The true ancestry of the Rottweiler is unknown though it is believed that they may have been dogs used by the Roman legions to drove and guard livestock as they came north out of Italy into Europe. The breed was established at the commercial and agricultural town of Rottweil where it continued to herd but also to protect against thieves and other predators. During World War I, their strength, stamina and courage led them to becoming dogs used in war for guard and patrol duty. They were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1935 and by the Kennel Club of Great Britain in 1966.
The Rottweiler is a naturally protective animal. Because of his strong-mindedness, the Rottweiler requires an owner who will see that he gets proper training in order to make him a good family pet. He is affectionate, intelligent and easy to train. He is extremely faithful with great courage and a dignified demeanor.
The appearance of the Rottweiler is one of boldness and courage. The head is broad and medium in length with a definite drop between the eyes (called the stop) from the skull to the muzzle. Muzzle should be equal in length to the skull. The eyes are of medium size, dark brown. The ears are small, set high, and hang over about on level with the top of the head. The jaws are strong and muscular with a scissors bite. The neck is strong and muscular as are the shoulders and loin. The chest is deep and broad. The back is level. The legs are strong and muscular. The gait conveys strength, stamina and purpose. The feet are round and compact with well-arched toes. The tail is customarily docked. The coat is a double coat with a top coat of medium length and a short undercoat that cannot be seen through the top coat. The top coat color is a glistening black with tan markings over the inner ridge of the eye, along the muzzle and neck, on the chest and the legs. Average height is between 22 and 27 inches while average weight is between 90 and 110 pounds.
General Appearance
The ideal Rottweiler is a medium large, robust and powerful dog, black with clearly defined rust markings. His compact and substantial build denotes great strength, agility and endurance. Dogs are characteristically more massive throughout with larger frame and heavier bone than bitches. Bitches are distinctly feminine, but without weakness of substance or structure.
Size, Proportion, Substance
Dogs--24 inches to 27 inches. Bitches--22 inches to 25 inches, with preferred size being mid-range of each sex. Correct proportion is of primary importance, as long as size is within the standard's range.
The length of body, from prosternum to the rearmost projection of the rump, is slightly longer than the height of the dog at the withers, the most desirable proportion of the height to length being 9 to 10. The Rottweiler is neither coarse nor shelly. Depth of chest is approximately fifty percent (50%) of the height of the dog. His bone and muscle mass must be sufficient to balance his frame, giving a compact and very powerful appearance.
Serious Faults--Lack of proportion, undersized, oversized, reversal of sex characteristics (bitchy dogs, doggy bitches).
Head
Of medium length, broad between the ears; forehead line seen in profile is moderately arched; zygomatic arch and stop well developed with strong broad upper and lower jaws. The desired ratio of backskull to muzzle is 3 to 2. Forehead is preferred dry, however some wrinkling may occur when dog is alert. Expression is noble, alert, and self-assured. Eyes of medium size, almond shaped with well fitting lids, moderately deep-set, neither protruding nor receding. The desired color is a uniform dark brown. Serious Faults--Yellow (bird of prey) eyes, eyes of different color or size, hairless eye rim. Disqualification--Entropion. Ectropion. Ears of medium size, pendant, triangular in shape; when carried alertly the ears are level with the top of the skull and appear to broaden it. Ears are to be set well apart, hanging forward with the inner edge lying tightly against the head and terminating at approximately mid-cheek. Serious Faults--Improper carriage (creased, folded or held away from cheek/head). Muzzle--Bridge is straight, broad at base with slight tapering towards tip. The end of the muzzle is broad with well developed chin. Nose is broad rather than round and always black. Lips-Always black; corners closed; inner mouth pigment is preferred dark. Serious Faults--Total lack of mouth pigment (pink mouth). Bite and Dentition--Teeth 42 in number (20 upper, 22 lower), strong, correctly placed, meeting in a scissors bite--lower incisors touching inside of upper incisors. Serious Faults--Level bite; any missing tooth. Disqualifications--Overshot, undershot (when incisors do not touch or mesh); wry mouth; two or more missing teeth.
