The American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) is a breed renowned for its distinctive blend of strength, agility, and an unwavering zest for life. While the breed’s standard accepts a wide array of colors and patterns, the striking Black And White American Pit Bull Terrier stands out, capturing attention with its bold contrasts. This guide delves into the specifics of this beloved breed, with a particular focus on the aesthetic and characteristics associated with its black and white coat, ensuring you have a comprehensive understanding of what makes these dogs truly special. For those exploring terrier dog breeds black and white, the APBT represents a powerful and engaging example of canine athleticism and loyalty.
The primary goal of any breed standard, including that for the American Pit Bull Terrier, is to provide clear guidelines for breeders aiming to maintain and enhance the breed’s quality, promote consistency globally, and serve as an authoritative reference for judges. Breeders and judges share a crucial responsibility to prevent traits or exaggerations that could compromise the health, welfare, or inherent soundness of the breed. The APBT boasts a rich history spanning over 150 years as an active, muscular, and exceptionally agile canine. Any deviation from these established guidelines is considered a fault, evaluated based on its severity and its potential impact on the dog’s health, well-being, and ability to perform its traditional roles. It’s imperative that quality is never sacrificed for size, and any characteristics suggestive of cross-breeding are strictly prohibited. The United Kennel Club (UKC) strongly advises against the use of exaggerated specimens in breeding programs and encourages judges to refrain from awarding wins to such representatives, thereby safeguarding the breed’s health and vitality.
A Legacy of Strength: The History of the American Pit Bull Terrier
The story of the American Pit Bull Terrier traces back to 19th-century England, Ireland, and Scotland, where dog enthusiasts began crossing Bulldogs with Terriers. Their aim was to create a dog that combined the tenacious gameness of the Terrier with the formidable strength and athleticism of the Bulldog. The resulting progeny embodied the virtues of a true warrior: immense strength, indomitable courage, and remarkable gentleness towards its loved ones. As immigrants journeyed to the United States, these bull-and-terrier crosses accompanied them.
In America, the versatile talents of the APBT quickly earned recognition among farmers and ranchers. These dogs were invaluable as catch dogs for managing semi-wild cattle and hogs, adept hunters, efficient livestock drivers, and cherished family companions. Today, the American Pit Bull Terrier continues to showcase its remarkable adaptability, excelling in a wide range of competitive disciplines including Obedience, Rally Obedience, Tracking, Agility, Lure Coursing, Dock Jumping, Weight Pulls, and Conformation events. The United Kennel Club holds the distinction of being the first registry to officially recognize the American Pit Bull Terrier. UKC founder C. Z. Bennett personally assigned UKC registration number 1 to his own APBT, “Bennett’s Ring,” in 1898, cementing the breed’s foundational status within the registry.
The Distinctive Appearance of the Black and White American Pit Bull Terrier
The American Pit Bull Terrier is characterized as a medium-sized, robustly built, short-coated dog with smooth, clearly defined musculature. This breed is a harmonious blend of power and athleticism. Its body is typically slightly longer than it is tall, though bitches may exhibit a somewhat longer body proportion than dogs. The length of the front leg, measured from the point of the elbow to the ground, is approximately half the dog’s height at the withers.
The head is medium in length, featuring a broad, flat skull and a wide, deep muzzle. Ears are small to medium, set high, and can be either natural or cropped. The relatively short tail is set low, thick at the base, and tapers to a fine point. The American Pit Bull Terrier’s coat comes in an extensive range of colors and patterns, with the notable exception of merle. This breed perfectly integrates strength and athleticism with grace and agility, never appearing overly bulky or muscle-bound, nor fine-boned and leggy.
Crucially, the black and white American Pit Bull Terrier, like all APBTs, must possess the functional capability to perform as a catch dog—meaning it can hold, wrestle (push and pull), and breathe easily during its work. Overall balance and harmony of all physical components are fundamental to the breed type. Disproportionate or exaggerated characteristics, such as excessively short legs, heavy bone, or an overly massive head or body that impede physical activity or working ability, are considered eliminating faults. Disqualifications include unilateral or bilateral cryptorchidism and dwarfism. The striking black and white coat, whether in solid patches, a tuxedo pattern, or a predominantly white coat with black markings, is a perfectly acceptable and admired color combination within the breed standard.
Temperament and Traits: The Heart of a Black and White APBT
The core characteristics of the American Pit Bull Terrier are strength, confidence, and an incredible zest for life. This breed is inherently eager to please and overflows with enthusiasm. APBTs make exceptional family companions and have consistently been celebrated for their profound affection for children. Due to the fact that many APBTs may exhibit some degree of dog aggression, combined with their powerful physique, they require an owner who is committed to careful socialization and consistent obedience training. The breed’s natural agility makes them proficient climbers, necessitating secure and robust fencing for their containment. Despite their imposing appearance, the APBT is not an ideal guard dog, as they are often extremely friendly, even towards strangers. Aggressive behavior directed at humans is uncharacteristic of the breed and considered highly undesirable. Their high intelligence and eagerness to work mean this breed excels in various performance events. Viciousness or extreme shyness are considered disqualifying traits.
