OFFICIAL BREED STANDARD

AMERICAN PIT BULL TERRIER

Country of origin: United States of America
Historical origins: Great Britain, Ireland and Scotland; subsequent selective development in the United States
Utilization: Bull-Type dog, work, sport, performance, canine activities and companionship
WDF Classification: Group 4 – Bull Type Dogs

OFFICIAL WDF VARIETIES

Classic
Sport Type
Exotic

1. FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE OF THE STANDARD

The American Pit Bull Terrier constitutes one single breed.

The World Dog Federation recognizes two morpho-functional models:

CLASSIC

A more compact, fuller and morphologically substantial type, while retaining athleticism, agility and functionality.

SPORT TYPE

A type built more specifically according to performance biomechanics, in which weight-to-height ratio, skeletal leverage, muscular elasticity and respiratory capacity are of particular importance.

EXOTIC

It does not constitute a third anatomical model.

It identifies exclusively a:

Classic – Exotic

or:

Sport Type – Exotic

subject whose difference from the corresponding morphological variety is exclusively chromatic.

2. GENERAL IMPRESSION

The American Pit Bull Terrier should immediately appear:

• powerful;
• athletic;
• muscular;
• self-confident;
• agile;
• functional.

It must never resemble a dog selected solely for body mass.

Musculature should be evident but functional.

A correct subject must be capable of:

• accelerating;
• changing direction;
• pushing;
• pulling;
• jumping;
• sustaining prolonged activity;
• breathing freely during exertion.

3. GENERAL DIFFERENCE CLASSIC / SPORT TYPE

CLASSIC

The Classic presents:

• a moderately fuller structure;
• a broader skull;
• a slightly shorter muzzle than the Sport Type, but never brachycephalic;
• a fuller chest;
• more substantial bone;
• more evident muscle masses;
• a slightly more compact construction.

It must nevertheless retain agility.

SPORT TYPE

The Sport Type presents:

• a drier silhouette;
• a higher height-to-weight ratio;
• a construction tending toward the square;
• relatively more functional and dry limbs;
• longer posterior levers;
• long and deep rather than globular musculature;
• an elliptical and particularly efficient chest;
• a greater impression of elasticity.

4. GENERAL PROPORTIONS – CLASSIC

In the Classic, the body is slightly longer than the height at the withers.

In females this characteristic may be slightly more evident.

The distance from elbow to ground should correspond approximately to:

1/2 of the height at the withers.

A construction excessively low on the legs is incompatible with type.

Weight must be correctly distributed between forequarters and hindquarters.

5. GENERAL PROPORTIONS – SPORT TYPE

Viewed from the side, the Sport Type tends toward a square format.

The indicative distance:

shoulder → hip

should closely correspond to the distance:

shoulder → ground.

In sport selection, the height-to-weight ratio is of particular importance:

at equal weight, the more athletic and relatively taller subject is preferred, provided it remains perfectly proportioned.

6. HEAD – GENERAL PRINCIPLE

The head is one of the most important identifying features of the breed.

It must be:

• powerful;
• proportionate;
• well chiselled;
• functional.

It must not become a mass disproportionate to the body.

An oversized head adds useless weight and reduces athletic efficiency.

7. HEAD – CLASSIC

The Classic head is:

broad, powerful and relatively compact.

Viewed from the front

It should present a broad, blunt wedge, not a pointed shape.

Viewed from the side

The skull and upper line of the muzzle should be essentially parallel.

Viewed from above

The skull is broad and tapers only moderately toward the stop.

The head should appear:

• broad;
• deep;
• strong;
• yet proportionate to the body.

8. HEAD – SPORT TYPE

In the Sport Type the head follows a different geometry.

Viewed from above

Wedge-shaped.

Viewed from the side

Wedge-shaped.

Viewed from the front

Rounded.

The width of the head viewed from the front should be approximately:

2/3 of shoulder width.

Head size must always be proportionate to the body.

9. SKULL/MUZZLE RATIO – CLASSIC

In the Classic:

muzzle : skull ≈ 2 : 3

The muzzle is therefore shorter than the cranial region.

However, it must not become:

• short;
• flattened;
• brachycephalic.

Respiratory capacity must remain complete.

10. SKULL/MUZZLE RATIO – SPORT TYPE

In the Sport Type the head is more longitudinally balanced.

The distance:

nose → stop

should be approximately equivalent to the distance:

stop → rear of the head.

Indicative ratio:

1 : 1

between the facial segment and the posterior head segment.

11. SKULL – CLASSIC

The skull should be:

• broad;
• deep;
• flat or slightly rounded;
• wide between the ears.