Neck, Topline, Body
Neck--Powerful, well muscled, moderately long, slightly arched and without loose skin. Topline--The back is firm and level, extending in a straight line from behind the withers to the croup. The back remains horizontal to the ground while the dog is moving or standing. Body--The chest is roomy, broad and deep, reaching to elbow, with well pronounced forechest and well sprung, oval ribs. Back is straight and strong. Loin is short, deep and well muscled. Croup is broad, of medium length and only slightly sloping. Underline of a mature Rottweiler has a slight tuck-up. Males must have two normal testicles properly descended into the scrotum. Disqualification--Unilateral cryptorchid or cryptorchid males. Tail--Tail docked short, close to body, leaving one or two tail vertebrae. The set of the tail is more important than length. Properly set, it gives an impression of elongation of topline; carried slightly above horizontal when the dog is excited or moving.
Forequarters
Shoulder blade is long and well laid back. Upper arm equal in length to shoulder blade, set so elbows are well under body. Distance from withers to elbow and elbow to ground is equal. Legs are strongly developed with straight, heavy bone, not set close together. Pasterns are strong, springy and almost perpendicular to the ground. Feet are round, compact with well arched toes, turning neither in nor out. Pads are thick and hard. Nails short, strong and black. Dewclaws may be removed.
Hindquarters
Angulation of hindquarters balances that of forequarters. Upper thigh is fairly long, very broad and well muscled. Stifle joint is well turned. Lower thigh is long, broad and powerful, with extensive muscling leading into a strong hock joint. Rear pasterns are nearly perpendicular to the ground. Viewed from the rear, hind legs are straight, strong and wide enough apart to fit with a properly built body. Feet are somewhat longer than the front feet, turning neither in nor out, equally compact with well arched toes. Pads are thick and hard. Nails short, strong, and black. Dewclaws must be removed.
Coat
Outer coat is straight, coarse, dense, of medium length and lying flat. Undercoat should be present on neck and thighs, but the amount is influenced by climatic conditions. Undercoat should not show through outer coat. The coat is shortest on head, ears and legs, longest on breeching. The Rottweiler is to be exhibited in the natural condition with no trimming. Fault--Wavy coat. Serious Faults--Open, excessively short, or curly coat; total lack of undercoat; any trimming that alters the length of the natural coat. Disqualification--Long coat.
Color
Always black with rust to mahogany markings. The demarcation between black and rust is to be clearly defined. The markings should be located as follows: a spot over each eye; on cheeks; as a strip around each side of muzzle, but not on the bridge of the nose; on throat; triangular mark on both sides of prosternum;on forelegs from carpus downward to the toes; on inside of rear legs showing down the front of the stifle and broadening out to front of rear legs from hock to toes, but not completely eliminating black from rear of pasterns; un-der tail; black penciling on toes. The undercoat is gray, tan, or black. Quantity and location of rust markings is important and should not exceed ten percent of body color. Serious Faults--Straw-colored, excessive, insufficient or sooty markings; rust marking other than described above; white marking any place on dog (a few rust or white hairs do not constitute a marking). Disqualifications--Any base color other than black; absence of all markings.
Gait
The Rottweiler is a trotter. His movement should be balanced, harmonious, sure, powerful and unhindered, with strong forereach and a powerful rear drive. The motion is effortless, efficient, and ground-covering. Front and rear legs are thrown neither in nor out, as the imprint of hind feet should touch that of forefeet. In a trot the forequarters and hindquarters are mutually coordinated while the back remains level, firm and relatively motionless. As speed increases the legs will converge under body towards a center line.
Temperament
The Rottweiler is basically a calm, confident and courageous dog with a self-assured aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships. A Rottweiler is self-confident and responds quietly and with a wait-and-see attitude to influences in his environment. He has an inherent desire to protect home and family, and is an intelligent dog of extreme hardness and adaptability with a strong willingness to work, making him especially suited as a companion, guardian and general all-purpose dog.
The behavior of the Rottweiler in the show ring should be controlled, willing and adaptable, trained to submit to examination of mouth, testicles, etc. An aloof or reserved dog should not be penalized, as this reflects the accepted character of the breed. An aggressive or belligerent attitude towards other dogs should not be faulted.
A judge shall excuse from the ring any shy Rottweiler. A dog shall be judged fundamentally shy if, refusing to stand for examination, it shrinks away from the judge. A dog that in the opinion of the judge menaces or threatens him/her, or exhibits any sign that it may not be safely approached or examined by the judge in the normal manner, shall be excused from the ring. A dog that in the opinion of the judge attacks any person in the ring shall be disqualified.
Summary
Faults - The foregoing is a description of the ideal Rottweiler. Any structural fault that detracts from the above described working dog must be penalized to the extent of the deviation.
