FOREQUARTERS

NECK: Neck is of moderate length and muscular. There is a slight arch at the crest. The neck widens gradually from where it joins the skull to where it blends into well laid-back shoulders. The skin on the neck is tight and without dewlap.

A UKC Judge and APBT Breeder notes that he is seeing a predominance of APBTs in the show ring with thick short necks and judges that are putting these dogs up consistently. Also of concern are very thin necks which are not as prevalent but of equal significance as a fault. A short stubby thick neck is a FAULT!!!!!! The neck have more length than the dogs skull and should have a shape that tapers from the shoulders to where it joins with the head.

Faults: Neck too short and thick; thin orr weak neck; ewe neck; dewlap .

 
This indicates a properly arched neck. Notice that the lower jaw is parallel to the ground and the arch is not artificially created by baiting the head down where the lower jaw is angled downward. Also note the wedge shape of the skull seen from the side.
The shoulder blades (scapula) are long, wide, muscular, and well laid back. The upper arm (humerus) is roughly equal in length to the shoulder blade (scapula) and joins it at an apparent right angle.

A UKC Judge and breeder notes that it is becoming common to see dogs with significantly shortened upper arms. This gives the dogs top line a "hot rod" or "high in the rear" look when moving. The dog may even move correctly but this is a serious problem that is occurring in the breed.
These figures show many of the issues with the forequarters. The graphic drawing shows how angulation is estimated at the shoulder including a "well laid back 45 degree" set to the shoulder blade and the 90 degree angle between the shoulder blade and upper arm. Optimally the APBT should have a little less layback probably around 40 degrees. The second shows this in relationship to the actual dog as well as several points of reference including the pasterns.
   
The meaning of nearly erect, weak/down and erect/knucled over pasterns are shown using white lines. Pasterns should be should be nearly erect and slightly flexable but strong. Front and rear pasterns are very important and another of my pet peeves is "easty-westy" feet
   
The forelegs are strong and muscular. The elbows are set close to the body. Viewed from the front, the forelegs are set moderately wide apart and perpendicular to the ground (FIGURE below). The pasterns are short, powerful, straight, and flexible. When viewed in profile, the pasterns are nearly erect (see pictures above for profile of pasterns).
     
   
This figure gives an indication of what legs being perpendicular to the ground along with elbows that are tight against the body refers to, and shows a graphic in blue lines portraying what legs that are out at the elbows would mean and how this creates something that is not perpendicular to the ground.