THE AMERICAN PIT BULL TERRIER
Temperament
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a loving, stable dog that is happiest in a family where it is included and appreciated. APBTs adore children and are one of the better breeds to have with children. Their high pain tolerance allows them to easily overlook the poking and prodding of children, that a less tolerant dog may react negatively to. (Please see our Kiddies –n-Pitties page in our Photo Gallery). APBTs are intelligent and loyal, but they are not the best candidate for a “guard dog” because they are extremely friendly dogs, even with strangers.
APBTs can be a high-energy breed and are most content if they have a job to do. This could be as little as a 20-30 minute walk, or as much as competitive Agility training and competition. The beauty of this breed is that they are happiest when they are spending time with you and they will do just about anything you ask of them. Provide them with their needed energy-outlet and they will be content to spend the rest of the day following you about your business or snuggling with you on the couch.
APBTs are highly intelligent and very agile dogs, so secure doors and fences are an absolute necessity. With Breed Specific Legislation on the rise, it is important that APBT owners take care to be extra responsible and keep their dogs properly contained and under control, at all times. Even the friendliest dog can get into trouble if left to his own devices. He could be stolen, or hit by a car, etc. A little forethought will go a long way toward keeping your pet safe.
Being part of the Terrier family, APBTs can tend to be dog aggressive. This is easily managed with proper training, socialization and a watchful eye. Dog aggression is NOT the same thing as Human Aggression. Human Aggression is NOT an acceptable trait for an APBT and has not, historically, been tolerated by APBT Fanciers. The MAPBTC strongly recommends that all Human-Aggressive APBTs (however rare this may be) be humanely euthanized. There are far too many people-friendly APBTs that possess correct breed temperament to choose from.

Looking For a Puppy?

Choosing a Breeder to purchase a puppy from is a BIG decision. The puppy you choose will be a part of your family for 12+ years. During those years the dog will be completely dependant on you to fulfill all of its needs (re: food, training, medical care, love and affection, etc.). So the decision to get a puppy should not be taken lightly. Time should be spent deciding which breeds may be a good fit in your household. Some breeds are extremely active and require a family that can supply them with plenty of exercise and stimulation. Others are very small and can be fragile, therefore, they may not be a good fit for a family with small children.

Since you are here, you are probably considering an American Pit Bull Terrier. Congratulations on your excellent taste in dogs :0) Now, it’s time to do your homework and determine whether or not this is the breed for you. Like all breeds, APBTs aren’t for everyone. They do best in an active home with firm, but gentle handlers. They are also happiest when they have a job to do. And lucky for them (and you!) they excel at just about everything, so your options are endless! In fact, of the 43 Super Dogs (which means a dog has successfully competed and titled in Conformation, Obedience, Agility and Weight Pull) 18 of them are APBTs!
 

Once you decide on the breed that best fits your needs, it’s time to start looking for that special puppy. The first step is finding an ethical breeder that produces dogs you like, is successful in the areas you hope to compete in (or can supply references from happy pet homes that have a pup from them) and is someone that you are comfortable with. Responsible breeders care a great deal for each and every puppy they produce and they want to be a part of the puppies’ lives, even if only through updates and pictures supplied by the puppy’s new family. It is always best to buy from a responsible breeder, even if you don’t plan to show or compete in performance events. Responsible breeders have the breed’s best interest at heart and plan all breedings in an effort to improve each generation. They strive to make each litter a little smarter, a little healthier, and a little prettier than the one before. Perfection is their ultimate goal, and they love the breed enough to keep striving for perfection, even though it is an unattainable goal.



A responsible breeder will know a great deal about the breed and its unique characteristics. They will be a wonderful source of knowledge, information, and advice on everything from housebreaking, to entering your first show, or even campaigning for a spot in the Top Ten!


Responsible breeders go the extra mile to ensure the dogs they are using for breeding are excellent examples of the breed - healthy in mind and body. They spend large amounts of time and money to prove their dogs are worthy of breeding and they health test all breeding stock through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and/or the University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHIP). ALWAYS ask to see copies of the sire and dam’s health testing certifications and make sure they are not “prelims”. Prelims are only preliminary exams and do NOT certify the dog free from the genetic disease being tested for.

It is always best to avoid purchasing a puppy from a pet store, newspaper classified, or Backyard Breeder. Pet stores buy their puppies from Puppy Mills and Animal Brokers. Puppy Mills care nothing for the puppies they produce and see the dogs as a way to make a profit. No thought is given to temperament, health or longevity, so many times the joy of bringing a new puppy home quickly turns to anguish when the puppy gets sick and the vet bills start piling up. Puppy Mills also offer substandard care and far too many of the animals they have are cruelly mistreated and neglected. A quick google search for “Puppy Mills” will be a saddening, but eye-opening experience.

Pet Stores also tend to charge as much, or more than an ethical breeder would charge, but they offer none of the guarantees or support that a responsible breeder would offer.

Purchasing a puppy from a classified ad or Backyard Breeder can be just as risky. While the average Backyard Breeder genuinely means well, they simply aren’t prepared to breed quality dogs.

Successful dog breeding is an art and it takes many years and countless hours of research, planning, and preparation to get that next great litter. Backyard breeders usually know next-to-nothing about the dogs in their pups pedigrees and they usually don’t health test either. This makes it very difficult to predict what the pups will grow up to be. It’s a risky gamble that rarely pays off. That “bargain” will usually be swallowed up by vet bills. Buying from a responsible breeder can make the whole process of fitting a new puppy into your family a pleasant experience that you and your family will cherish for years to come.

Breeder Referral

Our Links page has link to our members’ personal sites and that can be a great place to start looking for your new furry family member. Plus, many of our members will be happy to point you in the right direction if they don’t have what you are looking for. Additionally, the Encyclopedia of the American Pit Bull Terrier offers excellent advice on how to spot a Backyard Breeder and how to determine whether or not the breeder you’re considering is responsible and ethical.

Think Showing May Be For You?

Conformation shows are judged based on how well each dog conforms to the breed’s official Standard. The Breed Standard is a kind of blueprint describing the ideal American Pit Bull Terrier. Dogs are judged against the Breed Standard, rather than each other, and the one that comes the closest to perfection as described in the Breed Standard is awarded the ribbon.

Conformation shows (more commonly referred to as “dog shows’) are a great way to spend quality time with your dog. If you are patient with your training and make sure to keep it fun for both you and your dog, it is something that you can enjoy together. Some people prefer to “dabble” and hit an occasional show, while others take it more seriously and plan their weekends and holidays around each years’ show circuit. Your level of involvement is completely up to you and your dog!

Performance Events (like Obedience, Agility and Weight Pull)

are another way to enjoy time with your furry family member. The performance venues typically offer a greater training challenge, but the time spent together learning how to work as a team spills over into everyday life, as well. Providing your dog with a job to do, which can range from fetching a ball for a while each day, to competing at the top level in performance competitions, is a great way to help keep him or her healthy and happy.

Many people make lifelong friends in the “dog world”. It can often be difficult for our “non-dog” friends and family to understand our crazy obsession with all things canine. But other “dog people” get it, and they can relate. Many relaxing weekends can be spent cheering each other on and just “talking dogs”.

If you think showing or competing in performance events might be for you, check out:

United Kennel Club

The Encyclopedia of the American Pit Bull Terrier

Both sites provide great information to help you get started!


Have We Caught Your Interest Yet?

Please check our links page for many more links to fun and educational websites dedicated to the American Pit Bull Terrier