THE PIT BULL & PIT BULL MIX

There is probably no other breed type that demands accuracy more than the pit bull (and pit mix). Since adopters may find that owning this type of dog prohibits them from living in certain communities or demands that they purchase prescribed amounts of liability insurance or muzzle their dog when off home turf, they must know what they are taking on.

Let's call a pit bull, a pit bull. Just because he's black doesn't make him a Labrador mix or because she's red, she must be a Pharaoh hound. And a brindle coat does not a Whippet make!

If the dog before you has many of the following physical characteristics, he/she should most likely be identified as a pit bull or pit mix:

Very short, hard, glossy coat of any color or markings
Ears that are either cropped or medium-sized and folded
Broad, blocky back skull and jaws Wide mouth that gives the appearance of grinning when opened
Stocky, well-muscled body with a broad chest or sometimes a little gangly with a leaner, more wiry form
Adult weight of 30-80 lbs., occasionally heavier males
High activity level, engages in lots of jumping and tugging action
Bonds quickly and deeply
Quick reactivity, may be very aroused around other dogs

Courtesy of ASPCA

424 East 92nd Street
New York, NY 10128-6804
www.aspca.org

Proper Breed Identification Matters

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