American Pit Bull Terrier
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a breed often misunderstood, carrying both a rich history of athleticism and loyalty, alongside a challenging modern reputation. Descended from the tenacious bull and terrier dogs of old England, this medium-sized canine has evolved into a versatile companion and working dog. However, its history and physical traits have made it a focal point in discussions about breed-specific legislation and public perception—a fascinating duality we'll explore. The American Pit Bull Terrier descended from British bull-and-terrier crosses, initially bred for bloodsports before becoming valued working and companion dogs in America. Despite its powerful build, reputable breed standards emphasize a friendly disposition towards humans, although media portrayal and misidentification often overshadow this. Breed-specific legislation targeting 'pit bull-type dogs' exists globally, creating significant challenges for APBT owners and highlighting ongoing debates about canine behavior and safety.
AI Summary
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a breed often misunderstood, carrying both a rich history of athleticism and loyalty, alongside a challenging modern reputation. Descended from the tenacious bull and terrier dogs of old England, this medium-sized canine has evolved into a versatile companion and working dog. However, its history and physical traits have made it a focal point in discussions about breed-specific legislation and public perception—a fascinating duality we'll explore.
- The American Pit Bull Terrier descended from British bull-and-terrier crosses, initially bred for bloodsports before becoming valued working and companion dogs in America.
- Despite its powerful build, reputable breed standards emphasize a friendly disposition towards humans, although media portrayal and misidentification often overshadow this.
- Breed-specific legislation targeting 'pit bull-type dogs' exists globally, creating significant challenges for APBT owners and highlighting ongoing debates about canine behavior and safety.
Meet the American Pit Bull Terrier
The American Pit Bull Terrier, or APBT, is a powerfully built, medium-sized dog known for its athleticism and loyalty. While recognized by organizations like the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the American Dog Breeders Association (ADBA), it's interesting to note that the prominent American Kennel Club (AKC) does not register this specific breed.
These dogs typically boast a short, glossy coat and a well-defined muscular physique. Males generally stand 18-21 inches tall and weigh 35-60 pounds, while females are slightly smaller, at 17-20 inches and 30-50 pounds. Their eyes range from round to almond-shaped, and their ears can be naturally small or carried in a 'half prick' or 'rose' fashion.
When it comes to coloring, the APBT shows incredible diversity—almost all colors and patterns are accepted, from solid to tuxedo. However, there's one notable exception: the merle coat pattern is not recognized by either the ADBA or the UKC, reflecting specific breeding standards within the community.
The term 'pit bull' often conjures an image of a type of dog, encompassing several breeds. But many dedicated breeders and experts argue that the American Pit Bull Terrier is the original, and perhaps the only true, 'pit bull,' emphasizing its distinct historical lineage.
A Challenging Reputation: Breed-Specific Legislation
Globally, the APBT faces a unique challenge: breed-specific legislation, or BSL. Many countries, including Australia, Canada, parts of the US, and the UK, have enacted laws ranging from outright bans to strict ownership conditions for 'pit bull-type dogs,' including the APBT.
These restrictions can be severe. In some Australian states, mandatory sterilization is imposed, while in the UK, owning, selling, or even giving away a Pit Bull Terrier is against the law. This reflects a deep societal division over the breed's perceived risks.
From Bloodsport Arenas to American Homes: A History
The story of the APBT begins in England during the mid-19th century. Breeders crossed the now-extinct Old English Terriers with Old English Bulldogs, seeking a dog that combined the terrier's 'gameness'—its tenacity and courage—with the bulldog's strength and athleticism. This resulted in the 'bull and terrier' type.
These early bull and terriers were unfortunately used in brutal bloodsports like bull and bear baiting. When these practices were outlawed in Britain in 1835, proponents turned to dog fighting, which was easier to conceal and organize. It became a clandestine way to test a dog's mettle, often involving heavy gambling.
Around 1845-1860, these bull and terriers made their way to America with immigrants, where dog fighting sadly continued. However, the breed also found new purposes. In 1898, the United Kennel Club officially recognized the breed, calling it the American Pit Bull Terrier.
