Checklist: When is a pit bull a 'menacing dog'?
A Pit Bull is not a breed, it’s a type, just like a hound, shepherd or retriever.
The Dog Control Act (1996) automatically classifies four breeds (Brazilian Fila, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa and Perro de Presa Canario) and one type (American Pit Bull Terrier) as menacing dogs, no matter how they behave individually.
This guide will help you to identify whether a dog is wholly or mainly a pit bull breed type, automatically classing it as menacing, or whether it doesn’t have enough pit bull characteristics to be classified as menacing.
This information is provided as a guide only. It is not a substitute for an official Auckland Council Pit Bull Type Breed Assessment, which can only be carried out by an authorised Animal Management Officer. Contact Auckland Council on 0800 462 685 if you would like to have a dog assessed.
Head
The head of a pit bull is large and broad, but not out of proportion to the body. It is shaped like a broad, blunt wedge. Seen from the side, the skull and muzzle line up and join in a well defined, moderately deep angle down the skull to the nose near the eyes.
Head Shape
The skull is large, flat or slightly rounded, deep, and broad between the ears. Viewed from the top, the skull tapers down towards the brow. There is a deep furrow in the middle of the skull from the brow to the back of the skull. Cheek muscles stand out but don’t have wrinkles.
Muzzle
The muzzle is broad and deep with a very slight taper from the brow to the nose, and a slight dip under the eyes. The length of muzzle is shorter than the length of skull, with a ratio of about 2:3. The top of the muzzle is straight. The lower jaw is well developed, wide and deep. Lips are clean and tight.
Teeth
The pit bull has a complete set of evenly spaced, white teeth meeting in a scissors bite.
Eyes
Eyes are small to medium in size and round to almond-shaped, set well apart and low on the skull.
Ears
Ears are small to medium in size, set high on the skull in a half prick or rose type.
Nose
Body
Forequarters
Hindquarters
Back
Chest and neck
Coat
• Black or Black/white
• Black/tan
• Chocolate or Chocolate/White
• Red
• Tan or Tan/White
• Sable
• Brindle Light/Dark
• White or Cream
Patch or Tri-colour
Tail
Weight
Height
Around 42 -52cms.
Pit bulls are fully matured temperamentally and physically at around three years of age.
Pit bull temperament
Excitability - chattering teeth and high screaming type noises may show a pit bull is happy, excited, or anticipating, or may mean they are scared, anxious or nervous.
THESE ARE NOT PIT BULLS
English Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Bull Terrier
American Bulldog
