American Pit Bull Terrier Dogs and Puppies Canada

Picture of American Pit Bull Terrier puppy dog
Photo of an attractive American Pit Bull Terrier

Your Canadian Online Guide to
American Pit Bull Terrier Dog Breed Information Facts and Pictures

Alternate Names: Yankee Terrier, Half and Half, American Bull Terrier
Common Misspellings: Pitbull, American Pitbull, Pitbull Terrier, Pitbull Terrior, Pitbull, Pitbull Terrior, Pitbulls, Pitbull Terriors, American Pitbull, American Pitbulls

Introducing the American Pit Bull Terrier Dog Breed

What do you get when you combine the strength, courage and athletic ability of the Bulldog with the tenacity and enthusiasm of the Terrier? The exceptional family companion known as the American Pit Bull Terrier!





The American Pit Bull Terrier Dog Breed in Brief:

Country of Origin: United States of America
American Pit Bull Terrier Height: 30 to 60 pounds
American Pit Bull Terrier Weight: Up to 19 inches at the shoulder
American Pit Bull Terrier Exercise Needs: Moderate
American Pit Bull Terrier Grooming Demands: Minimal
American Pit Bull Terrier Trainability: Medium Difficult
American Pit Bull Terrier Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Good With Children: Yes
Good With Other Pets: No
Average Litter Size: litter
CKC Breed Group:

American Pit Bull Terrier Breed History:

Originating in Britain during the 19th century, the American Pit Bull Terrier was brought to North America by British Immigrants. They were originally used in the US by farmers and ranchers for protection, as catch dogs for semi-wild cattle and hogs, to hunt, to drive livestock, and as cherished family companions. The breed was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1898.

Unfortunately their power, athleticism and tenacity led the breed to be misused as fighting dogs - a trend which continues to this day in underground dog fighting circles.

The American Pit Bull Terrier has been wrongly given the reputation as a mean, unpredictable and dangerous dog breed, when, in fact, the Pit Bull is one of most suitable breeds for children and families.

American Pit Bull Terrier Appearance:

Picture of American Pit Bull Terrier puppy dog

Sleek and well muscled, the American Pitbull Terrier is the epitome of canine good looks. His square, brick-like head rests upon strong shoulders - his expressive face belies his strong-man stature. Pit Bulls have ears which may be cropped or natural, and a short, glossy, smooth coat that can be almost any color.

American Pit Bull Terrier Temperament:

American Pit Bull Terriers currently do extremely well in obedience, tracking, agility, protection, and weight pulls, as well as conformation. A medium-sized, stocky dog weighing between 30 and 60 pounds, American Pit Bull Terriers are as powerful and athletic as they are intelligent, affectionate and eager to please their owners.


American Pit Bull Terrier Exercise Information:

American Pit Bull Terriers thrive on plenty of daily exercise and human love and attention. Not the breed for couch potatoes, Pit Bulls ideally should live with active families who enjoy the outdoors.

Pit Bulls do extremely well in many dog sports, including agility, obedience, flyball, frisbee and more.

American Pit Bull Terrier Grooming Needs:

Brushing is pretty much the only grooming requirement for the American Pit Bull Terrier. The short, glossy coat requires minimal grooming; a good weekly brushing will do the trick, and keep your Pit Bull looking his best.

American Pit Bull Terrier Training

Due to their powerful physique and natural aggression towards other dogs, Pit Bull Terriers require early socialization and careful and consistent obedience training from an early age. They are also good climbers, and must be kept in a well-fenced yard.

Pit Bull owners should be vigilant, since although this breed won't go looking for trouble - he won't back down from a fight if provoked.

American Pit Bull Terrier Health Information:

The American Pit Bull Terrier is one of the healthier purebred dog breeds. The breed suffers from very few health conditions, and these can be avoided by purchasing a puppy from a responsible breeder who carefully screens their breeding dogs for health issues prior to breeding.

Health problems which can affect the American Pit Bull Terrier include:

* Hip Dysplasia
* Cataracts
* Cancer Tumours

Is the American Pit Bull Terrier The Right Breed For You:

Picture of American Pit Bull Terrier puppy Dog

Pit Bulls make wonderful family companions that love children.

