(a) History. Sometime during the nineteenth century, dog fanciers in England, Ireland, and Scotland began to experiment with crosses between Bulldogs and Terriers, looking for a dog that combined the gameness of the Terrier with the strength and athleticism of the Bulldog. The result was a dog that embodied all of the virtues attributed to great warriors: strength, indomitable courage, and gentleness with loved ones. Immigrants brought these Bull and Terrier crosses to the United States. The American Pit Bull Terrier’s many talents did not go unnoticed by farmers and ranchers who used their APBTs for protection, as catch dogs for semi-wild cattle and hogs, to hunt, to drive livestock, and as family companions. Today, the American Pit Bull Terrier continues to demonstrate its versatility, competing successfully in obedience, tracking, agility, protection, and weight pulls, as well as conformation. The United Kennel Club was the first registry to recognize the American Pit Bull Terrier. U.K.C. founder C. Z. Bennett assigned U.K.C. Registration No. 1 to his own APBT, Bennett’s Ring, in 1898.

(b) General Appearance. The American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized, solidly built, short-coated dog with smooth, well-defined musculature. This breed is both powerful and athletic. The body is just slightly longer than tall, but bitches may be somewhat longer in body than dogs. The length of the front leg (measured from point of elbow to the ground) is approximately equal to one-half of the dog’s height at the withers. The head is of medium length, with a broad, flat skull, and a wide, deep muzzle. Ears are small to medium in size, high-set, and may be natural or cropped. The relatively short tail is set low, thick at the base and tapers to a point. The American Pit Bull Terrier comes in all colors and color patterns. This breed combines strength and athleticism with grace and agility and should never appear bulky or muscle-bound or fine-boned and rangy.

(c) Characteristics. The essential characteristics of the American Pit Bull Terrier are strength, confidence, and zest for life. This breed is eager to please and brimming over with enthusiasm. APBTs make excellent family companions and have always been noted for their love of children.

Because most APBTs exhibit some level of dog aggression and because of its powerful physique, the APBT requires an owner who will carefully socialize and obedience train the dog. The breed’s natural agility makes it one of the most capable canine climbers, so good fencing is a must for this breed. The APBT is not the best choice for a guard dog since they are extremely friendly, even with strangers. Aggressive behavior toward humans is uncharacteristic of the breed and highly undesirable. This breed does very well in performance events because of its high level of intelligence and its willingness to work.

The American Pit Bull Terrier has always been capable of doing a wide variety of jobs, so exaggerations or faults should be penalized in proportion to how much they interfere with the dog’s versatility.

(d) Head. The APBT head is unique and a key element of breed type. It is large and broad, giving the impression of great power, but it is not disproportionate to the size of the body. Viewed from the front, the head is shaped like a broad, blunt wedge. When viewed from the side, the skull and muzzle are parallel to one another and joined by a well-defined, moderately deep stop. Supraorbital arches over the eyes are well-defined but not pronounced. The head is well-chiseled, blending strength, elegance, and character.

(e) Skull. The skull is large, flat or slightly rounded, deep, and broad between the ears. Viewed from the top, the skull tapers just slightly toward the stop. There is a deep median furrow that diminishes in depth from the stop to the occiput. Cheek muscles are prominent but free of wrinkles. When the dog is concentrating, wrinkles form on the forehead, which give the APBT his unique expression.

(f) Muzzle. The muzzle is broad and deep with a very slight taper from the stop to the nose, and a slight falling away under the eyes. The length of muzzle is shorter than the length of skull, with a ratio of approximately two to three. The topline of the muzzle is straight. The lower jaw is well-developed, wide and deep. Lips are clean and tight. Faults: Snipey muzzle; flews; weak lower jaw.

(g) Teeth. The American Pit Bull Terrier has a complete set of evenly spaced, white teeth meeting in a scissors bite. Fault: Level bite. Serious Faults: Undershot or overshot bite; wry mouth; missing teeth (this does not apply to teeth that have been lost or removed by a veterinarian).

(h) Nose. The nose is large with wide, open nostrils. The nose may be any color.

(i) Eyes. Eyes are medium size, round- to almond-shaped, and set well apart and low on the skull. All colors are equally acceptable except blue, which is a serious fault. Haw should not be visible. Serious Faults: Bulging eyes; both eyes not matched in color; blue eyes.

