American Pit Bull Terrier American Pit Bull Terrier

American Pit Bull Terrier

Affectionate Energetic Confident Loyal

About the American Pit Bull Terrier

The American Pit Bull Terrier traces its roots to 19th-century England, where Bulldogs and Terriers were crossed to create a dog combining strength with agility. Standing 17–21 inches tall and weighing 30–60 pounds, the APBT is a medium-sized, solidly built dog with a broad chest and well-defined musculature. Their short, glossy coat comes in virtually every color and pattern — including blue, red, brindle, and merle — and is exceptionally easy to maintain.

Temperament & Personality

Despite their often-misunderstood reputation, American Pit Bull Terriers are among the most people-oriented breeds — they are affectionate, eager to please, and frequently described as "nanny dogs" for their gentleness with children. They are intelligent, loyal, and enthusiastic about training when given positive reinforcement. However, some individuals may exhibit dog-selectivity, and responsible ownership includes understanding their terrier-driven tenacity.

Pros

  • Extremely affectionate and loyal — they bond deeply with every family member
  • Highly trainable and eager to please, excelling in obedience and nosework
  • Low grooming needs with their short, easy-care coat
  • Athletic and energetic — outstanding companion for active lifestyles

Cons

  • Subject to breed-specific legislation and housing restrictions in many areas
  • May develop dog-selectivity, requiring careful management around other dogs
  • Strong and powerful — not ideal for physically frail owners
  • Prone to skin allergies, hip dysplasia, and congenital heart disease

These loving, misunderstood dogs deserve wonderful homes — browse adoptable Pit Bull Terriers on Puplister today.

American Pit Bull Terrier Quick Facts

Size
30–65 lbs, 17–21 in
Lifespan
12–16 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Not recommended

Is the American Pit Bull Terrier right for you?

Answer 5 quick questions to see how well this breed matches your lifestyle.

Take the Quiz

Available American Pit Bull Terriers

Nala
Baby
Nala
S

American Pit Bull Terrier

Cowboy Capital Pet Assistance League · Bandera, TX
Nala
Baby
Nala
L

American Pit Bull Terrier

Cowboy Capital Pet Assistance League · Bandera, TX
Titus
Baby
Titus
S

American Pit Bull Terrier

Cowboy Capital Pet Assistance League · Bandera, TX
Titus
Baby
Titus
S

American Pit Bull Terrier

Cowboy Capital Pet Assistance League · Bandera, TX
Titus
Baby
Titus
L

American Pit Bull Terrier

Cowboy Capital Pet Assistance League · Bandera, TX
Titus
Baby
Titus
S

American Pit Bull Terrier

Cowboy Capital Pet Assistance League · Bandera, TX
Titus
Baby
Titus
S

American Pit Bull Terrier

Cowboy Capital Pet Assistance League · Bandera, TX
Lewis
Young
Lewis
L

American Pit Bull Terrier

Montgomery County Animal Services And Adoption Center · Derwood, MD
Pasta
Adult
Pasta
L

American Pit Bull Terrier

Maricopa County Animal Care And Control West Valley Animal Care Center · Phoenix, AZ
Reese
Young
Reese
M

American Pit Bull Terrier

Adams County Animal Shelter · Brighton, CO
Paul
Young
Paul
S

American Pit Bull Terrier

The Animal Foundation · Las Vegas, NV
Buddy
Young
Buddy
S

American Pit Bull Terrier

The Animal Foundation · Las Vegas, NV

Related Breeds

Golden Retriever

32 pets available

About the Golden Retriever The Golden Retriever was developed in the Scottish Highlands by Lord Tweedmouth during the mid-19th century, who crossed a Yellow Retriever with the now-extinct Tweed Water Spaniel to create the ultimate waterfowl hunting companion. Standing 21.5–24 inches tall and weighing 55–75 pounds, these iconic dogs wear a lustrous, water-repellent double coat in shades ranging from light cream to deep gold. Their gentle expression, athletic build, and flowing feathered coat have made them one of the three most popular breeds in America for decades running.Temperament & PersonalityGolden Retrievers are the gold standard of family dogs — trustworthy, patient, and endlessly forgiving with children of all ages. They possess an innate desire to please that makes them exceptionally trainable and a joy to live with, whether as a first-time owner's companion or a seasoned handler's working partner. Their friendly, tolerant attitude extends to strangers, other dogs, and household pets — they seem to genuinely believe every person and animal they meet is a friend.ProsUniversally gentle temperament — consistently ranked among the best breeds for families with childrenHighly intelligent and eager to please — excel in obedience, therapy, service, and search and rescuePatient and forgiving nature makes them ideal for first-time dog ownersSocial and friendly with virtually everyone — dogs, cats, strangers, and guests alikeConsCancer affects approximately 60% of Golden Retrievers — the highest rate of any breedHeavy shedding year-round with seasonal coat blows that cover furniture and clothingProne to hip and elbow dysplasia, heart disease, and eye conditionsMouthy breed — will carry and chew objects constantly, especially during puppyhoodThere's a reason Goldens are America's favorite — find Golden Retrievers looking for homes on Puplister.