Viewed from above, the cranial box tapers moderately toward the stop.

A median furrow is present and tends to fade from the stop toward the occiput.

Cheek musculature is evident but must not produce permanent wrinkles.

12. SKULL – SPORT TYPE

In the Sport Type the skull must maintain the overall wedge shape without becoming narrow.

There must be sufficient:

• depth;
• width;
• skeletal support.

The head must be deep from the top of the skull to the lower jaw.

The suborbital region should be well filled, providing structural support for the upper dentition.

13. CHEEKS – CLASSIC

Masseter musculature:

• evident;
• powerful;
• full.

The cheeks must not turn the head into a globular block.

Permanent folds are undesirable.

14. CHEEKS – SPORT TYPE

The cheeks are particularly important in Sport Type geometry.

Indicatively, they should be about:

25% wider than the neck at the base of the skull.

Musculature should be:

• long;
• functional;
• defined.

Not artificially swollen.

15. STOP – CLASSIC

The stop is:

well defined and moderately deep.

It must not be:

• extremely vertical;
• excessively deep;
• brachycephalic in appearance.

Skull and muzzle maintain substantially parallel axes.

16. STOP – SPORT TYPE

In the Sport Type the stop acts as the central point of the longitudinal proportions of the head.

It must not abruptly break the profile.

The stop-to-nose and stop-to-rear-of-skull distances should be substantially equivalent.

17. MUZZLE – CLASSIC

Muzzle:

• broad;
• deep;
• powerful;
• slightly tapering toward the nose.

The upper line should be straight.

There is a slight reduction in volume beneath the eyes.

The lower jaw must be:

• broad;
• deep;
• strong.

18. MUZZLE – SPORT TYPE

The Sport Type muzzle is:

• straight;
• well developed;
• substantially box-like;
• functional.

It must not appear:

• pointed;
• weak;
• short.

The nasal bridge must be sufficiently developed.

The area beneath the eyes must have adequate fill to support the dental structure and upper canines.

19. LIPS – CLASSIC

Clean.

Tight.

Close fitting.

Pronounced pendulous lips are not permitted.

Heavy lips would interfere with correct mouth function.

20. LIPS – SPORT TYPE

They should be:

particularly tight and dry.

In the sport type, heaviness of soft tissue is not desirable.

21. NOSE – CLASSIC

Large.

Well developed.

Nostrils:

• broad;
• open.

All genetically coherent pigmentations are permitted.

22. NOSE – SPORT TYPE

The nasal bridge must be well developed.

Nostrils particularly:

• open;
• broad;
• functional.

The respiratory apparatus must support intense and prolonged physical activity.

Colour does not determine morphological value.

23. JAWS

In both varieties:

• robust upper jaw;
• deep lower jaw;
• sufficiently broad lower jaw.

Ideal bite:

scissor bite.

24. DENTITION – CLASSIC

Complete and regular dentition.

Teeth:

• white;
• strong;
• evenly distributed.

Overshot bite, undershot bite and mandibular deviations are serious faults.

25. DENTITION – SPORT TYPE

The incisors should meet in a scissor bite.

Canines should be:

• broad at the base;
• progressively tapering;
• firmly set.

Upper canines should fit closely behind the lower canines when the mouth is closed.

Dentition must be healthy and functional.

26. EYES – CLASSIC

Medium sized.

Tending toward round.

Well spaced.

Set relatively low in the skull.

They must not be:

• protruding;
• globular;
• too shallow set.

In the WDF model, eye colours genetically coherent with coat colour are permitted.

27. EYES – SPORT TYPE

The eyes are one of the most visible differences.

They should be:

• small;
• deeply set.

Viewed from the front

Elliptical.

Viewed from the side

Tending toward triangular.

This conformation provides greater anatomical protection.

28. EARS – CLASSIC

Small to medium sized.

High set.

Permitted:

• natural;
• rose;
• semi-prick.

Not preferred are ears that are:

• very broad;
• fully pendant;
• heavy.

29. EARS – SPORT TYPE

Set high on the head.

Preferably:

rose.

They should contribute to keeping the head light and functional.

No morphological advantage should derive from ear cropping.

National legislation always prevails regarding cropping.

30. NECK – CLASSIC

Moderate length.

Strongly muscled.

Slightly arched on the upper side.

Progressively broader toward the shoulders.

Skin close fitting.

The neck must not be:

• short and stifled;
• extremely thick;
• weak.

31. NECK – SPORT TYPE

Longer in overall impression than in the Classic.

It should be:

• strongly muscled to the base of the skull;
• dry;
• sufficiently long.

