American Pit Bull Terrier

Also called APBT, Pit Bull, Pittie

Checked 2026-09-30 · 2 sources

An upbeat, people-loving dog that throws itself into everything it does and aims to please its owner.

Key facts
Size	Medium
Weight	13.6 to 27.2 kg (30 to 60 lb)males 15.8 to 27.2 kg, females 13.6 to 22.6 kg1 2
Height	43 to 53 cm (17 to 21 in)males 45 to 53 cm, females 43 to 50 cm1 2
Lifespan	12 to 14 years2
Coat	Short, smooth single coat
Origin	United States, from bulldog and terrier crosses made in 19th-century England, Scotland and Ireland and brought over by immigrants.1 2

First-time owner High energy Easy to train Cuddly Low grooming

enthusiastic and eager to please

confident and full of zest for life

strong, athletic build

what they are likeAmerican Pit Bull Terrier temperament

An upbeat, people-loving dog that throws itself into everything it does and aims to please its owner. Registry standards call for a dependable, friendly temperament with people.1 2

how to spot oneAmerican Pit Bull Terrier coat and colours

short, smooth single coat

A glossy, close-lying coat that feels slightly stiff sits over a compact, athletic body with clearly defined muscles.1 2

Coloursall colours and combinations except merlered, black and buckskin are common1 2

a typical week and yearThe care rhythm

A typical home-care rhythm for an American Pit Bull Terrier. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year

by countryIs the American Pit Bull Terrier legal where you live?

23 of the 44 countries we check have a rule that names the American Pit Bull Terrier. Check the law before you travel or move, the details change.

