incredible Pit Bull weighing less than 70 pounds set a record by pulling 2,000 pounds. A host of admirers included Helen Keller, Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Edison (whose dog, "Nipper," was the RCA model) and Jimmy Carter, who had one as a boy. Actors Michael J. Fox and James Caan are current owners.

Since the early 1900s, the AKC has called the breed American Staffordshire Terriers; UKC registers them as American Pit Bull Terriers. Pit Bulls are robust, courageous and stoic, although they are also laid-back and calm. Ears are cropped, and grooming is almost non-existent. The "Pit Bull smile" and humorous play ingratiate them to their masters and others.