Breed Identification & Standards
There are many breeds and mixes that have been mistaken for Pit Bulls, yet very often the "real deal"
isn't even recognized. Even dogs reported to be Pit Bulls in bite cases have on occasion, upon further
investigation, turned out to be something else entirely (there is a quite infamous case of an attack
committed by an Akita that was originally identified as a Pit Bull by the news media).
Pit Bulls have always been bred more for attitude and temperament rather than looks. Because of this
reason, there is lots of variation in appearance in the breed. Some breeds are always easy to
recognize. They share similar colors and markings, and height, weight, and ear set are uniform. The
standards for such breeds call for this uniformity. The Pit Bull standards, however, allow for more
variation.
Even though variation is permissible, the Pit Bull "standards" (see below) specify certain physical
requirements in the breed. The standards have been written by people who have spent many years
with the breed, and understand what the breed should look like. The standards have been approved
and adopted by national organizations. Standards identify the "ideal" Pit Bull, and breeders look to the
standard when making decisions about which dogs to breed. The goal of any ethical breeder is to
produce the "perfect dog". In the Pit Bull world, there is a huge problem with unethical breeders who
are breeding Pit Bulls with no regard for the standards. They breed what they like, what they think a
Pit Bull should look like (big, or short, or stocky, etc.), and what appeals to the general public (which
seems to believe bigger is always better). These dogs do not conform to the standards. These dogs
also add even more variation to the breed, looks-wise, which makes it still more difficult to identify what
is or is not a Pit Bull.
So what exactly does a Pit Bull look like? First start with the breed standards. A "standard" is a written
description of what an ideal specimen of a breed should look like. There are three standards that you
should be concerned with. The first standard is the United Kennel Club standard, the second is the
American Dog Breeders Association standard, and the third is the American Kennel Club standard for
the American Staffordshire Terrier. The UKC and AKC standards are similar; American Staffordshire
Terriers can be registered with the UKC as "American Pit Bull Terriers", and can then compete in UKC
shows.
After you've read over the standards, see how you fair at the "Find the Pit Bull" game.
UKC STANDARD from the United Kennel Club website.
General Appearance
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized, solidly built, short-coated dog with smooth,
well-defined musculature. This breed is both powerful and athletic. The body is just slightly longer
than tall, but bitches may be somewhat longer in body than dogs. The length of the front leg
(measured from point of elbow to the ground) is approximately equal to one-half of the dog's height at
the withers. The head is of medium length, with a broad, flat skull, and a wide, deep muzzle. Ears are
small to medium in size, high set, and may be natural or cropped. The relatively short tail is set low,
thick at the base and tapers to a point. The American Pit Bull Terrier comes in all colors and color
patterns. This breed combines strength and athleticism with grace and agility and should never
appear bulky or muscle-bound or fine-boned and rangy. Characteristics
The essential characteristics of the American Pit Bull Terrier are strength, confidence, and zest for
life. This breed is eager to please and brimming over with enthusiasm. APBTs make excellent family
companions and have always been noted for their love of children. Because most APBTs exhibit some
level of dog aggression and because of its powerful physique, the APBT requires an owner who will
carefully socialize and obedience train the dog. The breed's natural agility makes it one of the most
capable canine climbers so good fencing is a must for this breed. The APBT is not the best choice for
a guard dog since they are extremely friendly, even with strangers. Aggressive behavior toward
humans is uncharacteristic of the breed and highly undesirable. This breed does very well in
performance events because of its high level of intelligence and its willingness to work. The American
Pit Bull Terrier has always been capable of doing a wide variety of jobs so exaggerations or faults
should be penalized in proportion to how much they interfere with the dog's versatility.
Head
The APBT head is unique and a key element of breed type. It is large and broad, giving the
impression of great power, but it is not disproportionate to the size of the body. Viewed from the front,
the head is shaped like a broad, blunt wedge. When viewed from the side, the skull and muzzle are
parallel to one another and joined by a well defined, moderately deep stop. Supraorbital arches over
the eyes are well defined but not pronounced. The head is well chiseled, blending strength, elegance,
and character. SKULL - The skull is large, flat or slightly rounded, deep, and broad between the ears.