Rules by country
Country	Rule	Source
United Kingdom, England and Wales	BannedDangerous Dogs Act 1991 bans owning, breeding, selling, giving away or abandoning these types (judged on appearance, not pedigree); XL Bully added 31 Dec 2023, ownership offence from 1 Feb 2024; existing dogs may be kept only with a Certificate of Exemption.	official
United Kingdom, England and Wales	Muzzle and leash requiredExempted dogs must be muzzled and on a lead in public, neutered, microchipped and kept securely; third-party insurance was required until 30 June 2026 and is no longer required from 1 July 2026.	official
United Kingdom, Scotland	BannedSame banned types as England; XL Bully safeguards from 23 Feb 2024 (lead and muzzle in public, no breeding, selling, rehoming) and ownership without a Certificate of Exemption an offence from 1 Aug 2024 (application deadline 31 July 2024).	official
United Kingdom, Northern Ireland	BannedDogs (NI) Order 1983 bans Pit Bull terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro and, from 1 Jan 2025, XL Bully; exempted dogs need a council exemption certificate plus annual licence, muzzle and lead in public, neutering, and third-party insurance up to 30 June 2026.	official
Ireland	Muzzle and leash requiredControl of Dogs Regulations 1998: restricted breeds (and their crosses) must be muzzled in public, on a strong lead of max 2 m, held by a person over 16, with a collar showing the owner's name and address.	official
Germany	Import bannedFederal HundVerbrEinfG (2001): Pitbull-Terrier, American Staffordshire-Terrier, Staffordshire-Bullterrier, Bullterrier and their crosses may not be imported or brought into Germany; keeping rules are set by each Land.	official
Germany, Baden-Württemberg	RestrictedPolVOgH 2000: Kampfhunde list 1, dangerousness presumed; keeping needs a permit, muzzle and leash in public, unless a Wesenstest (temperament test) rebuts the presumption.	source
Germany, Bayern	RestrictedKategorie 1 of the Bavarian Kampfhundeverordnung: fighting-dog status is irrebuttably presumed; keeping requires a permit from the municipality, granted only for a special interest.	official
Germany, Berlin	RestrictedHundegesetz Berlin 2016 with Gefährliche-Hunde-Verordnung: these breeds are deemed dangerous; keeping needs a permit, muzzle and leash in public.	source
Germany, Bremen	BannedBremHundeG (2025 version replacing the 2001 law): keeping Pitbull Terrier, Bullterrier, American Staffordshire Terrier and Staffordshire Bullterrier is prohibited with narrow exceptions.	source
Germany, Hamburg	RestrictedHamburgisches Hundegesetz: these four breeds are irrebuttably dangerous; keeping needs a permit, muzzle and leash in public.	official
Germany, Hessen	RestrictedHundeVO 2003 (amended 2022): one list of presumed dangerous breeds; keeping needs a permit, Wesenstest, Sachkunde, liability insurance, muzzle and leash.	official
Germany, Nordrhein-Westfalen	RestrictedLHundG NRW §3 gefährliche Hunde: permit, Sachkunde before the official vet, criminal record check, liability insurance, microchip, leash and muzzle outside fenced property.	official
Germany, Rheinland-Pfalz	RestrictedLHundG RP 2004: keeping needs a permit (Sachkunde, reliability, insurance), muzzle and leash in public.	source
Germany, Saarland	RestrictedSaarland dog ordinance (HuV SL 2022): presumed dangerous, rebuttable by a temperament test; permit, muzzle and leash otherwise.	source
Germany, Sachsen	RestrictedGefHundG Sachsen 2000: presumed dangerous, rebuttable by official behavioural assessment; permit, muzzle and leash otherwise.	source
Germany, Sachsen-Anhalt	RestrictedHundeG LSA 2009: dogs that may not be imported under the federal HundVerbrEinfG are presumed dangerous; keeping must be notified and needs a Wesenstest, insurance, leash and muzzle.	source
Denmark	BannedHundeloven §1a: possession and breeding of these 13 breeds and any cross containing them is prohibited (since 2010); commercial import is banned.	source
Denmark	Import bannedHundeloven §1a stk. 3: commercial import of the listed dogs and their crosses is prohibited; consolidated act LBK nr 329 af 02/03/2021.	official
Norway	BannedHundeforskriften under the Hundeloven: owning, breeding and importing these six breeds (and any cross containing them) is illegal; police may order a dog of doubtful breed destroyed or exported.	official
Lithuania	RestrictedVMVT order B1-5 of 9 Jan 2013 (under the Animal Welfare and Protection Law) lists the American pit bull terrier as a fighting breed: municipal permit to keep in apartment buildings, muzzle and short leash in public, breeding only with pedigree.	source
Poland	Permit requiredRozporzadzenie MSWiA of 28 April 2003 (Dz.U. 2003 nr 77 poz. 687) under art. 10 of the Animal Protection Act: keeping or breeding these 11 breeds requires a permit from the municipality; the permit is refused or withdrawn if the dog is kept in a way that endangers people or animals.	official
Switzerland, Zürich	BannedHundeverordnung §5 Rassetypenliste II: acquisition, breeding and moving in of these types is prohibited; Rottweilers registered before 1 Jan 2025 may be kept only with a Haltebewilligung after a temperament assessment (applications by 30 June 2025).	official
Switzerland, Genève	BannedRChiens art. 17 (15 'chiens listes'): banned in the canton for dogs arriving after 24 Feb 2008; grandfathered dogs with a 'carte bleue' must pass a behaviour test, be neutered and be muzzled and leashed everywhere.	official
Switzerland, Valais	BannedConseil d'Etat decision 2005 under art. 37 LALPA: keeping these 12 breeds and their crosses is banned (new ownership since 1 Jan 2006); visits up to 30 days per year allowed with leash and muzzle.	source
Switzerland, Vaud	Permit requiredRLPolC art. 2 and 9-11: 'chiens potentiellement dangereux' need a cantonal keeping authorisation (adult, insurance, clean record), a behaviour test (TCOM) from 12 months and up to 72 hours of training.	official
Switzerland, Ticino	Permit requiredRegolamento sui cani (RCani, in force 1 Jan 2026) art. 14-20: 30 breeds and crosses born after 1 April 2009 need an authorisation from the cantonal veterinary office before acquisition, a training course, aptitude tests at 9-13 months and in year 3; applies to dogs staying over 30 days a year.	source
Switzerland, Other cantons	Permit requiredPermit (Bewilligungspflicht) cantons per SRF overview (Dec 2024): Aargau (8 bull types + Rottweiler), Basel-Stadt and Basel-Landschaft (8), Solothurn (8), Glarus (10 incl. German and Belgian Shepherd), Schaffhausen (14), Thurgau (14); no breed rules in AI, AR, BE, GR, JU, LU, NE, SG, UR, ZG, NW, OW, SZ.	source
