| One of the most misunderstood dog breeds is the | | | | older children the dog does very well, but smaller |
| American Pit Bull Terrier. People tend to love the | | | | children do not mix well with them. |
| animal or hate it; in some cases this is based on | | | | With other animals in the home they do very well |
| experience in others only rumor. | | | | with ones they were raised with, but they will show |
| During the nineteenth century Bulldogs were crossed | | | | aggression to other dogs and smaller animals. Though |
| with Terriers in hopes of creating a dog with the | | | | they are very protective of their family, the breed |
| gameness of the Terrier and the toughness of the | | | | does not make a good guard dog due to their social |
| Bulldog. This combination created a versatile dog | | | | tendency with people. |
| which became a favorite of farmers and ranchers in | | | | Pit Bulls are very active dogs which need to be |
| Europe and the United States. Uses for the animal | | | | exercised vigorously every day. Play time of chasing |
| included hunting, moving livestock, protection, and | | | | a ball, hiking, catching a frisbee, or running with a |
| family companionship. | | | | mountain bike are some of the activities that dog |
| The Pit Bull us a medium sized dog with full grown | | | | thrives with. If exercised sufficiently the dog can live |
| adults weighing in from twenty-two pounds to | | | | in an apartment with no problems. Otherwise a yard |
| potentially one hundred pounds, and stand eighteen | | | | will be needed for more exercise time. |
| to twenty-two inches high. The dog is very solidly | | | | Pit Bull ownership is not for everyone though. The |
| built and has very well-defined musculature. | | | | breed has a reputation for being overly aggressive |
| The coat if the Pit Bull Terrier has a glossy sheen, is | | | | and in some cities ownership is regulated and even |
| short but very thick and is smooth but stiff to the | | | | not allowed. This reputation is not necessarily |
| touch. To rid the coat of loose hair occasionally brush | | | | deserved, as the dog is not at fault as much as the |
| with a firm bristle brush. Also regularly rub down the | | | | owner. The dogs tend to be aggressive with strange |
| coat with a chamois cloth to clean the coat as well | | | | dogs and they possess a high prey drive. |
| as buff the glossy shine. The coat colors for the | | | | A responsible owner who can properly care for, train, |
| breed can be as simple as black or white or a variety | | | | and exercise them is needed to have a great dog |
| of color combinations. | | | | owner relationship. Vigilance is needed to ensure the |
| Despite the reputation the Pit Bull breed is one of the | | | | dog does not roam unsupervised and remains |
| most loyal, devoted, good-natured, affectionate dogs | | | | on-leash when in public places. |
| available. The animal is extremely fun and intelligent | | | | If aggression is ever shown toward a human being, |
| with the energy and enthusiasm for frisbee and ball | | | | which is actually uncharacteristic, the dog should be |
| games. | | | | evaluated by a professional to determine the problem |
| They are also big lovers of people and early | | | | that needs corrected. |
| socialization is needed to teach good manners. With | | | | |