History/Origin: Pitbull dog is a result of a long process of selection in circumstances identical to the cicumstances of gladiator fights in Ancient Rome and pitbulls can rightfully claim to be victims of human cruelty. The original purpose was for them to fight wild beasts. In bull-baiting and bear-baiting fights, american pitbull terrier, together with the wild beasts, provided entertainment to crowds eager to enjoy the sight of death and torture. Numerous pitbull perished on these death rinks. Survivors were priced expensively and used for breeding while the dead are something humanity has no reason to be proud of itself. After bullfights and bear-fights were banned in the eighteenth century pitbulls continued to fight, this time against each other. In the civillised world dog-fights have been banned already but they still continue, violating the laws. Thus nature fo pitbull has selected two major traits in this breed -dog training their exceptional friendliness to people, regardless if the people are familiar or total strangers, on the one hand, and fierce intolerance to their own species, even of the opposite sex. There are exceptions, of course - pitbull who fully socialise with other dogs, who are "seeing ey" dogs, or are used in the army and the police. Yet they are still only exceptions. You shouldn't think that if your 4-months old pitbull puppy is playing with the neighbour's shepherd right now, his dormant instincts won't awaken when he is a year and a half old, and he won't attack other dogs then. One should NEVER forget how this breed has been selected over they years!
Pitbulls' mythical cruelty towards people, so often purposefully embelished by the media nowadays, is completely different from the truth about this breed. Society is not to blame for not knowing the truth; it is to blame if it doesn't want to hear it. It is to blame if it lets itself to be manipulated, and needs an easy target that could be used as a scape-goat without any chance to defend itself. Society is to blame for refusing to see the truth. If you delve into statistics about pitbull attacking humans, you will surely be surprised to discover the fact that pitbulls tend to be among the most rare attackers. That's right, despite public opinion, a dog of any other breed is much more likely to attack you than a pitbull. This menace to his peers would behave like a spoilt kitten with strangers, and can be bribed even without a treat. Pitbull appearance.
Breed Group: N/A
Weight: 22-110 lbs
Height: 18-22 inches
Color(s): multicolored, black and white
Coat: The American Pit Bull Terrier has a glossy, short, smooth coat that is stiff to the touch. The coat comes in a variety of colors, combination of colors, or color patterns. This breed is an average shedder.
Overview: Originating during the 19th century, the American Pit Bull Terrier was noted for having the gameness of a Terrier and the athletic abilities and strength of a Bulldog. This breeds versatile talents made them a favorite of farmers and ranchers for such uses as protection, livestock driving, family companions, and as catch dogs for hogs and semi-wild cattle.
Character: The American Pit Bull Terrier is solidly built, medium in size, muscular, and powerful. Frequently referred to as great warriors, this breed exhibits strength, courage, agility, and grace. They have an exceptionally gentle disposition with those they love.
Temperament: This breed is extremely loyal, deeply devoted, affectionate, intelligent, and good-natured. The American Pit Bull Terrier does best in a home with older considerate children. They will get along with other dogs they have been raised with but may exhibit aggression toward strange dogs and other small household pets. They are exceedingly protective of their family, home, and territory. American Pit Bull Terriers are not generally used for guarding due to their friendly nature. Aggressive behavior toward humans is an uncharacteristic trait in this breed. They are not recommended for the novice, apathetic, or sedentary owner.
Care: Regular grooming with a firm bristle brush will minimize loose hair. Bathing or dry shampooing should be done when necessary. The American Pit Bull Terrier is prone to hereditary cataracts, hip dysplasia, congenital heart disease, and allergies to grass. They prefer warmer climates.
Training: The American Pit Bull Terrier is very obedient and eager to please. Intensive and extensive early socialization and obedience training are absolutely crucial for this breed. They will not respond to harsh or heavy-handed methods. Training should be done with respect, praise, firmness, fairness, patience, and consistency. They display talents in such performance areas as agility, tracking, conformation, weight pull, and obedience.
Activity: This breed requires a high degree of exercise to keep them happy. They enjoy securely leashed walks, hiking, and mountain-biking. The American Pit Bull Terrier thrives on human interaction and benefits from family play sessions such as Frisbee and playing ball. They will do okay in an apartment dwelling provided they are given sufficient exercise, attention, and stimulation.