Viewed from the top, the skull tapers just slightly toward the stop. There is a deep median furrow that
diminishes in depth from the stop to the occiput. Cheek muscles are prominent but free of wrinkles.
When the dog is concentrating, wrinkles form on the forehead, which give the APBT his unique
expression.
MUZZLE - The muzzle is broad and deep with a very slight taper from the stop to the nose, and a
slight falling away under the eyes. The length of muzzle is shorter than the length of skull, with a ratio
of approximately 2:3. The topline of the muzzle is straight. The lower jaw is well developed, wide and
deep. Lips are clean and tight.
Faults: Snipey muzzle; flews; weak lower jaw.
TEETH - The American Pit Bull Terrier has a complete set of evenly spaced, white teeth meeting in a
scissors bite.
Fault: Level bite.
Serious Faults: Undershot, or overshot bite; wry mouth; missing teeth (this does not apply to teeth that
have been lost or removed by a veterinarian).
NOSE - The nose is large with wide, open nostrils. The nose may be any color.
EYES - Eyes are medium size, round to almond-shaped, and set well apart and low on the skull. All
colors are equally acceptable except blue, which is a serious fault. Haw should not be visible.
Serious Faults: Bulging eyes; both eyes not matched in color; blue eyes.
EARS - Ears are high set and may be natural or cropped without preference. If natural, semi-prick or
rose are preferred. Prick or flat, wide ears are not desired.
Neck
The neck is of moderate length and muscular. There is a slight arch at the crest. The neck widens
gradually from where it joins the skull to where it blends into well laid-back shoulders. The skin on the
neck is tight and without dewlap. Faults: Neck too short and thick; thin or weak neck; ewe neck;
dewlap.
Forequarters
The shoulder blades are long, wide, muscular, and well laid back. The upper arm is roughly equal in
length to the shoulder blade and joins it at an apparent right angle. The forelegs are strong and
muscular. The elbows are set close to the body. Viewed from the front, the forelegs are set
moderately wide apart and perpendicular to the ground. The pasterns are short, powerful, straight,
and flexible. When viewed in profile, the pasterns are nearly erect.
Faults: Upright or loaded shoulders; elbows turned outward or tied-in; down at the pasterns; front legs
bowed; wrists knuckled over; toeing in or out.
Body
The chest is deep, well filled in, and moderately wide with ample room for heart and lungs, but the
chest should never be wider than it is deep. The forechest does not extend much beyond the point of
shoulder. The ribs extend well back and are well sprung from the spine, then flattening to form a deep
body extending to the elbows. The back is strong and firm. The topline inclines very slightly downward
from the withers to a broad, muscular, level back. The loin is short, muscular and slightly arched to the
top of the croup, but narrower than the rib cage and with a moderate tuck-up. The croup is slightly
sloping downward. Hindquarters
The hindquarters are strong, muscular, and moderately broad. The rump is well filled in on each side
of the tail and deep from the pelvis to the crotch. The bone, angulation, and musculature of the
hindquarters are in balance with the forequarters. The thighs are well developed with thick, easily
discerned muscles. Viewed from the side, the hock joint is well bent and the rear pasterns are well let
down and perpendicular to the ground. Viewed from the rear, the rear pasterns are straight and
parallel to one another. Faults: Narrow hindquarters; hindquarters shallow from pelvis to crotch; lack
of muscle; straight or over angulated stifle joint; cow hocks; sickle hocks; bowed legs.
Feet
The feet are round, proportionate to the size of the dog, well arched, and tight. Pads are hard, tough,
and well cushioned. Dewclaws may be removed. Fault: Splayed feet.
Tail
The tail is set on as a natural extension of the topline, and tapers to a point. When the dog is relaxed,
the tail is carried low and extends approximately to the hock. When the dog is moving, the tail is
carried level with the backline. When the dog is excited, the tail may be carried in a raised, upright
position (challenge tail), but never curled over the back (gay tail). Fault: Long tail (tail tip passes
beyond point of hock).
Serious faults: Gay tail (not to be confused with challenge tail); kinked tail.
Disqualification: Bobbed tail.
Coat
The coat is glossy and smooth, close, and moderately stiff to the touch. Faults: Curly, wavy, or sparse
coat.
Disqualification: Long coat.
