American Pit Bull Terrier

The American Pit Bull Terrier, commonly known as APBT, is a medium-sized, muscular, and short-coated dog breed with a tenacious spirit.

American Pit Bull Terrier Breed overview

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a loyal and affectionate breed that thrives on attention and love. They are great with kids and make excellent family pets. They are a high-energy breed that needs lots of exercise and activity to stay healthy and happy. They are intelligent and eager to please, and are well-suited for a variety of tasks and jobs.

Height:
17-19 inches
Weight:
30-85 lbs
Life expectancy:
12-16 years

What To Expect When Caring For a American Pit Bull Terrier

Nutrition

APBTs should be fed high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age and activity level.

Owners should avoid overfeeding and monitor their dog's weight to ensure they stay at a healthy weight.

Grooming

APBTs have a short, glossy coat, making grooming fairly simple.

They should be brushed regularly and bathed when necessary.

Training

APBTs are intelligent and eager to please, making them a great candidate for obedience training.

However, potential owners should be aware that early and consistent training is necessary for the best results.

Health

The APBT is generally a healthy breed,

However, they may be susceptible to hip dysplasia and allergies.

Exercise

APBTs are an active breed that should get about an hour of exercise per day.

They love to play and enjoy both physical and mental stimulation.

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American Pit Bull Terrier Traits & Characteristics

The APBT should weigh between 30-60 pounds and be between 17-21 inches tall at the shoulder.

These dogs should be muscular, but not disproportionally heavy or bulky.

They should have a broad, flat head, and a short, glossy coat.

Affection

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

independent lovey-dovey

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a loyal and affectionate breed. They thrive on attention and love to be close to their human families. They are known for being great with children and make excellent family pets.

Children

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

not suitable for kids great with kids

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a great breed for kids. They are energetic and playful, and love to interact with the little ones. They are known for their high tolerance to rough play and enjoy being part of the family.

Dogs

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

not dog friendly very dog friendly

The American Pit Bull Terrier can be dog-friendly with proper socialization, but they have a strong prey drive and may see other dogs as a threat. It's important to monitor their interactions with other dogs to prevent any aggressive behavior.

Strangers

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

The American Pit Bull Terrier may be wary of strangers, but they are also loyal and protective of their families. Proper socialization and training can help ensure that they are friendly with everyone they meet.

Playfulness

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

laid-back very playful

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a highly energetic and playful breed. They love to play and need lots of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They are great for active families who enjoy outdoor activities.

Alertness

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

less alert very alert

The American Pit Bull Terrier is an alert and vigilant breed. They have a good sense of awareness and will let their owners know if they sense any potential danger or threats.

Adaptability

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

less adaptable very adaptable

The American Pit Bull Terrier can adapt to different environments, but they may become stressed if they are not given enough attention and exercise. They are not the best breed for apartment living or for families who are often away from home.

Shedding

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

no shedding hair everywhere

The American Pit Bull Terrier has a short, smooth coat that sheds moderately year-round. Regular brushing can help reduce shedding, but their short hair makes them easy to groom.

Grooming

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

low maintenance high maintenance

The American Pit Bull Terrier is low maintenance when it comes to grooming. They have a short, smooth coat that only requires occasional brushing and bathing.

Drooling

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

dry mouthed heavy drooler

The American Pit Bull Terrier is not known for excessive drooling, but like all dogs, they may drool when they are excited or after eating/drinking. Overall, they have a fairly dry mouth.

Size

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

very small very large

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized breed that can weigh between 30 to 65 pounds. They are muscular and athletic, with a strong and powerful appearance.

Energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

couch potato high energy

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a high-energy breed that needs lots of exercise and activity to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy running, playing, and exploring and are best suited for active families who enjoy outdoor activities.

Exercise

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

low exercise needs high exercise needs

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a high-energy breed that needs lots of exercise and activity to stay healthy and happy. They should be taken for daily walks and given opportunities to run, play, and explore.

Working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

not suitable for working great for working

The American Pit Bull Terrier is bred to work and is well-suited for a variety of tasks and jobs, such as hunting, search and rescue, and therapy work. They are intelligent and eager to please, and thrive on the challenge of learning new skills.

Hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

The American Pit Bull Terrier has a natural hunting instinct, with a strong prey drive and excellent scenting abilities. They are well-suited for hunting small game like raccoons and squirrels.

Vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

low-drive high vigor

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a robust and vigorous breed that is full of energy and stamina. They enjoy physical activity and are well-suited for athletic pursuits like agility and flyball.

Health

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

less healthy very healthy

The American Pit Bull Terrier is generally a healthy breed, but may be prone to certain health issues like hip dysplasia, allergies, and skin infections. It's important to provide them with proper nutrition and veterinary care.

Obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

The American Pit Bull Terrier may be prone to obesity if they are not given enough exercise and a well-balanced diet. Regular exercise and monitoring of their food intake can help prevent obesity.

Cold

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

The American Pit Bull Terrier has a short, smooth coat that provides minimal protection against cold weather. They may need extra warmth and protection when exposed to cold temperatures.

Heat

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

The American Pit Bull Terrier can tolerate hot temperatures, but may need extra cooling and hydration to stay comfortable. They should be kept in a cool, shaded area if exposed to high temperatures for long periods of time.

Apartment

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

The American Pit Bull Terrier is not the best breed for apartment living. They need lots of exercise and activity and are better suited for homes with a yard and space to play.

Wanderlust

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

less likely to wander very likely to wander

The American Pit Bull Terrier may have a tendency to wander, but they are generally loyal to their family and enjoy being around them. Proper training and supervision can help ensure that they do not wander off.

Sensitivity

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

less sensitive very sensitive

The American Pit Bull Terrier can be sensitive to criticism or negative reinforcement from their owners. Positive reinforcement and consistency in training can help ensure that they are not stressed or anxious.

Separation

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

The American Pit Bull Terrier may become anxious or destructive if left alone for long periods of time. They enjoy being around their family and need lots of exercise and attention to stay happy and healthy.

Barking

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

quiet very vocal

The American Pit Bull Terrier may be vocal, but they are not known for excessive barking. They may bark to alert their owners of potential danger, but they are generally a quiet breed.

Mental

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

The American Pit Bull Terrier is an intelligent breed that needs mental stimulation and engagement. They can become bored and destructive if they are not given enough exercise and mental stimulation. Training and engaging them in fun activities can help prevent this.

Novice_owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a great breed for novice owners who are willing to put in the time and effort to train and socialize their pet. They are easy to groom and love to be around people, making them great family pets.

Trainability

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

difficult to train easy to train

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a smart and obedient breed, but they can be stubborn at times. Consistent training and positive reinforcement can help ensure that they are well-behaved and obedient.

Affection

independent lovey-dovey

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a loyal and affectionate breed. They thrive on attention and love to be close to their human families. They are known for being great with children and make excellent family pets.

Children

not suitable for kids great with kids

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a great breed for kids. They are energetic and playful, and love to interact with the little ones. They are known for their high tolerance to rough play and enjoy being part of the family.

Dogs

not dog friendly very dog friendly

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

The American Pit Bull Terrier can be dog-friendly with proper socialization, but they have a strong prey drive and may see other dogs as a threat. It's important to monitor their interactions with other dogs to prevent any aggressive behavior.

Strangers

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

The American Pit Bull Terrier may be wary of strangers, but they are also loyal and protective of their families. Proper socialization and training can help ensure that they are friendly with everyone they meet.

Playfulness

laid-back very playful

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a highly energetic and playful breed. They love to play and need lots of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They are great for active families who enjoy outdoor activities.

Alertness

less alert very alert

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

The American Pit Bull Terrier is an alert and vigilant breed. They have a good sense of awareness and will let their owners know if they sense any potential danger or threats.

Adaptability

less adaptable very adaptable

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

The American Pit Bull Terrier can adapt to different environments, but they may become stressed if they are not given enough attention and exercise. They are not the best breed for apartment living or for families who are often away from home.

Shedding

no shedding hair everywhere

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

The American Pit Bull Terrier has a short, smooth coat that sheds moderately year-round. Regular brushing can help reduce shedding, but their short hair makes them easy to groom.