Anatomy of Excellence: The Black and White APBT’s Physical Attributes
The head of an APBT is distinctive and a key defining feature of the breed. It is large and broad, conveying an impression of immense power, yet it remains proportionate to the body. When viewed from the front, the head presents as a broad, blunt wedge. In profile, the skull and muzzle run parallel, separated by a well-defined, moderately deep stop. The supraorbital arches above the eyes are distinct but not overly prominent. The head is well-chiseled, merging strength with elegance and character. An overly large or heavy head is considered a very serious fault.
Skull
The skull is large, either flat or slightly rounded, deep, and broad between the ears. From above, the skull tapers subtly towards the stop. A deep median furrow runs from the stop, gradually diminishing in depth towards the occiput. The cheek muscles are prominent but devoid of wrinkles when relaxed. When the dog focuses intently, wrinkles form on the forehead, contributing to the APBT’s unique expression.
Muzzle
The muzzle is broad and deep, tapering only slightly from the stop to the nose, with a gentle slope under the eyes. Its length is shorter than that of the skull, typically in a ratio of approximately 2:3. The topline of the muzzle is straight. The lower jaw is well-developed, wide, and deep, with clean, tight lips. Faults include a snipey muzzle, flews (loose lips), or a weak lower jaw. A muzzle so short and blunt that it impedes normal breathing is an eliminating fault.
Teeth
The American Pit Bull Terrier possesses a complete set of evenly spaced, white teeth that meet in a scissors bite. A level bite is considered a fault. Serious faults include undershot or overshot bites, wry mouth, or missing teeth (unless lost or removed by a veterinarian).
Nose
The nose is large with wide, open nostrils. Its color can be any shade, perfectly complementing the black and white coat.
Eyes
Eyes are medium-sized, round, and set wide apart and low on the skull. All eye colors are equally acceptable, with the exception of blue, which is a serious fault. The haw (third eyelid) should not be visible. Serious faults include bulging eyes, unmatched eye colors, or blue eyes.
Ears
Ears are set high and can be natural or cropped, with no preference. Prick, flat, or wide ears are undesirable. Unilateral or bilateral deafness constitutes a disqualification.
Body Structure and Movement
Neck
The neck is of moderate length and muscular, displaying a slight arch at the crest. It gradually widens from its junction with the skull to where it seamlessly blends into well laid-back shoulders. The skin on the neck is tight, without any dewlap. Faults include a neck that is too thin or weak, a ewe neck, or the presence of a dewlap. A very serious fault is a short, thick neck that hinders functional ability.
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 forms an approximate right angle at their join. The forelegs are strong and muscular, with elbows set close to the body. When viewed from the front, the forelegs are moderately spaced and perpendicular to the ground. The pasterns are short, powerful, straight, and flexible. In profile, the pasterns appear nearly erect. Faults include upright or loaded shoulders, elbows turned outward or tied-in, weak pasterns, bowed front legs, knuckled over wrists, or toeing in or out. Eliminating faults include front legs (measured from elbow to ground) shorter than half the total height at the withers, or front legs so bowed that they impede normal movement.
Body
The chest is deep, well-filled, and moderately wide, providing ample space for the heart and lungs, but it should never be wider than it is deep. The forechest does not extend significantly beyond the point of shoulder. The ribs are well-extended and sprung from the spine, then flattening to form a deep body that reaches the elbows. The back is strong and firm. The topline inclines very slightly downwards 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, with a moderate tuck-up. The croup slopes gently downwards. An overly massive body style that hinders working ability is a very serious fault. A chest so wide that it interferes with normal movement is an eliminating fault.
Hindquarters
The hindquarters are strong, muscular, and moderately broad. The rump is well-filled on each side of the tail and deep from the pelvis to the crotch. The bone, angulation, and musculature of the hindquarters are in harmonious balance with the forequarters. The thighs are well-developed with thick, easily discernible muscles. Viewed from the side, the hock joint is well bent, and the rear pasterns are well let down and perpendicular to the ground. From the rear, the rear pasterns are straight and parallel to each other. Faults include narrow hindquarters, shallow hindquarters from pelvis to crotch, lack of muscle, straight or over-angulated stifle joints, cow hocks, sickle hocks, or bowed legs. For comparison with other related breeds, you might find interesting insights into the black and white parson russell terrier.
