What is a real pit bull? Breed differentiation
Introduction
The term "pit bull" is often used and is considered a kind of generic category for different dog breeds. In this blog we would like to explain more about the real pit bull, i.e. the American pit bull terrier, and explain the most important differences between the bull and terrier-like breeds.
Table of contents
The term pit bull
The term "pit bull" often causes confusion, especially for those unfamiliar with dog breeds. The origin of the term can be traced back to the early days of dog fighting when the Bull & Terrier competed in small fighting arenas called "pits". During this time, there was no clear distinction between different breeds such as the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and Bull Terrier. However, all of these breeds have evolved from various crosses of the original Bull & Terrier.
In modern times, "pit bull" is more of a catch-all term that is widely used in the U.S. It refers to a specific phenotype or appearance, rather than a specific breed. This phenotype is characterised by a muscular build, broad skull and pronounced jaw muscles. However, this is where the confusion begins, as many different dog breeds can exhibit these physical characteristics, including the American Bully, Dogo Argentino, American Bulldog, Rottweiler and many other athletic and massive breeds.
Because the term "pit bull" refers to a set of - mainly external - characteristics rather than a specific breed, it can easily be misunderstood and misinterpreted. Over time, the term has also been adopted in German-speaking countries, resulting in an even larger number of breeds being labelled as "pit bulls". As a result, there are often misunderstandings when it comes to what a "real pit bull" actually is. Media outlets like to use the term to spread misinformation and negative propaganda.
Great confusion about the differences
The term "pit bull" now only describes one phenotype or one type of dog. Since almost all dog owners think they have a "pit bull", there is more and more confusion and so nobody really knows what a "pit bull" is, what an "American pit bull terrier" is or what an "XL pit bull" is supposed to be. It becomes completely confusing when the BILD newspaper posts an article about a Rottweiler and writes "Pit bull bites child" on the front page. In the media, every possible breed is pushed under "pit bull". According to the media, every dangerous dog is a "pit bull".
Trotz der Häufigkeit des Begriffs „Pitbull“ besteht oft Unsicherheit darüber, was genau ein Pitbull ist. Besonders in Deutschland ist es schwierig, einen echten American Pitbull Terrier zu erkennen. Der Grund dafür ist, dass die Einfuhr dieser spezifischen Rasse nach Deutschland verboten ist, wodurch nur etwa 5% der Hunde, die in Deutschland als Pitbulls bezeichnet werden, echte American Pitbull Terrier sind. Auch ist der American Pitbull Terrier nicht Mitglied des internationalen Zuchtverbands FCI, im Gegensatz zum American Staffordshire Terrier. Stattdessen werden American Pitbull Terrier vom UKC oder ADBA gezüchtet, zwei Organisationen, die in Deutschland weniger präsent sind als der FCI. Daher sind die meisten als „Pitbulls“ bezeichneten Hunde in Deutschland tatsächlich Mischlinge, American Staffordshire Terrier oder andere Rassen. In anderen Ländern, wie der Schweiz und Österreich, sind die Einfuhrbestimmungen je nach Bundesland oder Kanton weniger strikt, und daher sind dort mehr echte A
Why is the general term "pit bull" a problem?
In principle, it is not a bad thing when dog breeds are grouped together under one species or collective term. It is similar with sheepdogs, for example. There are umpteen different sheepdogs: the German Shepherd, the Swiss Shepherd, the Belgian Shepherd, etc. However, it becomes problematic when the term "pit bull" is primarily associated with negative headlines. The media report on this time and again. The term "pit bull" simply sells much better than naming the correct breed. For example, since many readers do not know what a Staffordshire Bull Terrier is or what it looks like, a headline with "Staffordshire Bull Terrier bites child" sounds less memorable and interesting than "Pit bull bites child". Every reader immediately has an image of a beast in their head.
So in essence, the generic term "pit bull" is contributing to the fact that the American Pit Bull Terrier and the other similar breeds are very much discredited. This stigmatisation makes it increasingly difficult for dog owners of the breeds that fall under the generic term "pit bull" to fight against the prejudices. So in this case, a generic term is more harmful to the reputation of these breeds than really helpful or meaningful. Any serious lover of these breeds and anyone who wants to fight for a better reputation of these dogs should urgently learn the exact differences. This way we can prevent all these breeds from being lumped together and thus continue to be dragged through the mud. One should always remember that if the breeds are listed separately under bite statistics, incidents and other reports, the numbers of such negative incidents would show much lower numbers.
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Differences between dog breeds
We would like to bring some light into the darkness and show you the differences between the breeds that are usually summarised as "pit bulls". On the one hand, a distinction is made between the bull-like terriers that originate from the Bull & Terrier such as: American Pitbull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Bull Terrier. However, all these breeds originate from the various crosses of the Bull & Terrier of that time. The four breeds were mixed from the old type bulldog with some terriers and so, after careful selection, the breeds as we know them today were created.