During the early 20th century, APBTs were valued for their utility on American farms and ranches. They served as 'catch dogs' for semi-wild cattle and hogs, helped hunt game, drove livestock, and, significantly, became cherished family companions—a stark contrast to their violent origins.
Today, American Pit Bull Terriers excel in many positive roles. They are dedicated companion animals, impressive athletic sport dogs (participating in weight pulling and agility), and even invaluable police and therapy dogs. Yet, sadly, a portion of the breed is still exploited in illegal dog fighting and other illicit activities, perpetuating negative stereotypes.
In attempts to counter their fighting reputation, some organizations have tried rebranding. In 1996, the San Francisco SPCA renamed pit bull terriers 'St. Francis Terriers,' hoping to boost adoptions. A similar effort in New York City in 2004, calling them 'New Yorkies,' faced overwhelming public opposition, showing the deep-seated public perception that's hard to shift.
Temperament: A Duality of Strength and Affection
The UKC's description of the American Pit Bull Terrier highlights its characteristic strength and confidence, coupled with an eager-to-please nature and boundless enthusiasm. Their natural agility makes them exceptional climbers, requiring secure fencing, and their intelligence means they thrive in performance events.
Crucially, major breed registries like the ADBA and the Old Family Red Nose Registry consider human aggression a disqualifying factor. The American Preservation Dog Registry explicitly states that the temperament 'must be totally reliable with people,' underscoring the breed's intended gentle disposition towards humans.
Despite these standards, public perception is heavily influenced by media reports. A 2000 study by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on dog-bite fatalities noted that 'Rottweilers and pit bull–type dogs accounted for 67% of human DBRF in the United States between 1979 and 1998,' concluding there 'appears to be a breed-specific problem with fatalities.'
However, other studies suggest that news media often exaggerates issues with 'Pit Bulls,' and that many dogs are misidentified as such. This misidentification can lead to 'pit bull' types having a lower chance of adoption or even entry into shelters, contributing to a cycle of negative outcomes for these dogs.
Health and Longevity
Thanks to their athletic build and diverse genetic background, APBTs are generally hardy dogs with an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years—often longer than many breeds of similar size. However, prospective owners should be aware of certain genetic conditions.
Common orthopedic concerns include hip dysplasia, canine degenerative myelopathy, and kneecap dislocation. Skin issues like mange and allergies are also seen, partly due to their short coats. Less common but still present are thyroid imbalances and congenital heart defects.
While selective breeding has helped reduce some of these issues, parvovirus remains a significant threat, especially to puppies. Early and consistent vaccination, starting at 39 days old and continuing every two weeks until four months, then yearly, is vital for all breeds, but particularly for APBTs.
Demodex mange is another condition they can be prone to. It comes in localized and generalized forms, with the latter often being hereditary due to immunodeficiency. A simple skin scraping can diagnose it, and treatments like ivermectin can be effective against these microscopic mites living in the hair follicles.
Distinguished Bloodlines
The APBT boasts several distinct bloodlines, many of which originated in the world of dog fighting during the 20th century. However, other lines were developed for conformation shows, emphasizing appearance and structure.
Castillo Pit Bulls
Founded by Tekla Castillo in the early 1980s, this lineage focused on UKC conformation standards. Castillo Pit Bulls are known for combining various breeding lines, producing dogs recognized for strength, intelligence, and a balanced temperament.
Colby Pit Bulls
Considered one of the foundational and most famous bloodlines, the Colby dogs were established by John Pritchard Colby in 1889. He sourced top fighting 'bull and terriers' from Ireland and England. Colby's Pincher, a renowned stud dog from this line, is present in the pedigrees of many APBTs today, with the lineage still preserved by the Colby family.
Old Family Red Nose
The Old Family Red Nose (OFRN) is a unique strain originating in Ireland, famous for its distinctive reddish coloration: copper-red nose and coat, red lips, red nails, and amber eyes. Not all red-nosed APBTs are OFRN; true OFRN dogs must trace a high percentage of their lineage back to this specific family of bloodlines.
This 'Old Family' strain arrived in America with Irish immigrants in the 19th century. Although once prized for their gameness in the pit, later breeding focused on preserving their striking reddish color, with breeders like Lightner and McClintock contributing to their continuation.
