Dog Breed
American Pit Bull Terrier

- Full Name
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- Alternate Names
- Pit Bull, APBT, Pitty
- Your PupScore
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- Life Span
- 10 - 15 years years
- Weight
- 40 - 100 pounds
- Description
More commonly referred to simply as the "pit bull" - this is a very strong willed dog, that has high energy, and is quite intense. They need an alpha-type owner, ideally with previous dog ownership experience.
The pit bull is a very intelligent breed, and likes to feel they have a job to do. By default, they will take on guarding their home and family as their "job". They are very loyal, brave, and protective of their family. If they are trained well, and have a disciplined upbringing, they can be a great dog. However, they are the dog breed which accounts for more bites and attacks that lead to hospital visits, than any other, so owning a pit bull comes with great responsibility.
The American Pit Bull Terrier, is not recognized by the AKC as a purebred, but is recognized by the UKC. One of the reasons it is not recognized by the AKC is because there is a huge range in both weights, colors, and body types for APBTs. Overall the pit bull is a healthy dog, but irresponsible breeding in the last decade or so has led to many health problems. They are oftentimes bred purely for mass, and rare color variations, rather than health and temperament.- Origin
- United States of America
- Bred For
- Fighting
- Attachments
- Family Considerations
- Child Friendly
- Stranger Friendly
- Dog Friendly
- Likes to Cuddle
- Playfulness
- Service Dog Ability
- Overall Ease of Breed
- Ease for Novice
- Training Potential
- Amount of Shedding
- Ease of Grooming
- Exercise Need
- Personality
- Intelligence
- Amount of Barking
- Guard Dog Ability
- Tolerates Being Alone
- Home and Environment Considerations
- Good for Apartment Living
- Size
- Tolerates Heat
- Tolerates Cold
- Potential to Run Away
- Physical Characteristics
- General Health
- Energy Level
- Amount of Drooling
- Prey Drive
- Athleticism
Is the American Pit Bull Terrier good with children? Nearly all dogs enjoy playing with small children, but some can play too rough, or be a bit careless. In some cases dogs can get jealous of small children, or try and "herd" them due to their natural instincts.
Is the American Pit Bull Terrier friendly with strangers? Getting a dog that is friendly with people really depends on what your lifestyle is. Dogs who are more cautious with strangers oftentimes make good guard dogs, which can be a great fit for some owners. If you are social, live in the city, or frequently have guests over, you may want to consider getting a stranger friendly dog.
Is the American Pit Bull Terrier friendly with other dogs? Of course this is particularly important if you already have another dog at home. However, it's an important factor to consider as well if you plan on frequently going to the dog park. Otherwise, even a dog who is not automatically friendly with other dogs can be an excellent fit, as they can still be affectionate with their human family.
Does the American Pit Bull Terrier like to cuddle? All dogs want love, but they have different boundaries when it comes to physical affection. If you plan on frequently having a dog on your lap or pushed up against you, then you should consider whether this breed enjoys that.
Does the American Pit Bull Terrier like to play? All puppies are playful, but as adults certain dogs are more playful. If you have children, or otherwise want to keep your dog active with plenty of play, there are plenty of options of breeds who will be happy to play all day.
Does the American Pit Bull Terrier make a good service dog? When looking to train a service dog it's important to consider how they were historically bred, and if their personality makes a good fit. A service dog must be smart, patient, and obsessed with pleasing their owner. Working dogs are a good fits since service dog 'work' gives them a feeling of accomplishment from doing a job.
Is the American Pit Bull Terrier good for first time owners? Dogs that are good for first time owners are ones who are easy to train, and are eager to please their owner. Very large dogs, or dogs with very high energy may also not be the best for first time owners since it adds a layer of complexity.
How well can the American Pit Bull Terrier be trained? This rating is about the training potential of the American Pit Bull Terrier. Dogs with high training potential oftentimes are good service dogs, police dogs, and dog show competition dogs. This does not necessarily mean they are the easiest to train, since many will be very intelligent and demanding.
Does the American Pit Bull Terrier shed a lot?
Is the American Pit Bull Terrier easy to groom?
Does the American Pit Bull Terrier need a lot of exercise?
How smart is the American Pit Bull Terrier?
How much does the American Pit Bull Terrier bark? Does the American Pit Bull Terrier bark too much? It depends on your lifestyle, and where you live. Dogs use barking to communicate, keep guard, and alert. A strong bark can be a good characteristic for guard dogs, or flock guardian dogs who need to be vocal.In apartment living you should consider getting a dog who is less vocal.
Is the American Pit Bull Terrier a good guard dog?
Is the American Pit Bull Terrier good at staying alone? Is the American Pit Bull Terrier independent?
Is the American Pit Bull Terrier a good apartment dog? Can the American Pit Bull Terrier live in an apartment without becoming frustrated or destructive? Typically people immediately consider the size of the dog, but energy level and historical habitat are also factors.
How big is the American Pit Bull Terrier?
How much does the American Pit Bull Terrier tolerate hot weather? When is it too hot for a American Pit Bull Terrier?
How much does the American Pit Bull Terrier tolerate cold weather? When is it too cold for a American Pit Bull Terrier?
Does the American Pit Bull Terrier try to run away? Some dogs have natural wanderlust and are escape artists... they will do everything to get out and explore.
Is the American Pit Bull Terrier a healthy dog? The general health of a American Pit Bull Terrier should be measured not just by how many years they live, but how often they have health issues during their lives. It is important to know which health conditions your breed is prone to- hip problems, eye problems, bloating, and arthritis are all common dog health problems.
How energetic is the American Pit Bull Terrier? Is the American Pit Bull Terrier too energetic for your lifestyle?
How much does the American Pit Bull Terrier drool?
Does the American Pit Bull Terrier have a large prey drive? Does the American Pit Bull Terrier like to chase birds, cats, and other small animals? Prey drive can be bothersome at the park, but really an issue at home if you have small animals, since this comes as a natural instinct for dogs with high prey drive, to chase cats, birds, etc.
Is the American Pit Bull Terrier atheltic? Is the American Pit Bull Terrier fast and strong?
- Terrier
- Bull Terrier
- American Pit Bull Terrier
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