American Pit Bull Terrier, abbreviated Pitbull - American medium sized dog, which belongs to one of the varieties of pit bulls. This breed is often compared to the American Staffordshire Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Brief description of the breed
The height of the pit bull is from 45 to 60 centimeters, and the weight can vary from 15 to 30 kilograms. Dogs of this breed are muscular and have a downed physique. For its size, the pit bull is very strong. The wedge-shaped head is large enough, but not massive and quite symmetrical to the rest of the body. There are small wrinkles on the dog's forehead. The coat of these dogs is short. As for the color, it can be anything. Pit bulls come in one color and several colors. As well as color, eye color can also be different, but there are no blue-eyed pit bulls. The short tail of the dog has a conical shape.
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a companion dog and family dog. Initially, this breed was bred as a kind of "bait" for bulls. Later, these dogs began to be bred to participate in battles, and even later, pit bull terriers became family dogs. By the way, these dogs, despite their nature, get along well with children.
The tenacity of pit bulls, their courage and activity, make them excellent athletes, as well as unsurpassed pets that successfully cope with tasks of agility and obedience.
The American Pit Bull Terrier is referred to as the so-called "hooligan dog". It should be noted that the "pit bull" - it is not a breed, but simply a designation to describe the American Pit Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. However, some people tend to think that all these varieties are exactly the same dogs. Actually this is not true. The confusion itself began in 1930, when the American Kennel Club recognized the American Staffordshire Terrier as a separate breed, but not the American Pit Bull Terrier.
Today there is a stereotype that the pit bull terrier - it's dangerous dog. The fault was that the animals were bred specifically to participate in dog fights, so they developed an appropriate character. Of course, we will not hide the fact that in recent years there have been many cases of aggression from pit bulls.
In fact, the circumstances are such that most cases of aggression in dogs of this breed are isolated. Such situations are widely covered in the media, but these cases, as already noted, are rare. Thus, the stereotype of a dangerous dog has developed due to the negligent attitude of people to information regarding cases of aggression.
Every pit bull owner should be aware that they may face mistrust and even anger from people towards you as the owner of a "dangerous" dog. It's all about misinformation. This breed is not for everyone, especially not for those who are not ready to spend their time on a decent upbringing or who cannot provide consistent, clear training.
With sufficient socialization and skilled training, Pit Bull Terriers make excellent companion dogs that get along well with children. They love to be with people and are gentle with them. Often dogs This breed loves to meet and wait for its owner at the door. American Pit Bulls are devoted and loyal to their family. If necessary, they will always come to the aid of their owner and family members.
Pit bull puppies are very smart. They are easy to train and are happy to perform various commands. Pit bulls love to participate in all family activities. Even in adulthood, pit bulls can behave like puppies, but this behavior is manifested only in their native environment. Having bought a puppy of this breed, you will wonder how you could live without a pit bull before.
basic information
| Breed name: | american pit bull terrier |
| Country of origin: | USA |
| The time of the birth of the breed: | 19th century |
| Type of: | terriers |
| The weight: | 15 – 30 kg |
| Height (height at the withers): | 45 - 60 cm |
| Life Expectancy: | 10 - 15 years old |
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ICF classification:
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not recognized |
| Puppies price: | 110 – 450 $ |
| Most popular nicknames: | list of nicknames for pit bull |
Assessment of breed characteristics
| Adaptability
(a definition meaning how easily a dog can adapt to changes in life) |
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| Shedding level
(Level and frequency of hair loss in the animal) |
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| Tenderness level
(The level and amount of tenderness and affection that the dog gives in return for attention to itself) |
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| Exercise needs
(Dog's daytime activity level) |
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| Social need
(The required number of contacts of the dog with other animals, as well as people) |
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| Apartment content
(A factor that determines the level of noise and other inconveniences that a dog can deliver to owners in relation to the size of the apartment to the size of the dog) |
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| Grooming
(The number of bathing, brushing, and the number of professional grooming sessions required for the dog) |
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| Friendliness in an unfamiliar environment
(Features of the behavior of a dog in a society with strangers or in an unfamiliar environment) |
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| Tendency to bark
(Tendency to bark and its frequency and volume) |
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| Health issues
(Potential health status of the dog) |
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| Territoriality
(The dog's tendency to protect his home, yard, or even his owner's car) |
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| Friendliness to cats
(The tendency towards tolerance for cats and decreased manifestation of hunting instincts) |
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| Intelligence
(The ability of the dog to think and solve emerging difficulties (not to be confused with learning!) |
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| Education and training
(The level of difficulty in training the dog to perform certain actions) |
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| Friendliness to children
(A factor that determines how friendly a dog is to children, whether he likes to play with them and tolerate some childish pranks) |
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| Game activity
(The concept is determined by its very name, and, as a rule, is found in almost all dogs) |
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| Observation
(The ability of a dog to detect the presence of a stranger on its territory) |
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| Friendliness to other dogs
(The tendency of the dog to find common language with his other relatives) |
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American Pit Bull Terrier photo:
Origin story
Pit Bulls were bred in the early 19th century in England to participate in the then popular bull and bear baiting. But these sports in 1835 were recognized as inhumane and cruel and were banned. In their place came dog fighting. Consequently, aggression was deliberately cultivated in dogs, which was subsequently preserved at the genetic level. But these dogs have another genetic feature. - reluctance to bite people. Later, breeders began to work to ensure that the behavior of the dog in the ring and in the family was different. As a result, breed began to gain popularity and began to join families, showing their best qualities.
