American Pit Bull Terrier

History

In the 19th century, Boston's Irish immigrants took the Bulldog and terrier breeds to the United States and developed what is now known as the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT). The breeders wanted a dog with the gameness characteristics of the terrier combined with the bulldog’s athleticism. Originally, they were fighting dogs and were used to bait bulls, but this was later banned as it was considered to be inhumane. Thereafter, the Pit Bull Terrier was mainly used for sporting activities; in the US they were featured in WWI artwork and as corporate advertising mascots. However, during the WWII the popularity of this terrier declined, favoring new breeds. Today, these dogs are sometimes referred to as Staffordshire Terriers since some owners considered the name APBT to have a negative stigma attached to it.

Description

The American Pit Bull has striking features of boldness and power. Though it is a medium-sized dog, the head is broad and is carried onto a thickly formed neck. The body is muscular with a smooth and short coat that varies in single pigmentations and combination of colors. Its chest is deep set with the ribs extending to the back which has a topline that inclines downward. Their small eyes are almost almond-shaped and naturally small to medium-sized ears are sometimes cropped at the top. The dog’s tail is thick and tapers off towards the end and usually indicates the dogs' interest: held at a raised level when the dog is active and low when at rest.

Temperament

Pit Bulls are generally very loyal to owners and friendly to strangers. They make poor guard dogs as they tend to run right up to strangers, all smiles and wagging tails. It important that the owners of Pit Bulls be firm and train the dog consistently as they can become destructive and dominant. With early socialization and training, Pit Bulls are very obedient, pleasing, gentle, and loving and show this affection to children and adults alike. It very unlikely for these dogs to be aggressive towards youngsters and thus should not be a concern to parents. They are also very energetic and therefore owners need to channel this energy through exercise to avoid frustration and destruction. It has been noted that when the Pit Bulls come in contact with pets, they are able to cohabit without a problem.

Health and Care

The Pit Bull’s glossy coat will require rubbing with a towel or chamois to maintain its shine. Regular brushing is necessary when the coat begins to shed, but owners should use a specifically designed brush for short haired animals (longer bristles can irritate their skin). Many owners find it easiest to use a pumice stone to gently stroke away shedded hair. Give the dog a bath only when it is necessary. A good amount of exercise is needed by these dogs on a daily basis; however, they should be kept on a leash to avoid aggression with other dogs. Pit Bulls enjoy running next to a bicycle which serves as a good way for the dog to channel its energy. They prefer warm climates and can live indoors provided that they get daily exercise. They are prone to health problems such as heart disease, hip dysplasia, cataracts, and Mange. The breeder or owner should be concerned with testing for these diseases.

Pets4You offers listings of American Pit Bull breeders with puppies for sale.