Official IOEBA American Pit Bull Terrier Breed Standard

General Description: The American Pit Bull Terrier instantly gives the impression
of being a canine of power, passion and undaunted determination.

The perfect APBT should be of medium to medium large in height and size with
a brick-like head, which is especially broad in the cheek area due to the powerful muscles of the jaws. The APBT's muscular body gives the appearance of great athletic ability, a thick neck of medium length runs into a broad, deep and well-sprung chest. The APBT has a broad shoulder area and a thick powerful rear end.

The APBT is a very muscular, powerful, yet agile dog which is extremely strong for it's size. The APBT should have an excellent temperament, and are quite intelligent.

The temperament is to be very stable, loyal and trustworthy.
Their disposition should be outgoing, playful yet protective when needed.

Head : No other breed is as known for their unique head as is the APBT.
Large, broad and brick-like in shape. It gives the impression of enormous power, but should not be disproportionate to the overall size of the body.
The head appears to have been chiseled, combining strength, elegance and character. Very powerful looking in the cheeks.
Fault : Head too small or disproportionate to the body.

Muzzle : Broad, deep and of medium to medium short in length tapering slightly from the head to the nose. The bite should be a scissor bite.
Fault : Muzzle too long, over or under shot bite.

Eyes : Round, wide apart , deeply set and of moderate size. Any color is acceptable. However, odd eyes (one dark, one blue or light) should be considered unpreferred. Misshapen or bugged eyes are a serious fault. Lacking pigment around the eyes is undesirable. Crossed eyes or non-symmetrically shaped eyes are a disqualifying fault.

Nose : The nose should be large and broad.
Fault : Completely pink nose (a small amount is acceptable).

Neck : Medium in length. Should appear strong and muscular. Slight taper from the shoulders to the head.

Chest : Ribs should be well sprung (rounded) and the chest of medium width and deep.
Fault : Too wide or narrow in the chest.

Back : Solid and strong with a slight rise from the shoulders to the rump (level back is just as acceptable).

Legs : Forelegs should be stout and muscular, neither bowing out or turning in.
Fault : Bowing or turned out resulting in poor movement.

Feet : Round and the pasterns should be strong and tight.
Fault : Down in the pasterns or splayed feet.

Height : Males - 15 to 20 inches at the shoulder. Females - 14 to 19 inches at the shoulder.
Fault : Too tall or large.

Weight : Males between 35 to 70 lbs and females 30 to 60lbs. No penalty for dogs above the standard weight as long as the dog is well proportioned.

Color : Any color or combination of colors is acceptable except merle. The coat should be short, bristled and glossy.

Ears : Set high, natural or cropped. If natural, semi-prick or rose are preferred. Prick or flat, wide ears are not desired.

Tail : Down to hock naturally. Shape resembles a pump handle.
Disqualifying Fault : Docked or screw tailed.

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