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Height:
18 to 20 inches (male); 16 to 20 inches (female).
Size:
Medium.
Weight:
35 to 60 pounds (male); 30 to 55 pounds (female).
Availability:
May take some effort to find.
History:
Several types of dogs are currently called "pit bulls" in the
United States: the American Staffordshire Terrier, the Staffordshire Bull
Terrier, and the American Pit Bull Terrier. Ancestors of today's "pit
bulls" were developed in late 18th and early 19th Century England
from ancient Mastiff stock. These early bulldogs were used for hunting
difficult game like wild boar, and as catch dogs for farmers and butchers.
The dogs would catch hogs by the ear and bulls by the nose until their
master could get a rope around the animal. These dogs were also used in
displays of bull-baiting. The name bulldog may have come from its use
on bulls, but it also may have originally been "bold dog," since
the breed was unafraid of such formidable animals as bears and bulls.
Early artwork reveals that today's American Pit Bull Terrier looks a lot
like the original bulldog, so it very well may be a direct descendant,
with little in the way of crosses to other breeds. However, the exact
mixes that went into what we know as the pit bull breeds today is shrouded
in mystery, because owners of fighting dogs were so competitive with each
other that they did not divulge their breeding secrets.
When British settlers came to America, they brought their
dogs of various sorts with them, including pit bull types. The role of
these versatile, intelligent dogs expanded to include working cattle and
hogs, fighting and hunting bears, cougars, and wolves, and protecting
the family and homestead. The American Pit Bull Terrier has been called
by many names, including the Old Family Dogs, and American Bull Terrier.
The RCA Victor mascot was an American Pit Bull, as were Buster Brown's
dog "Tige", and "Petey" of the Lil Rascals. The American
Pit Bull Terrier is recognized by the ADBA (American Dog Breeders' Association
- the flagship registry) and the United Kennel Club (UKC). In fact, the
United Kennel Club (UKC) was originally formed by its founder, Chauncy
Bennett, in order to provide a registry specifically for American Pit
Bull Terriers.
In 1936, some American Pit Bull Terrier breeders spun off
to join the AKC, so they could participate in conformation showing in
that organization, and the breed was renamed the Staffordshire Terrier.
However, some individual dogs (including "Petey" of the Lil
Rascals) were and still are being registered in both organizations, under
both breed names. In 1972, when the Staffordshire Terrier's English cousin
the Staffordshire Bull Terrier joined the AKC, the Staffordshire Terrier
was renamed the American Staffordshire Terrier to further distinguish
it from the British breed.
Though the American Pit Bull Terrier has received a great
deal of negative publicity, this is mostly due to unscrupulous breeders
who have encouraged aggressive characteristics in the breed, and a few
incidents that have garnered so much media coverage that the true nature
of the breed has been largely overshadowed. This athletic, versatile,
affectionate breed can be an excellent working dog and family companion
when given the right socialization, handling, and training. His working
abilities and athleticism also help him excel at many sports, including
obedience, agility, and weight pulling.
Description:
An athletic, very strong, yet agile dog with a deep chest and squarely
built, sturdy body. The medium length head has a flat skull with prominent
cheek muscles, and a broad, square or slightly tapering muzzle with powerful
jaws. The high-set ears may be either cropped or uncropped. The eyes are
round, set low and far apart. The eyes and nose can be any color. The
back is short, a bit higher at the withers and slightly arched at the
loin. The tapering tail is rather short and low-set. It should never be
carried over the back and it should never be docked or bobbed. The coat
is short. All colors and color combinations are permissible. The standard
for the American Pit Bull Terrier is looser than for many other breeds,
as this dog was bred for working and fighting ability and not for his
looks. For example, some smaller dogs may be 35 pounds while some weight
pulling competitors weigh up to 95 pounds. Dogs should be well proportioned
for their size and should move with a springy gait.
Notes:
This breed requires a lot of exercise. Choose another breed if you do
not have the time to exercise your dog thoroughly and regularly, or consider
getting your dog a treadmill or spring pole (a solo tug-of-war machine).
