17.2. American Dog Breeders Association
At https://adbadog.com/heritage-american-pit-bull-terrier-conformation-standard/, the ADBA in their breed standards state,
“II. Overall Appearance 20 points
A. Conforming to breed type
1. Should look like an American Pit Bull Terrier from across the ring
C. Presentation
2. Although some degree of dog aggressiveness is characteristic of the breed, unruly behavior will detract from the judges ability to accurately judge an individual dogs conformation.
D. Head
9. Lips tight
VII. Tail and Coat 5 points
A. Coat
1. Skin thick and loose around neck and chest, tight fitting elsewhere, showing vertical folds around the neck and chest even in a well exercised animal.
Above all, the American Pit Bull Terrier should appear to be an all around athlete. His body is called upon for speed, power, agility and stamina. He must be balanced in all directions. Too much of one thing, robs him of another. In his ideal form, he is a thing of beauty.”
Copyright © 1976
American Dog Breeders Association Inc. (ADBA) APBT Standard Disclaimer
This breed standard is not a breed identifier. It may only be used to judge the standards of quality of the American Pit Bull Terrier, as set forth. It’s purpose is for use by American Dog Breeders Association Inc. breeders, or American Dog Breeders Association Inc. sanctioned judges, in determining the quality of each animal being judged at an American Dog Breeders Association Inc. sanctioned show, or event and for awarding ADBSI points based upon individual quality as reflected by the breed standard of excellence. It may also be used to evaluate the quality of breeding stock by breeders of ADBA registered American Pit Bull Terriers for selecting breeding stock, and for evaluating the quality of individual puppies from ADBA registered American litters.”
As at January 2, 2017, the preceding link does not work. The link to the “Heritage American Pit Bull Terrier Conformation Standard” is at https://adbadog.com/heritage-american-pit-bull-terrier-conformation-standard/.
Note at http://www.badrap.org/breed-history, it is stated that,
“In 1909, Guy McCord founded an organization titled ADBA (American Dog Breeders Association). This was created exclusively for APBTs and continues to be the lead registry for this breed. In 1976, the ADBA outlined its own breed standard, or, Basis of Conformation. In 1990, a new registry called ABKC was formed to promote ‘American Bully’ dogs – a new breeding style of thick, bulldoggy looking dogs that are said to have English Bulldog in their background as well as other breeds.”
[How can you have a “breed” of dogs for 67 years, i.e., from 1909 to 1976, without a “breed standard”?]