The American Staffordshire Terrier: A Close Relative
In 1935, the English Kennel Club recognized a Cradley Heath bull and terrier strain as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. The following year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) noticed the growing popularity of a similar breed, the APBT, already registered by the UKC. The AKC decided to recognize the American breed but insisted on a name change and a commitment from breeders to distance themselves from dogfighting.
After considering names like 'American Bull Terrier' and 'Yankee Terrier,' the AKC settled on 'Staffordshire Terrier' in 1936, referencing its supposed origins. Around 50 UKC dogs entered the AKC stud book under this new name, with Colby's Primo becoming an early breed standard model. In 1972, the name was updated to American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) to distinguish it from the British Staffordshire Bull Terrier, which the AKC would later recognize.
A long-standing debate exists: are the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier truly separate breeds? Over the last three decades, breeders have pursued different goals, leading to subtle physical and temperament distinctions. While the ADBA considers them separate breeds since 2015, the UKC still allows AmStaffs to be registered as APBTs, highlighting the ongoing overlap.
It's common to find 'dual registered' dogs—registered as AmStaffs with the AKC and APBTs with the UKC—a legacy of past breeders maintaining parallel pedigrees. However, the ADBA now typically classifies most of these dual-registered dogs as American Staffordshire Terriers, underscoring their belief in the divergence of the breeds.
Distinct differences have emerged. AKC standards, for instance, do not accept red-nosed dogs. Generally, UKC and AmStaff champion dogs are often heavier, more robust, and bulkier than the ADBA-registered American Pit Bull Terriers, reflecting divergent breeding priorities over time.
Article
American Pit Bull Terrier
The American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) is a dog breed recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the American Dog Breeders Association (ADBA), but not the American Kennel Club (AKC). It 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 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) in height and 25–35 pounds (11–16 kg) in weight. The American Pit Bull Terrier varies in size: males are normally about 18–21 inches (45–53 cm) in height and around 35–60 pounds (15–27 kg) in weight, while females are normally around 17–20 inches (43–50 cm) in height and 30–50 pounds (13–22 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 to the ADBA, except that both the ADBA and UKC do not recognize merle coloring. Color patterns that are typical in the breed are solid and tuxedo.
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.
Twelve countries in Europe, as well as Australia, Canada, some parts of the United States, Ecuador, Malaysia, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Singapore, and Venezuela, have enacted some form of breed-specific legislation on pit bull-type dogs, including American Pit Bull Terriers, ranging from outright bans to restrictions and conditions on ownership due to the frequency with which they attack humans. Several states in Australia place restrictions on the breed, including mandatory sterilization.
History
American Pit Bull Terrier
A bull and terrier type. Paris, 1863.
"Watchful-Waiting". World War I poster featuring a pit bull as a representation of the US.
Until the mid-19th century the since-extinct Old English Terriers and Old English Bulldogs were bred together to produce a dog that combined the gameness of the terrier with the strength and athleticism of the bulldog. This type of dog, which was bred in England, became known as the bull and terrier. These dogs arrived in the United States in the late nineteenth century where they became the direct ancestors of the American Pit Bull Terrier.
In the United Kingdom, bull and terriers were used in bloodsports such as bull baiting and bear baiting. These bloodsports were banned in 1835 when Britain introduced animal welfare laws. Since dog fighting is cheaper to organize and far easier to conceal from the law than bull or bear baits, bloodsport proponents turned to pitting their dogs against each other instead. Dog fighting was used as both a bloodsport (often involving gambling) and a way to continue to test the quality of their stock. For decades afterwards, dog fighting clandestinely took place in small areas of Britain. These dogs arrived in America around 1845 to 1860, where the dog fighting practice had continuity. On February 10, 1898, the breed was recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) named as American Pit Bull Terrier.
For some time in the early part of the 20th century the UKC began to register the breed name with the word "pit" in parentheses (American (Pit) Bull Terrier), to facilitate public acceptance as an American Bull Terrier. However this only lasted a short time and returned to the previous form.
In the early 20th century, pit bulls were used as catch dogs in America for semi-wild cattle and hogs, to hunt hogs, and drive livestock, and as family companions.