Color
Any color, color pattern, or combination of colors is acceptable.
Height and Weight
The American Pit Bull Terrier must be both powerful and agile so actual weight and height are less
important than the correct proportion of weight to height. Desirable weight for a mature male in good
condition is between 35 and 60 pounds. Desirable weight for a mature female in good condition is
between 30 and 50 pounds. Dogs over these weights are not to be penalized unless they are
disproportionately massive or rangy.
Gait
The American Pit Bull Terrier moves with a jaunty, confident attitude, conveying the impression that he
expects any minute to see something new and exciting. When trotting, the gait is effortless, smooth,
powerful, and well coordinated, showing good reach in front and drive behind. When moving, the
backline remains level with only a slight flexing to indicate suppleness. Viewed from any position, legs
turn neither in nor out, nor do feet cross or interfere with each other. As speed increases, feet tend to
converge toward center line of balance. Faults: Legs not moving on the same plane; legs over
reaching; legs crossing over in front or rear; rear legs moving too close or touching; rolling; pacing;
paddling; sidewinding; hackney action; pounding.
Disqualifications
Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Unilateral or bilateral deafness.
Bobbed tail. Albinism. Note: Although some level of dog aggression is characteristic of this breed,
handlers will be expected to comply with U.K.C. policy regarding dog temperament at U.K.C. events.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE ADBA STANDARD from the American Dog Breeders Association site.
1. Overall Appearance -- 20 PTS
Start your judging as the dogs are walking into the ring. You can Judge gait and movement. You
should be able to see from the first, the dogs you want to work with. Find the right TYPE first.
A. Conforming to-Type.
Type is the essence of the breed. Breed type is that collection of specific characteristics which, when
taken together separate one breed from another.
Athletic - (Solid front end, light and springy backend.)
Sturdy - not racy or frail
Confident, secure, carries its territory with him.
Should look like an American Pit Bull Terrier from across the ring.
B. Balance
Height to weight - (square dog)
Head in proportion to body
Equal angulation of front to back
Length of neck
C. Overall appeal
Clean and shiny
Alert and outgoing
Presentation
2. Attitude -- 10 PTS
A. Should reflect these traits
Proud - non-threatened
Alert and outgoing - (friendly to humans)
Interested in things around them
In control of their space
3. Back End -- 30 PTS
A. Hip
Long and sloping - (low set tail)
Alert and outgoing - (friendly to humans)
B. Angulation of back leg.
The comparative length of femur, tibia/fibula and metatarsus causes angulation or lack of angulation.
Femur - short. Stifle joint in upper one third of the back leg
Tibia/fibula - longer
Metatarsals - Too long dog becomes cowhocked. Ratio between lengths of bone causes a bent stifle ,
which leads to a bent hock natural, springiness.
C. Muscle attachment - well past the joint.
Muscles are to be long and flat, well conditioned.
4. Front End --- 20 PTS
A. Rib Cage
Deep and elliptical. From side view should be even with the elbow.
Well sprung at top, tapering to bottom.
B. Shoulders
Wider than rib cage at the eighth rib, well laid back. Broad enough to support adequate musculature.
C. Scapula
45-degree angle to the ground
Broad and flat.
D. Humerus
45-degree angle
Elbow comes below bottom of rib cage.
Elbows lie flat
E. Forearms
Slightly longer than humerus and solid.
2 X thickness of metatarsal at hock.
Small and tight
Set high on pasterns
5. Head and Neck --.15 PTS
A. Balanced in relationship to rest of body.
2/3 width of shoulders
Cheeks 25% wider than neck at base of skull.
Nose to stop / stop to back of head.
Bridge well developed-wider than head at base of ears.
Depth of head
Straight box like- muzzle
Lips tight
Teeth - wide at base - top cutters fit behind bottom cutters.
Eyes - (small and deep set)
6. Tail and Coat -- 5 PTS
Skin thick and loose around neck, tight over rest of body.
Vertical folds around neck and chest.
Short and bristled - glossy
Tail length - just about point of hock.
Shape - held down like a pump handle.
Color - Any color or combination of colors.
7. Disqualifications
Bitches in heat cannot be shown.
Monorchid or cryptorchid
Spayed or neutered dogs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AKC AmStaff STANDARD from the American Kennel Club website.