Bull terrier
The bull terrier is the easiest to distinguish from the bull-like terriers. Surprisingly, most non-experts think that the bull terrier is a "pit bull". For example, when we tell people that we have a pit bull, they immediately ask: "The white ones with that funny nose?". Visually, the bull terrier looks the least like the American pit bull terrier. The rounded muzzle is particularly distinctive for him and they are therefore often affectionately called "banana nose". Meanwhile, there is a miniature form of the bull terrier, the miniature bull terrier. Unlike the bull terrier, the miniature bull terrier is not on a discriminatory breed list as long as the height at the withers does not exceed 35.5 cm.
Staffordshire Bullterrier
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is relatively small, with a maximum height at the withers of 40.5 cm. It has a round-square skull (almost heart-shaped), which makes its head look very cute. In contrast to the other three bull-like terriers, its muzzle is shorter and its body significantly smaller.
American Staffordshire Terrier
Der American Staffordshire Terrier ist der grösste der vier bullartigen Terrier. Er hat einen breiten Schädel und ist am schwersten. Der Körperbau ist stabil, breit und solide, trotzdem sportlich. Er sieht dem American Pitbull Terrier am ähnlichsten. Jedoch ist der American Staffordshire Terrier breiter, grösser und weniger agil im Gegensatz zum American Pitbull Terrier. Das ist auch ganz logisch, denn der American Staffordshire Terrier haben genau den gleichen Ursprung und waren lange ein und dieselbe Rasse. Erst um 1900 wuchs der Wunsch nach einer Showline. Die Züchter wurden sich nicht einig und so kam es mit einer Teilung der Züchter zum heutigen American Staffordshire Terrier. Er wurde vom AKC 1936 erstmalig registriert. Optisch gesehen wurde der American Staffordshire Terrier seit dem grösser und stämmiger als sein Pendant – der American Pitbull Terrier. Bis heute können sie genotypisch nicht unterschieden werden. Das bedeutet, dass sie mit einem Rasse-DNA-Test identische Ergebnisse erzielen
American Pitbull Terrier
The American Pitbull Terrier is the real "Pitbull". In contrast to the three breeds mentioned above, it is a very agile, wiry and petite dog. In an American Pitbull Terrier, the brawny side only comes out very little. American Pitbull Terriers from the UKC breeders' association look very similar to the American Staffordshire Terrier. In the breeding history of the UKC, many American Staffordshire Terriers were bred pure. However, if you look at the American Pitbull Terriers from the ADBA breeders' association, you can see the clear difference between the American Pitbull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier. It is a real terrier through and through and is therefore much narrower and smaller than the American Staffordshire Terrier as an athlete.
American Bully
As an extension of the American Pitbull Terrier, the American Bully was recognised as an independent breed by the UKC in 2013. Nowadays, there is still controversy about whether the American Bully is a real breed or not. However, the fact is that it has little in common with its origin, the American Pitbull Terrier. Some Molossers were crossed with the American Pitbull Terrier, resulting in a breed that is bulky and no longer resembles the character of the American Pitbull Terrier. The American Bully comes in all possible forms and standards, which makes this breed very confusing. The American Bully (regardless of its form) is mainly very noticeable due to its mass. Most American Bullies start at a weight of 30 kg. In terms of character, there is no terrier in it. In its nature, it is therefore much more sluggish compared to the bull-like terriers.
Beware, there is a lot of confusion with the American Bulldog, but they are two very different breeds.
Vitomalias Fazit
To summarise, the term "pit bull" encompasses far more than just a single breed of dog. Rather, it is a collective term that encompasses many different breeds with similar physical characteristics. Despite the widespread use of the term, especially in the media, few people have a clear idea of what constitutes a true American Pit Bull Terrier. This is largely due to the fact that the importation of this specific breed into Germany is severely restricted and the breed is not a member of the international breeding association FCI.
The prejudice and stigma created by the term "pit bull" negatively impacts many dog breeds and makes it difficult for owners to combat these misconceptions. It is therefore important to understand the exact differences between each breed and advocate for them to be accurately portrayed in the media and society at large. By becoming better informed about the different breeds that fall under the term "pit bull" and sharing this information, we can help improve the situation for these wonderful and often misunderstood animals.
As soon as you take a close look at the breeds, you will quickly recognise the differences. By the way: don't be influenced by Google images, they often show a lot, but not the right breed. If you want to be sure, check the breed standards of the respective associations.
What exactly does the term "pit bull" mean?
The term "pit bull" originates from the time when the Bull & Terrier was used in dog fights in so-called "pits". Today, the term is mainly used in the USA to describe a phenotype or appearance, not a specific breed. It describes dogs that are muscular and have a broad skull with pronounced jaw muscles.
What is the problem with the general term "pit bull"?
The problem lies mainly in the use of the term "pit bull" in negative contexts, especially in the media, which leads to the American Pit Bull Terrier and similar breeds being stigmatised and makes it difficult for dog owners to fight against prejudice.
How can I learn the differences between these breeds?
It is important to familiarise yourself with the individual breeds and their specific characteristics. The breed standards of the respective breed associations are a good source. By taking a close look at and knowing these breeds, we can help to reduce stigmatisation and incorrect categorisation.