Disqualifications
Entropion, ectropion. Overshot, undershot (when incisors do not touch or mesh); wry mouth; two or more missing teeth. Unilateral cryptorchid or cryptorchid males. Long coat. Any base color other than black; absence of all markings. A dog that in the opinion of the judge attacks any person in the ring.
Rottweiler Did You Know?
The Rottweiler is one of the descendents of Roman drover dogs.
About 700 AD the local Duke of Arae Flaviae (what is now Southern Germany) ordered a Christian church built on the site of the former Roman baths. Excavations unearthed the red tiles of Roman villas; to distinguish the town, it was then named das Rote Wil (the red tile), which is of course recognizable as the derivation of the present Rottweil.
As the town increased in prosperity during the uproar of industry, the Rottweiler, called the Rottweil Metzgerhund (butcher dog), decreased considerably in popularity.
Eventually, in the early 20th century, the reinvigorated Rottweiler remerged as a police dog.
The Rottweiler was admitted to the AKC Stud Book in 1931.
The Rottweiler parent club was founded in 1971.
Rottweiler History
The origin of the Rottweiler is not a documented record. Once this is recognized, actual history tempered by reasonable supposition indicates the likelihood he is descended from one of the drover dogs indigenous to ancient Rome. This drover dog has been described by various accredited sources as having been of the Mastiff-type-a dependable, rugged, willing worker, possessed of great intelligence, and a strong guarding instinct.
The transition from Roman herding dog to the dog we know today as the Rottweiler can be attributed to the ambitions of the Roman Emperors to conquer Europe. Very large armies were required for these expeditions and the logistics of feeding that number of men became a major consideration. No means of refrigeration existed which meant that the meat for the soldiers had to accompany the troops "on the hoof." The services of a dog capable of keeping the herd intact during the long march were needed. The above-described "Mastiff-type" was admirably suited to both that job and the additional responsibility of guarding the supply dumps at night.
Campaigns of the Roman army varied in scope, but the one of concern to us took place approximately A.D. 74. Its route was across the Alps terminating in what is now southern Germany. Arae Flaviae, as the new territory was called, had natural advantages of climate, soil, and central location. There is much evidence pointing to the vital role of the fearless Roman drover dog on this trek from Rome to the banks of the Neckar River.
We have no reason to doubt that descendants of the original Roman drover dogs continued to guard the herds through the next two centuries. Circa A.D. 260 the Swabians ousted the Romans from Arae Flaviae, taking over the city. Agriculture and the trading of cattle remained their prime occupations, insuring the further need for the dogs.
About A.D. 700 the local Duke ordered a Christian church built on the site of the former Roman baths. Excavations unearthed the red tiles of Roman villas. To distinguish the town from others, it was then named das Rote Wil (the red tile), which of course is recognizable as the derivation of the present Rottweil.
Rottweil's dominance as a cultural and trade center increased unabated, and in the middle of the 12th century further fame and fortune came to it. An all-new town with elaborate fortifications was built on the heights above the river. The security thus provided increased commerce in cattle. Butchers concentrated in the area and inevitably more dogs were needed to drive the cattle to and from the markets.
The descendants of the Roman drover dog plied their trade without interruption until the middle of the 19th century, at which time the driving of cattle was outlawed; in addition, the donkey and the railroad replaced the dog cart.
The Rottweiler Metzgerhund (butcher dog), as he came to be called, then fell on hard times. His function had been severely curtailed and in those days, dogs earned their keep or there was no reason for their existence. The number of Rottweilers declined so radically that in 1882 the dog show in Heilbronn, Germany reported just one poor example of the breed present.
The annals of cynology make no further mention of the breed until 1901 when a combined Rottweiler and Leonberger Club was formed. This Club was shortlived but notable because the first Rottweiler standard appeared under its auspices. It is of value for us to know that the general type advocated has not changed substantially and the character called for, not at all.
In these years (1901-07) the Rottweiler again found favor as a police dog. Several clubs were organized as dissension was most common until 1921 when it was agreed to form the Allegmeiner Deutscher Rottweiler Klub (ADRK). By that time, 3,400 Rottweilers had been registered by three or four clubs. Duplications and confusion ended when the ADRK published its first stud book in 1924.
Since its inception, despite the difficulties encountered during and in the aftermath of World War II, the ADRK has remained intact and through its leadership enlightened, purposeful breeding programs have been promoted both in Germany and abroad.
