Not the real APBT!

“If I don’t have that… what kind of Pit Bull do I have?”

That’s a great question—and one that highlights the confusion around the word “Pit Bull.”

Here’s the truth:

The term “Pit Bull” has been misused and misunderstood for decades.

Many dogs labelled as “pit bulls” are actually mixed breeds or entirely different breeds like the American Bully, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or American Staffordshire Terrier.

And sometimes… they’re none of the above. Just strong-looking dogs with blocky heads that look the part.

Calling every muscular, short-haired dog a “pit bull” doesn’t make it one.

The real American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) has a very specific standard—driven, athletic, lean, and incredibly focused.

If your dog doesn’t meet that standard, it doesn’t make them less valuable. It just means they may not be a true APBT—and that’s okay! But understanding what you have helps you become a better, more informed, more responsible owner.

Want to know more about your dog’s lineage, breed traits, and how to handle them responsibly? That’s why the Pit Bull Federation of South Africa (PBFSA) exists.

Let’s start separating myth from fact—together.