With the head carried naturally, approximately 2/3 of the head should emerge above the topline.

32. SHOULDERS – CLASSIC

Scapulae:

• long;
• broad;
• muscular;
• well laid back.

The humerus should be approximately equal in length to the scapula.

The apparent scapulo-humeral angle approaches:

90°.

33. SHOULDERS – SPORT TYPE

The shoulders should be slightly wider than the rib cage at the level of the eighth rib.

Scapula:

• broad;
• flat;
• well laid back.

Indicative angle to the ground:

45° or less.

This provides adequate surface for functional muscular attachment.

34. HUMERUS – CLASSIC

Approximately equal in length to the scapula.

It must correctly position the elbow beneath the body.

Insufficient humerus length reduces:

• reach;
• balance;
• movement efficiency.

35. HUMERUS – SPORT TYPE

The humerus should be oriented opposite the scapula with an indicative angle close to:

45°.

It should be long enough to bring the elbow to the level of the lower rib cage.

The combined scapula-humerus geometry determines:

• elasticity;
• impact absorption;
• efficient forward motion.

36. ELBOWS – CLASSIC

Close to the body.

Neither:

• turned out;
• excessively turned in.

They should move parallel.

37. ELBOWS – SPORT TYPE

Particularly close to the thoracic wall.

They should maintain movement on the same plane as the limb.

Correct elbow position is essential to transfer forequarter force without lateral dispersion.

38. FOREARM – CLASSIC

Strong.

Muscular.

Perpendicular to the ground.

Bone:

• substantial;
• but not excessive.

39. FOREARM – SPORT TYPE

The forearm should be slightly longer than the humerus.

Its structure must be strong.

As an indicative reference, forearm thickness is approximately twice the thickness of the metatarsus at hock level.

This creates the typical functional contrast:

robust forequarters / lighter and more elastic hindquarters.

40. METACARPUS – CLASSIC

Short.

Powerful.

Flexible.

Viewed from the side, almost vertical.

41. METACARPUS – SPORT TYPE

It must have sufficient elasticity to absorb impact and return energy.

The dog should appear high on the toes, not collapsed through the pasterns.

42. FEET – CLASSIC

Round.

Proportionate.

Well arched.

Compact.

Pads:

• robust;
• thick;
• well cushioned.

43. FEET – SPORT TYPE

Smaller and tighter.

Toes:

• high;
• close;
• strongly arched.

Pads:

• thick;
• well developed.

This configuration favours:

• traction;
• elasticity;
• changes of direction.

44. CHEST – CLASSIC

Deep.

Well filled.

Moderately broad.

It must provide abundant space for:

• heart;
• lungs.

Chest width must not exceed depth to an exaggerated degree.

The ribs extend well backward and are well sprung dorsally.

45. CHEST – SPORT TYPE

The chest is:

• deep;
• elliptical;
• relatively narrow inferiorly.

The prosternum should be evident.

Viewed from the side, the bottom of the rib cage should reach at least elbow level.

The ribs:

• are well sprung dorsally;
• progressively narrow inferiorly;
• extend well backward toward the loin.

This shape increases expansion and contraction capacity during respiration.

46. BACK – CLASSIC

Strong.

Compact.

Stable.

The topline descends only slightly from the withers.

The loin is:

• short;
• muscular;
• slightly arched.

47. BACK AND LOIN – SPORT TYPE

The back should be short and strong.

The loin should be:

• sufficiently broad;
• sufficiently long to complete the square format;
• flexible.

A loin that is too short reduces elasticity.

A loin that is too long adds weight and reduces speed and agility.

48. PELVIS – CLASSIC

Muscular.

Moderately inclined.

It should harmonize with the hindquarters without producing an excessively sloping croup.

49. PELVIS – SPORT TYPE

The pelvis is a fundamental element of propulsion.

It should be:

• long;
• inclined;
• sufficiently broad.

Ideal indicative angle to the ground:

approximately 30°.

A short or flat croup limits rear leverage.

50. THIGH – CLASSIC

Well developed.

Muscle mass:

• evident;
• powerful;
• balanced.

Not globular or disproportionate.

51. THIGH – SPORT TYPE

Musculature should be long and deep.

Muscle insertions should extend broadly beyond the joint, producing muscles that are:

• smooth;
• long;
• defined.

They should not be short and bunched.

This is one of the central features of athletic construction.

52. FEMUR – SPORT TYPE

The femur should be long enough to place the stifle indicatively in the:

upper third of the hindquarter assembly.

The geometry should permit correct leverage.

53. TIBIA/FIBULA – SPORT TYPE

The tibia-fibula forms the longest bone segment of the hindquarter assembly in the sport model.