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The focus of Happy Pit Bull has always been about responsible pit bull ownership, but the focus will expand somewhat in the coming weeks. After nearly seven years of writing, researching, and communicating with others, I've decided that there is much more to pit bull ownership than a simple "owner's manual" website can possibly cover.
In fact, I have come to realize that the big difference between owning a pit bull and owning any other type of dog has less to do with canine behavior--because dogs of all breeds behave in essentially similar ways and are cared for similarly--and more to do with the way our society reacts to the stereotypes of "evil pit bull" and "drug dealing criminal pit bull owner." Pit bull owners need more information about how to effectively communicate and interact with others, how to combat the dark stereotypes that plague them, and how to cope with society's often blatant hatred and scorn. Owners also have a right to know about public figures (i.e. politicians, celebrities, and companies) who spread these stereotypes and thereby significantly increase the hatred and prejudice against pit bulls and owners.
To that end, I anticipate a redesigned website that reflects my new emphasis on societal issues of pit bull ownership. Please bear with me, as all site updates are being made to the new site, which is not yet ready to "go live." Although I hope to have that accomplished in the next two weeks, site redesigns are never quick, especially when the new scope is larger than the original.
When the new site is up, I will have some opportunities for site visitors to contribute their own stories, essays, and more. I hope you will return soon to find out how you can participate! In the meantime, enjoy the site, and please keep sending me your ideas, photos, stories, and nominations for "Paws Up" and "Paws Down"!
The "pit bull" is NOT a breed. It is a category of breeds which were once (and in some places still are) associated with bull baiting and dog fighting. The term is very vague. Breed-specific legislation uses the term "pit bull" to encompass a number of breeds. Humane societies use the term "pit bull" for any dog that has a certain appearance. The media uses the term "pit bull" to describe a vicious dog (or a vocal politician).
Most people agree that the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT), the American Staffordshire Terrier (AST), and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier (SBT) are "pit bull" breeds. Some people believe that the American Bulldog, the English Bulldog, and/or the Bull Terrier are also "pit bulls" - but that is not true, since these breeds were used neither for bull baiting nor pit fighting.
Pit bulls are also referred to as: bulldogs, pit bulldogs, pit bull terriers, pits/pitties, Bull-and-Terriers, Bandogs (Bandogges), bull terriers, and pit terriers. Are you confused yet?
Identifying a "pit bull" can be notoriously difficult. Because pit bulls were, and in many cases still are, bred for performance rather than appearance, individual dogs vary greatly in appearance. Sizes range from 40 lbs to 70 lbs, some dogs are rangy while others are bulky, and don't even get me started listing coat colors and patterns. Many "fad" breeders are breeding grotesque caricatures of the breed-type - dogs weighing well over 100 lbs, incredibly blocky heads, broad chests, and stubby legs - in total violation of the breed standard for any of the three pit bull breeds. Pit bull mixes are all over the board. Check out my photo pages to see some pit bulls and pit mixes.
The pit bull's body structure is similar to a packed handful of other breeds. American Bulldogs, Bull Terriers, Bull Mastiffs, Boxers, Dobermans, Rottweilers... even Labs and mixed dogs have been labelled pit bulls. The vagueness of the term "pit bull" leads many people, politicians, and the media to wrongly label any vicious dog a "pit bull". Breed-specific legislation freqently refers to pit bulls and pit mixes without giving a definition of what is considered a "pit bull/mix". This leads to serious constitutional questions and frequent identification problems.
Can you identify a "pit bull" correctly? Take this quiz from understand-a-bull.com and find out!
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History of the pit bull
Most researchers agree that the Molossus, a large, mastiff-like, war dog, is the ancient ancestor of a number of large breeds. The Molossus seems to have originated in Greece and made its way to Britian via trading ships. The huge war dog also impressed the Romans, who brought them from Britian into other areas of Europe.
From the Molossus descended a variety of dogs, including Mastiffs, Bandogs, Alaunts, and Bulldogs - so named because they were used to catch and hold bulls for the butcher to slaughter. Blood sports, including bull and bear baiting, gained in popularity over time until they became grand events. The Humane Acts of 1835 in England put a stop to bullbaiting, and dog fighting quickly became the new "sport".
