American Pit Bull Terrier
美國比特鬥牛犬
Draft — this profile is still being checked.
At a glance
The American Pit Bull Terrier descends from the nineteenth-century bull-and-terrier crosses of England, Ireland and Scotland, brought to the United States by immigrants and used there as a catch dog for semi-wild cattle and hogs, a hunting and stock dog and a family companion. It is a medium-sized, solidly built, short-coated dog with smooth well-defined muscle, roughly 43–53 cm tall and 14–27 kg. The UKC standard sums up its essential characteristics as strength, confidence and zest for life; it is eager to please and famously fond of children, but most individuals show some dog aggression, so it needs an owner who will socialise and train it carefully.
Facts
| Size | Medium |
|---|---|
| Height | 43.2–53.3cm |
| Weight | 13.6–27.2kg |
| Role | Terrier |
| Coat | Short coat |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
Deafness is a disqualification; merle is not a breed colour
The UKC standard disqualifies unilateral or bilateral deafness and excludes merle from the breed's colours; it also lists as an eliminating fault a muzzle so short and blunt as to interfere with normal breathing. Ask your vet about a BAER hearing test and about weight and joint checks for a powerfully built dog.
Behaviour
Confident, people-friendly, but often dog-aggressive
The UKC standard says the APBT's essential characteristics are strength, confidence and zest for life; it is eager to please, makes an excellent family companion and has always been noted for its love of children. Because most APBTs exhibit some level of dog aggression and because of the breed's powerful physique, the standard says it requires an owner who will carefully socialise and obedience train the dog, and notes it is not a good guard dog because it is extremely friendly, even with strangers.
An accomplished climber — fencing matters
The UKC standard notes that the breed's natural agility makes it one of the most capable canine climbers, so good fencing is a must.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
United Kennel Club — American Pit Bull Terrier breed standard
UKC Terrier Group standard: history, essential characteristics, coat, desirable weight (males 35–60 lb, females 30–50 lb) and approximate height guideline (males 18–21 in, females 17–20 in).
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]American Pit Bull Terrier — Official UKC Breed Standard — United Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
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Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.