This blue Staffordshire terrier is the pit bull's very close English cousin.
"Pit bull" is used to refer to several breeds, including the American Staffordshire terrier and the Staffordshire bull terrier, recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), and the American pit bull terrier, recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC). These dogs are not bred by color and despite Internet listings by breeders, there is no such thing as a "blue nose" pit bull. There are only pit bulls of various colors, markings and quality.
Color
Pit bulls come in virtually every color or combination of colors. Dogs called blue pit bulls are black dogs carrying a recessive dilution gene that turns their coats a characteristic and beautiful blue color. Blue dogs are born that way, they do not grow into their color. Blue pit bulls have blue noses and eyes that tend to be rather light, although not usually blue. Their blue coats can be solid, brindled (with black striping) or marked with white. The UKC disqualifies albino merle pit bulls, merle being a swirled or mottled combination of white and colored hairs. Such dogs will be penalized in the AKC and eliminated from the UKC breed rings, where dogs are judged as future mothers and fathers of the breed.
Head
This pit bull has the classic head and expression of the breed.
The pit bull's head is one of the breed's defining characteristics. The head should be large and strong but not disproportionate to the body. Unlike the English bulldog, pit bulls have muzzles long enough to enable them to breathe easily. Pit bulls also have a "stop" between muzzle and forehead and defined cheek muscles. Their ears may or may not be cropped, but if they are cropped, it should be in a short, utility manner. Their faces generally reflect that the breed is unusually intelligent, curious, and affectionate.
Body
The unathletic bulldog is different in shape and size than the pit bull.
Pit bulls are not big dogs: 70 pounds is a large male. They are lean, stocky, muscular dogs of great energy, speed, agility and physical power. They should be very strong for their size and build, with good bone and muscle under a sleek, hard coat. They should also have a certain lithe elegance: they should have powerful, sloping shoulders, muscular, well-angulated hindlegs, and loins that are almost slender in comparison, but still very strong.
Temperament
Temperament is the most important characteristic of the pit bull. The AKC describes the American Staffordshire terrier as courageous, friendly, loyal and people-oriented. The UKC says aggressive behavior is uncharacteristic of the American pit bull. But in recent years, the breed has been linked to dog fighting and involved in attacks on people, resulting it being banned or heavily regulated in some communities. The American Society for the Protection of Animals notes on its website that the change in pit bulls' reputation is the result of "unscrupulous breeders and irresponsible owners." If you are considering obtaining a pit bull, first check with the local authorities: it may be illegal to own or keep pit bulls in your area. Then seek a reputable breeder or rescue organization by contacting local vets and animal shelters and attending local AKC and UKC dog shows. All pit bulls must be thoroughly socialized and well trained.
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