Austria, Wien	Permit requiredWiener Tierhaltegesetz and Hundefuehrscheinverordnung: 'Listenhunde' need a Hundefuehrschein (exam within 3 months, repeat after 21-24 months), muzzle and leash in public, handler at least 16 and under 0.5 permille alcohol; Sachkunde course before registering since 1 July 2019.	official
Austria, Niederösterreich	RestrictedNOe Hundehaltegesetz §2: 'Hunde mit erhoehtem Gefaehrdungspotential' must be notified to the municipality, extended Sachkunde, muzzle and leash in built-up areas, transport, schools and parks.	official
Austria, Oberösterreich	RestrictedOOe Hundehaltegesetz (new rules from 1 Dec 2024): 'spezielle Hunde' are treated as large dogs regardless of size, must pass an Alltagstauglichkeitspruefung and are under leash and muzzle duty in public places.	source
Austria, Vorarlberg	Permit requiredVorarlberg: keeping a listed breed requires an authorisation; muzzle, leash or custody conditions are set case by case by decision (older secondary overview, not re-verified against the current law).	source
Spain	Permit requiredReal Decreto 287/2002 (Ley 50/1999) 'perros potencialmente peligrosos': municipal licence (adult, clean record, psychological and physical aptitude, liability insurance of at least 120,000 EUR), muzzle and non-extensible leash under 2 m in public, one PPP per handler; a 2025 draft decree under Ley 7/2023 would let dogs leave the category by passing aptitude tests but is not yet approved.	official
Portugal	Permit requiredPortaria 422/2004 lists the 'caes potencialmente perigosos'; Decreto-Lei 315/2009 (as amended by DL 9/2021) requires an annual licence from the junta de freguesia (owner over 16, criminal record, training course, liability insurance of at least 50,000 EUR, sterilisation unless LOP-registered), muzzle and leash of max 1 m in public, secure 2 m enclosure and warning signs.	official
Iceland	Import bannedMAST (Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority) does not permit import of these breeds, their crosses for 5 generations, wolf hybrids for 10 generations, or other dogs of comparable origin, physique or temperament.	official
Turkey	BannedLaw 7332 (2021) amending Animal Protection Law 5199: producing, owning, adopting, housing, trading, displaying or advertising these breeds is prohibited; dogs owned before 14 July 2021 could be kept if neutered, chipped and registered by 14 Jan 2022, and must be muzzled, leashed and kept out of parks and playgrounds.	source
Ukraine	Insurance requiredCabinet of Ministers resolution 'Deiaki pytannia shchodo nebezpechnykh porid sobak' (10 Nov 2021) lists 51 breeds and their mixes as dangerous: owners must hold compulsory liability insurance when registering, and use a leash and muzzle where the dog may endanger people.	official
Canada, Ontario	BannedDog Owners' Liability Act (Bill 132, in force 29 Aug 2005): no new pit bulls may be owned, bred, imported or transferred; grandfathered 'restricted pit bulls' must be sterilised, muzzled and on a leash of max 1.8 m off the owner's property (O. Reg. 157/05).	source
Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba	BannedResponsible Pet Ownership By-law: pit bulls may not be brought into the City of Winnipeg (city council voted to keep the ban in 2022).	official
Australia	Import bannedCustoms (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956: import of these five breeds into Australia is prohibited.	official
Australia, Queensland	RestrictedAnimal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008: restricted dogs must be registered, desexed, muzzled and under effective control in public, kept in a childproof enclosure with signage; some councils prohibit keeping them altogether under local law.	official
Australia, Victoria	RestrictedDomestic Animals Act 1994 (Restricted Breed Dogs amendment 2017): restricted breed dogs must be registered, desexed, microchipped, wear a prescribed collar, be muzzled and leashed off the premises, with a prescribed enclosure and warning signs.	official
South Korea	Permit requiredAnimal Protection Act (amended, in force 27 April 2024): 'maenggyeon' owners need a permit from the provincial governor after a temperament assessment, with registration, neutering and liability insurance; existing owners had until 26 Oct 2024.	source
South Korea	Muzzle and leash requiredOutside, these dogs must wear a muzzle and a leash of max 2 m; in shared indoor spaces the owner must hold the dog or its collar.	source
Singapore	Import bannedAVS: Part 1 specified dogs (except those already licensed) are not allowed into Singapore for sale, visit or stay.	official
Singapore	Insurance requiredPart 1 licensing conditions: leashed and muzzled in public, sterilised over 6 months, insurance of at least 100,000 SGD, 5,000 SGD banker's guarantee, obedience training.	official
United Arab Emirates	BannedFederal Law 22/2016 on dangerous animals, Annex 2 'List of Dangerous Dogs': possession, trade, breeding and import banned except by licence for service or medical purposes; a Nov 2021 ministerial decision updated the list to pit bull types, mastiffs, Tosa and Presa Canario, so the status of Rottweiler, Doberman and Boxer should be treated as uncertain.	official
Brazil, São Paulo (state)	Muzzle and leash requiredLei 11.531/2003: listed breeds must be walked with collar and leash, with short leash, choke collar and muzzle for breeds named in the regulation; owners must prevent escape.	official
Brazil, Rio de Janeiro (state)	RestrictedLei 4.597/2005 requires sterilisation of all pit bulls from 6 months and restricts where 'animais ferozes' may go.	source
Argentina, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires	Insurance requiredLey 4078 CABA: registration before 3 months of age, muzzle and non-extensible leash of max 2 m in public, liability insurance, secure enclosure; abandonment is a serious offence.	official
Israel	RestrictedRegulations for the Supervision of Dogs (Import and Keeping of Dangerous Dogs) 5765-2004: import prohibited, owners and handlers must be over 18, dogs over 6 months sterilised, muzzle and leash of max 2 m outside the premises, fenced yard with warning sign, no dog parks, transfer only to approved recipients.	source
Malaysia	Import bannedDepartment of Veterinary Services Malaysia: these breeds and their crosses are banned from import (as published on the Australian government MICoR page for Malaysia).	official