General Impression
The American Staffordshire Terrier should give the impression of great strength for his size, a well
put-together dog, muscular, but agile and graceful, keenly alive to his surroundings. He should be
stocky, not long-legged or racy in outline. His courage is proverbial.
Head
Medium length, deep through, broad skull, very pronounced cheek muscles, distinct stop; and ears
are set high. Ears - Cropped or uncropped, the latter preferred. Uncropped ears should be short and
held rose or half prick. Full drop to be penalized. Eyes - Dark and round, low down in skull and set far
apart. No pink eyelids. Muzzle - Medium length, rounded on upper side to fall away abruptly below
eyes. Jaws well defined. Underjaw to be strong and have biting power. Lips close and even, no
looseness. Upper teeth to meet tightly outside lower teeth in front. Nose definitely black.
Neck
Heavy, slightly arched, tapering from shoulders to back of skull. No looseness of skin. Medium length.
Shoulders
Strong and muscular with blades wide and sloping.
Back
Fairly short. Slight sloping from withers to rump with gentle short slope at rump to base of tail. Loins
slightly tucked.
Body
Well-sprung ribs, deep in rear. All ribs close together. Forelegs set rather wide apart to permit chest
development. Chest deep and broad.
Tail
Short in comparison to size, low set, tapering to a fine point; not curled or held over back. Not docked.
Legs
The front legs should be straight, large or round bones, pastern upright. No resemblance of bend in
front. Hindquarters well-muscled, let down at hocks, turning neither in nor out. Feet of moderate size,
well-arched and compact. Gait must be springy but without roll or pace.
Coat
Short, close, stiff to the touch, and glossy.
Color
Any color, solid, parti, or patched is permissible, but all white, more than 80 per cent white, black and
tan, and liver not to be encouraged.
Size
Height and weight should be in proportion. A height of about 18 to 19 inches at shoulders for the male
and 17 to 18 inches for the female is to be considered preferable.
Faults
Faults to be penalized are: Dudley nose, light or pink eyes, tail too long or badly carried, undershot or
overshot mouths.
Approved June 10, 1936
There are many breeds and mixes that have been mistaken for Pit Bulls, yet very often the "real deal"
isn't even recognized. Even dogs reported to be Pit Bulls in bite cases have on occasion, upon further
investigation, turned out to be something else entirely (there is a quite infamous case of an attack
committed by an Akita that was originally identified as a Pit Bull by the news media).
Pit Bulls have always been bred more for attitude and temperament rather than looks. Because of this
reason, there is lots of variation in appearance in the breed. Some breeds are always easy to
recognize. They share similar colors and markings, and height, weight, and ear set are uniform. The
standards for such breeds call for this uniformity. The Pit Bull standards, however, allow for more
variation.
Even though variation is permissible, the Pit Bull "standards" (see below) specify certain physical
requirements in the breed. The standards have been written by people who have spent many years
with the breed, and understand what the breed should look like. The standards have been approved
and adopted by national organizations. Standards identify the "ideal" Pit Bull, and breeders look to the
standard when making decisions about which dogs to breed. The goal of any ethical breeder is to
produce the "perfect dog". In the Pit Bull world, there is a huge problem with unethical breeders who
are breeding Pit Bulls with no regard for the standards. They breed what they like, what they think a
Pit Bull should look like (big, or short, or stocky, etc.), and what appeals to the general public (which
seems to believe bigger is always better). These dogs do not conform to the standards. These dogs
also add even more variation to the breed, looks-wise, which makes it still more difficult to identify what
is or is not a Pit Bull.
So what exactly does a Pit Bull look like? First start with the breed standards. A "standard" is a written
description of what an ideal specimen of a breed should look like. There are three standards that you
should be concerned with. The first standard is the United Kennel Club standard, the second is the
American Dog Breeders Association standard, and the third is the American Kennel Club standard for
the American Staffordshire Terrier. The UKC and AKC standards are similar; American Staffordshire
Terriers can be registered with the UKC as "American Pit Bull Terriers", and can then compete in UKC
shows.
After you've read over the standards, see how you fair at the "Find the Pit Bull" game.
UKC STANDARD from the United Kennel Club website.