There are many theories of pit bull evolution. One of the major problems with reviewing historical data about the pit bull is the lack of solid information. In the early development of the canine, dogs were named after their use, not their appearance. "Bulldog" was a term often used vaguely and indiscriminately, making it confusing and difficult to trace the pit bull's early origins. A great deal of information has to be extracted from artists' paintings and writers' stories, neither of which are particularly reliable.
Don't get caught by "bull" confusion! There are a number of breeds which carry the label "bulldog" or "bull" in their breed name. The American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are just two such breeds. "Bully" breeds also include the French Bulldog, English Bulldog, Bull Mastiff, Bull Terrier, Olde Bulldogge, American Pit Bull Dog (not Terrier), and American Bulldog. These breeds are not all the same, nor are they all "pit bulls"! They are different breeds with different history, temperament, and appearance.
Most researchers believe that the pit bull-type dog was created by crossing a bulky Bulldog with a smaller, faster Terrier, resulting in a Bull-and-Terrier, which was said to excel at dog fighting because it possessed the strength and tenacity of a Bulldog with the speed and determination of a Terrier. Thus the pit bull breeds carry the name "Terrier" in their registered breed names.
Over time, the Bull-and-Terrier evolved into the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, which, when brought over to the United States, eventually became the American Pit Bull Terrier. The UKC (United Kennel Club) was the first major national kennel club to register the American Pit Bull Terrier. The AKC (American Kennel Club) followed suit years later, but they changed the name "American Pit Bull Terrier" to "Staffordshire Terrier", and later to "American Staffordshire Terrier" (to distinguish it from its English cousin, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier)
The American Staffordshire Terrier is the AKC show version of the APBT. In general, both AST and APBT breeders deny that the breeds are anything alike anymore. The AST continues to be bred for appearance and conformation, while the APBT is in many cases still bred for function. Additionally, I do not believe that ASTs are considered "proper" fighting dogs among dog fighters due to the fact that they have been bred away from that purpose for decades now.
I should note that the AKC tends to overlook or gloss over the American Staffordshire Terrier's history in the pit.
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The pit bull's characteristics
The pit bull's ancestor, the bulldog, was bred for a variety of work, including farming, hunting, protection, and companionship. Bulldogs and their offspring were also bred for bull and bear baiting and pit fighting (fighting against other dogs). Such dogs were required to be loyal, human-friendly, intellegent, hard working, and persistent. Many of these qualities still remain in modern pit bulldogs.
Today's pit bulls are somewhat different from the original working bulldogs. In today's society we rarely need farming and hunting dogs, and pit fighting, bullbaiting, and other cruel bloodsports are, thankfully, outlawed. Today, pit bulls are less of a working dog than a household companion and guardian. Some pit bulls find work in the agility field, in weightpulling competitions, on a search-and-rescue team, or as a therapy dog at a nursing home.
There are today four very different breeders trying to create four very different types of pit bulls: show dogs, fighting dogs, pet dogs, and backyard-bred dogs. In addition, many pit bulls are crossed with other breeds, like mastiffs or retrievers, and acquire some of the characteristics of these breeds. This means that the pit bull's physical and mental characteristics vary widely among different strains, and it makes it almost impossible for me to describe an average pit bulldog to you.
Registered Show Dogs
The first kind of breeder is the show breeder. These breeders, like all other show breeders, are concerned primarily with a "breed standard" created by the various dog organizations. They breed for stable temperament and physical conformation to that standard. These dogs are registered with one of the national dog associations and usually come from champion lines. These pit bulls are generally attractive and friendly - but they can be expensive. They are not really suitable for someone who is not interested in showing their dog. Quality breeders do not sell their dogs for $200 in the local newspaper! Their dogs are easily $1000 apiece and generally there is a waiting list. They will also put potential owners to the test, asking all kinds of questions to determine whether their puppies are going to the right homes. Most have lengthy contracts designed to protect buyer, breeder, and puppy's best interests. And responsible breeders are also involved in some form of rescue work. Honestly, though, the absolute most responsible breeders are not breeding anymore due to the severe overpopulation crisis the breed-type is facing.