Serious use of a treadmill should begin only at a year and a half or later
so it doesn't interfere with bone formation. The APBT does well in most
climates with appropriate shelter. Protect from cold weather because of
his short coat and watch out for over-exertion in hot weather. APBTs like
to dig and jump, and are known as escape artists, so they may require
a more secure environment than many other breeds. Speak with a knowledgeable
breeder about what works best. American Pit Bull Terriers are generally
quite hardy, but some lines are prone to demotectic mange, a controllable
skin disease. Be sure to check local ordinances -- some municipalities
have laws regulating ownership of this breed (for example some require
a muzzle when out in public).
Personality:
Alert and outgoing. Spirited. Very loyal. Intelligent,
trainable, eager, and willing to please, but needs a firm and consistent
owner. Requires a lot of interaction with his human family - do not get
this breed unless you want a real companion. Does best as a house dog,
as part of the family. Has a strong affinity for children, though, as
with all breeds, children should be supervised and trained how to treat
dogs properly. Though American Pit Bull Terriers tend to be friendly with
strangers, and are therefore not good guard dogs, they will lay down their
lives for their families if needed. The breed is renowned for its gameness
- unflagging courage and sustained determination.
The early American Pit Bull Terrier was specifically bred
to combat other dogs, so many adults of the breed have a strong tendency
to dog aggression, particularly if challenged by another dog. It is crucial
to socialize puppies well and early with other inoculated dogs and puppies
to minimize problems in this area, but even with the best of training
and socialization, some individuals of this breed will turn on other dogs
once they reach adulthood. APBT owners should be aware that eventually
their pet may need to be isolated from other dogs. The best way to avoid
problems is to socialize thoroughly, keep the adult APBT on leash and
under control at all times in public, and avoid situations where a confrontation
is possible. Many APBT owners carry and learn how to use a "breaking
stick," which allows them to safely pull apart dogs who are fighting.
The American Pit Bull Terrier was bred to be extremely pain-insensitive
(a trait which helped make it such a successul fighter), so it is advisable
to use a pinch collar to get the dog's attention, rather than trying to
use a choke collar. The choke collar can damage his throat.
To ensure that dogs were approachable in the middle of
pit fights, even when badly injured or emotionally excited, the early
American Pit Bull Terrier was specifically bred to be willing, responsive,
and gentle to humans. In the pit fighting world, dogs who displayed aggression
to humans were immediately shot. There were very few incidents of human
aggression in the breed prior to the 1970's. However, unscrupulous breeders
over the last few decades have encouraged aggression towards humans, leading
to the tragic stories about pit bulls that pepper the news today. If you're
looking for an excellent family dog and companion, be sure to buy your
APBT puppy from a highly reputable breeder, then socialize and train the
dog properly and thoroughly. If you have any problems with aggression
with your APBT, immediately consult a professional trainer who specializes
in this breed.
Behavior:
Children: Good with children.
Friendliness: Fairly friendly with strangers.
Trainability: Easy to train.
Independence: Not particularly dependent or independent.
Dominance: High.
Other Pets: May be aggressive w/same-sex dogs; Do not trust w/non-canine
pets.
Combativeness: Very dog-aggressive.
Noise: Not much barking.
Grooming and Physical Needs:
Grooming: Almost no grooming needed.
Trimming & Stripping: No trimming or stripping of the coat needed.
Coat: Short coat.
Shedding: Average shedder.
Docking / Cropping: The ears are customarily cropped.
Exercise: Vigorous daily exercise needed.
Jogging: A good jogging companion.
Indoors: Fairly active indoors.
Apartments: Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised.
Outdoor Space: A small yard is sufficient.
Climate: Does well in most climates.
Owner: Not recommended for novice owners.
Longevity: Fairly long lifespan (about 12-15 years).
Talents:
Hunting, tracking, watchdog, carting, weight pulling, agility, competitive obedience, and performing tricks.
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