When the pit bull came to the American continent, it became especially in demand on farms. Animals did an excellent job of hunting game, they guarded property and were simply unsurpassed companions. In America, breeders began to work on increasing the size of this breed. As a result, the pit bull in the United States has become much larger than its counterparts in England.
In 1898, the British Kennel Club (analogous to the American Club) named this breed the American Pit Bull Terrier. But the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in the early 1930s, but under a new name. Intending to separate the breed from its ancestors - fighting dogs, the club decided to name the breed the American Staffordshire Terrier.
Since then, the American Staffordshire Terrier began to officially appear at various exhibitions, while the dogs of the American Pit Bull Terrier breed were impossible to meet at official events.
American Pit Bull Terrier personality
Pit bulls are very aggressive. The fighting character is still present in many representatives of this breed. Aggression can manifest itself even when the dog is brought up from childhood with cats or other dogs. Such a bad character suggests that while walking with a pet, you need to show maximum attention and not leave the animal unattended. If you notice that other dogs are paying attention to your pet, or vice versa, then you need to immediately take him away from the site. Of course, the pit bull should always be on a reliable leash, and the yard in which the pet will live and spend time there must be securely fenced.
Pit bull terriers are branded from birth fighting dog. It's all because of the news and reports in the newspapers about the aggression of some representatives of this breed. Pit bull shelters are overflowing in many Western countries, and some have even banned their breeding. The very name of the breed instills fear in some people. Such fears are in most cases unfounded. Pit bulls are very well behaved if they live in a loving family. They are loyal and reliable and make excellent companion dogs. They love to be close to people and want to be among their family, to take part in her life. Any activities, whether it's a walk in the woods, going on a picnic, or just gatherings in the yard, must be carried out together with the pet. If the pit bull feels that he is loved and cared for, he will respond in kind.
Maintenance and care
Taking care of a pit bull is not difficult at all. They just need to be bathed as needed, brushed weekly, and occasionally wiped down with a damp cloth. This will be enough to keep the coat healthy and beautiful.
The ears of the American Pit Bull Terrier require regular inspection for signs of contamination, irritation, and infection. Clean the auricles with a special swab and a remedy prescribed by a veterinarian. Never use a cotton swab to clean the ear canal.
A pit bull's teeth should also be brushed weekly. This will prevent the formation of tartar, strengthen the gums and prevent the occurrence of an unpleasant odor from the oral cavity. Nails are trimmed once a month, unless, of course, the dog grinds them down on its own.
Training and education
The process of training the American Pit Bull Terrier should begin at an early age. Pit bull training should be done in a calm, non-assertive manner. Training should not involve very long sessions, but the intervals between them should also be short. Otherwise, the pet will quickly get tired of everything even if you offer treats.
During the training of dogs of this breed, you need to be patient, as the process can be delayed. Even well-trained pit bull terriers can become spoiled over time, checking in this way what they can and what - No. In such situations, it is necessary to behave calmly, but let the dog know that this cannot be done.
If there are children in the family, then the puppy should start communicating with them from the first day of their appearance in the house. It is noteworthy that, despite the fact that pit bulls, as a rule, get along well with children in the family, they can show distrust and even aggression towards other people's children. That is why during the period of socialization of the American Pit Bull Terrier, it is necessary to teach the dog to understand that all children must be treated well.
Health and disease of the American Pit Bull Terrier
Some interesting facts
- The American Pit Bull Terrier is not the best choice for people who do not have much free time.
- Dogs of this breed must be trained and socialized at an early age. This is necessary in order to to prevent the manifestation of stubbornness and aggression in the character, which, in view of the strength of this dog, is not easy to fight.
- During walks, the pit bull must be on a leash. In no case should you go out into public places without a leash, otherwise you risk that the dog will start a real fight with his relatives.
- If the American Pit Bull Terrier is not socialized properly in puppyhood, then its owner risks getting not a companion dog, but an aggressive pet.
- If you decide to travel with a pit bull, make sure that the import of dogs of this breed into the country is not prohibited.
- American Pit Bull Terriers are prone to chewing. Buy enough different chew toys to prevent damage to furniture or decor that your dog might start chewing on.
- Pit bulls are best suited to those who have a lot of free time and a lot of desire and patience to raise a pet.
Nurseries and breeders
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