The American Pit Bull Terrier: a Loyal Companion

This breed of dog, also fondly called as APBT, isstars in, "Our Gang", a well sought children's TV series.
known for its loyalty and intelligence. The dogs with this4. A mix breed called Stubby was transformed into a
breed make excellent companions since they are verypopular and decorated WW1 hero. 5. Pits became
aggressive because of their protective nature.good companies of pioneer families on their journeys.
How, then, are they different from the Staffies? For6. Jack, a working pit bulldog was owned by Laura
the UKC or the United Kennel Club, Staffies and APBTWilder of lines of books called "Little House". 7. Popular
are of the same breed but many disapprove of thispeople like Helen Keller and US President Theodore
suggestion. For instance, if the American Kennel ClubRoosevelt owned the variety.
has an American Staffordshire terrier, it will beHere is some history about the cause of dilemma
registered as an American pit bull terrier by the Unitedregarding the registries of APBTs.
Kennel Club. Furthermore, many breeders noted thatIn 1898, the United Kennel Club or UKC was structured
their lineages have been separate for a long timeto provide fighting guidelines and registration for APBT
already for these dogs to be still considered as havingas fighting dogs. Later, there were breeders who shun
the same variety.away from dog fighting so they asked the AKC to
Meanwhile, the American Kennel Club does notrecognize their pits so they would be fit for
register a UKC-listed American pit as an Americanperformance events like dog shows. In 1935, the AKC
Staffie. In order to gain dual-registry, the dog mustapproved of their petitions but the dogs were
initially be recorded as an AKC American Staffieregistered as Staffordshire Terriers, naming them after
before it can be listed with the UKC as an Americanthe little province in England that the breed was known
pit bull, and not the other way around.to have originated from. Thus, many breeders have
The following are some of the basic facts breedersdogs that have dual-registry.
would really love to know about APTBs:It is interesting to note that Petie, which was one of the
Category: Terrierstars in the, "Our Gang" TV series was the first breed
Living Environment: either outdoor or indoorthat was dual-registered to be Staffordshire Terrier/Pit
Coat: smooth, shiny, thick, and shortBull. However, the UKC later started registering other
Colors: color variesperforming-type varieties and they also began holding
Height: between 18 and 22 inchesdog shows comparable to those of the American
Weight: between 30 and 60 poundsKennel Club.
Temperament: courageous, full of energy, and loyal;The AKC soon sealed its studbooks to APBTs. They
should be socialized early on with other animalsallocated registration to those pit breeds with lineages
especially with childrenthat are listed as Staffies. For a little time during the
Health Issues: heart murmurs and mange1970s, the AKC disclosed the American pits to their
Care and Exercise: • Bathe when necessary. •studbooks.
Brush their coat only occasionally using a brush withIn 1973, the American KC decided to add the word
firm bristles. • Rub down their coat with a towel or"American" with the pit's name to discriminate it from a
a chamois to remove hairs that are loose. • TheirStaffie. At present, those dogs with mixed
physique requires a regular exercise routine whichAPTB-StaffIe parents are recognized by UKC and
includes a daily play time and/or running along a bicycleeven the American Dog Breeders' Association as
while on a leash. • They should be on leash while"American pits or American pit bull terriers".
walking in public places.Nowadays, the pit has employed as search and
Origin/History:rescuers, police/armed service dogs, livestock
The ancestors of APBT came to the US in theworkers, and even as therapy animals because they
mid-1800s with some Irish-Boston immigrants. Like theare good as companions and working dogs.
Staffie, they were originally bred from bulldogs andMoreover, the variety can even compete in dog sports
terriers. Since APBT is a forerunner to the Staffie, itsuch as herding, obedience, and conformation, French
was also molded to be a fighting dog. However, theRing, and Schutzhund. Breeds of this type can be very
Americans made their variety some pounds heavierloving as pets for everyone. The physical demands
and trained them to have a more powerful head.and harshness of various activities developed a
Bull baiting and dog baiting were prohibited in Englandhealthy, strong, and stable animal.
so bull terriers were no longer bred for bouts. It is inIf you want to have an APBT as a pet, be sure that
America where the pit bull also gained its popularity forthe puppy is handled well and properly socialized. A
many uses and reasons like:solid and good training will surely produce an obedient,
1. It was used to embody the country in one WW1tranquil, and good companion or even a working dog!
artwork. 2. Well-known companies like the BusterWant to find out about chihuahua pregnancy and
Brown Shoe Company and even RCA used thechihuahua pug? Get tips from the Types Of Chihuahua
breed as mascots. 3. Petie, a pitbull, was one of thewebsite.