Grooming

low maintenance high maintenance

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

The American Pit Bull Terrier is low maintenance when it comes to grooming. They have a short, smooth coat that only requires occasional brushing and bathing.

Drooling

dry mouthed heavy drooler

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

The American Pit Bull Terrier is not known for excessive drooling, but like all dogs, they may drool when they are excited or after eating/drinking. Overall, they have a fairly dry mouth.

Size

very small very large

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized breed that can weigh between 30 to 65 pounds. They are muscular and athletic, with a strong and powerful appearance.

Energy

couch potato high energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a high-energy breed that needs lots of exercise and activity to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy running, playing, and exploring and are best suited for active families who enjoy outdoor activities.

Exercise

low exercise needs high exercise needs

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a high-energy breed that needs lots of exercise and activity to stay healthy and happy. They should be taken for daily walks and given opportunities to run, play, and explore.

Working

not suitable for working great for working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

The American Pit Bull Terrier is bred to work and is well-suited for a variety of tasks and jobs, such as hunting, search and rescue, and therapy work. They are intelligent and eager to please, and thrive on the challenge of learning new skills.

Hunting

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

The American Pit Bull Terrier has a natural hunting instinct, with a strong prey drive and excellent scenting abilities. They are well-suited for hunting small game like raccoons and squirrels.

Vigor

low-drive high vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a robust and vigorous breed that is full of energy and stamina. They enjoy physical activity and are well-suited for athletic pursuits like agility and flyball.

Health

less healthy very healthy

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

The American Pit Bull Terrier is generally a healthy breed, but may be prone to certain health issues like hip dysplasia, allergies, and skin infections. It's important to provide them with proper nutrition and veterinary care.

Obesity

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

The American Pit Bull Terrier may be prone to obesity if they are not given enough exercise and a well-balanced diet. Regular exercise and monitoring of their food intake can help prevent obesity.

Cold

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

The American Pit Bull Terrier has a short, smooth coat that provides minimal protection against cold weather. They may need extra warmth and protection when exposed to cold temperatures.

Heat

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

The American Pit Bull Terrier can tolerate hot temperatures, but may need extra cooling and hydration to stay comfortable. They should be kept in a cool, shaded area if exposed to high temperatures for long periods of time.

Apartment

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

The American Pit Bull Terrier is not the best breed for apartment living. They need lots of exercise and activity and are better suited for homes with a yard and space to play.

Wanderlust

less likely to wander very likely to wander

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

The American Pit Bull Terrier may have a tendency to wander, but they are generally loyal to their family and enjoy being around them. Proper training and supervision can help ensure that they do not wander off.

Sensitivity

less sensitive very sensitive

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

The American Pit Bull Terrier can be sensitive to criticism or negative reinforcement from their owners. Positive reinforcement and consistency in training can help ensure that they are not stressed or anxious.

Separation

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

The American Pit Bull Terrier may become anxious or destructive if left alone for long periods of time. They enjoy being around their family and need lots of exercise and attention to stay happy and healthy.

Barking

quiet very vocal

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

The American Pit Bull Terrier may be vocal, but they are not known for excessive barking. They may bark to alert their owners of potential danger, but they are generally a quiet breed.

Mental

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

The American Pit Bull Terrier is an intelligent breed that needs mental stimulation and engagement. They can become bored and destructive if they are not given enough exercise and mental stimulation. Training and engaging them in fun activities can help prevent this.

Novice_owners

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a great breed for novice owners who are willing to put in the time and effort to train and socialize their pet. They are easy to groom and love to be around people, making them great family pets.

Trainability

difficult to train easy to train

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a smart and obedient breed, but they can be stubborn at times. Consistent training and positive reinforcement can help ensure that they are well-behaved and obedient.

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History of the American Pit Bull Terrier

The APBT was originally bred for bull-baiting, a cruel practice that has long since been outlawed.

After this, the breed was used for dog fighting but has since transitioned to companion and working dogs.

APBTs have served as therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, and even police dogs.

American Pit Bull Terrier Puppies

APBT puppies should be socialized early and often to ensure they grow into well-rounded adult dogs.

Training should start early to ensure the puppy grows into a well-behaved companion.

Positive reinforcement methods are most effective when training this breed.