The Book of the American Pit Bull Terrier

Published by Tfh Publications Inc, 1981, hardcover, illustrated, index, 351 pages, condition: as new.

The American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) is a medium-sized, short-haired dog, of a solid build, whose early ancestors came from England. When compared with the English Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the American Pit Bull Terrier is larger by margins of 68 inches (1520 cm) in height and 2535 pounds (1116 kg) in weight. The American Pit Bull Terrier varies in size: males are normally about 1821 inches (4553 cm) in height and around 3560 pounds (1527 kg) in weight, while females are normally around 1720 inches (4350 cm) in height and 3050 pounds (1322 kg) in weight.

According to the ADBA, the American Pit Bull is described to be medium-sized and has a short coat and smooth well-defined muscle structure, and its eyes are to be round to almond-shaped, and its ears are to be small to medium in length, typically half prick or rose in carriage. The tail is prescribed to be slightly thick and tapering to a point. The coat is required by the ADBA to be glossy, smooth, short, and stiff to the touch. Many colors, color patterns, and combinations of colors are acceptable. Despite the colloquial use of the term "pit bull" to encompass a whole category of dogs and the legal use of the term to include several breeds in legislation, some conservative professional breeders of the American Pit Bull Terrier as well as some experts and supporters claim that historically the APBT is the only true "pit bull" and the only breed that should be denominated as such.