Pit Bull

The American Pit Bull Terrier

According to the Dog Breed Info Center, American Pit Bull Terriers are strong, muscular dogs that generally weigh between 35 and 55 pounds.  Pit Bulls have smooth, short coats that make them easy to groom, although they generally crave attention and need lots of exercise.  Intelligent and eager to please, a Pit Bull will respond well to training.  Pit Bulls are generally healthy, although some may develop hip dysplasia, allergies, cataracts, or heart disease.  The Bit Bull's coat comes in many colors, including fawn, brindle, and "blue". 

Traditionally, a Pit Bull will have cropped ears like the dog in this photo, and some Pit Bulls will have their tails docked.  However, Pit Bulls are born with pointed, floppy ears and long, thin tails.  The wide variation in coat color, combined with the fact that ears and tails may be either altered or natural, makes it difficult to identify a Pit Bull.

Because of the Pit Bull's history as a fighting dog, the breed is often targeted by breed specific legislation.  If you are considering bringing a Bit Bull into your home, be sure to check state and local laws in your area.  

Making generalizations about any breed of dog is difficult; each animal is an individual.  The information presented here refers to the breed as a whole.  Not all of it will apply to every Pit Bull.