Cane Corso

50 pets available

About the Cane Corso The Cane Corso is an ancient Italian mastiff breed whose lineage traces directly to the Roman canis pugnaces — war dogs that accompanied legions into battle. Standing 23.5–27.5 inches tall and weighing 90–120 pounds, the Cane Corso is a large, athletic, and muscular dog that is notably more agile and less bulky than other mastiff breeds. Their short, stiff, double-layered coat comes in black, gray, fawn, red, and brindle — often with a black or gray mask — and requires minimal grooming.Temperament & PersonalityCane Corsos are intelligent, loyal, and intensely protective — they are working dogs at heart, bred to guard property, livestock, and families with quiet confidence and unwavering vigilance. They bond deeply with their owners and are affectionate and gentle within the family circle, but they are naturally suspicious of strangers and can be assertive with other dogs. This is emphatically not a breed for inexperienced owners — they require firm, consistent leadership and extensive socialization from puppyhood.ProsExceptional guardian — their protective instincts are reliable and deeply ingrainedMore athletic and agile than other mastiff breeds, capable of true working performanceLoyal and affectionate with family — surprisingly gentle with children they've been raised withLow-maintenance coat with minimal grooming needsConsRequires an experienced, confident owner who can establish and maintain leadershipCan be dog-aggressive and territorial without thorough socializationProne to hip dysplasia, bloat, cherry eye, and idiopathic epilepsyTheir size and strength can make them dangerous if improperly trained or handledFor the right owner, a Cane Corso is an unparalleled companion and protector — find adoptable Cane Corsos on Puplister.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

5 pets available

About the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon was developed in the late 19th century by Dutch breeder Eduard Karel Korthals, who meticulously crossed French and German griffons, setters, spaniels, and pointers to create what he considered the "supreme gundog." These medium-sized sporting dogs stand 20 to 24 inches tall and weigh 50 to 70 pounds, with a robust build that balances power with agility. Their distinctive coat features a harsh, wiry outer layer over a dense, water-resistant undercoat — typically in steel gray with brown markings, though roan, brown, and white and brown patterns also occur. Temperament & Personality Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are eager, devoted, and remarkably trainable — often called the "supreme gundog" not just for their versatile field skills but for their cooperative, people-focused temperament. They are gentle and patient with children, friendly with other dogs, and form strong bonds with every family member rather than fixating on a single person. Their enthusiasm for both work and play, combined with a gentle disposition, makes them outstanding all-around family companions for active households. Pros Versatile sporting dog — points, retrieves, and works in water and thick cover equally wellLow-shedding wiry coat suitable for allergy-conscious ownersDevoted and affectionate family dog with a gentle, trainable natureAdaptable and eager to please — excels in multiple canine sports and disciplines Cons High exercise requirements — needs vigorous daily activity and mental stimulationCoat requires regular hand-stripping or professional grooming to maintain textureCan become anxious, clingy, or destructive without adequate exercise and companionshipProne to hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and ear infections The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a rare treasure among sporting breeds — see if one is available on Puplister.

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

4 pets available

About the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier originated in Ireland over 200 years ago as an all-purpose farm dog — herding livestock, guarding property, and dispatching vermin, earning it the nickname "the poor man's wolfhound." These medium-sized dogs stand 17 to 19 inches tall and weigh 30 to 40 pounds, with a sturdy, compact build beneath their distinctive coat. Their single-layer, silky, wavy coat matures from a dark puppy color to its signature warm wheaten gold by about two years of age — and unlike most terriers, it is soft rather than wiry. Temperament & Personality Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers are exuberant, affectionate, and joyful — known for their characteristic "Wheaten greeting" where they enthusiastically jump up to lick faces, which can be endearing or problematic depending on the recipient. They are deeply devoted to their families, excellent with children, and more tolerant of other dogs than many terrier breeds. Their happy, bouncy energy remains well into adulthood, and they approach life with an infectious enthusiasm that brightens any household. Pros Single coat sheds minimally — more suitable for allergy-sensitive householdsFriendly and exuberant — loves people and gets along with children and other dogsLess aggressive and territorial than many other terrier breedsVersatile and athletic — enjoys agility, hiking, and active family life Cons Coat requires daily brushing and regular professional grooming to prevent mattingProne to protein-losing nephropathy and protein-losing enteropathy — serious breed-specific conditionsJumping and exuberant greeting behavior can be difficult to manageCan be stubborn during training and requires patient, consistent methods The Wheaten Terrier's joyful spirit and soft golden coat are hard to resist — discover available Wheatens on Puplister.

Related Articles

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key traits of a American Pit Bull Terrier?
The American Pit Bull Terrier is known for being affectionate, energetic, confident and loyal.
How many American Pit Bull Terriers are available for adoption?
There are currently 687 American Pit Bull Terriers available for adoption on Puplister. Browse the listings above to find your perfect match.
How do I adopt a American Pit Bull Terrier from Puplister?
To adopt a American Pit Bull Terrier, browse the available listings on this page, click on a pet you're interested in, and contact the shelter directly through their profile page.