Fighting Dogs
Another kind of breeder is the pit fighter. The pit fighter engages in the inhumane activity of dog fighting. Pit fighters breed for aggression. In the novice fighting world, it is generally believed that the more aggressive the dog, the better it will fight. Thus, those who breed pit bulls with intent to fight them often mistakenly breed and "train" (read "abuse") for human-aggression as well. Some pit fighters, especially more experienced fighters who fight under a tried-and-true set of rules and regulations, understand that their pit bulls must be human-friendly. This is because dog fighters must be able to handle their dog in the midst of a heated dog fight, and they are also expected to bathe the opponent's dog before the fight. Human-aggressive dogs are not acceptable under such rules. However, in either case, this kind of pit bull is bred and trained for endurance to pain, gameness (willingness to persist), and viciousness. This is the kind of pit bull you hear about constantly in the media, and these owners and breeders are primarily responsible for the breed's onerous reputation. These dogs are NOT representative of the breed. They are a minority.
Pet Dogs
This website focuses primarily on pet pit bulls. The pet pit bull can come from a variety of sources - hobby breeders, rescue groups, or the local animal shelter. I urge anyone looking for a pet pit bull to adopt a homeless dog. Remember: Just because a dog is not purebred doesn't mean it isn't pet quality. Some poor saps erroneously believe that buying a purebred dog guarantees that they will be smarter/nicer/more talented, etc. than an adopted dog. In truth, there are no such guarantees. Still, if you're deadset on getting a purebred pit bull, you should be aware that a large chunk of all shelter/rescue dogs are purebred. There is simply no good reason to buy a dog from a breeder unless you are extremely interested in showing.
f you are looking for a pet pit bull - do not buy one. You will get the same quality of dog by adopting through a rescue group or animal shelter - and you will be saving a life rather than encouraging a breeder to produce still more puppies.
Mutants
Pit bull breed standard is frequently broken by greedy breeders looking for a cash cow. They churn out dogs to make money, and they usually manage to rake in gullible customers looking for the stereotypical "pit bull" - the huge, intimidating, vicious, unstoppable beast. This stereotype is now so exaggerated that the dogs that are being produced are not "pit bulls" in any shape or form. They are mutants, no matter how many times the breeder calls them pit bulls. Those mentally unstable mutants and their owners give real pit bulls (and their owners) a bad name.
If a breeder is advertising the following, stay away from them:
Extra wide, huge, or blocky heads
Stocky / low-to-the-ground bodies
Large/thick bone structure
Wide or overdeveloped chests
Any dog over 70 lbs.
"Good for protection"
Claims that "blue" dogs or "red nosed" dogs are somehow special/rare
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Characteristics of the Pet Pit Bull
Please keep in mind that all of the information below is variable according to the dog, and that each and every dog is different, so you should not assume that all of this will hold true for any single "pit bull". Keep in mind that genetics is a tricky thing, which means if you get a puppy, you never really know what you're going to end up with. Remember - even a "registered" or "papered" dog is not necessarily a perfect representative of the breed! It only means that the dog's parents were registered. It does not mean that the dog meets the breed standard, is of good temperament or health, or is a good-quality pet.
Basics about the Pit Bull
The pit bull is a medium-sized dog with broad shoulders and powerful muscles. There are two general kinds of pit bulls. The first are the larger, "gamey" pit bulls - usually taller and more slender. Most are American Pit Bull Terriers. The second are more compact pit bulls, often the American Staffordshire Terriers, which tend to be shorter, thicker, with blockier heads and stubbier legs. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is the smallest "pit bull" breed.
Height: as short as 16 inches, as tall as 22 inches
Weight: 30-70 lbs - NO MORE
Life Span: 11-13 yrs
Coat Colors: Red, white, "blue", black, brown, brindle, or a combination. Multiple colors in the coat, including spots and stripes, are common.
Face: Often has a blocky appearance due to powerful jaw muscles. Contrary to popular myth, pit bulls do not have "locking" jaws, but strong muscles and persistence combine to create this illusion. Ears are sometimes cropped (this practice is common in the U.S. although many vets are beginning to refuse to perform such cosmetic surgery. It is not necessary to meet the breed standard and is also illegal in many countries).
Health Problems: Not many, but can include hip dysplasia and heriditary cataracts.
