How to Know if your Pit Bull Is Purebred - Foolproof Traits

The real importance of a dog's purity is an issue on which many people have doubts and the answer may depend on whom we ask.

However, at oneHOWTO we believe that, in fact, it should only be important for this breed's legal and authorized breeders. For other subjects, such as whether we should obtain permission for possession of PDDs or potentially dangerous dogs in our country it is not really that important. This is because any dog breed can be classified in this group according to size, weight, powerful musculature, bulky head, wide neck and other features, whether the dog is purebred or mixture. The traits that mark a dog as dangerous or potentially dangerous will vary from one country to another. In addition, our hairy friend will love us, give affection and behave with us just as well whether purebred or not, so it should not be a real concern for anybody.

However, for those who, for a certain reason or simple curiosity, want to know, we'll explain the details to know if a pitbull is purebred or not below.

The first thing to keep in mind is that the main associations and official entities responsible for the classification and standardization of canine breeds, such as the FCI or International Cynological Federation or the AKC or American Kennel Club, do not recognize the American pit bull terrier as an official breed. Therefore, at this official level is not a consolidated breed. In any case, there are certain associations, such as the UKC^[1] that have recognized them as a different race and registered them, taking into account a certain standard.

Moreover, it is also necessary to know that there are many varieties considered as types or subraces of the pitbull, suc as the as snake, red nose pitbull, blue nose pitbull, colby, chamuco or Mexican pitbull, etc, but that, in fact, they are not officially recognized by any official club or association.

It is the associations of the United Kennel Club and American Dog Breeders that have stipulated that the American pit bull terrier has to fulfill the following physical traits:

• The pitbull is a medium-sized dog that looks solid and compact, because the body is only slightly longer than it is tall. In females, it may be a little longer than in males.
• With strong and well defined musculature, the pitbull is a very athletic dog.
• Its head is of medium length, broad and flat.
• The muzzle is broad and somewhat flat, not as flat as a bulldog's, as it can be more or less long, but without reaching the length of the nose of breeds such as some shepherd dogs.
• Its nose is large and broad, with well-marked nostrils. It can be of any color.
• The ears are between small and medium sized, high and straight or with a half fall. This is the natural way though as, unfortunately, many are still found with their ears cropped.
• The tail is relatively short, with a broad base, narrowing gradually to the tip.
• Their fur is very short and can be seen in all colors and patterns, that is, with spots, without them, striped and mixed colors, whether white, black, brown, reddish, blue, etc. The only color not found in this breed is merle, which we see in other canine breeds.

Also, to determine if a dog belongs to a breed, main traits of the breed's character can also be taken into account as, although many may think so, if a pitbull is aggressive or not is not an actual character trait. Again, according to the United Kennel Club, this is the character of a well-balanced and happy pit bull:

• Very sociable
• Stable temper
• Strong
• Trustful
• Cheerful
• Funny
• Full of enthusiasm
• Enjoys the company of other dogs and humans to the fullest
• Familiar and friendly, even with strangers
• Protectors with their family, especially with children
• Energetic and vital

As you can see, the aggressive character that has been related to this breed in recent years is not due to a characteristic element of this breed. Clearly, cases of aggression, are related to poorly socialized dogs or those who have been mistreated, something that can happen in any dog, whether it's purebred or not.

Puppies of any dog breed can, at times, be complicated to identify with a specific breed and it is frequent that we ask ourselves what breed they could be. In the case of pitbull puppies, we should take into account that, even if they is small, they will continue to have a large, wide head and muzzle, as well as the triangular ears and wide base somewhat bent forward, if they are not cropped.

In general, it should be noted that it fulfills the same traits mentioned above in the article. Also, keep in mind that, as a puppy, some character traits will be more marked, such as energy, enthusiasm, confidence, and so on.

The type coat and the color do not change just because they are puppies, that is to say, a a pitbull puppy will have short hair and can be of several colors and patterns.

As the dog grows, it will be easier to know with more certainty if it is a purebred pitbull or not or if it has part of mixture with this breed.

If all these indications have not been enough so that you can determine if your furry friend is purebred, or if it is a mixed breed or another similar breed, such as an American staffordshire terrier or an American bully, but you still can't figure it out, then we recommend that you follow these tips:

• Go to a veterinarian to help you figure it out.
• Contact one of the United Kennel Clubs.
• Contact American Dog Breeders.

These are the professionals who will be able to help you know if your pitbull is pure or not or if it is a cross between different breeds. Remember that the important thing about sharing your life with a dog is that you enjoy each other's company and make each other happy, as well it as being a big responsibility.

It is also necessary to remember that as these dogs are very strong and energetic, it is necessary for their owners, who will walk, train or exercise and take care of them regularly to be prepared for them before adoption, either physically or because they have adequate knowledge, or that they go to a professional canine training or an ethologist.

If you already live with one or you are thinking about adopting, at oneHOWTO we recommend that you read this article on How to take care for a pitbull.

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