Checked 2026-11-05. Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.

how busy a day looksAmerican Pit Bull Terrier exercise needs

High. An athletic breed that needs daily exercise and enjoys play, training and dog sports.1

the hands-on bitsAmerican Pit Bull Terrier grooming and care

Minimal: the short coat needs only a quick brush and an occasional bath.1 2

who they like aroundAmerican Pit Bull Terrier with people and other pets

Very family-oriented and happiest when included in daily life with its people.1

where it all beganAmerican Pit Bull Terrier history

Bulldog and terrier crosses bred in the British Isles in the 1800s travelled to America with immigrants. Farmers and ranchers put them to work handling livestock and hunting, and kept them as family companions. UKC recognised the breed in 1898.1 2

for the dinner tableFun facts

1
UKC recognised the breed on 10 February 1898, making it one of the registry's oldest breeds.2
2
The American Dog Breeders Association has kept a registry for the breed since 1909.2
3
Both UKC and ADBA exclude merle colouring, while almost every other colour is allowed.2
4
The ADBA standard treats a reliable, friendly attitude towards people as essential.2

the story behind itWhere the name comes from

The breed name 'American Pit Bull Terrier' reflects its origins in the United States and its history as a cross between Bulldogs and Terriers, originally bred for bull-baiting and later as farm dogs and companions.1

