Knowledge Of The American Pit Bull Terrier Dog Breed

Knowledge Of The American Pit Bull Terrier Dog Breed

• Breed Group: Terrier
• Height: 17 to 21 inches
• Weight: 30 to 60 pounds
• Life Span: 10 to fifteen years

The Pit Bull, Pittie or APBT, as he’s known for a brief, is usually described as a goofball or clown. Although this medium-sized dog isn't always aggressive, he features a fearsome reputation due to his background as a fighting dog. But with people that appreciate and understand his personality, he is often an exquisite family companion.

Breed Characteristics

Overview

American Pit Bull Terriers were once-iconic American breeds. They were American military mascots, advertising stars, and popular farm and family dogs. But when dogfighters criminally exploited the breed’s loyalty, tenacity, and bold nature, Pittie’s reputation took success from which it hasn’t yet recovered. 

The APBT features a formidable reputation and appearance, but he's meant to be a dog who loves and accepts people. within the hands of loving owners and given the proper amount of socialization, training, attention, and love, he is often a docile, affectionate family dog. 

Unfortunately, he comes with societal baggage. people that have Pit Bulls may face restrictions on where they will live or which homeowner’s insurance they will purchase.

Pit Bulls are often highly people-oriented, but they don’t necessarily like other dogs or small furry creatures like cats. Some Pit Bulls may become friends with cats within the household and appear to like every dog they meet, but they arguably aren't typical of the breed. If you would like a dog you'll fancy the park who will play nicely with other dogs, a Pit Bull is perhaps not for you.

The APBT typically weighs 60 pounds or less and is extremely muscular. Pitties are powerful dogs and maybe a challenge to steer on the leash if not well trained; pulling can become a problem. For healthy Pit Bulls, it is often an honest idea to channel that desire to tug into a dog sport, like weight pulling or nose work.

A Pit Bull’s grooming needs are modest. His coat needs brushing a few times every week to assist managers to shed, and his ears got to be kept clean and his nails trimmed.

Before getting one among these dogs, it's important to understand that there's much misinformation around the nature of Pit Bulls, also as campaigns to outlaw the breed. Check local ordinances carefully to make certain you'll legally own one among these dogs in your town. Denver, as an example, maybe a major American city that (as of this writing) bans the breed. Some municipalities even have ordinances specifying how a fence has got to be constructed for “Pit Bull-type” breeds. Your research also can help to teach friends and neighbors about the merits of this breed.

Other Quick Facts

• The term “Pit Bull” is usually applied indiscriminately to APBTs, American Staffordshire Terriers and sometimes Staffordshire Bull Terriers, a British breed. The term can also be wont to label any dog who resembles those breeds, albeit he's a Lab mix with little or no “Pit Bull” in his background.
• An APBT comes in any color, pattern or combination of colors, except merle.
• Celebrities who count Pitties as their best friends include actresses Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel, and Alicia Silverstone; cooking guru Rachael Ray; and political satirist Jon Stewart.

The History of the American Pit Bull Terrier

During a time of American history, dogfighting was a legal and popular activity. Many wealthy people and prominent politicians might be found at dog fights, depending on their dogs, which glided by several names: Pit Bull, Yankee Terrier, and half-and-half dog — regard to their origin as a cross between Bulldogs and Terriers. 

The same dogs were equally fashionable farmers and families. They attended to be good ratters and useful in hunting dangerous wild pigs and bears, and that they were said to be good with people. Pit Bulls could roll in the hay all, from being the kids’ playmate to serving within the military. A Pit Bull represented us on war I recruiting posters, and popular culture Pitties included Tige within the Buster Brown comic strip; Nipper, the RCA trademark dog; and Petey, who starred within the “Our Gang” comedies of the 1930s.

The United Kennel Club has registered the American Pit Bull Terrier since 1898 when the club was established. The American Kennel Club doesn't currently recognize the American Pit Bull Terrier as a breed.

The Basics of American Pit Bull Terrier Grooming

The grooming needs of APBTs are modest. Brush his coat a few times every week to assist managers to shed.

The rest is basic care. Trim the nails as required, usually twice a month. Brush the teeth frequently — with a vet-approved pet toothpaste — permanently overall health and fresh breath. If the ears look dirty, wipe them out with a plant disease dampened with a mild ear cleaner recommended by your veterinarian.

Finding an American Pit Bull Terrier Breeder

Whether you would like to travel with a reputable breeder or get your dog from a shelter or rescue, here are some things to stay in mind.

Choosing an American Pit Bull Terrier Breeder

Because APBTs are related to fighting, however undeservedly, they attract people that need a “macho” dog. Reputable breeders place puppies carefully to make sure that they are going to appropriate homes. they appear for people that are experienced with large dogs, who have securely fenced yards and who understand the responsibilities of caring for a dog with this reputation.

Research breeders carefully, and meet one or both of the puppy’s parents. The breeder should be someone you trust to possess given a puppy the simplest start in life, not only through good nutrition and socialization but also by breeding temperament-tested parents with health clearances. Search for breeders through organizations like the American Pit Bull Terrier Club of the latest England or the American Pit Bull Terrier Club of Southern California. Contact the United Kennel Club for other suggestions on finding breeders. And ask if your veterinarian can refer you to a reputable breeder, breed rescue organization or another reliable source.

