American Pit Bull Terrier

American Pit Bull Terrier dog

Athletic American terrier known for its strength, confidence, and working versatility.

Size Weight Height Lifespan
Large 30 - 85 lbs 17 - 19 inches 12 - 16 years
(These are estimates and may vary.)

Origin: United States



Own a American Pit Bull Terrier? Share what activities they enjoy to help other dog owners.

Running Digging Swimming Exploring Playing with Toys Obedience Training Tracking Herding Fetch Hiking Socializing Tug Of War Frisbee Chewing Agility Training Cuddling Guarding Hunting

Know a American Pit Bull Terrier? Share their personality traits to help other dog owners.

Clever Protective Affectionate Stubborn Confident Fearless Friendly Docile Energetic Calm Patient Aggressive Gentle Sociable Adaptable Playful Independent Clever Agile Loyal

May be a good fit if you:

  • Want a dog that is generally responsive to consistent, positive training.
  • Are looking for a breed that generally does well with children.
  • Are a first-time dog owner looking for a relatively approachable breed.

Things to consider:

  • This breed may not do well when left alone for long periods.
  • This breed may be less suited to smaller living spaces.

The American Pit Bull Terrier developed in the United States from bull-and-terrier dogs brought from Britain and Ireland during the 19th century. Their ancestors combined bulldog strength with terrier agility and had been used in blood sports, including dog fighting, after bull-baiting was outlawed in Britain. In America, these dogs continued to have a fighting history, but they were also kept for hunting, farm work, property protection, and companionship. Breeders selected different lines for different purposes, producing a versatile and athletic population rather than one narrowly uniform type. The United Kennel Club was founded in 1898 and registered the American Pit Bull Terrier as its first breed. The American Kennel Club chose a different path, recognizing related dogs under the name Staffordshire Terrier in 1936, later renamed American Staffordshire Terrier. This created two increasingly distinct registered populations that still share historical roots. The term "pit bull" is now also used broadly for several similar-looking breeds and mixes, which can create confusion when discussing the specific American Pit Bull Terrier. Its history includes both controversial blood-sport origins and generations of legitimate working and companion roles, making it important not to reduce the breed's development to either side of that history alone.

Frequently Asked Questions About American Pit Bull Terrier

The American Pit Bull Terrier is not generally considered hypoallergenic. Individual allergy reactions can vary.

The American Pit Bull Terrier tends to have a moderate level of shedding.

The American Pit Bull Terrier generally has relatively manageable grooming needs.

The American Pit Bull Terrier is generally a high-energy breed that tends to enjoy an active routine.

The American Pit Bull Terrier generally benefits from a moderate amount of daily exercise.

The American Pit Bull Terrier is generally highly trainable and tends to respond well to consistent, positive training.

The American Pit Bull Terrier generally tends to do well with children when properly socialized and supervised.

The American Pit Bull Terrier may be selective around other dogs, making careful socialization and introductions important.

The American Pit Bull Terrier is generally considered relatively approachable for first-time dog owners.

The American Pit Bull Terrier may be less suited to apartment living and may benefit from more space.