The tips usually point toward the side, but may also point toward the back of the dog’s head, depending on whether the dog is relaxed or alert. Rose ears have a backward fold allowing some of the burr (inner ear) to show. Preferred natural ears can be “rose” or “half-prick”.
“The tighter the lips fit on an American Pit Bull Terrier, the better” (O’Neil 7).Įars: Ears can be cropped or natural (not important) and should be set high on the head, and be free from wrinkles. The length of the muzzle is shorter than the length of the skull, with a ratio of approximately 2:3 (UKC Standard…). Muzzle: The muzzle is broad and deep with a slight taper from the stop (see figure 1) to the nose. “The head is well chiseled, blending strength, elegance, and character” (UKC Standard…). “When viewed from the side, the skull and muzzle are parallel to one another and joined by a well defined, moderately deep stop” (UKC Standard…).
The APBT’s cheek muscles are well-defined, and the skin fits smoothly over the protruding muscle with no excess to droop or wrinkle (O’Neil 6). The skull is flat and widest at the ears, with prominent cheeks free from wrinkles. Head: The Head is Medium length and bricklike in shape. “At a dog show, the dog that wins is the one that comes closest, in the judge’s opinion, to the standard for its breed” (O’Neil 6). This “Bull and Terrier” dog was recognized as an American Pit Bull Terrier in 1898 by the United Kennel Club (UKC).Ī breed standard is meant to represent the ideal specimen of a certain breed which includes ideal structure, temperament, and gait (all aspects of the dog). The “Bull and Terrier” dog was brought to the US in the early 1800s as farm dogs and guardians. This dog was referred to as a “Bull and Terrier” dog. The bull-baiting dogs were crossed with terriers to reduce their size, thus making them more controllable in a pit fight. After bull-baiting was outlawed in 1835, pit fighting (the matching of two dogs against one another in combat) became a popular sport. “Historically, the word “Bulldog” did not mean a specific breed of dogs per se, but rather it was applied to descendants of the ancient Mastiff-type dogs that excelled in the task of bull-baiting” (American Pit Bull.FAQ ). An excuse used for this entertainment was that it tenderized the meat. In the bull-baiting event, bulls were chained to a stake in the ground and a dog (or dogs) was expected to pin the bull by attacking it from the front and gripping its nose. In the late 18 th century, dogs of England (Ancient Bulldogs) were bread to excel in bull-baiting events.
“To understand the breed, it is necessary to start with some of the key elements that were brought together, homed in battle and blood-shed, refocused, and then shaped into the American Pit Bull Terrier” (Stahlkuppe 16). The breeds that shaped the APBT were the Bulldog and Terrier families. The APBT descended from a mix of powerful breeds. The APBT breed standard (United Kennel Club) is meant to specifically portray the ideal APBT specimen. “In courage, resolve, indefatigableness, indifference to pain, and stubborn perseverance in overcoming any challenge, the APBT has no equal in the canine world” (American Pit Bull.FAQ ). Along with being an extraordinary athlete, the APBT is also very affectionate and eager to please. With great strength and determination, The APBT is a superb athlete. The American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) is a fascinating breed.