Pit Bull Terriers fill the role of companion dogs, working dogs, athletic sport dogs (weight pulling, French Ring Sport, Top Dog), police dogs, and therapy dogs. Pit Bull Terriers also constitute the majority of dogs used for illegal dog fighting in America In addition, law enforcement organizations report these dogs are used for other nefarious purposes, such as guarding illegal narcotics operations, use against police, and as attack dogs.
In an effort to counter the fighting reputation of pit bull–type dogs, in 1996 the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals renamed pit bull terriers "St. Francis Terriers", hoping that people would be more likely to adopt them. 60 temperament-screened dogs were adopted until the program was halted, after several of the newly adopted pit bulls killed cats. The New York City Center for Animal Care and Control tried a similar approach in 2004, relabeling their pit bulls as "New Yorkies", but dropped the idea in the face of overwhelming public opposition.
Temperament
American Pit Bull Terrier
The UKC gives this description of the characteristic of the American Pit Bull dog: "The essential characteristics of the American Pit Bull Terrier are strength and confidence. This breed is eager to please and brimming over with enthusiasm. The breed's natural agility makes it one of the most capable canine climbers so good fencing is a must for this breed. This breed does very well in performance events because of its high level of intelligence and its willingness to work."
The standard imposed by the ADBA and Old Family Red Nose Registry (OFRNR) considers human aggression a disqualification factor. The American Preservation Dog Registry (APDR) standard points out that "the temperament must be totally reliable with people".
In September 2000, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a study that examined dog-bite–related fatalities (human death caused by dog-bite injuries) to "summarize breeds of dogs involved in fatal human attacks during a 20-year period and to assess policy implications." The study examined 238 fatalities between 1979 and 1998 in which the breed of dog was known. It found that "the data indicates that Rottweilers and pit bull–type dogs accounted for 67% of human DBRF (dog bite-related fatality) in the United States between 1979 and 1998" and that it was "extremely unlikely that they accounted for anywhere near 60% of dogs in the United States during that same period and, thus, there appears to be a breed-specific problem with fatalities."
Media portrayal has significantly impacted how the American public views the temperament of APBT. A study from 2002 suggests that "news media exaggerates and exacerbates any real or potential problems that exist with Pit Bulls." Other studies also note that many people, including experts such as animal control officers and veterinarians, falsely report any stocky short-haired dogs as Pit Bulls. Consequently, Pit Bulls have a lower probability of adoption or even being taken into shelters for care.
Health
American Pit Bull Terrier
Due to their athleticism and diverse breeding background, the breed tends to be hardy, with an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years, longer than many breeds of a similar size. There are some genetic conditions to be watchful for. The breed tends to have bone diseases such as hip dysplasia, canine degenerative myelopathy and kneecap dislocation. The breed can also have skin problems, such as mange and skin allergies, because of its short coat. Other health ailments seen in the breed include thyroid and congenital heart defects.
The breed tends to have a higher than average incidence of hip dysplasia. Culling for performance has helped eliminate this problem and others such as patella problems, thyroid dysfunction and congenital heart defects. American Pit Bull Terriers with dilute coat colors have not had a higher occurrence of skin allergies as other breeds. As a breed they are more susceptible to parvovirus than others if not vaccinated, especially as puppies, so vaccination is imperative beginning at 39 days old and continuing every 2 weeks until 4 months old, then again at 8 months, and once a year after that, as recommended for all breeds.
They are prone to demodex mange due to culling for performance. There are two different types of demodex mange, namely localized and generalized demodex. Although it is not contagious, it is sometimes difficult to treat due to immunodeficiency in some puppies. The localized symptoms are usually loss of hair in small patches on the head and feet of the puppies. This type will usually heal as the puppies grow and their immune systems grow stronger. The second type, which is generalized demodex mange, is a more severe form of the sickness. The symptoms include loss of hair throughout the entire body and the skin may also be scabby and bloody. Generalized mange is usually hereditary due to immunodeficiency genes that are passed on from sire and dam to their puppies. A simple skin scraping test will allow the vet to diagnose demodex mange. The most widely used method to treat demodex mange is ivermectin injections or oral medications. Since demodex mange lives in the hair follicles of the dog, ivermectin will kill these mites at the source.
