Published on Feb 25, 2016
The American Pit Bull Terrier is one of the so-called bully breeds often
labeled a pit bull. In fact, "pit bull" isn't a breed, but a term used
to describe the American Pit Bull Terrier, the Bull Terrier, the
American Staffordshire Terrier, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Some people say the American Pit Bull Terrier is the same as the American
Staffordshire Terrier. Others, just as forcefully, say they're entirely
different breeds.
But all experts can agree that the confusionstarted with a decision by the AKC in
the early 1930s to give it a new name, American Staffordshire Terrier, to separate it from its
pit-fighting past. The American Pit Bull Terrier has not been recognized
by the AKC, while the American Staffordshire Terrier, which is slightly
smaller, has been.
The bull breeds are often grossly
misunderstood. The qualities that make these dogs tenacious players in
obedience and agility games also attract highly unscrupulous people
looking for strong competitors for their dog fighting rings. The sorry
result is that bull breeds, in particular the APBT, have gained a
reputation over recent years for being dangerous.
Nothing could
be further from the truth. But rampant misinformation and fear caused by
the actions of a minority of dogs kept by criminally negligent people
have provoked legislation against the breed in a number of cities and
countries around the world.
As the owner of an American Pit Bull
Terrier you must be aware that you may be met with anger and hostility
by people who are misinformed about your wonderful dog. This is not a
breed for everyone, especially those who aren't willing to invest time
in training and socialization and can't or won't provide consistent firm
guidance.
When raised with the proper training and
socialization, the American Pit Bull Terrier makes an excellent
companion for children. He is loving and gentle with people and often
makes a lousy guard dog because of his tail-wagging eagerness to greet
the person at the door. American Pit Bull Terriers are devoted and loyal
to their family and will, if necessary, defend them to the death.
These dogs are extremely intelligent and learn commands and tricks with ease.
They have a zest for life and love to be involved in everything going
on around them. They maintain a puppyish demeanor well into adulthood,
and that vitality makes them a joy to live with. Once you have met and
gotten to know this breed you will wonder how you ever lived without
one.
SIZE
Height of 18 to 19 inches for males, 17 to 18 inches for females. Weight ranges from 30 to 85 pounds.
PERSONALITY
These dogs love people and have no idea that their size is something of a
deterrent to being a lap dog. Confident and keenly aware of their
surroundings, they are watchdogs in that they may alert you to the
presence of strangers, but that's primarily because they're eager to
greet "their" guests.
While their love of people makes them
failures as guard dogs, their courage is unmatched and they will defend
their family with their lives.
Like every dog, American Pit Bull Terriers need early socialization — exposure
to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences — when they're young.
Socialization helps ensure that your your puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog.
HEALTH
American Pit Bull Terriers are generally healthy, but as with all breeds,
they're prone to certain health conditions. Not all American Pit Bulls
Terriers will get any or all of these diseases, but it's important to be
aware of them if you're considering this breed.
Hip Dysplasia
(HD): This condition is a malformation of the hip joint ball and socket.
It can be extremely painful depending on the severity of the condition.
Dogs who are going to be bred should have x-rays of their hips done at 2
years of age to ensure they do not have this condition.
Allergies:
Allergies are quite common in APBT/AmStaffs. Skin allergies are
typically caused by such environmental allergens as fleas, grass,
pollen, and dust.They can also be food related, but this is less common.
Common food allergens include beef, rice, wheat, and corn. Allergies
can cause intense itching and discomfort, which means dogs will dig and
chew sometimes till they bleed. This is risky because secondary
infections can develop in the damaged tissue. To treat allergies, the
cause must be identified and removed from the dog's environment if
possible. A veterinarian can help you with this, as well as let you know
which allergy symptoms can be controlled with medication.