General Appearance
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized, solidly built, short-coated dog with smooth,
well-defined musculature. This breed is both powerful and athletic. The body is just slightly longer
than tall, but bitches may be somewhat longer in body than dogs. The length of the front leg
(measured from point of elbow to the ground) is approximately equal to one-half of the dog's height at
the withers. The head is of medium length, with a broad, flat skull, and a wide, deep muzzle. Ears are
small to medium in size, high set, and may be natural or cropped. The relatively short tail is set low,
thick at the base and tapers to a point. The American Pit Bull Terrier comes in all colors and color
patterns. This breed combines strength and athleticism with grace and agility and should never
appear bulky or muscle-bound or fine-boned and rangy. Characteristics
The essential characteristics of the American Pit Bull Terrier are strength, confidence, and zest for
life. This breed is eager to please and brimming over with enthusiasm. APBTs make excellent family
companions and have always been noted for their love of children. Because most APBTs exhibit some
level of dog aggression and because of its powerful physique, the APBT requires an owner who will
carefully socialize and obedience train the dog. The breed's natural agility makes it one of the most
capable canine climbers so good fencing is a must for this breed. The APBT is not the best choice for
a guard dog since they are extremely friendly, even with strangers. Aggressive behavior toward
humans is uncharacteristic of the breed and highly undesirable. This breed does very well in
performance events because of its high level of intelligence and its willingness to work. The American
Pit Bull Terrier has always been capable of doing a wide variety of jobs so exaggerations or faults
should be penalized in proportion to how much they interfere with the dog's versatility.
Head
The APBT head is unique and a key element of breed type. It is large and broad, giving the
impression of great power, but it is not disproportionate to the size of the body. Viewed from the front,
the head is shaped like a broad, blunt wedge. When viewed from the side, the skull and muzzle are
parallel to one another and joined by a well defined, moderately deep stop. Supraorbital arches over
the eyes are well defined but not pronounced. The head is well chiseled, blending strength, elegance,
and character. SKULL - The skull is large, flat or slightly rounded, deep, and broad between the ears.
Viewed from the top, the skull tapers just slightly toward the stop. There is a deep median furrow that
diminishes in depth from the stop to the occiput. Cheek muscles are prominent but free of wrinkles.
When the dog is concentrating, wrinkles form on the forehead, which give the APBT his unique
expression.
MUZZLE - The muzzle is broad and deep with a very slight taper from the stop to the nose, and a
slight falling away under the eyes. The length of muzzle is shorter than the length of skull, with a ratio
of approximately 2:3. The topline of the muzzle is straight. The lower jaw is well developed, wide and
deep. Lips are clean and tight.
Faults: Snipey muzzle; flews; weak lower jaw.
TEETH - The American Pit Bull Terrier has a complete set of evenly spaced, white teeth meeting in a
scissors bite.
Fault: Level bite.
Serious Faults: Undershot, or overshot bite; wry mouth; missing teeth (this does not apply to teeth that
have been lost or removed by a veterinarian).
NOSE - The nose is large with wide, open nostrils. The nose may be any color.
EYES - Eyes are medium size, round to almond-shaped, and set well apart and low on the skull. All
colors are equally acceptable except blue, which is a serious fault. Haw should not be visible.
Serious Faults: Bulging eyes; both eyes not matched in color; blue eyes.
EARS - Ears are high set and may be natural or cropped without preference. If natural, semi-prick or
rose are preferred. Prick or flat, wide ears are not desired.
Neck
The neck is of moderate length and muscular. There is a slight arch at the crest. The neck widens
gradually from where it joins the skull to where it blends into well laid-back shoulders. The skin on the
neck is tight and without dewlap. Faults: Neck too short and thick; thin or weak neck; ewe neck;
dewlap.
Forequarters
The shoulder blades are long, wide, muscular, and well laid back. The upper arm is roughly equal in
length to the shoulder blade and joins it at an apparent right angle. The forelegs are strong and
muscular. The elbows are set close to the body. Viewed from the front, the forelegs are set
moderately wide apart and perpendicular to the ground. The pasterns are short, powerful, straight,
and flexible. When viewed in profile, the pasterns are nearly erect.
Faults: Upright or loaded shoulders; elbows turned outward or tied-in; down at the pasterns; front legs
bowed; wrists knuckled over; toeing in or out.