Personality Traits
Pit bulls are energetic, playful, loyal, loving, protective, and intelligent. As pets, they are unlike any other breed of dog. When properly raised, socialized, and obedience trained, the pit bull makes an ideal dog for couch-lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. However, it should be noted that this is NOT a good breed for a beginning dog owner, a careless/lazy owner, or a child. My reason is this: As with any breed, if you do not know what you are doing (i.e. you are clueless about owning a dog), you may end up with an out-of-control dog. However, for a pit bull to become an out-of-control dog is dangerous for the dog, its owner and family, its neighbors, and the breed in general. Like any large, powerful dog, a pit bull can do damage if it is allowed/taught to be dominant or aggressive. In addition, an uncontrollable pit bull is another black mark on the breed's already damaged reputation. If pit bull owners want their dogs to enjoy the same freedoms that other breeds enjoy (in other words, prevent breed-specific legislation), they MUST understand the issues facing pit bulls and their owners, understand how to train and control a dog, and go above and beyond the responsibilities of ordinary dog owners! That being said, novice dog owners can succeed with a pit bull, but they must be willing to take the extra responsibility to educate themselves thoroughly not just on pit bulls, but on dog care in general.
With pit bulls, early training and socialization are key to a well behaved dog. Owners should not leave this dog to spend its life bored and alone in a backyard. This dog must be a close and beloved pet, and owners should devote much time and attention to it. In addition, owners must not indulge any tendency to dominate, but must control the dog at all times with consistency and fairness. I do not recommend a pit bull, or for that matter any dog, as a companion for a young child because the child will not have the knowledge, consistency or discipline needed to train the dog and lacks the strength necessary to handle an untrained pit bull. If you are looking for a good pet for a child, get a fish or a small lizard.
With owner
Pit bulls are extremely loyal, friendly, loving, adoring, and cuddly. Their every wish is to be with their owner. Pit bulls can be stubborn, so early training is a must! The training should be positive, and negative feedback (yelling, hitting) should almost never be given, because the pit bull wants only to make its owner happy. Hitting and yelling only confuses the dog and causes it to avoid its owner out of fear. Quiet corrections and redirection solve most behavioral problems quickly.
With children
In general, pit bulls are as stable with children as many other dog breeds. They are generally very kid-friendly, especially due to their ability to ignore painful things (tail pulling, poking, etc.) and their enthusiasm to play with and be a part of the family. In England, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier bears the nickname "The Nanny Dog" because of its reliability with children.
However, children are also significantly smaller and not as strong as many of the larger-breed dogs, pit bulls included. Dog owners should never break the cardinal rule of dog ownership: never, never, never leave a dog alone with a child!!!
I can not possibly say this enough. Over half of all dog bite victims are children. The vast majority of those bites come from the family or neighbor's dog.
Alone
Pit bulls HATE to be alone! They are very social and strongly attached to their owners. They want nothing more than to be with their owner. For that reason, I strongly recommend keeping pit bulls as indoor dogs with plenty of outdoor time (with the owner, not just running around in the backyard by itself). Of course, even so, there are times when the pit bull will be alone. It is important that these times be full of toys and puzzles. A bored pit bull is a destructive pit bull.
Alone in the yard, pit bulls do not typically dig despite their "terrier" name (they are not terriers in the truest sense). However, they can jump fences if given a reason, and weak, rotten, or broken fences are not sufficient to keep a pit bull contained. Most pit bulls will not attempt to leave the yard unless they are given a really, really good reason - provided they are not bored, ignored, or neglected.
Alone and loose in the home, a bored pit bull will find something to chew and shake, like sofa pillows or shoes. Again, it is best to keep the dog in a secure kennel when the owner is not home, to ensure that the dog does not damage something valuable.
Come to think of it, these guidelines are pretty much the same as with any other breed.
With strangers
A properly raised pit bull will be extremely friendly towards people, including nonthreatening strangers - so friendly, in fact, that pit bulls are in danger of being stolen out of their own backyards! Pit bulls love greeting strangers with a wagging tail and a grin. Proper training and socialization doubly ensures such an attitude. Depending on how the dog was raised, a pit bull may bark at strangers knocking on the door or entering the yard or home.
A human-aggressive pit bull is usually an abused, poorly bred, or improperly raised dog. Some illicit APBT breeders produce human-aggressive pit bulls because they are ignorant morons who have fallen for an erroneous stereotype. Some people would have you believe that pit bulls make good protection/attack dog. This is absolutely not true, and attempting to make a pit bull into an attack dog is an abusive and dangerous thing to do. It will absolutely ruin the dog. I consider guard/attack dogs to be extremely dangerous, and I do not think they are pet quality. There is too much potential for an accident to occur with a dog that is trained to attack a strange person (mailman, meter reader, electric/phone service, Girl Scout, UPS guy, neighborhood children whose ball landed in your backyard - think about it).