stars of the breedFamous ones

Pete the Pup Famous for playing the dog in the 'Our Gang' (Little Rascals) film series.3
Stubby A decorated war hero dog from World War I, though often misidentified as a pit bull type.3

for your new friendName ideas

BiscuitSunnyDukeRosieMaxBellaRockyDaisyChampLunaTankPenny

told by an American Pit Bull TerrierA day in the life

My day starts with a big, wiggly good morning and a quick game of tug. My human laughs, and I feel like the luckiest dog in the world. We go for a run, and I love the wind in my ears, the world zooming by. I stop to sniff every interesting patch of grass, and I always check that my human is still there, just to make sure. Back home, I bring my favorite squeaky ball for a game of fetch in the yard. I'm a champion at catching it mid-air. When the evening comes, I snuggle on the couch, my head on my human's lap, and I think, 'This is the best life ever.'

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

the official bitsRecognised by

UKC: Recognised 10 February 1898; Terrier Group.2
ADBA: Registered by the American Dog Breeders Association since 1909.2
AKC: Not recognised by the AKC.2

homemade and simpleTreats they will love

Simple Carrot Crunchies The Kennel Club
Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup Dogs Trust
Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice) Blue Cross

All treat recipes for dogs

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

the things everyone asksOwner questions

How often should I feed my American Pit Bull Terrier, and at what times?

Your energetic American Pit Bull Terrier will thrive on a consistent feeding schedule. Adult dogs should eat at least two meals a day, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.4

What should an American Pit Bull Terrier eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed your American Pit Bull Terrier a balanced, high-quality dog food suited to its active lifestyle. Be sure to avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, as listed by the ASPCA. Always consult your vet for the best diet plan.5

How often should I bathe an American Pit Bull Terrier?

Your American Pit Bull Terrier's short coat needs only occasional baths. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, and general guidance recommends at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or has skin issues.1 2 6 Pet Wiki plan

How often does an American Pit Bull Terrier need brushing?

Brushing your American Pit Bull Terrier's short coat once a week keeps it shiny and healthy. Pet Wiki's plan suggests a weekly brush, which is perfect for this low-maintenance breed.1 2 6 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim an American Pit Bull Terrier's nails, and how often?

Trim your American Pit Bull Terrier's nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time and stop before the quick to keep your dog comfortable. Pet Wiki's plan suggests a monthly trim as a good starting point.6 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does an American Pit Bull Terrier need?

This athletic breed needs daily exercise to thrive. Pet Wiki's starting plan includes daily walks and play, and they love joining in training and dog sports. Make sure they get plenty of activity every day.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after an American Pit Bull Terrier's teeth and ears?

Keep your American Pit Bull Terrier's teeth healthy by brushing them two to three times a week with a dog-safe toothpaste. Check their ears weekly, especially since floppy ears can trap moisture, and gently dry them without pushing anything into the canal. Pet Wiki suggests daily brushing for best results.6 Pet Wiki plan

How long does an American Pit Bull Terrier live?

Your American Pit Bull Terrier has a typical lifespan of 12 to 14 years, so you can look forward to many happy years together.2

Is an American Pit Bull Terrier good with children and other pets?

This breed is known for its people-loving, dependable temperament and is very family-oriented, so it can be wonderful with children when properly socialized. For other pets, early socialization is key, and it's best to ask a good breeder about individual temperament.1 2

Can an American Pit Bull Terrier be left alone?

Your American Pit Bull Terrier is very family-oriented and happiest when included in daily life, so they may not enjoy being left alone for long periods. With proper training and gradual alone time, they can learn to cope, but it's best to ask a good breeder or trainer for advice.1

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

American Staffordshire Terrier

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

American Bully

Sources (2)

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

UKC American Pit Bull Terrier breed standard ukcdogs.comused for history, size, coat, colour, temperament
American Pit Bull Terrier - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, recognition, lifespan, colours, fun facts
aspca.org aspca.org
VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.