Body
The chest is deep, well filled in, and moderately wide with ample room for heart and lungs, but the
chest should never be wider than it is deep. The forechest does not extend much beyond the point of
shoulder. The ribs extend well back and are well sprung from the spine, then flattening to form a deep
body extending to the elbows. The back is strong and firm. The topline inclines very slightly downward
from the withers to a broad, muscular, level back. The loin is short, muscular and slightly arched to the
top of the croup, but narrower than the rib cage and with a moderate tuck-up. The croup is slightly
sloping downward. Hindquarters
The hindquarters are strong, muscular, and moderately broad. The rump is well filled in on each side
of the tail and deep from the pelvis to the crotch. The bone, angulation, and musculature of the
hindquarters are in balance with the forequarters. The thighs are well developed with thick, easily
discerned muscles. Viewed from the side, the hock joint is well bent and the rear pasterns are well let
down and perpendicular to the ground. Viewed from the rear, the rear pasterns are straight and
parallel to one another. Faults: Narrow hindquarters; hindquarters shallow from pelvis to crotch; lack
of muscle; straight or over angulated stifle joint; cow hocks; sickle hocks; bowed legs.
Feet
The feet are round, proportionate to the size of the dog, well arched, and tight. Pads are hard, tough,
and well cushioned. Dewclaws may be removed. Fault: Splayed feet.
Tail
The tail is set on as a natural extension of the topline, and tapers to a point. When the dog is relaxed,
the tail is carried low and extends approximately to the hock. When the dog is moving, the tail is
carried level with the backline. When the dog is excited, the tail may be carried in a raised, upright
position (challenge tail), but never curled over the back (gay tail). Fault: Long tail (tail tip passes
beyond point of hock).
Serious faults: Gay tail (not to be confused with challenge tail); kinked tail.
Disqualification: Bobbed tail.
Coat
The coat is glossy and smooth, close, and moderately stiff to the touch. Faults: Curly, wavy, or sparse
coat.
Disqualification: Long coat.
Color
Any color, color pattern, or combination of colors is acceptable.
Height and Weight
The American Pit Bull Terrier must be both powerful and agile so actual weight and height are less
important than the correct proportion of weight to height. Desirable weight for a mature male in good
condition is between 35 and 60 pounds. Desirable weight for a mature female in good condition is
between 30 and 50 pounds. Dogs over these weights are not to be penalized unless they are
disproportionately massive or rangy.
Gait
The American Pit Bull Terrier moves with a jaunty, confident attitude, conveying the impression that he
expects any minute to see something new and exciting. When trotting, the gait is effortless, smooth,
powerful, and well coordinated, showing good reach in front and drive behind. When moving, the
backline remains level with only a slight flexing to indicate suppleness. Viewed from any position, legs
turn neither in nor out, nor do feet cross or interfere with each other. As speed increases, feet tend to
converge toward center line of balance. Faults: Legs not moving on the same plane; legs over
reaching; legs crossing over in front or rear; rear legs moving too close or touching; rolling; pacing;
paddling; sidewinding; hackney action; pounding.
Disqualifications
Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Unilateral or bilateral deafness.
Bobbed tail. Albinism. Note: Although some level of dog aggression is characteristic of this breed,
handlers will be expected to comply with U.K.C. policy regarding dog temperament at U.K.C. events.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE ADBA STANDARD from the American Dog Breeders Association site.
1. Overall Appearance -- 20 PTS
Start your judging as the dogs are walking into the ring. You can Judge gait and movement. You
should be able to see from the first, the dogs you want to work with. Find the right TYPE first.
A. Conforming to-Type.
Type is the essence of the breed. Breed type is that collection of specific characteristics which, when
taken together separate one breed from another.
Athletic - (Solid front end, light and springy backend.)
Sturdy - not racy or frail
Confident, secure, carries its territory with him.
Should look like an American Pit Bull Terrier from across the ring.
