Is the pitbull recognized in the AKC? I have heard that they are basically the same thing as a staffordshire bull terrier. I know that the staffordshire is recognized but there is no such dog as a pit bull in the AKC.

Yes, totally, enjoy the doggie!

The AKC is the only one that recognizes The American Pit bull Terrior. I also have owned and bred them and I did register them with the AKC.

The American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) is not recognized by the AKC, but is by the UKC and ADBA. The American Staffordshire Terrier (Amstaff) is basically the same dog as an APBT, but is recognized by the AKC. Some Amstaffs are double registered AKC and UKC as APBTs. They (both APBT and Amstaff) should be athletic, lean dogs, NOT the oversized stocky/gigantic headed things that are so "popular." These two breeds may also have cropped ears for showing purposes. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Staffie) is a completely different breed from the other two. They originated in England and are smaller/stockier (no larger than 40lbs) and have a different look about thier head (wider jaws). They DO NOT crop ears. The APBT and Amstaff originated from the Staffie, and all 3 breeds were originally bred for the same purposes - pit fighting/all around farm dog/family companions. The Staffie is affectionately known as "the Nanny dog" because of its people loving nature, and is also considered "a foremost all-purpose dog" because they are very versatile animals. Check out the akc.org for more info on the Staffie and Amstaff. Also, sbtfun.com has lots of Staffie pictures. Also if you do a search, you can surely come up with some reputable breeders with pictures of what these dogs really look like. I own a Staffordshire Bull Terrier and she is a WONDERFUL dog, and loves everyone she meets! I got her sight unseen when she was over 18 months old and she settled in like she had been mine since she was a puppy.