I suppose I should note that many pit bulls will exhibit defensive aggression toward threatening strangers (strangers coming at them screaming, waving stick, pointing weapon). They have fairly good judgement. However, this behavior should be discouraged whenever possible, because accidents happen, and such accidents are unacceptable. Children also tend to run around screaming and waving sticks, and such behavior can be misinterpreted as a threat by a dog which has been encouraged to react defensively or otherwise improperly trained/socialized.
With other dogs
Over the last one hundred and seventy years or more, pit bulls have been selectively bred to ensure their success in a dog fight. This means many, if not most, pit bulls tend to aggress towards other dogs. Today, some breeders continue to select for dog aggression, while others select against it. The significant genetic inconsistencies between individual pit bulls, therefore, cause each dog to possess a different level and strength of dog aggression, and different triggers that prompt the aggression.
Dog aggression is most commonly seen between two adult, unaltered, same sex dogs. Pit bull owners must spay/neuter their dogs. If they are considering getting a second dog, I recommend that the new dog be of opposite sex to the resident dog. Preferably it should also be in a different life stage (i.e. puppy, adult, senior) than the resident dog.
Pit bull owners must be extremely vigilant when their dog is around other dogs. Pit bulls should never be left alone with another dog, even if it seems like they are best buddies. Dog fights happen on occasion, even between friends - and pit bulls have been bred for over a century to win. In multiple-pit bull households when the owner is away from home, each pit bull needs to go into its own separate kennel. They should never be left together.
Owners whose pit bulls are exhibiting dog aggression should either 1) seek professional help, or 2) carefully manage the aggression. The owner's best course of action depends on the severity of the aggression and the owner's lifestyle.
Owners whose pit bulls are not dog aggressive, or have extremely manageable, mild dog aggression, should do everything they can to show their dog off - whether in canine sports, through search-and-rescue or therapy activities, earning CGC certification, or anything else that can improve the pit bull's public image.
And note - just because a dog is aggressive towards other dogs does not mean that it will also act aggressively toward people. Dog aggression and human aggression are two different behaviors.
To read more about dog aggression, please check out my page on aggression.
With other animals
Many pit bulls, when thoroughly socialized around other dogs and animals, will ultimately be fine with other household pets. It should be noted, however, that pit bulls are DOGS. No one can force a dog to eliminate its urge to chase cats, splash after ducks, or bark at squirrels. These are natural doggy traits. Therefore, owners must always be prepared for their dog to encounter, and possibly chase, other small animals.
Never leave a pit bull unsupervised with a small animal. Always remember that dogs will be dogs.
Agility
This quality shines brightly in some pit bulls and not at all in others. Some pit bulls are capable of amazing feats of agility, including high leaps, lightning-fast speed, perfect catches, and spinning and stopping on a dime. Others, however, prefer brute force to subtlety. They will simply mow down the ball or frisbee, grab and hold a rope for hours, or get a toy from another dog by crashing smack into them and hoping they'll drop the toy out of surprise.
Intelligence
This is, of course, as hard to measure in dogs as in humans. But I think it's safe to say that most pit bulls are extremely intelligent. Some dogs have a strong stubborn streak that can inhibit their willingness to perform on command, but this doesn't mean they don't understand what you're saying. Most pit bulls can quickly and easily learn every command in the books. They will also pick up on many words and phrases that they hear frequently, and they always seem to know what's going on. Early training is key to instilling a love for learning and stifling stubbornness.
Strength
Pit bulls are very strong and energetic. Their pronounced chest muscles help them primarily in pulling and tugging, and their jaw muscles allow them to chew through even the hardest dog toys in no time. They need early training to help them harness their energy in an appropriate manner, and because their jaw muscles need constant exercise, chew toys are a must. Either that, or owners should buy all their furniture at Goodwill.
Working and Competition
Pit bulls have traditionally been working dogs. If they are trained at an early age and kept active, the pit bull excels in many working sports. Depending on the dog's interests, intelligence, strength, and agility, any given pit bull may succeed in obedience, weight pulling, Shutzhund, agility trials, tracking, search and rescue, therapy, and more. The owner needs only be committed to the training necessary to achieve their goals. However, one should keep in mind that unless the dog is registered with one of the national dog registries, their pet may not be allowed to compete and claim some official titles. And, just like people, if the dog is permitted to lay around all day and be a couch potato, it will lose much of its will to work.