This greater length favours:

• leverage;
• acceleration;
• elasticity;
• extension.

54. STIFLE

Classic

Well angulated and stable.

Sport Type

Clearly angulated, but not excessive.

Angulation derives from the correct relationship between:

• femur;
• tibia;
• muscle insertions.

A stifle that is too straight reduces propulsive capacity.

55. HOCK – CLASSIC

Well bent.

Relatively low.

Metatarsi:

• perpendicular;
• parallel.

56. HOCK – SPORT TYPE

The lower segment of the hindquarters should appear:

• relatively fine;
• light;
• elastic.

Metatarsi of moderate length.

Hocks parallel in movement.

The greater lightness of the distal hindquarter reduces inertia and favours acceleration and agility.

57. TAIL – CLASSIC

Set as a natural continuation of the topline.

Thick at the base.

Gradually tapering.

At rest it reaches approximately to the hock.

In movement it may rise to the level of the topline.

It must not curl over the back.

58. TAIL – SPORT TYPE

Set relatively low, consistent with the long and inclined pelvis.

Thick at the base.

Progressively tapering.

It should reach approximately to the point of the hock.

At rest it assumes the characteristic slightly downward-curved pump-handle shape.

59. SKIN – CLASSIC

Close fitting.

Free from permanent wrinkles.

Moderately thick.

60. SKIN – SPORT TYPE

Thicker in the:

• cervical;
• thoracic

regions.

It may show slightly greater local mobility.

On the rest of the body it should be close fitting.

61. COAT

For both varieties:

• short;
• compact;
• close fitting;
• glossy;
• moderately harsh.

Coat shine should be associated with good general condition.

Incorrect:

• long coat;
• woolly coat;
• curly coat;
• very sparse coat.

62. CLASSIC DIMENSIONS

MALES

Indicative height: 45.7–53 cm
Desirable weight: 16–27 kg

FEMALES

Indicative height: 43–50.8 cm
Desirable weight: 14–23 kg

Weight-to-height proportion is more important than the absolute measurement.

63. SPORT TYPE DIMENSIONS

Priority is given to the relationship:

height / weight / functionality.

Ideal show weight in athletic condition is indicatively between:

30 and 75 lb, approximately 13.6–34 kg.

The WDF may maintain as its ordinary preferred sport range:

13–25 kg

without using weight as a rigid limit.

A heavier dog may be correct if:

• athletic;
• proportionate;
• dry;
• functional.

64. SPORT TYPE BODY CONDITION

The adult subject should be presented in true athletic condition.

Desirable:

• defined muscles;
• dry abdomen;
• slight perception of the ribs;
• visible structure without emaciation.

Hip prominences should not be pathologically visible.

The goal is a trained dog, not an undernourished one.

65. MOVEMENT – CLASSIC

At the trot:

• free;
• fluid;
• powerful;
• coordinated.

Good forward reach.

Good rear propulsion.

The topline remains stable.

As speed increases, the limbs naturally converge toward the median line.

66. MOVEMENT – SPORT TYPE

Movement should demonstrate:

• elasticity;
• power;
• balance;
• speed.

Correct movement derives from the balance between:

• scapula;
• humerus;
• pelvis;
• femur;
• tibia;
• hock.

The hindquarters should function as an elastic lever system, not as a rigid muscle mass.

67. CLASSIC – MORPHOLOGICAL SUMMARY

The Classic should show:

head: broad, blunt wedge frontally
skull: broad and flat/moderately rounded
muzzle: broad and deep, approximately 2/3 of cranial length
stop: defined and moderate
eyes: medium, relatively round, low set and well spaced
neck: moderate and very muscular
chest: deep and moderately broad
bone: substantial but proportionate
musculature: powerful and defined
body: slightly longer than tall
movement: powerful but agile.

68. SPORT TYPE – MORPHOLOGICAL SUMMARY

The Sport Type should show:

head: wedge-shaped from above and from the side, rounded frontally
head width: approximately 2/3 of shoulder width
head proportion: nose-stop ≈ stop-rear of skull
eyes: small, deep, elliptical frontally and triangular laterally
neck: long and strongly muscled
scapula: approximately 45° or less to the ground
humerus: angled in the opposite direction, approximately 45°
forearm: slightly longer than the humerus
chest: deep and elliptical
pelvis: long, broad, approximately 30°
musculature: long, deep and smooth
tibia: relatively long
hock: light, elastic and low
foot: small, tight and high on the toes
body: tending toward square.

69. EXOTIC – PRINCIPLE

Exotic does not alter any of the characteristics described above.