Unfortunately, due to irresponsible ownership and bad press, the American Pitbull Terrier has been given a bad rap. A well-socialized, well-trained American Pitbull Terrier can actually be the "ultimate" family dog, children's companion and affectionate pet. He just needs a firm hand from an early age, and plenty of time, love and attention.

American Pit Bull Terrier Puppies

Picture of American Pit Bull Terrier puppy Dog

If you are ready to make a lifelong commitment to that perfect American Pit Bull Terrier puppy, your next step is to locate the most responsible and reputable American Pit Bull Terrier dog breeder you can find. We sincerely hope that our American Pit Bull Terrier dog breed profile will assist you in your search for your new puppy, and help you avoid acquiring a puppy from any source other than a responsible American Pit Bull Terrier breeder.

A Responsible American Pit Bull Terrier Puppy Breeder:

  • Is a die-hard dog lover who breeds out of a sincere desire to perpetuate and improve upon the American Pit Bull Terrier dog breed.
  • Is very well educated about the breed(s) they offer and the breed's traits, both desirable and undesirable.
  • Adheres to a highly selective breeding program which focuses on health, temperament and conformation.
  • Breeds only healthy, conformationally correct dogs with sound temperaments that are registered with the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) or, if from another country, with that country's authorative dog breed registry.
  • Treats the dogs in their breeding home as members of the family, and does not constantly confine these dogs to crates, kennels or other pens.
  • Has breeding dogs carefully screened for hereditary and other canine disorders prior to breeding.
  • Whelps puppies indoors and ensures that puppies are well socialized, given proper nutrition and receive plenty of love and play.
  • Offers and stands behind a reasonable health guarantee.
  • Has a spay or neuter requirement on all puppies placed in pet homes.
  • Is committed to each American Pit Bull Terrier puppy for life, and will re-home or take back a puppy if you cannot fulfill your commitment for any reason.
  • Is happy to answer any questions you may have about the American Pit Bull Terrier dog breed or their dogs and puppies.
  • Carefully screens potential puppy buyers to ensure that American Pit Bull Terrier puppies are placed only in loving, responsible forever homes.
A responsible dog breeder may seem like an over-anxious parent on their child's first day of school. They will demonstrate a strong bond with their dogs and puppies, and a desire to assist you and remain in contact with you as your puppy grows and thrives in your loving home. Don't settle for anything less than this. Buying your American Pit Bull Terrier puppy is an important decision that will affect you and your family for many years to come. Make sure you do not acquire a puppy in haste from a disreputable source! Do your homework and spend the time finding just the right puppy from a responsible Canadian American Pit Bull Terrier breeder.

Avoid Buying Your American Pit Bull Terrier Puppy From:

  • A Pet Store.
  • A Newspaper Ad.
  • An online classifieds site.
  • The side of the road.
  • A parking lot.
  • A friend or neighbour, unless they are an experienced and responsible American Pit Bull Terrier dog breeder.
  • Any breeder with whom you do not feel 100% comfortable; you will be in contact with this person for the life of your dog or puppy.

Canada, like the US and the UK, has more than it's share of puppy mills. If you do not know what a puppy mill is, then please click here to read about this inhumane industry where dogs are treated as livestock, and puppies as merchandise. In addition to supporting an industry that thrives on the cruel mistreatment of dogs and puppies, by buying a puppy from a pet store, newspaper ad or online classifieds site is setting yourself and your family up for a heap of heartache.

Puppy mill puppies are generally more expensive than puppies from a reputable breeder, and can have numerous health, temperament and behavioural problems as a result of the conditions in which they were conceived, born and raised. Usually this results in taking on a family member with health problems that will cause ongoing additional veterinary costs, behavioural problems that may pose a hazard to your family, friends and neighbours, and, at worst, you may fall in love with a sickly puppy that will eventually need to be humanely euthanized.

The American Pit Bull Terrier dog breeders that are showcased on Dogs and Puppies Canada have undergone our own screening process, in an effort to ensure that we promote only highly reputable breeders, and keep puppy mills and backyard breeders from advertising with us. These breeders share our philosophy on what is a responsible breeder, and have agreed to abide by these guidelines for conduct.

Click here to View our directory of
Responsible Canadian American Pit Bull Terrier Dog Breeders




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Additional American Pit Bull Terrier Information Resources

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