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The Pit Bull immediately strikes one as being a dog of power, passion, and undying willingness. The brick-like head, which is especially broad between the cheeks (to house the powerful jaws), is carried upon a thickly muscled, well-defined neck. The neck runs into a deep, thick, well-sprung chest. The American Pit Bull is a very muscular, stocky, yet agile dog which is extremely strong for his size. The ears are generally cropped, though this is optional. Docked tails are not accepted by the UKC or the ADBA. The eyes are round, and any color is acceptable. The teeth should form a scissors bite. Its coat is made up of thick, short, shiny hair. All colors are admissible. The tail tapers to a point.
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That
sly smile, those determined eyes, that unwaning pleasure to
please... the mere quality and characteristics of the APBT have
evoked more human emotional, rational, and irrational response than
any other breed that exists today. By no means are these dogs
people-haters or people-eaters. Their natural aggressive tendencies
are toward other dogs and animals, not people. However if they are
properly socialized they will not even be aggressive with them.
These are truly quality companions for quality owners only! The
American Pit Bull Terrier is a good-natured, amusing, extremely
loyal and affectionate family pet, which is good with children and
adults. Almost always obedient, it is always eager to please its
master. It is an extremely courageous and intelligent guard dog that
is very full of vitality. Highly protective of his owners and the
owner's property, it will fight an enemy to the death. It is usually
very friendly, but has an uncanny ability to know when it needs to
protect and when everything is okay. The American Pit Bull Terrier
can be willful and needs a firm hand. They are generally okay with
other pets if they are raised with them from puppy hood. For the
most part they are very friendly, but not recommended for most
people. Excellent with children in the family, they have a high pain
tolerance and will happily put up with rough child play. As with any
breed, they should not be left alone with unfamiliar children.
Originally used as fighting dogs, the powerful American Pit Bull may
go for the throat of strange dogs. A minimum of training will
produce a tranquil, obedient dog. Socialize very thoroughly when
young to combat aggressive tendencies and be sure to keep the dog
under control when other dogs are present. It has given outstanding
results as a guardian of property, but is at the same time esteemed
as a companion dog. When properly trained and socialized, this is a
very good dog and a great family companion. Unfortunately, some
choose to promote the fighting instinct in the breed, giving it a
bad name.
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Height: 18-22 inches (46-56 cm) Please Note: The APBT ranges in size from 22 pounds to 110 pounds (rare), with the most common being between 35 - 55 pounds (16-25 kg.), in fact the original APBT's were between 20 - 40 pounds (9-18 kg.) and were bred small for their main purpose, fighting, These dogs are varying from small to extra large. A very common misconception is that APBT's are muscle bound (viscous) hulks that weigh in around 85 pounds (39 kg.) and this is generally not the majority, Most of the APBT's that Are that large have been crossed with another breeds.
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A generally healthy breed, although some are prone to hip dysplasia, hereditary cataracts and allergies to grass.
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It will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are very active indoors and will do alright without a yard provided they get enough exercise. Prefers warm climates.
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American Pit Bull Terriers must have plenty of regular exercise, but
keep them leashed in public to avoid fights with other dogs.
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About 12 years.
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The
smooth, short-haired coat is easy to groom. Brush regularly with a
firm bristle brush, and bathe or dry shampoo as necessary. A rub
with a piece of toweling or chamois will make the coat gleam. This
breed is an average shedder.
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Developed from the Bull and Terrier types of yesteryear, the
American Pit Bull Terrier comes from an indisputable history of
pit-fighting. The breed's tenacity and accompanying strength are
unmatched in the canine world. As rich and captivating as the
breed's history is, the Pit Bull's future is more worthy of
commentary. Some proponents of the breed argue that this breed is
the original bulldog of the past. Old prints and woodcarvings show
reason to believe this. They show dogs that look exactly like the
breed today, doing things the dog is still capable of doing. For
more information on this theory you can read books by Richard
F Stratton. The APBT, as registered by the UKC, is an individual
breed of dog and does not refer to just any ill-bred, mindless
warrior-type mongrel. At one time, the Pit Bull was a much loved,
trustworthy companion. People who chose to train these dogs to fight
are chiefly responsible for the banning and witch-hunting that has
been sweeping the U.S. The media, however, should not go
unmentioned, for it is also responsible for escalating isolated
incidences in a relentless and attention-getting way. In a lot of
cases when the media is reporting about a Pit Bull attacking, it is
indeed not even a Pit Bull at all, but a mixed breed of some sort,
or another bull breed all together. In fact, one time there was a
report on KYW news in Philadelphia about two Pit Bulls attacking a
person. I called the news station and asked if they knew the dogs
were in fact a pure bred American Pit Bull Terriers, or another bull
breed of some sort, or a mutt for that matter. They told me they did
not know, I would have to call the police station to verify that
information. I asked them how they could report something that they
were not sure of. They had no answer for me and they were not sure
of the dog's breed. Even after admitting that to me on the phone,
they kept calling it a Pit Bull. The Pit Bull's future has been
perhaps irreparably undone and everyone is to blame except the dog
itself. This very loyal dog is too set on pleasing his owner, and
ironically this is the root of his own undoing. Accompanying this
need to please are remarkable abilities of all kinds. Jack Dempsy,
Teddy Roosevelt and Jack Johnson are just a few people who have
owned Pit Bulls. Pit Bulls excel in practically every canine task
including herding, guarding, hunting, policing, cart pulling and
ratting. A Pit Bull, named Banddog Dread, holds more canine working
titles than ANY other breed. The owner's name is Diane Jessup and
you can reference her book, "The Working Pit Bull." It tells you all
of Dread's accomplishments. These dogs are truly capable of many
tasks.
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Terrier
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UKC,
NKC, ADBA, CKC, APBR
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UKC = United Kennel Club |