Feet
The feet are round, proportionate to the dog’s size, well-arched, and tight. The pads are hard, tough, and well-cushioned. Dewclaws may be removed. Splayed feet are considered a fault.
Tail
The tail is set on as a natural extension of the topline and tapers to a point. When relaxed, the tail is carried low, extending approximately to the hock. During movement, it is carried level with the backline. When excited, the tail may be carried in a raised, upright position (challenge tail), but never curled over the back (gay tail). A long tail (one that extends beyond the point of the hock) is a fault. Serious faults include a gay tail (distinct from a challenge tail) or a kinked tail. A bobbed tail is an eliminating fault, and a screw tail is a disqualification.
Black and white American Pit Bull Terrier head showing strong features
Coat and Color: Embracing Black and White
The coat of the American Pit Bull Terrier is glossy and smooth, close-lying, and moderately stiff to the touch. Faults include a curly, wavy, or sparse coat. A long coat is a disqualification.
The beauty of the black and white American Pit Bull Terrier lies in its striking color pattern. Any color, color pattern, or combination of colors is acceptable within the breed standard, with the sole exception of merle. This means black and white dogs are fully recognized and celebrated. Their markings can range from solid black with white chest and paws (often called a “tuxedo” pattern) to predominantly white with large black patches (often referred to as “pied” or “patched”). These contrasting colors enhance the dog’s muscular physique and alert expression, making them visually captivating. Albinism and merle are disqualifications.
Height and Weight
The American Pit Bull Terrier must embody both power and agility. Consequently, overall balance and the correct proportion of weight to height are far more critical than a dog’s actual weight or height.
For a mature male in good condition, a desirable weight ranges between 35 and 60 pounds. For a mature female, the desirable weight is between 30 and 50 pounds. As a general guideline, the desirable height range for mature males is 18 to 21 inches at the withers, and for mature females, it is 17 to 20 inches at the withers. It is important to remember that dogs falling outside these weight and height ranges should not be penalized unless their size is so disproportionately massive or rangy as to compromise their health, structure, movement, or physical ability. Excessively large or overly massive dogs, or those with a height and/or weight significantly deviating from the desired range that compromises their well-being, are considered a very serious fault.
Gait
The American Pit Bull Terrier moves with a jaunty, confident demeanor, projecting an impression of eagerly anticipating new and exciting discoveries. When trotting, their gait is effortless, smooth, powerful, and impeccably coordinated, demonstrating excellent reach in the front and strong drive from the rear. While moving, the topline remains level, with only a slight flexing indicating suppleness. Viewed from any angle, the legs move neither inward nor outward, nor do the feet cross or interfere with each other. As speed increases, the feet tend to converge towards the center line of balance. Faults include legs not moving on the same plane, legs overreaching, legs crossing over in front or rear, rear legs moving too close or touching, rolling, pacing, paddling, sidewinding, hackney action, or pounding.
Eliminating Faults and Disqualifications
Eliminating Faults are serious enough to preclude a dog from receiving awards in a conformation event. These include:
- Any disproportionate or exaggerated characteristic (such as short legs, excessive bone, or a massive head or body) that would impede physical activity or working ability.
- A muzzle so short and blunt that it interferes with normal breathing.
- Front legs so bowed that they interfere with normal movement.
- Front legs (measured from elbow to ground) shorter than half the total height at the withers.
- A chest so wide that it interferes with normal movement.
- A bobbed tail.
Disqualifications mean a dog cannot be considered for placement in a conformation event and must be reported to the UKC. These include:
- Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchidism.
- Viciousness or extreme shyness.
- Albinism.
- Merle coloration.
- Unilateral or bilateral deafness.
- A long coat.
- Dwarfism.
- A screw tail.
Conclusion: Embracing the Black and White American Pit Bull Terrier
The black and white American Pit Bull Terrier is a magnificent dog that perfectly embodies the breed’s ideal combination of physical prowess, loyalty, and intelligence. Understanding the breed standard, particularly as it applies to their appearance and temperament, is crucial for anyone considering adding one of these striking dogs to their family. While their appearance is captivating, responsible ownership, consistent training, and proper socialization are paramount to nurturing a well-adjusted and beloved companion. The APBT’s history as a working dog and a cherished family member underscores its adaptability and enduring appeal. By focusing on quality, health, and ethical breeding practices, we ensure that the legacy of the black and white American Pit Bull Terrier, with its powerful presence and gentle heart, continues to thrive. Explore more about responsible dog ownership and specific breed care on Dog Care Story to provide the best life for your canine companion.
References
- United Kennel Club (UKC). (2017). American Pit Bull Terrier Breed Standard. Revised May 1, 2017.
- American Dog Breeders Association (ADBA). (Accessed 2023). APBT Breed Standard.
- The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). (Accessed 2023). Responsible Dog Ownership.
