So... what does a real pit bull look like?

Pit bulls, pitties, pits and pibbles.

What are we talking about?

First and foremost, it must be qualified that there is actually no such breed as a “Pit Bull.”

Huh...?

There are, however, 3 particular well-established breeds that fall under a category of dogs to which the term “pit bull” can be applied, as a sort of shortened generic nickname. Simply put, “pit bull”: not a breed, but a group of similar breeds.

The label “pit bull” frequently refers to the following:

The American Pit Bull Terrier

The “APBT” is generally medium in size with a solid, athletic look. The body is toned and lean without being overly muscular or bulky. Graceful and agile in movement, the breed standard calls for a weight typically ranging from 30 to 60 pounds.

The American Staffordshire Terrier

The “AmStaff” is commonly larger and heavier than the APBT, with a more blockish head and stockier legs. They usually weigh a maximum of 70 pounds.

*Though the APBT and AmStaff are descended from some of the same breeding lines, they have since become two distinct breeds. However, some breed enthusiasts actually consider the two to be essentially one in the same and it is not uncommon for a dog to have dual registry as an AmStaff through the American Kennel Club and as an APBT with the United Kennel Club. Pete the Pup, of Little Rascals fame was one such pooch.

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The “Staffy Bull” is a much smaller dog, short and squat with a stout build. They typically weigh less than 40 pounds. While some choose to crop the ears of the other two breeds, Staffy ears are almost always left natural.

*The breed originated in England but Americans later bred along different lines to produce a dog with more weight and height, eventually resulting in today’s AmStaff and APBT.