Pit bull wins Westminster!

[javasaurus]

Well, not really a pit bull, but a "colored bull terrier." This should make for interesting news in the future of pit bull opinions. MSN article

EDIT:

For a good picture of what a pit bull really looks like, realpitbull.com has one at the bottom of their front page.

Comments

[xpioti.livejournal.com]

I've been told that "pit bull" is commonly used to describe at least three different breeds of dog. The one characteristic that they all have in common, from what I've seen, is the massive jaw muscles designed to clamp on and hold on. A (very good) dog trainer told me that it's called a "double hung jaw"; I wouldn't know, but am inclined to trust her since it's her job to know these things. I donno if indestructibility is also a common trait, but it would tend to make sense.

The terrier ;) that won Westminster is a real cutie; he looked like he was having fun. I was amused by the emphasis on him having a "classic head shape", which is to say that his head is shaped like an egg. *giggle*

[xpioti.livejournal.com]

I just realized that this may look like I'm trying to contradict you. I'm not, really. :) I didn't know that "pit bull" is a recognized breed, I was under the impression it's a slang term used to describe a certain "look" of dog.

[javasaurus.livejournal.com]

Yes, there are three breeds that are "true" pit bulls: the Staffordshire bull terrier (in England), the American Staffordshire terrier (an AKC breed), and the American pit bull terrier (not AKC, but recognized by the United Kennel Club)

And yes, the term "pit bull" is used as slang to mean other dogs of similar shape.

As for "double-hung" -- it doesn't have any anatomical meaning. The trainer probably just meant that such dogs have strong jaws for their size (pit bulls are bred for strength). They don't have any special "locking" mechanism or other major anatomical difference from other dogs.