ABKC Pitbulls Breeding

The American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) is a registry that promotes and protects purebred dog breeds, including the American Bully, which is often confused with the American Pit Bull Terrier. While the ABKC does not specifically register American Pit Bull Terriers, it focuses on the American Bully breed, which shares some characteristics with the Pit Bull but is distinct in several ways.

Breed Characteristics

American Pit Bull Terrier:

  • History and Purpose: The American Pit Bull Terrier has been around for over 150 years. Originally bred in England, Ireland, and Scotland during the nineteenth century, this breed was designed to be a physically active, agile, and tenacious dog with great power and athleticism. It was used as a gladiator, catch dog, hunter, cattle driver, and loyal family companion.
  • Physical Traits: The breed is medium-sized with a solid build, short and smooth coat, well-defined musculature without being overly bulky or fine-boned. The body is slightly longer than it is tall.
  • Temperament: Highly intelligent and confident with a zest for life. Known for its love of children but exhibits some level of dog aggression; hence socialization and obedience training are crucial.
  • Head: Chiseled and large with a brick-like shape. Medium-length muzzle broad in width.
  • Neck: Muscular and moderate in length.

American Bully:

  • History and Purpose: The American Bully was developed as a companion breed exhibiting confidence and an exuberant willingness to please. Despite its fierce appearance, it has a gentle demeanor.
  • Physical Traits: Compact medium/large size with a muscular body and blocky head. Heavy bone structure with a bulky build.
  • Temperament: Excellent family companion known for being great with kids and extremely friendly with strangers, other dogs, and animals. Human or dog aggression is highly undesirable.
  • Head: Heavy, large, broad head exemplifying breed type. Short-medium length muzzle broad in width.

Breeding Standards

American Pit Bull Terrier:

  • Breeding should maintain true athletic roots without any deviation that impairs physical or working ability.
  • Characteristics indicating impurity or crossing of other breeds are not tolerated.
  • Disqualifications include viciousness or extreme shyness.

American Bully:

  • Should give an impression of great strength for its size.
  • Must have heavy bone structure with a bulky build.
  • Disqualifications include human or dog aggression, extreme shyness, or viciousness.

Key Considerations for Breeders

  1. Health Screening:

    • Both breeds require health screening to avoid genetic disorders common within their lines such as hip dysplasia or cardiac issues.

  2. Socialization:

    • Early socialization is crucial to ensure that both breeds grow up to be well-rounded dogs.

  3. Obedience Training:

    • Given their strength and potential for dog aggression (especially in American Pit Bull Terriers), obedience training from an early age is essential.

  4. Ethical Breeding Practices:

    • Breeders should adhere to ethical practices by ensuring that dogs are bred responsibly without compromising their health or temperament.

  5. Registry Compliance:

    • For those breeding American Bullies under ABKC guidelines, compliance with registry standards ensures recognition of purebred status.