American Pit Bull Terrier – Features and Breed Standard

The content of the article

• What an American Pit Bull Dog Looks Like
• Use and purpose of the breed
• Characteristic
• Temperament and character
• Relation to other animals and children
• 5 myths about American pit bull dogs
• This is a fighting dog.
• Ampits are very angry
• Jaw pressure 20 atmospheres
• The dog’s brain “swells” and makes the animal go crazy
• Buying a Pit Bull Puppy Ensures the “Right” Parenting
• Care and maintenance
• Early socialization and training
• Physical activity during training
• Power Features
• Health
• How to choose a healthy pit bull puppy

In the nineteenth century, dog lovers crossed bulldogs and terriers. The result was a powerful, active, fast dog, which embodied the qualities of both breeds: strength, fearlessness, dexterity.

What an American Pit Bull Dog Looks Like

Exterior (appearance):

• medium sized dog. Males – 20-27 kg, females – 14-22 kg;
• short smooth coat without undercoat;
• color of all colors and shades;
• wide chest, developed muscles, strong back;
• short, thick tail;
• head with a large skull, wide forehead;
• muzzle of medium length, black mouth;
• eyes are round or almond-shaped, color – brown, yellow, with a greenish tint. In purebred individuals, they cannot be blue or blue;
• small to medium sized ears, uncropped or trimmed;
• strong limbs pressed to the body, widely set.

Use and purpose of the breed

A rigorous selection of breeders has created a versatile dog. Exception – does not tolerate cold, life in an aviary or on a circuit – without contact with the owner, the psyche of the animal suffers.

American pit bulls – reliable protection of large areas, a companion to a police officer. In the USA, the breed has a law enforcement service – it easily takes a trace, quickly finds explosives or drugs.

The hunting instinct is clearly manifested – the fearless fighter does not get confused when he meets the beast. Vigilant bodyguard will become an assistant in dangerous situations.

Characteristic

Representatives of the breed are smart. They may not listen to the owner or make independent decisions. With the help of trainings and educational measures, the owner regulates the behavior of the pet.

Temperament and character

The American pit bull terrier has a difficult disposition. The dog is characterized by excitability, excitement, the desire for dominance. These energetic animals are always ready for active games, jogging, walking.

It is easy to train a pit bull if you find the right approach – the owner encourages the dog to make the right decision, corrects oversights gently, without cruelty.

Relation to other animals and children

The American Pit Bull Terrier does not like other dogs and cats. But with regular communication with other animals, with appropriate training, pit bulls do not show aggression.

Pit bull terriers get along with children – they are loyal friends for active games, caring nannies. But the child who pulls the dog by the tail and ears, sticks when the dog eats or sleeps, is at risk.

Correct behavior, friendly attitude towards the pet – mandatory for all family members.

5 myths about American pit bull dogs

A characteristic of a bloodthirsty, cruel dog was entrenched in a pit bull. They later found out that anger and aggression are not an inborn quality of character, but a tense habit. The animal was angry and annoyed specifically to educate the cruelty necessary in fights.

This is a fighting dog.

Pit bulls were bred to battle with other dogs, taught not to retreat and endure pain until the goal is achieved. Early and ongoing socialization helps pit bull be friendly.

An animal of this breed matures late, and after a long friendship with relatives it sometimes shows intolerance towards strangers. Sterilization helps prevent aggression.

Ampits are very angry

In America, tests were carried out – created situations in which strangers participated. Signs of unprovoked aggression or panic lead to failure of the test. The achievements of the pit bulls in this study disprove aggressiveness towards humans. The test completion rate is 82%. This is higher than 77% of dogs of other breeds..

If the education is right, the puppy grows up kind, affectionate, non-aggressive.

Jaw pressure 20 atmospheres

In the structure of the jaw of the pit bull there are no distinctive features. Studies by American veterinarians have proven that the American pit bull terrier does not have a unique “locking mechanism”.

The pressure force during tooth compression is 126 kg per 1 cm.

The dog’s brain “swells” and makes the animal go crazy

The rumor began with a story about a Doberman, whose brain grew with a tumor. This led to the fact that a similar situation was attributed to all breeds. In fact, the pit bull’s brain stops growing when the animal reaches maturity.

The appearance of a tumor is possible after a serious injury or illness..

Buying a Pit Bull Puppy Ensures the “Right” Parenting

The little pet is kind, cheerful, friendly, but it is not known how he will behave, having grown up and having felt strength. Proper parenting will help to avoid aggressive, unpredictable behavior or disobedience..

The acquisition of a grown puppy does not mean a guarantee of obtaining the desired qualities. Such a dog already has a character that has developed under the influence of the upbringing of the previous owner.

Care and maintenance

• Claws trimmed monthly.
• Every week they check and clean their ears..
• Eyes are washed with a solution of pharmacy chamomile or special means;
• Bathe no more than twice a year or as needed.
• The teeth are checked by a veterinarian at least twice a year. Cleaned weekly.

Early socialization and training

Since childhood, puppies are taught obedience. Owners turn to dog handlers, attend training courses. On the part of the owner, the manifestation of cruelty to the animal is unacceptable.

To teach the pit bull terrier to calmly respond to other animals without provoking fights, dog handlers recommend organizing more communication – with other people, children or animals.

Socialization begins in the first days of life.

Physical activity during training

The main thing for maintaining the physical shape of the pit bull dog is regular walking, active games, sports. The dog should have special toys for muscle training – a ring or a ball. You can notice them with other objects, such as a stick or tire..

For classes you will need ammunition – collars, harness, muzzles, leashes.

Payloads:

• run;
• obstacle course;
• carrying heavy loads;
• group training.

Power Features

The balance of fat, carbohydrates, protein and vegetables is important for any animal. The right diet is responsible for muscle mass..

High-grade fortified nutrition prevents obesity.

Adult dogs are fed twice a day after walking. For puppies, the number of meals per day depends on age and is 3-6 times a day. The portions are corrected by visually assessing the appearance of the animal.

What to feed – the owners decide. Natural food is difficult to balance, and in feed this is taken into account. Choose the food of the “Active” group. Veterinarians do not recommend mixing dry food and canned food. This upsets the digestion and leads to illness. With natural nutrition, the diet includes:

• raw lean meat – rabbit, veal, turkey, chicken;
• vegetables, greens, fruits;
• kefir, cottage cheese;
• eggs
• porridge.

Breeders and veterinarians strongly prohibit giving the dog bones.

Gnawing them leads to fractures of the teeth, damage to the sky. If crushed pieces get into the esophagus, digestive system diseases may develop.

Health

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a strong dog, but the breed is prone to some hereditary diseases:

• allergies (to food, plants, pollen, fleas);
• hip dysplasia;
• hypothyroidism – thyroid dysfunction. Causes baldness or obesity;
• heart disease.

To maintain health, the dog must be vaccinated, treated for worms every three months, regularly visited by a veterinarian.

How to choose a healthy pit bull puppy

Before you take a dog, you need to study the breed, get information about the breeder. Get acquainted with the conditions of nutrition, maintenance, parenting of the puppy. Pit bull kennels offer a large selection for the acquisition of a purebred, strong, healthy puppy.