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American Pit Bull Terrier Dogs

American Pit Bull Terrier Dynamics Based on 14,254 Dogster profiles   Energy   sleepy energetic     Intelligence   silly genius     Friendliness   aggressive affectionate     Playfulness   not playful very playful     Disposition   anxious calm

Weight:	20 - 55 pounds (9.07 - 24.9 kg)
Height:	15 - 20 inches (38.1 - 50.8)

Trademark Traits

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Some Ideal Human Companions

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What They’re Like to Live With

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American Pit Bull Terriers have gotten a bad reputation in the media due to owners who raise them for the wrong reasons. American Pit Bull Terriers are affectionate, loyal and happy dogs with loads of energy and a natural eagerness to please their guardians no matter what.

With proper socialization and training, as with any dog, your American Pit Bull Terrier can be an exemplary member of the family—affectionate with children and a faithful companion.

They love to play fetch, go for runs and accomplish “tasks”—American Pit Bull Terriers are natural workers, excelling in agility trials, search-and-rescue and obedience trials. Keep them busy and loaded with positive reinforcement, and they’ll continually surprise you with an upbeat and steady temperament.

Things You Should Know

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American Pit Bull Terriers may sometimes display protective or competitive instincts around other dogs and animals. They are strong enough to handle rough play from a child, but strangers and unfamiliar dogs can sometimes trigger their suspicions.

APBTs might not be the best apartment dogs, though as long as they get plenty of outdoor exercise they’ll be happy. Ideally, a fenced yard suits them best, not to mention daily games of fetch.

A healthy American Pit Bull Terrier can live as long as 12 years. Common health problems include hip dysplasia and some allergies.

American Pit Bull Terrier History

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Bred from Bulldogs and Terriers in 19th-century Britain, the American Pit Bull Terrier eventually became a helpful farm dog and family pet. Two organizations were formed to legitimize the breed—the American Dog Breeder’s Association and the United Kennel Club. In the United States, American Pit Bull Terrier owners also sought to legitimize the breed, and in 1936 the AKC registered them as “American Staffordshire Terriers.” Today they are one of the most popular breeds in the U.S.

The Look of the American Pit Bull Terrier

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The American Pit Bull Terrier has a strong, muscular and alert look. A typical APBT has a brick-shaped head—in proportion to the rest of its body—with round eyes. A thick, powerful neck slopes down to a broad, powerful chest, muscular legs that seem always ready to dart forward, and long tapered tails. American Pit Bull Terriers can come in just about any color.

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