Bloodlines
American Pit Bull Terrier
The APBT has several bloodlines, many originating in "professional" dog fighting throughout the 20th century.
Others developed for the conformation shows of the United Kennel Club in the 1980s. While the history and ancestry of the APBT bloodlines can provide context and insight into the breed's development, it is essential to prioritize responsible breeding practices and the well-being of the individual dogs.
Castillo Pit Bulls
Founded by Tekla Castillo in the early 1980s, her program focused on conformation standards within the UKC. The Castillo bloodline is a lineage of American Pit Bull Terriers known for its unique combination of different breeding lines, resulting in dogs with desirable traits such as strength, intelligence, and temperament. The bloodline's foundation includes dogs such as "PR" Nelson's Hazard Joe, born from breeding between Camarano's Buster Jo and Coonie's Bonnie.
The Castillo bloodline features a mix of other well-known bloodlines, with connections to influential dog breeders like Earl Tudor, Joe Corvino, J.P. Colby, and others. Due to the interconnected nature of the breeding community and the various influences on the bloodline, the Castillo lineage has expanded as a result of the collective efforts of multiple breeders who contributed to its development over time.
Colby Pit Bulls
Colby's Pincher, a great-grandson of the famous Lloyd's Pilot. Weight 56 pounds. US, 1896.
The Colby dogs are a black-nosed bloodline that served as one of the pillars of the APBT breed. Considered one of the most important and famous bloodlines, the Colby dogs were started by John Pritchard Colby in 1889, who acquired the best fighting dogs (bull and terriers) imported from Ireland and England. One of the most famous dogs of his bloodline was Colby's Pincher. Pincher was widely used as a stud dog. For this reason, Pincher is present in the pedigree of the vast majority of APBT specimens. The Colby dogs bloodline remains preserved by the family of John P. Colby.
Old Family Red Nose
Old Family Red Nose (OFRN) is a strain or a family of bloodlines originating in Ireland, and known for their specific and unique reddish coloration. Many dogs of the OFRN strain has a copper-red nose and coat, red lips, red toe nails, and red or amber eyes. Not every American Pit Bull Terrier with these characteristics is necessarily an OFRN, since for this the dog must have a high percentage of the recognized bloodlines of this family in its pedigree.
A regular male red nose Pitbull (APBT), not OFRN dog, with cropped ears
In the middle of the 19th century, there was a strain of pit dogs in Ireland that were known as "Old Family". At that time, all the bloodlines were closely inbred with each family clan. Since red is recessive to all colors but white, the strain was known as “Irish Old Family Reds.” The "Old Family Reds" dogs found their way to America in the 19th century, mainly via Irish immigrants, though many in the United States did import the breed.
Although once renowned for its gameness, it was later bred to maintain its reddish color. Some of the most reputable breeders of the past, such as Lightner, McClintock, Hemphill, Williams, Menefee, Norrod and Wallace have contributed to the preservation and development of the strain. Finally, as McNolty said in his 30-30 Journal (1967), "Regardless of one's historical perspective, these old amber-eyed, red-nosed, red-toe-nailed, red-coated dogs represent some of the most significant pit bull history and tradition that stands on four legs today."
American Staffordshire Terrier
American Pit Bull Terrier
In 1935 in England a Cradley Heath bull and terrier strain was accepted and registered as a purebred breed by The Kennel Club as Staffordshire Bull Terrier. One year later in America the American Kennel Club (AKC) noted the growing popularity and acceptance of a similar breed already registered years earlier by the United Kennel Club (UKC), the American Pit Bull Terrier. The AKC finally decided to accept to register and recognize the American breed, but would rename the breed with the commitment that the associate breeders would not breed dogs for dogfighting.
