Description: The American Pit Bull Terrier is a muscular powerful dog that has endless wiliness to please, this sadly has been exploited by some who want this dog to be a fighting dog and bring out the worst in this breed. They have a rather brick like-head, this is broad between the cheeks. It has round to almond shaped eyes. Blue eye coloring is not permitted by the ADBA or UKC. The American Pit Bull Terrier ears, in countries that permit it, are cropped or can be left natural and they are lean and hang half folded to the cheeks. The teeth meet in a scissor bite. The tail is docked, in countries that permit it, if left naturally then the tail is thick at the base and tapers to a point. The weight is 22-110 pounds, with the height of 18-22 inches. The body is muscular and has a stocky appearance, with a thick neck that tapers smoothly to the body. The American Pit Bull Terrier coat is short, glossy and thick. All colors are accepted. Life expectancy is about 12 years.

History: This breed came from the UK where the breeders of the time mixed the Bull dog and the terrier to create a fighting dog having the best from each breed of stamina and pit fighting abilities’ that were popular at the time. This cruel sport was banned and so the breed was used as a ratting dog that would be placed in a pit with many rats and how many they killed in a time period was the sport of the day. Here is where the “pit” of their name was added. The American Pit Bull Terrier came to the USA in its early form as a smaller dog that was the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. With breeding and time the American Pit Bull Terrier has emerged. In 1898 the UKC was the first to recognize and register the breed. Sadly, the history of this breed has been blighted with bad press and reputation. It should be remembered this dog is aggressive but man has brought out this trait and not always brought out many of the wonderful qualities and good temperament this dog has. The American Pit Bull Terrier is a loyal dog, that with the right approach and correctly exercised and handled is a wonderful pet that doesn’t deserve the bad name it has. In America this dog has been used by farmers and ranchers as protection dogs, catch dogs, hunting dogs, and cattle driving dog. This brave dog even was a messenger in World War, I and II on the battle fronts.

Temperament: While this is a strong dog, and it will need training and firm leadership. An American Pit Bull Terrier has to see the owner as the pack leader and all humans as above him in canine ranking. Combine this with exercise and provide for the dogs needs and requirements, of long daily walks, then it will be a great dog. This is not the right dog for people who are timed or first time dog owners as experience is needed to understand the dogs’ needs. This dog will need socializing from a young age as they are naturally dog aggressive. The want to please the owner is very strong in the American Pit bull terrier and this is a good trait that can be tapped into, to achieve a good dog. This breed craves order, so consistent leadership is a must as well as good understanding of dogs psychology. Surprisingly, to some, is the fact this dog is not more aggressive than other dogs, but it has been badly handled and this is the root of the problem. The American Pit Bull Terrier dog has a high pain tolerance and so care has to be taken, to think for the dog regarding pain. These are not human haters, but they are protective of their family and property.

Health issues: Some lines are prone to hip dysplasia, cataract, heart disease and grass allergies.

Grooming: The coat needs brushing weekly and you can run over the coat with a chamois to give a gleam to the coat. This is an average shedder.

Living conditions: The American Pit Bull Terrier dog will do fine in an apartment if it is given plenty of exercise and house rules. They can do well without a garden.

Living Conditions: With adequate exercise the American Pit Bull Terrier will adapt to life in an apartment. They are active indoors, and will be okay with no yard. They also tend to prefer warmer climates.

If you can't find a local breeder in your area don't worry, many breeders are using the major airlines like American, Delta, Continental and Northwest airlines for shipping their puppies.

At this time the airlines will ship puppies to the following States: Alabama AL - Alaska AK - Arizona AZ - Arkansas AR - California CA - Colorado CO - Connecticut CT - Delaware DE - Florida FL - Georgia GA - Hawaii HI - Idaho ID - Illinois IL - Indiana IN - Iowa IA - Kansas KS - Kentucky KY - Louisiana LA - Maine ME - Maryland MD - Massachusetts MA - Michigan MI - Minnesota MN - Mississippi MS - Missouri MO - Montana MT - Nebraska NE - Nevada NV - New Hampshire NH - New Jersey NJ - New Mexico NM - New York NY - North Carolina NC - North Dakota ND - Ohio OH - Oklahoma OK - Oregon OR - Pennsylvania PA - Rhode Island RI - South Carolina SC - South Dakota SD - Tennessee TN - Texas TX - Utah UT - Vermont VT - Virginia VA - Washington WA - Washington, D.C. - West Virginia WV - Wisconsin WI - Wyoming WY - Hawaii HI.