Pitbull Information

a very happy Pibble

First of all, pitbull is just a generic classification like caucasian.  The word "pitbull" has come to encompass several breeds with similiar characteristics, but are primarily from the following breeds:  the American Staffordshire Terrier, the American Bull Terrier, the Staffordshire TerrierStaffordshire Bull Terrier, and the American Bulldog or any dog with crosses between one of those.  The pitbull was specifically breed as a working dog by crossing the bulldog with a terrier, and as such, will have traits from both lineages.

Pitbulls are known for their square, stocky head and thick chest.  They have short fur and a tail that tapers to a point, which may or may not be docked.  They are energetic and muscular dogs.  Owning one means spending at least two hours of quality exercise time a day.  And contrary to popular opinion, they do NOT have locking jaws.  In fact, in a study done by Dr. Brady Barr studying the locking pressure of a rottweiler, a german shepard and the Americal Staffordshire Terrier (aka AmStaff or pitbull), the pitbull had the lowest bite pressure of the three dogs.

Pitbull bite force study:  link 1, video of the study

American Bulldogs

There is a lot of misinformation out there.  I recommend everyone to get to know the pitbull and join a pitbull organization.  There are several good groups out there.
Pitbulls on the Web

Pitbull Rescue Central

Dog Breed Info Center

Badrap.org

For the Love of Pits