THE REAL PIT BULL

A glossary of dogs in the pit bull family.

American Bulldog (AB)--Typically larger than the Pit Bull, this is a breed that was created from bulldogs brought over to America from England early in the 1900's. Generally this breed is mostly white, with or without solid or brindle patches, and should have uncropped ears. Fanciers of this breed often claim this is the "orignal" bulldog. While it may very well be a close representation of the "breed that started it all", the AmBull is actually a relatively new breed, and should be considered a "recreation" of the APBT's very close ancestor, the Bulldog. For more information on the America Bulldog, go to American Bulldog World.


American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT)--The full, correct name for the breed commonly referred to by its nick name, "Pit Bull". This is a purebred breed of dog, recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the American Dog Breeders Association (ADBA).


American Staffordshire Terrier (AST)--Also known as AmStaff. A purebred breed of dog recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). All AmStaffs are direct descendants of American Pit Bull Terriers. No other breed was used in the establishment of the AmStaff. Some people still consider AmStaffs and Pit Bulls to be one and the same. AmStaffs my be registered with the UKC as "American Pit Bull Terriers".


Bulldog, (English)--Capitalized. This is the breed registered with the AKC as simply "Bulldog". It is a very old breed, and in it's original form, this was the dog that helped largely create the APBT. However, the modern day Bulldog is so radically different from the original version, that it is virtually a completely new breed, barely resembling the old time bulldog of English bull-baiting fame.


Bull Terrier (BT)--The "Budweiser dog", very often mistaken for a Pit Bull. This breed was developed by crossing Pit Bulls with the Dalmation, Pointer and white English terriers. It is similar in build and close in size to the Pit Bull, but it's head--being egg-shaped--is the feature that sets it apart from other similar breeds. The Bull Terrier is recognized by the AKC.


Pit bull--Not capitalized. Also, pitbull, pittbull, and pitt bull. Used to describe Pit Bulls and any other similar, related, or look-a-like breed or mix. Also sometimes used to describe any type of dog used for pit fighting. Although it is technically incorrect to call anything but a purebred APBT a Pit Bull, use of the term "pit bull" to describe a specific group of dogs has become so commonplace in certain circles that I felt the need to include it in the list of definitions. Breeds that are typically referred to as pit bulls (including in breed-specific legislation): American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Bull Terriers and American Bulldogs, also any mix of the above mentioned breeds, or dogs that look similar to the above mentioned breeds.


Staffordshire Bull Terrier (SBT)--A close relative of the Pit Bull and AmStaff. When the bull-and-terrier crosses were being made in the 1800's, certain strains that stayed in England developed into the SBT. Eventually, the SBT made its way to America where it was later recognized by the AKC. This breed is a bit smaller than the Pit Bull and AmStaff, never has cropped ears, and as a rule tends to be much less dog-aggressive (although some strains have retained that traditional combat-dog nature).

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