Pit Bull

PIT BULL  Origin:-  Particular uses: Guard and companion dog  Life expectancy: 14 years  Male height: 35 - 56 cm. approx.  Male weight: 20- 30 kg approx.  Female height: 36 - 56 cm. approx.  Female weight: 20 - 30 kg approx.  FCI-Standard: -

Historical Summary of the Breed
Though the exact origin of the American Pit Bull is still not known with certainty, its roots point toward England in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.  There exist a variety of theories that try to pinpoint it.  One says that Pit Bulls were raised and trained for two tasks: fighting bulls and herd displacement for hunters and farmers.  At the beginning, these dogs were called "Bulldogs."

Another theory maintains that the breed surged through crossing the old "Bulldog" with a Terrier.  There is also the one that affirms that its origins come from the old "Molossers," powerful, strong and very faithful dogs used in battle by the Assyrians in 2000 B.C.  It says that these Molossers were crossed with a breed that existed then in England.

The evolution of the Brittish Molossers gave way to two breeds: the "Bandog" and the "Alaunt," which later led to the Bulldog and the Mastiff.  Another theory says that the APBT is none other than the ancient Bulldog that has remained up to our time.

Temperament and Behavior
It has a tough, strong, and muscular body, though with a shorter length.  The Pit Bull has a wedge-shaped head seen from the top and rounded seen from the front.  This breed has a characteristic "jaw-locking" bite, with the teeth securely locked together.  It has a muscular neck, somewhat arched and without folds, as well as powerful, muscular shoulders with wide, turned-down shoulder blades.

Its physiognomy highlights its hind legs, with long, sloping, wide hips, which ensures a greater starting power. Its eyes are medium-sized and it has rounded, straight ears, lacking folds. The expression in its eyes shows vitality and energy.

General Appearance
The essential characteristics of an American Pit Bull Terrier are the force, the trust and the love of life.  This breed needs to please, and it shows.  It is a dog with unbridled enthusiasm.  The Pit bull is an excellent family companion and has great love for children.

Some Pit Bulls demonstrate a certain level of aggression.  This is owing to physical power.  The breed requires an owner with a normal social life who knows how to make the dog obey and control its strength.