American Pit Bull Terrier

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a bull-and-terrier breed from the United States, and the most legislated-about dog in the world.

History

It descends from the bull-and-terrier crosses brought from Britain and Ireland in the nineteenth century, bred first for baiting and fighting and then, as those became illegal, as a farm and family dog. It was a common American household dog in the early twentieth century. It is recognised by the UKC and the ADBA but not the AKC, and breed-specific legislation restricts or bans it in many jurisdictions — which is a fact about the law, and the first thing to check before considering one.

Temperament

The breed is known for being confident, people-friendly and strongly attached to its household — historically selected against aggression towards handlers — while tolerance of other dogs varies widely by line and needs honest assessment.

Care and training

It needs substantial exercise, early and continued socialising, secure fencing and an owner who will do the work. The short coat is easy.

Health

Known tendencies include hip dysplasia, skin allergies and, in some lines, a hereditary cerebellar condition. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.