(j) Ears. Ears are high-set and may be natural or cropped without preference. If natural, semi-prick or rose are preferred. Prick or flat, wide ears are not desired.

(k) Neck. The neck is of moderate length and muscular. There is a slight arch at the crest. The neck widens gradually from where it joins the skull to where it blends into well laid- back shoulders. The skin on the neck is tight and without dewlap. Faults: Neck too short and thick; thin or weak neck; ewe neck; dewlap.

(l) 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 joins it at an apparent right angle.

The forelegs are strong and muscular. The elbows are set close to the body. Viewed from the front, the forelegs are set moderately wide apart and perpendicular to the ground. The pasterns are short, powerful, straight, and flexible. When viewed in profile, the pasterns are nearly erect.

(m) Body. The chest is deep, well filled in, and moderately wide with ample room for heart and lungs, but the chest should never be wider than it is deep. The forechest does not extend much beyond the point of shoulder. The ribs extend well back and are well-sprung from the spine, then flattening to form a deep body extending to the elbows. The back is strong and firm. The topline inclines very slightly downward 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 and with a moderate tuck-up. The croup is slightly sloping downward.

(n) Hindquarters. The hindquarters are strong, muscular, and moderately broad. The rump is well filled in on each side of the tail and deep from the pelvis to the crotch. The bone, angulation, and musculature of the hindquarters are in balance with the forequarters. The thighs are well-developed with thick, easily discerned muscles. Viewed from the side, the hock joint is well-bent and the rear pasterns are well let down and perpendicular to the ground. Viewed from the rear, the rear pasterns are straight and parallel to one another. Faults: Narrow hindquarters; hindquarters shallow from pelvis to crotch; lack of muscle; straight or over angulated stifle joint; cow hocks; sickle hocks; bowed legs.

(o) Feet. The feet are round, proportionate to the size of the dog, well-arched, and tight. Pads are hard, tough, and well-cushioned. Dewclaws may be removed. Fault: Splayed feet.

(p) Tail. The tail is set on as a natural extension of the topline, and tapers to a point. When the dog is relaxed, the tail is carried low and extends approximately to the hock. When the dog is moving, the tail is carried level with the backline. When the dog is excited, the tail may be carried in a raised, upright position (challenge tail), but never curled over the back (gay tail).

(q) Coat. The coat is glossy and smooth, close, and moderately stiff to the touch. Faults: Curly, wavy, or sparse coat. Disqualification: Long coat.

(r) Color. Any color, color pattern, or combination of colors is acceptable.

(s) Height and Weight. The American Pit Bull Terrier must be both powerful and agile so actual weight and height are less important than the correct proportion of weight to height. Desirable weight for a mature male in good condition is between 35 and 60 pounds. Desirable weight for a mature female in good condition is between 30 and 50 pounds. Dogs over these weights are not to be penalized unless they are disproportionately massive or rangy.

(t) Gait. The American Pit Bull Terrier moves with a jaunty, confident attitude, conveying the impression that he expects any minute to see something new and exciting. When trotting, the gait is effortless, smooth, powerful, and well-coordinated, showing good reach in front and drive behind. When moving, the backline remains level with only a slight flexing to indicate suppleness. Viewed from any position, legs turn neither in nor out, nor do feet cross or interfere with each other. As speed increases, feet tend to converge toward center line of balance. Faults: Legs not moving on the same plane; legs over reaching; legs crossing over in front or rear; rear legs moving too close or touching; rolling; pacing; paddling; sidewinding; hackney action; pounding.

(u) Disqualifications. Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Unilateral or bilateral deafness. Bobbed tail. Albinism.

(v) Note. Although some level of dog aggression is characteristic of this breed, handlers will be expected to comply with U.K.C. policy regarding dog temperament at U.K.C. events.

(a) History. The Rottweiler was known as the “butcher dog of Rottweil,” a title earned by driving cattle to market over the Alps in the Roman times. The breed was developed from the mastiff type of dog used for herding and guarding. In recent years the breed’s popularity has increased in America as the dogs are being used for police work, tracking, obedience competition and as a brave family pet. The Rottweiler was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1950.

