| No breed has ever conjured more controversy | | | | Although they aren't as intelligent as those of the |
| across the globe than the American Pit Bull Terrier (or | | | | herding class, Pit Bulls can be easily obedience-trained |
| American Staffordshire Terrier). Pit Bulls were bred to | | | | with consistency and loving discipline. Submissive |
| be strong, courageous, and have incredible endurance. | | | | puppies will make the best pets. Since they are a |
| It is because of these traits that they are a leading | | | | very strong breed, they need to be taught that they |
| choice for police dogs, drug detection, hunting, | | | | cannot throw their weight around to get what they |
| service dogs, weight-pulling, search and rescue, and | | | | want. Jumping, leaning, or pulling on their leash should |
| other canine occupations. They've even begun taking | | | | not be permissible. It is very important to socialize |
| the Schutzhund competitions by storm. Unfortunately, | | | | your Pit Bull, as their natural hunting instincts can |
| these are the same traits that make them a perfect | | | | make them aggressive toward small animals. If they |
| choice for dogfighting. Dogfighting has become so | | | | show signs of independence, they can benefit from a |
| out-of-hand that in many American cities, such as | | | | group obedience class--if a Pit sees another dog |
| Miami and Denver, Pit Bulls are strictly banned inside | | | | behaving well in the class, they will mimic the behavior |
| the city limits and offenders face criminal charges. It | | | | and learn faster. Once a Pit Bull knows its place, the |
| is a sad irony, indeed, that although Americans | | | | training possibilities are endless. They live to learn, |
| developed this breed, they are now the ones banning | | | | work, and please their owners. |
| them. | | | | Grooming 3 out of 5 |
| Contrary to popular belief, Pit Bulls are not born | | | | Pit Bulls have a short, sleek coat that almost borders |
| vicious. They must be specifically trained to be | | | | on bare skin. They rarely need a bath and never |
| aggressive, and the training techniques utilized are | | | | need a haircut. But although the dog itself is virtually |
| nothing less than torture. Just because most of the | | | | maintenance-free, that doesn't mean your house will |
| dog attacks reported involve Pit Bulls does not | | | | be too. Pit Bulls are average shedders so after a nice |
| necessarily mean that they are a more aggressive | | | | snuggle, you'll be sure to find your shirt covered with |
| breed than any other. Consider, for instance, if a | | | | hair. Pit Bulls should be kept off of furniture and beds, |
| Golden Retriever were to growl and nip at a child. | | | | but should not be left to lay on a hard floor, as their |
| That case would probably go unreported because of | | | | legs can develop calluses. You should provide a |
| the popularity of Golden Retrievers. Most people | | | | comfortable dog bed in the family room, along with |
| might shrug it off, thinking that the child was | | | | their own blanket-lined kennel in the bedroom. |
| probably tormenting the dog. But because of the Pit | | | | Overall Score 4 out of 5 |
| Bull's reputation, the cases involving them will always | | | | American Pit Bull Terriers are loving, amusing, |
| be reported, no matter how innocent, causing the | | | | intelligent, and faithful to the end. They can be a bit |
| number of reported Pit Bull attacks to rise above the | | | | clumsy indoors, but regular exercise (about an hour a |
| rest. | | | | day) and a proper weight can reduce this. Pit Bulls are |
| Here's the breakdown: | | | | prone to be overweight, so do not over feed. They |
| Temperament 5 out of 5 | | | | can range between 30 and 60 pounds and live about |
| I believe Pit Bulls are some of the best family | | | | 12 years. Overall, Pit Bulls are happy, energetic, and |
| companions and there are countless resources that | | | | friendly. They will approach just about anyone with |
| back up this claim. For one, Pit Bulls rated higher in | | | | curiosity and an eagerness to say hello. Unfortunately, |
| the American Temperament Test results than seven | | | | some people mistake this friendliness for aggression |
| of the most popular breeds in the United States: the | | | | so always keep your Pit Bull on a leash in public. |
| Beagle, Miniature Schnauzer, Shih Tzu, Yorkshire | | | | Some cities may require special registration to own |
| Terrier, German Shepherd, Dachshund, and even the | | | | this breed, while others have strict Pit Bull laws that |
| Golden Retriever. In my personal experience, I have | | | | might require your pet to be muzzled in public. I |
| never met an unfriendly Pit Bull, and I am more | | | | believe the appearance of muzzles add to the |
| inclined to be frightened of a Chihuahua or a | | | | fear-factor of the breed, so I recommend only |
| Pomeranian. I have been bitten by a Labrador | | | | owning a Pit Bull in the areas they are permitted. Pit |
| German Shepherd mix as well as a Beagle mix so I | | | | Bull owners may also find it difficult to purchase |
| believe that any dog, no matter the breed, can be | | | | homeowner's insurance. |
| aggressive. To say that all Pit Bulls are dangerous | | | | Please do your research when thinking about a Pit |
| would be a grievous error. They are one of the most | | | | Bull. I recommend adopting this breed from your local |
| loving, caring, selfless, humble, and entertaining breeds | | | | shelter or finding one on Pit Bulls are the most |
| available. | | | | abused breed in the United States--so let's help them |
| Training 4 out of 5 | | | | out! |