How to Identify a Pit Bull

By eHow Pets Editor

Instructions

Step 1:
Look for a blocky head. American pit bulls have broad skulls with muscular cheeks. Their round, dark eyes are set far apart. The American pit bull's jaw is very strong and well-defined, and the pit bull's nose is always black.
Step 2:
Examine the dog's chest. The American pit bull's chest is very broad and deep. Its shoulders are muscular and strong, and the ribs are very close together.
Step 3:
Check the dog's tail. The American pit bull's tail is shorter than you would expect for their body. They do not curl up over the back. They sit low on the dog's body.
Step 4:
Measure the dog. A male American pit bull is 18 to 19 inches at the shoulder. A female pit bull is 17 to 18 inches at the shoulder. Males weigh 35 to 60 lbs. Females weigh 30 to 50 lbs. They are stocky dogs but should still look graceful and have great agility. Their front legs are very straight. Their back legs are very muscular, and do not turn in or out.

Tips & Warnings

American pit bulls, despite claims to the contrary by some owners, are documented to be aggressive animals that are more prone to attacking than most other dogs. Do not approach an unfamiliar dog that you believe to be an American pit bull.

More Puppy Pages

How to Identify a Beagle

Instructions Step 1: Check the dog's head and muzzle. A beagle's head is long with a square medium-length muzzle. Step 2: Pull the dog's ears gently forward. A beagle's ears should almost reach the end of it's nose. Step 3: Check that the chest is broad...

Instructions Step 1: Look for the bold dark red body with white markings of the Hereford cattle. The white markings may be on the face, chest, underside, ankles and end of tail. Hereford cattle are not a reddish brown but a deep rich colored red. Step 2...

Instructions Step 1: Examine the overall appearance of the dog. American Bulldogs are about 22 to 26 inches in height and weigh between 80 and 120 lbs. They are strong and muscular. Their head is large and powerful. Step 2: Look at some of the...

Instructions Step 1: Observe the dog's overall appearance. An adult dog will weigh between 75 to 85 lbs. and stand about 25 inches at the shoulders. The dog's shoulders and chests are well developed. Step 2: Look at the dog's face. Alaskan Malamutes have...

Instructions Step 1: Feel the coat of the dog. The skin should be loose and the coat soft, shiny and glossy. The skin on the head and shoulders should be wrinkled and the area below the mouth to the chest should have two pronounced folds. Step 2: Watch...