Hypothyroidism:
This is a dysfunction of the thyroid gland that causes weight gain,
poor coat, reproductive problems and other issues. It usually occurs in
middle-aged dogs and can be controlled with daily medication that must
continue throughout the dog's life.
labeled a pit bull. In fact, "pit bull" isn't a breed, but a term used
to describe the American Pit Bull Terrier, the Bull Terrier, the
American Staffordshire Terrier, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Some people say the American Pit Bull Terrier is the same as the American
Staffordshire Terrier. Others, just as forcefully, say they're entirely
different breeds.
But all experts can agree that the confusionstarted with a decision by the AKC in
the early 1930s to give it a new name, American Staffordshire Terrier, to separate it from its
pit-fighting past. The American Pit Bull Terrier has not been recognized
by the AKC, while the American Staffordshire Terrier, which is slightly
smaller, has been.
The bull breeds are often grossly
misunderstood. The qualities that make these dogs tenacious players in
obedience and agility games also attract highly unscrupulous people
looking for strong competitors for their dog fighting rings. The sorry
result is that bull breeds, in particular the APBT, have gained a
reputation over recent years for being dangerous.
Nothing could
be further from the truth. But rampant misinformation and fear caused by
the actions of a minority of dogs kept by criminally negligent people
have provoked legislation against the breed in a number of cities and
countries around the world.
As the owner of an American Pit Bull
Terrier you must be aware that you may be met with anger and hostility
by people who are misinformed about your wonderful dog. This is not a
breed for everyone, especially those who aren't willing to invest time
in training and socialization and can't or won't provide consistent firm
guidance.
When raised with the proper training and
socialization, the American Pit Bull Terrier makes an excellent
companion for children. He is loving and gentle with people and often
makes a lousy guard dog because of his tail-wagging eagerness to greet
the person at the door. American Pit Bull Terriers are devoted and loyal
to their family and will, if necessary, defend them to the death.
These dogs are extremely intelligent and learn commands and tricks with ease.
They have a zest for life and love to be involved in everything going
on around them. They maintain a puppyish demeanor well into adulthood,
and that vitality makes them a joy to live with. Once you have met and
gotten to know this breed you will wonder how you ever lived without
one.
SIZE
Height of 18 to 19 inches for males, 17 to 18 inches for females. Weight ranges from 30 to 85 pounds.
PERSONALITY
These dogs love people and have no idea that their size is something of a
deterrent to being a lap dog. Confident and keenly aware of their
surroundings, they are watchdogs in that they may alert you to the
presence of strangers, but that's primarily because they're eager to
greet "their" guests.
While their love of people makes them
failures as guard dogs, their courage is unmatched and they will defend
their family with their lives.
Like every dog, American Pit Bull Terriers need early socialization — exposure
to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences — when they're young.
Socialization helps ensure that your your puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog.
HEALTH
American Pit Bull Terriers are generally healthy, but as with all breeds,
they're prone to certain health conditions. Not all American Pit Bulls
Terriers will get any or all of these diseases, but it's important to be
aware of them if you're considering this breed.
Hip Dysplasia
(HD): This condition is a malformation of the hip joint ball and socket.
It can be extremely painful depending on the severity of the condition.
Dogs who are going to be bred should have x-rays of their hips done at 2
years of age to ensure they do not have this condition.
Allergies:
Allergies are quite common in APBT/AmStaffs. Skin allergies are
typically caused by such environmental allergens as fleas, grass,
pollen, and dust.They can also be food related, but this is less common.
Common food allergens include beef, rice, wheat, and corn. Allergies
can cause intense itching and discomfort, which means dogs will dig and
chew sometimes till they bleed. This is risky because secondary
infections can develop in the damaged tissue. To treat allergies, the
cause must be identified and removed from the dog's environment if
possible. A veterinarian can help you with this, as well as let you know
which allergy symptoms can be controlled with medication.
Hypothyroidism:
This is a dysfunction of the thyroid gland that causes weight gain,
poor coat, reproductive problems and other issues. It usually occurs in
middle-aged dogs and can be controlled with daily medication that must
continue throughout the dog's life.
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