pit bull terrier

(Breeds) a dog resembling the Staffordshire bull terrier but somewhat larger: developed for dog-fighting; it is not recognized by kennel clubs and is regarded as dangerous. It is not allowed in some countries, including the UK. Also called: American pit bull terrier

Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014

pit′ bull` ter′rier

1. American Staffordshire terrier.

2. a dog developed by crossbreeding the American Staffordshire terrier and another breed, as the bull terrier.

Also called pit′ bull`.

[1940–45]

ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:

Noun

pit bull terrier - American breed of muscular terriers with a short close-lying stiff coat

American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, Staffordshire terrier

bull terrier, bullterrier - a powerful short-haired terrier originated in England by crossing the bulldog with terriers

Translations

pitbulispitbulterjeras

pit bull terrier

n → Pitbullterrier m

Collins German Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged 7th Edition 2005. © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1980 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2005, 2007

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References in periodicals archive

A number of violent incidents involving pit bull terriers attacking people have hit headlines over recent years, bringing society to question whether Taiwan ought to follow in the footsteps of other countries and ban or restrict ownership of the dog breed.

Taiwanese outraged after pit bull savagely mauls dog to death

Under the Act, pit bull terriers and several other types of dogs may not be owned, bought, sold, or even rehomed from rescue centres.

Support for Sir Patrick's dog campaign; in brief

Also in 2014, Molly-Mae Wotherspoon, six months, was fatally wounded by her family's American pit bull terrier in Daventry, Northants.

Tragic toll of children killed by family pets

Virginia Beach, VA, June 01, 2014 --(PR.com)-- Pit bull terriers are among the most popular dogs, but they are also the most at risk of ending up in the shelter system.

FiXiT Partners with Best Friends to Offer Free Fixes to Pit Bull Terrier-Like Dogs in Kentucky

Evans admitted one count of having one pit bull terrier type dog named Mason on the basis that he was looking after the family pet for his mother, but that was rejected by DJ Charles who was satisfied that the dog was his and that it was used for fighting.

Man kept dog for fighting

She heard a commotion, went round the path's corner and saw a dark, stocky dog, similar to a pit bull terrier, run into bushes.

KILL IT! KILL IT!

Four-year-old John-Paul Massey was mauled to death in 2009 by his uncle's illegal pit bull terrier in Liverpool.

DOGS COST BITES; Police pay out for danger pets

A few months ago a young child, aged three months, died after being attacked by pit bull terriers.

Letter: YOUR SHOUT - All dogs must wear a muzzle

Her uncle, 24-year-old Kiel Simpson, pleaded guilty at Liverpool Magistrates' Court yesterday to owning a dog banned under the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act, namely an American pit bull terrier.

Mauled Ellie's uncle told he may face jail sentence

The prestigious Kennel Club and the RSPCA say there is no such breed and claim the term "Irish" is commonly used as a codename to disguise the fact they are crossbred with the feared and banned American Pit Bull Terrier.

DEVIL DOG DEALER; As Britain faces a sickening killer terrier combat revival exposes... PEOPLE INVESTIGATION Breeder boasts of Psycho pups' fight pedigree.. and sells them as innocent pets at pounds 400 a go

American Airlines has reportedly banned over-aggressive dogs after a pit bull terrier grounded a Boeing 757 for nine days.

American Airlines to ban certain breeds of dogs

The large pit bull terrier had menaced him and his mother before, and had once bitten the latter (her injuries were not serious).

Dog Days. (Exercising the right)