A:

Classic Exotic

must fully comply with the Classic parameters.

A:

Sport Type Exotic

must fully comply with the Sport Type parameters.

The only difference concerns:

colour and/or pattern.

70. EXOTIC COLOURS

Permitted include, among others:

• Blue;
• Blue Fawn;
• Lilac;
• Chocolate;
• Isabella;
• Merle;
• diluted combinations;
• genetically documentable colour combinations;
• other Exotic colours recognized by the WDF Registry.

71. MERLE – DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SOURCE STANDARDS AND WDF STANDARD

This point must be explicit.

The WDF adopts its own autonomous regulation.

The WDF:

recognizes Merle in the Exotic variety

but subjects it to precise genetic regulation.

72. ABSOLUTE PROHIBITION MERLE × MERLE

Without exception, the following is prohibited:

MERLE × MERLE

This includes:

• visible merle;
• minimal merle;
• genetically confirmed cryptic merle;
• any colour base;
• Classic;
• Sport Type.

The prohibition applies regardless of the visible intensity of the pattern.

73. GENETIC TESTING

Where there is phenotypic doubt regarding merle status, a specific genetic test must be carried out before breeding.

A merle subject may be mated only to a:

genetically compatible non-merle.

74. BLUE

Blue colour is permitted.

Nose, lips, eye rims, nails and pads may show genetically coherent diluted pigmentation.

Physiological dilution must not be confused with pathological depigmentation.

75. EXOTIC HEALTH

Colour must not take precedence over health selection.

An Exotic subject must meet the same requirements for:

• locomotor apparatus;
• respiratory capacity;
• temperament;
• structure;
• functionality

as the corresponding Classic or Sport Type.

76. CLASSIC FAULTS

To be penalized:

• excessively massive head;
• muzzle too short;
• pendulous lips;
• neck too short;
• chest too broad;
• excessive bone;
• legs too short;
• musculature that restricts movement.

77. SPORT TYPE FAULTS

To be penalized:

• head too large;
• heavy skull;
• short neck;
• long body;
• cylindrical chest;
• upright scapula;
• short humerus;
• open elbows;
• weak pasterns;
• short pelvis;
• straight stifle;
• short, globular hindquarter muscles;
• heavy hocks;
• open feet.

78. DISQUALIFYING FAULTS

The following must result in exclusion from evaluation:

• disabling structural deformities;
• excessively short limbs;
• chest interfering with movement;
• severe respiratory difficulty;
• severe mandibular deviation;
• locomotor incapacity;
• pathological dwarfism;
• screw tail;
• unilateral or bilateral cryptorchidism;
• clinically significant deafness;
• pathological albinism;
• uncontrolled aggression toward humans;
• extreme shyness.

79. ANTI-HYPERTYPE PRINCIPLE

The WDF establishes that no APBT may gain a morphological advantage through exaggeration incompatible with function.

The following must not be rewarded:

• excessive weight;
• gigantic head;
• disproportionate skull;
• brachycephalic muzzle;
• extremely broad chest;
• very short limbs;
• pathologically heavy bone;
• muscles so voluminous that they limit movement.

80. GENEALOGICAL REGISTRATION

Each subject must be registered distinguishing:

Breed: American Pit Bull Terrier
Morphological variety: Classic / Sport Type
Colour class: Traditional / Exotic
Colour: specific
Pattern: specific
Merle status: where applicable
Microchip
Parentage DNA
Genealogy
Health screening

81. OFFICIAL CLASSIFICATION FORMULA

Examples:

American Pit Bull Terrier – Classic – Red

American Pit Bull Terrier – Classic – Exotic – Blue

American Pit Bull Terrier – Sport Type – Black

American Pit Bull Terrier – Sport Type – Exotic – Merle

82. FINAL WORLD DOG FEDERATION PRINCIPLE

The American Pit Bull Terrier must remain, above all:

an athletic and functional dog.

The Classic expresses a fuller, more compact and more powerful construction according to the modern morphological model, without losing agility.

The Sport Type expresses a construction more directly oriented toward performance biomechanics: a more wedge-shaped head, body tending toward square, elliptical chest, long posterior levers, deep muscle insertions, elastic hindquarters and a favourable height-to-weight ratio.

The Exotic alters neither of these two models.

It defines exclusively a different chromatic expression.

The WDF also recognizes Blue, Merle and other Exotic colours, but:

MERLE × MERLE IS ALWAYS AND ABSOLUTELY PROHIBITED.

Selection of the American Pit Bull Terrier must preserve simultaneously:

breed type, athleticism, health, balanced temperament, biomechanics, genetics and genealogical traceability.