The dogs of the breed american pit bull terrier, also known as pitbull, pit bull or american pit bull terrier In English, they are currently one of the most seen in homes, although sadly there are still those who use them in dogfights, in a totally illegal way, as it happens with many other breeds of dogs. In recent years this breed with a powerful appearance and a very affectionate character has been gaining followers and more and more people occupy a special place in many families.
Those who have adopted or fostered a dog that appears to be of this breed, are likely to want to know if it really is for various reasons, such as, for example, whether it is necessary to obtain permits for the possession of dogs considered PPP or potentially dangerous dogs or good because they want to participate in beauty pageants. For this reason, in this oneHOWTO article we answer your questions about “How to know if my pitbull is pure or not?“, explaining its characteristics and more details.
Is it important for a pit bull to be purebred?
The real importance of a dog’s purity is a question that many people have doubts about and the answer may depend on who we ask.
However, from UNHOW we defend that, in reality, it should only be important if it is legal breeders of the breed. For other aspects, such as knowing if we must obtain permission for the possession of PPP or potentially dangerous dogs in our country, in reality, it is not that important. This is so because this group of dogs includes anyone that, be it purebred or mixed, meets certain aspects such as size, weight, powerful muscles, bulky head, wide neck and other traits, which can vary from country to country. other. In addition, our furry will love us, give affection and behave just as well with us whether he is purebred or not, so it should not be an aspect that worries us.
However, for those who for a compelling reason or out of curiosity want to know, below we explain the details for know if a pitbull is purebred or not.
American Pit Bull Terrier Breed Standard – Physical Characteristics
The first thing to bear in mind is that the main associations and official entities, in charge of the classification and standardization of dog breeds, such as the FCI or International Cynological Federation or the AKC or American Kennel Club, do not recognize the american pit bull terrier as an official breed. Therefore, at this official level it is not an established breed. In any case, there is some association that has recognized them as a differentiated breed and they have registered them, taking into account a standard.
Likewise, we must also think that there are many varieties considered as types or sub-breeds of the pitbull, such as cobra, red nose pitbull, blue nose pitbull, colby, chamuco or Mexican pitbull, etc., but which, in fact, are not officially recognized by any body or association.
They are the associations of United Kennel Club[1] and American Dog Breeders those that have stipulated that the american pit bull terrier must meet the following physical characteristics:
- The pit bull is a medium-sized dog with a solid and compact appearance, as the body is only a little longer than it is tall. in females it may be slightly longer than in males.
- With strong and well defined musculature, it is a very athletic dog.
- Its head is of medium length, broad and flat.
- The muzzle is wide and somewhat flat, not as long as a bulldog, and may be more or less long, but without reaching the length of breeds like some shepherd dogs.
- His nose is large and broad, with well-defined nostrils. It can be any color.
- The ears are small to medium in size, high or with a half drop. This is the natural way although, unfortunately, many still have their ears cropped.
- The tail is relatively short, with a broad base, gradually tapering to the tip.
- Its coat is very short and can be seen in all colors and patterns, that is, with spots, without them, brindle and mixed colors, whether they are white, black, brown, reddish, blue, and so on. The only color that is not found in this breed is the merle color, which we do see in other canine breeds.
American pit bull terrier standard – character
Likewise, to determine if a dog belongs to a breed, it can also be taken into account that the main characteristics of the breed’s character fit. Again according to the United Kennel Club, this is the character of a pitbull balanced and happy:
- Very sociable
- Stable temperament
- Strong
- Trusted
- Happy
- Funny
- Full of enthusiasm
- Enjoy the company of other dogs and humans to the fullest
- Familiar and friendly, even with strangers
- Protectors with the family, especially with children
- Energetic and vital
As you can see, the aggressive character that has been associated with this breed in recent years is not due to a characteristic element of it. Clearly, the cases of aggressiveness are about dogs that have been poorly socialized or that have been abused, something that can happen in any dog, whether of breed or not.
How to tell if a pitbull puppy is purebred
Puppies of any type of dog are sometimes difficult to identify with a breed and we often wonder what breed it could be. In the case of pit bull puppies It must be borne in mind that even if it is small, it will still have, in proportion, a large and wide head and muzzle, as well as triangular ears with a wide base slightly bent forward, if they are not clipped.
In general, it must be observed that it fulfills the same features mentioned above. In addition, it must be taken into account that, being a puppy, some character traits will be more marked, such as energy, allergy, confidence, etc.
The coat type and color do not change because they are puppies, that is, a puppy of this breed will have short hair and can be of different colors and patterns.
As the dog grows, it will be easier to know with more certainty if it is a pit bull or not or if it is mixed with this breed.
What to do if I can’t tell if my pitbull is pure
In case all these indications have not been enough for you to determine if your furry is of this breed, or if it is a mix or another different but similar breed, such as an American Staffordshire Terrier or an American Bully, but you keep wondering. , then we recommend that you follow these tips:
- See a vet to help you figure it out.
- Contact one of the United Kennel Club association.
- Contact the American Dog Breeders entity.
These are the professionals who can help you know if your pitbull is pure or not or of which possible races it can be crossed or mixed. Remember that the important thing about sharing life with a dog is that mutually enjoy your company and make yourselves happy, as well as that it is a responsibility.
It is also necessary to remember that since they are very strong and energetic dogs it is necessary that whoever walks, trains or exercises and takes care of them on a regular basis is prepared for it, both physically and by having adequate knowledge, or that they go to a professional of the dog training or an ethologist.
If you already live with one or are thinking of doing it, at OneHOWTO we recommend that you read this article on How to care for a pitbull.
If you want to read more articles similar to How to know if my pitbull is pure – know the characteristics, we recommend that you enter our category of Pets.
References
- https://www.ukcdogs.com/american-pit-bull-terrier