Pitbulls are known for their broad, flat heads, which can be a distinctive feature of the breed.
Their heads are typically 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) wide, and their skulls are relatively short in comparison to their body length.
A well-proportioned pitbull head should have a slight stop, or a slight indentation, between the eyes and the muzzle.
This stop is an important feature, as it helps to distinguish a pitbull from other breeds.
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History and Origins
The American Pit Bull Terrier has a rich and fascinating history that spans centuries.
In the mid-19th century, the Old English Terriers and Old English Bulldogs were bred together to produce a dog that combined the gameness of the terrier with the strength and athleticism of the bulldog.
These early dogs, known as bull and terriers, were used in bloodsports like bull baiting and bear baiting in the United Kingdom.
Dog fighting eventually replaced these bloodsports, and the dogs were used for this purpose in both the UK and the US.
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The breed was recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1898, and was named the American Pit Bull Terrier.
For a short time, the UKC registered the breed name with the word "pit" in parentheses to facilitate public acceptance.
In the early 20th century, pit bulls were used as catch dogs for semi-wild cattle and hogs, and as family companions.
The breed's reputation as a fighting dog was so strong that in 1996, the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals tried to rebrand them as "St. Francis Terriers" to encourage adoption.
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Breed Characteristics
Pitbulls are known for their distinctive physical features, including their large heads.
Their heads are often described as broad and flat, with a well-defined stop and a short, broad muzzle.
One of the most notable characteristics of Pitbulls is their muscular build, which is due in part to their powerful jaw muscles.
Their short coats require minimal grooming, making them a great choice for busy owners.
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American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a breed that originated from Staffordshire in England. Originally, the breed was referred to as the American Bull Terrier, but this name was quickly dismissed.
The breed was first recognized by the AKC on June 10, 1936, and around 50 UKC dogs entered the AKC stud book under the name Staffordshire Terrier. This was a pivotal moment in the breed's history.
The AKC stud book was opened several times until it was last closed around the 1970s. In 1972, the AKC changed the name of the breed to American Staffordshire Terrier.
The American Staffordshire Terrier has undergone significant changes over the years, with breeders pursuing different goals and producing dogs with physical and temperament differences. This has led to some debate about whether the breed is the same as the American Pit Bull Terrier.
The ADBA considers the American Staffordshire Terrier to be a separate breed, and since 2015, they have classified most dual-registered dogs as American Staffordshire Terriers.
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Breed Characteristics
Pit Bulls are prone to significant variances in their final size, so it's essential to keep in mind that these estimates are just that - estimates.
Staffordshire Bull Terriers, a type of Pit Bull, tend to be smaller than Pit Bulls, weighing between 25 and 40 pounds.
The Pit Bull breed is known for its growth and weight, with American Pit Bull Terriers typically weighing more than Staffordshire Bull Terriers.
The skull of a Pit Bull undergoes significant development during puppyhood, with bones forming and shaping to accommodate the growing brain.
The emergence of baby teeth impacts the structure of the skull as the jaw and facial bones adjust to accommodate the new dentition.
The head grows in proportion to the rest of the body during puppyhood, resulting in a more rounded appearance as the puppy's facial features become more defined.
The positioning of ears and eyes on the head may shift slightly, reflecting the overall changes in the skull structure.
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Temperament and Behavior
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a breed known for its strength, confidence, and zest for life.
This breed is eager to please and brimming over with enthusiasm, which makes it a great companion for active owners. However, human aggression is considered a disqualification factor by the ADBA and OFRNR.
The breed's natural agility makes it one of the most capable canine climbers, so good fencing is a must for this breed. This can be a challenge for owners who don't have suitable fencing.
The CDC published a study in 2000 that found pit bull-type dogs accounted for 67% of human dog-bite-related fatalities in the US between 1979 and 1998. This suggests a breed-specific problem with fatalities.
Media portrayal has significantly impacted how the American public views the temperament of the APBT, exaggerating any real or potential problems that exist with Pit Bulls.
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Health and Wellness
Pit Bulls are more susceptible to various health issues, including allergies, torn knee ligaments, thyroid problems, hip dysplasia, and cataracts.
Regular veterinary exams, screenings, blood work, and vaccinations are essential for helping your Pit Bull avoid or minimize health issues later on.
Your Pit Bull puppy will need several vaccinations in their first 6 months of life, and then should be seen at least once a year for a routine health exam.
Allergies, also known as "atopy", are more common in Pit Bulls and can cause itchy skin, frequent ear infections, and excessive rubbing of the face.
If you notice your pup is struggling with allergies, consult with your veterinarian for the next steps in treatment.
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Breed-Specific Legislation
Breed-specific legislation has been implemented in many countries and regions, including the United Kingdom, Brazil, Australia, and others, with varying degrees of restriction on pit bull-type dogs.
Some countries have outright banned the breed, while others have restricted ownership or imposed conditions such as mandatory sterilization.
The state of New South Wales in Australia requires owners of pit bull-type dogs to sterilize them, and certain cities in the United States have banned ownership of American Pit Bull Terriers.
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The province of Ontario, Canada, has banned the breed, but interestingly, dog bites involving pit bull types have decreased since the ban was implemented.
However, a 2014 study found that reported dog bites in Toronto actually rose in 2013 and 2014, despite the decline in pit bull populations, suggesting that other breeds may have contributed to the increase.
At least 120 repeals of breed-specific legislation have occurred since 2018, indicating a trend towards relaxing restrictions on pit bull-type dogs.
Gottiline
The Gottiline Pitbull is a breed that's hard to miss, thanks to its incredibly bulky build. They're very muscular and powerful, with a broad, square head that's a defining feature.
Their sire, Juan Gotty, sired over 1,000 pups before passing, making him a prolific breeder. Gottiline Pitbulls are named after him, and his legacy lives on in this breed.
One of the most distinctive features of the Gottiline Pitbull is its broad, square head, which is perfectly proportioned to its muscular body. Gottiline Pitbulls are easy to spot because of this characteristic head shape.
Their defined neck blends seamlessly into their chest, creating a powerful and imposing appearance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the four types of Pitbulls?
The four main types of Pitbulls are the American Pitbull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and American Bully. These breeds share a common ancestry and are often referred to collectively as Pitbulls.
Sources
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- A post shared by Pitbull (@furia_the_apbt) (instagram.com)
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