B. Balance
Height to weight - (square dog)
Head in proportion to body
Equal angulation of front to back
Length of neck
C. Overall appeal
Clean and shiny
Alert and outgoing
Presentation
2. Attitude -- 10 PTS
A. Should reflect these traits
Proud - non-threatened
Alert and outgoing - (friendly to humans)
Interested in things around them
In control of their space
3. Back End -- 30 PTS
A. Hip
Long and sloping - (low set tail)
Alert and outgoing - (friendly to humans)
B. Angulation of back leg.
The comparative length of femur, tibia/fibula and metatarsus causes angulation or lack of angulation.
Femur - short. Stifle joint in upper one third of the back leg
Tibia/fibula - longer
Metatarsals - Too long dog becomes cowhocked. Ratio between lengths of bone causes a bent stifle ,
which leads to a bent hock natural, springiness.
C. Muscle attachment - well past the joint.
Muscles are to be long and flat, well conditioned.
4. Front End --- 20 PTS
A. Rib Cage
Deep and elliptical. From side view should be even with the elbow.
Well sprung at top, tapering to bottom.
B. Shoulders
Wider than rib cage at the eighth rib, well laid back. Broad enough to support adequate musculature.
C. Scapula
45-degree angle to the ground
Broad and flat.
D. Humerus
45-degree angle
Elbow comes below bottom of rib cage.
Elbows lie flat
E. Forearms
Slightly longer than humerus and solid.
2 X thickness of metatarsal at hock.
Small and tight
Set high on pasterns
5. Head and Neck --.15 PTS
A. Balanced in relationship to rest of body.
2/3 width of shoulders
Cheeks 25% wider than neck at base of skull.
Nose to stop / stop to back of head.
Bridge well developed-wider than head at base of ears.
Depth of head
Straight box like- muzzle
Lips tight
Teeth - wide at base - top cutters fit behind bottom cutters.
Eyes - (small and deep set)
6. Tail and Coat -- 5 PTS
Skin thick and loose around neck, tight over rest of body.
Vertical folds around neck and chest.
Short and bristled - glossy
Tail length - just about point of hock.
Shape - held down like a pump handle.
Color - Any color or combination of colors.
7. Disqualifications
Bitches in heat cannot be shown.
Monorchid or cryptorchid
Spayed or neutered dogs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AKC AmStaff STANDARD from the American Kennel Club website.
General Impression
The American Staffordshire Terrier should give the impression of great strength for his size, a well
put-together dog, muscular, but agile and graceful, keenly alive to his surroundings. He should be
stocky, not long-legged or racy in outline. His courage is proverbial.
Head
Medium length, deep through, broad skull, very pronounced cheek muscles, distinct stop; and ears
are set high. Ears - Cropped or uncropped, the latter preferred. Uncropped ears should be short and
held rose or half prick. Full drop to be penalized. Eyes - Dark and round, low down in skull and set far
apart. No pink eyelids. Muzzle - Medium length, rounded on upper side to fall away abruptly below
eyes. Jaws well defined. Underjaw to be strong and have biting power. Lips close and even, no
looseness. Upper teeth to meet tightly outside lower teeth in front. Nose definitely black.
Neck
Heavy, slightly arched, tapering from shoulders to back of skull. No looseness of skin. Medium length.
Shoulders
Strong and muscular with blades wide and sloping.
Back
Fairly short. Slight sloping from withers to rump with gentle short slope at rump to base of tail. Loins
slightly tucked.
Body
Well-sprung ribs, deep in rear. All ribs close together. Forelegs set rather wide apart to permit chest
development. Chest deep and broad.
Tail
Short in comparison to size, low set, tapering to a fine point; not curled or held over back. Not docked.
Legs
The front legs should be straight, large or round bones, pastern upright. No resemblance of bend in
front. Hindquarters well-muscled, let down at hocks, turning neither in nor out. Feet of moderate size,
well-arched and compact. Gait must be springy but without roll or pace.
Coat
Short, close, stiff to the touch, and glossy.
Color
Any color, solid, parti, or patched is permissible, but all white, more than 80 per cent white, black and
tan, and liver not to be encouraged.
Size
Height and weight should be in proportion. A height of about 18 to 19 inches at shoulders for the male
and 17 to 18 inches for the female is to be considered preferable.
Faults
Faults to be penalized are: Dudley nose, light or pink eyes, tail too long or badly carried, undershot or
overshot mouths.
Approved June 10, 1936
HAYNES PIT BULLS