Finding an honest breeder may be a good way to seek out the proper puppy. an honest breeder will match you with the proper puppy and can, without question, have done all the health certifications necessary to sort health problems the maximum amount as possible. She is more curious about placing pups within the right homes than making a pile.

Good breeders will welcome your questions on temperament, health clearances and what the dogs wish to accept, and are available right back at you with questions of their own about what you’re trying to find during a dog and what quite life you'll provide for him. an honest breeder can tell you about the history of the breed, explain why one puppy is taken into account pet quality while another isn't, and discuss which health problems affect the breed and therefore the steps she takes fancy avoid those problems.

Look for a breeder who is active in her national breed club and an area club, too, if possible. She should regularly participate together with her dogs in some sort of organized canine activities, like conformation showing, obedience or other dog sports. She should sell her puppies with written contracts guaranteeing she’ll take the dogs back if at any time during their lives the owners cannot keep them.

Avoid breeders who seem interested only in how quickly they will unload a puppy on you and whether your MasterCard will undergo. you ought to also bear in mind that purchasing a puppy from an internet site that gives to ship your dog to you immediately is often an adventure because it leaves you no recourse if what you get isn’t exactly what you expected. Put a minimum of the maximum amount effort into researching your puppy as you'd into choosing a replacement car or expensive appliance. It could prevent money and frustration at the end of the day.

Lots of reputable breeders have websites, so how are you able to tell who’s good and who’s not? Red flags include puppies always being available, multiple litters on the premises, having your choice of any puppy and therefore the ability to pay online with a MasterCard. Quickie online purchases are convenient, but they're almost never related to reputable breeders.

Whether you’re getting to get your new ally from a breeder, a pet store or another source, remember the adage, “ Let the customer beware.” Disreputable breeders and facilities that affect puppy mills are often hard to differentiate from reliable operations. There’s no one hundred pc guaranteed thanks to confirming you’ll never purchase a sick puppy, but researching the breed (so you recognize what to expect), finding out the power (to identify unhealthy conditions or sick animals) and asking the proper questions can reduce the probabilities of heading into a disastrous situation. And don’t forget to ask your veterinarian, who can often refer you to a reputable breeder, breed rescue organization or another reliable source for healthy puppies.

And before you opt to shop for a puppy, consider whether an adult APBT might better fit your needs and lifestyle. Puppies are a lot of fun, but they require tons of your time and energy before they get older to become the dog of your dreams. An adult Pit Bull may have already got some training and can probably be less active, destructive and demanding than a puppy. With an adult, you recognize more about what you’re getting into terms of personality and health, and you'll find adult dogs to adopt through breeders or shelters. If you're curious about acquiring an older dog through breeders, ask them about purchasing a retired show dog or if they know of an adult dog who needs a replacement home.

If you would like to adopt a dog, read the recommendation below on the way to do this.

Adopting a Dog From an American Pit Bull Terrier Rescue or Shelter

Take your look for a knowledgeable, responsible breed rescue organization seriously. The dogs should are evaluated and made available for adoption only to acceptable homes. If the staff tell you a specific dog isn’t right for you, believe them and keep looking.

There is certainly no shortage of Pit Bulls and Pit Bull–type dogs in shelters and rescue groups, so if this breed is that the right dog for you, you ought to be ready to find the proper one for your family. Here is the way to start.

1. Use the online 

Sites like Petfinder and Adopt-a-Pet.com can have you ever checked out an APBT in your area in no time. The sites allow you to be very specific in your requests ( house-training status, for example) or very general (all Pit Bull–type dogs available on Petfinder across the country). AnimalShelter.org can assist you to find animal rescue groups in your area.

Social media is another good way to seek out a dog. Post on your Facebook page that you simply are trying to find a selected breed in order that your entire community is often your eyes and ears.

2. Reach bent Local Experts

Start talking with all the pet pros in your area about your desire for an APBT. that has vets, dog walkers, and groomers. When someone has got to make the tough decision to offer up a dog, that person will often ask her own trusted network for recommendations. 

3. Ask Breed Rescues

Most people who love Pit Bulls love all Pit Bulls. That’s why breed clubs have rescue organizations dedicated to taking care of homeless dogs. you'll search online for APBT rescues in your area.

The great thing about breed rescue groups is that they have a tendency to be very upfront about any health conditions the dogs may have. A rescue group may be a valuable resource for advice.

4. Ask Key Questions

You now know the items to debate with a breeder, but there also are questions you ought to ask shelter or rescue group staff or volunteers before you bring home a pup. These include:

• What is his energy level?
• How is he around other animals?
• How does he answer shelter workers, visitors, and children?
• What is his personality like?
• What is his age?
• Is he house-trained?
• Has he ever bitten or hurt anyone?
• Are there any known health issues?

Wherever you acquire your APBT, confirm you've got an honest contract with the vendor, shelter or rescue group that spells out responsibilities on each side. Petfinder offers a Bill of Rights for Adopters that helps you understand what you'll consider normal and appropriate once you get a dog from a shelter. In states with puppy lemon laws, make certain you and therefore the person you get the dog from both understand your rights and recourses. 

Puppy or adult, a breeder purchase or rescue, your APBT should visit your veterinarian soon after adoption. Your veterinarian is going to be ready to spot problems and can work with you to line up a preventive regimen that will assist you to avoid many health issues.