Pit bull terriers have large and broad heads with well-defined supraorbital arches. The snout has a straight top line and is also broad. The lower jaw is strong and wide, and the neck is very muscular, having a medium to short length. The ears are high set and can be cropped. The eyes have a wide range of colors, except blue.
Pit bull terriers have short, glossy coats that are stiff to the touch, with colors ranging from tan to black, except for merle, a pattern of light and dark hairs. The chest is wide and deep, the back is strong and firm, and the shoulders are strong and muscular. Pit bull terriers are often 18 to 22 inches tall. An adult male weighs from 35 to 60 pounds, while females weigh from 30 to 50 pounds.
The pit bull terrier has bony and strong legs with straight pasterns (the area between the wrists and the toes). Their paws have hard and well-cushioned pads. The tail is carried low when the dog is relaxed and carried level with the back line when the dog is walking. In an excited state the dog raises the tail to an upright position, but it is never curled on the back.
Although banned for being allegedly aggressive and dangerous in some countries such as the United Kingdom, pit bull terriers are friendly and make excellent family companions. Aggressive behavior toward humans is not a characteristic of the breed, according to United Kennel Club. Pit bull terriers can coexist with other pets as long as they are raised together.