AKC Breed Standards for the American Pit Bull

Known as the American pit bull terrier by the United Kennel Club, the pit bull is recognized by another name with the American Kennel Club (AKC). The AKC allows pit bulls that fit their breed standards to be registered as American Staffordshire Terriers. The pit bull and Staffordshire terriers are essentially the same breed with a few minor differences due to selective breeding.

  1. Body

    • For AKC competition, the pit bull has to be between 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder with a muscular build. The shoulders have to be broad with the back sloping downward to the hindquarters, which should be slightly lower than the shoulder height. The chest needs to be deep and broad with well-shaped ribs. The front legs are straight and thick, while the rear are muscular and solid. The dog's tail should be short but not docked; excessive length is considered a fault.

    Head

    • The pit bull's head should be medium length and broad with heavy cheek muscles and high-set ears. Ears can be cropped, but natural ears are preferred. The ears should also be as erect as possible. The eyes should be set low in the skull and far apart as well as being round and dark in color. Pink eyelids are discouraged and the nose should be black, any other coloration is a fault. The upper teeth should sit slightly forward of the lower when the jaws are closed.

    Coat and Color

    • For competition, the dog's coat needs to be short and close to the skin with a coarse texture and glossy sheen. The coat can be any solid color or a base color with patched markings. Pure white, however, is discouraged, as is black with tan and liver.

    Major Faults

    • Bad behavior during judging is always a major fault. The dog should stand still while being checked and trot at heel during the walking section. Pit bulls will be penalized for having over or undershot jaw lines and pink eye color. A flesh-colored, Dudley nose as it is known, is a major fault and will lose points. The tail has to be proportionate to size and held alert; bad tail posture is also a fault.