American Bull Terrier without the "pit" (a word that referred to dogfighting arenas) was the first name considered by the AKC, but quickly dismissed due to protests by English Bull Terrier's breeders. Yankee Terrier was another option, also dismissed. The name "Staffordshire Terrier" was chosen with the claim that the breed originally came from Staffordshire in England. On June 10, 1936, around 50 UKC dogs entered the AKC stud book under the name Staffordshire Terrier. Wilfred Truman Brandon founded the AKC Staffordshire Terrier Club of America (STCA). The Colby dog named Colby's Primo was one of the first to be regarded as an ideal model of the breed standard in the AKC. The AKC stud book was opened a few more times until it was last closed around the 1970s. In 1972 the AKC changed the name of the breed to American Staffordshire Terrier as it already intended to recognize the British Staffordshire Bull Terrier as a separate breed in subsequent years.
An argument persists concerning whether the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier are two separate breeds or still the same breed. Pit Bull and AmStaff breeders have distanced themselves from each other by pursuing different goals over the last 30 years, producing dogs with physical and temperament differences. Since 2015, the American Dog Breeders Association (ADBA), which has registered the American Pit Bull Terrier since 1909, considers the American Staffordshire Terrier to be a separate breed. The UKC is the only kennel club at the moment to accept to register American Staffordshire Terriers as American Pit Bull Terriers. The UKC conformation champions are very similar to those of the AKC, as both clubs share many judges. The AKC has not accepted to register American Pit Bull Terrier as American Staffordshire Terriers since the late 20th century.
To this day there are dogs called dual registered, dogs registered at the same time as American Staffordshire Terrier in the AKC and American Pit Bull Terrier in the UKC, due to past breeders who decided to keep the two pedigree registers parallel. Since 2015 the ADBA classifies most (or all) of these dual registered (AKC-UKC) dogs as American Staffordshire Terriers.
The ADBA conformation champion dogs differ greatly from UKC and AKC champion dogs. The AKC standard does not accept red nose dogs. The UKC dogs and the AmStaff are generally heavier and more robust and bulky than the ADBA American Pit Bull Terrier dogs.
Activities
American Pit Bull Terrier
American Pit Bull Terriers excel in many dog sports, including weight pulling, dog agility, flyball, lure coursing, and advanced obedience competition. Out of the 115 dogs who have earned UKC "superdog" status (by gaining championship titles in conformation, obedience, agility, and weight pull), 34 have been American Pit Bull Terriers, and another 13 were American Staffordshire Terriers. Aside from serving as a companion dog, the American Pit Bull Terrier can be a working dog and is suitable for a wide range of working disciplines due to their intelligence, high energy, and endurance. In the United States they have been used as search and rescue dogs, police dogs performing narcotics and explosives detection, Border Patrol dogs, hearing dogs to provide services to the deaf, as well as general service dogs, including therapy dogs.
American Pit Bull Terriers may be used as hunting dogs, especially because their powerful jaws can be useful in restraining feral hogs. However, the Australian Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) describes how this practice can be dangerous for the hunting dogs, noting that the dogs may experience severe injuries, "heat exhaustion, poisoning, vehicular trauma, snake bite, and accidental shooting".
Breed-specific legislation
American Pit Bull Terrier
United Kingdom, Brazil, Australia, Ecuador, Malaysia, New Zealand, the territory of Puerto Rico, Singapore, Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago, Denmark, Israel, France, Germany, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Cyprus, Switzerland, and Turkey have enacted some form of breed-specific legislation on pit bull–type dogs, including American Pit Bull Terriers, ranging from outright bans to restrictions on import and conditions on ownership. The state of New South Wales in Australia places restrictions on the breed, including mandatory sterilization.
Certain cities in the United States, as well as the province of Ontario, Canada, have banned ownership of the American Pit Bull Terrier. In the United Kingdom, it is against the law to own, sell, abandon, give away, or breed a Pit Bull Terrier. As of September 2023, restrictions have been declining with at least 120 repeals since 2018.
In 2014, new statistical evidence emerged regarding the province-wide ban on "pit bulls", more specifically the American Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier, in the Canadian province of Ontario. Since the ban had been implemented, dog bites involving pit bull types, as identified by the owners or city investigators, had dropped considerably as the registered populations of these breeds decreased in the province's largest city, Toronto. However, "Toronto's reported dog bites have been rising since 2012, and in 2013 and 2014, reached their highest levels this century, even as pit bulls and similar dogs neared local extinction," and evidence published in Global News implicates several other dog breeds had contributed to the rise.