American Pit Bull Terrier
Also known as Pit Bull, Pitbull, American Pit Bull, APBT
- Height at the withers
- 43 to 53 cm
- Weight
- 14 to 27 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 16 years
- Daily activity
- 75 minutes
- Origin
- United States
- FCI group
- Not recognized
What the law says
Category 1 restricted dog (French law of January 6, 1999): buying, selling, giving away or importing one is banned, spaying or neutering is mandatory, and you need a dog ownership permit, plus a muzzle and leash in public. A dog of this type without a LOF pedigree is classified through a veterinary assessment.
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- close neighbors: it barks little
Less suited to
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- a home with cats
Overview
A muscular, medium-sized terrier, athletic and agile, with a short coat and exceptional strength for its size, confident and very affectionate with people. In France, it is a Category 1 restricted dog (law of January 6, 1999): buying, selling, giving away or importing one is banned, spaying or neutering is mandatory, and you need a dog ownership permit, a muzzle and a leash in public places.
History and origins
Developed in the United States in the 19th century from bull and terrier type dogs brought over from England and Ireland. Its English ancestors fought bulls, but the American Pit Bull Terrier was mainly bred for dogfighting, before also serving as a farm dog and companion. The United Kennel Club recognized it in 1898; the FCI does not recognize it.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 16 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip dysplasia
- Skin allergies
- Cruciate ligament rupture
- Hypothyroidism
- Ichthyosis and demodectic mange
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short, smooth coat. Moderate shedding, minimal coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Avoid, 1 out of 5
- With cats
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With strangers
- Open, 4 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Not advised, 1 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Minimal, 1 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Rarely, 2 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
American Pit Bull Terrier FAQ
How big does the American Pit Bull Terrier get?
The American Pit Bull Terrier stands 43 to 53 cm at the withers and weighs 14 to 27 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the American Pit Bull Terrier shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs minimal care.
Can the American Pit Bull Terrier live in an apartment?
It can, as long as it gets real outings every day; a yard is still a plus.
How much exercise does the American Pit Bull Terrier need each day?
Allow about 75 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the American Pit Bull Terrier good with children?
Fairly well, preferably with children old enough to respect its limits. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the American Pit Bull Terrier live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 16 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia and skin allergies.
Is the American Pit Bull Terrier a restricted dog in France?
Category 1 restricted dog (French law of January 6, 1999): buying, selling, giving away or importing one is banned, spaying or neutering is mandatory, and you need a dog ownership permit, plus a muzzle and leash in public. A dog of this type without a LOF pedigree is classified through a veterinary assessment. All about restricted dogs in France.