(b) General Appearance. The Rottweiler is an above average-size dog. It is black with brown markings; with small pendant ears and a short cropped tail. It is a powerfully built dog, giving the impression of strength, courage and agility.

(c) Characteristics. Brave, powerful, faithful and a good guard dog. Strong willed.

(d) Head and Skull. The head is of medium length. Between the ears the skull is broad. Viewed from the side the forehead line is moderately arched. The skin on the head should not be loose although it is allowed to form moderate wrinkles when the dog is attentive. The muzzle is fairly deep; with a level topline. The length of the muzzle is not longer than the length from stop to occiput; the desired ratio of backskull to muzzle is three to two. The flews are black and firm; they fall gradually away and towards the corners of the mouth, which do not protrude excessively. Serious Fault: Total lack of mouth pigment.

(e) Eyes. The almond-shaped eyes are medium-sized and moderately deep-set. They are dark brown in color. The eyelids are well-fitting. Serious Faults: Yellow eyes. Eyes of different color or size. Hairless eye rim.

(f) Ears. The medium-sized ears are triangular pendants, set high and wide apart on the head, lying flat with the inner edge against the head; ending at about mid-cheek.

(g) Teeth. A full complement of strong, white teeth meet in a scissors bite. The incisors of the lower jaw must touch the inner surface of the upper incisors.

(h) Nose. The nose is broad and black in color.

(i) Neck. The powerful, well-muscled, moderately long neck is slightly arched and free from throatiness.

(j) Forequarters. The long shoulder blades are well laid back. The upper arm is equal in length to that of the shoulder blade.

(k) Forelegs. The strongly developed, muscular legs have straight, heavy bone. The elbows are set well under the body. The pasterns are strong and springy and set almost perpendicular to the ground.

(l) Body. The chest should be roomy, broad and deep; ribs well-sprung. The depth of the brisket will be about 50 percent of the shoulder height. The back should be straight and strong and not too long. Ratio of shoulder height to length of body is nine to 10. The loins are short, deep and strong; the flanks should not be tucked up. The croup should be slightly sloping and broad. The distance from the withers to the elbow is the same as the distance from the elbow to the ground.

(m) Hindquarters. The angulation of the hindquarters is balanced with that of the forequarters.

(n) Hind Legs. When viewed from the rear, the hind legs are straight and wide enough to accommodate the body width. The well-muscled, fairly long upper thigh is very broad. The lower thigh is also well-muscled and is long, broad and powerful. The stifles are well-bent. The angular hocks are without exaggeration and completely vertical. The rear pasterns are nearly perpendicular to the ground.

(o) Feet. The feet are strong, round and compact, with well-arched toes. The hind feet are somewhat longer than the front. The pads are hard and thick. The toenails are short, strong and black. Front dewclaws may be removed; rear dewclaws are removed.

(p) Tail. The tail is docked at the first or second vertebra. It is carried horizontally, giving the impression that it is an extension of the topline. It may be carried slightly above the topline when the dog is excited.

(q) Height. Height should always be considered in relation to the general appearance of the dog and within the accepted range. Measured at the withers, adult males are 24 inches to 27 inches; adult females are 22 inches to 25 inches. The preferred size is mid-range.

(r) Coat. Consists of a top coat and undercoat. The outer coat should be of medium length, coarse and flat. The undercoat, which is essential on the neck and thighs, should not show through the outer coat. The hair may be a little longer on breechings. It is shortest on the head, ears and legs.

(s) Color. The Rottweiler is black with clearly defined markings on the cheeks, muzzle, chest, and legs as well as over both eyes and the area beneath the tail. The markings range in color from a rich tan to mahogany brown and do not exceed 10 percent of the total body color. The undercoat may be gray, tan or black. Serious Faults: Straw-colored. White markings anywhere on the dog. Disqualification: Albinism.

(t) Gait. The Rottweiler’s natural gait is a trot. Movement conveys an impression of suppleness, endurance and purpose. The back remains firm and stable; there is a powerful hind thrust and good stride. Movement should be unrestricted, harmonious and positive. As speed increases, the dog single tracks.

(u) Disqualification. Extreme viciousness or shyness. Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Entropionism. Ectropionism. Two or more missing teeth. Overshot. Undershot. Wry mouth. Base color other than black. Absence of all markings. Albinism. Long coat.