| APBT, as it’s dearly called, is another breed of | | | | Company used this specific breed as mascots. |
| dog known for its intelligence and fidelity. They make | | | | 3. It became popular in TV series. One such was the |
| marvelous companions as they tend to be very | | | | “our gang” show. |
| aggressive and protective in nature. | | | | 4. Stubby, a mixed breed was a popular and a |
| Now, how do they differ from Staffies? For the | | | | wonderful WW1 hero. |
| United Kennel Club or the UKC, as it is called, APBT | | | | 5. Pits were identified as good company for the |
| or the Staffies are some breeds which many do not | | | | pioneer families on their long journeys. |
| approve of this suggestion. Say, suppose an | | | | 6. In the famous book “little house”, jack |
| American Staffordshire terrier in American Kennel | | | | was a working pit dog owned by Laura Wilder. |
| Club, it might be registered by the Club as an | | | | 7. Very renowned and recognized people like US |
| American Pit Bull Terrier. Dogs are checked for its | | | | president Roosevelt owned such a variety. |
| lineage and seen for variety. | | | | Here is the history behind the cause of the dilemma |
| UKC‘s American pit is never registered at the | | | | in the various registries of APBTs. |
| American Kennel Club as American Staffies. In order | | | | The United Kennel Club, in 1898, was structured to |
| to be registered in both, the dog must have | | | | registration and guidelines for the APBT as fighting |
| registered as American Staffie before being present | | | | dogs. American Kennel Club was then asked to |
| in the UKC as an American Pit Bull. It doesn’t | | | | recognize these pits as a few breeders were not |
| work the other way around. | | | | suited for dog fighting. Once AKC recognized it, they |
| Some basic information on breeders is essential to | | | | would be available for dog shows as well. |
| know. The following shows you the facts: | | | | In 1935, AKC approved this petitions filed to them |
| Category: Terrier | | | | though the dogs were being registered in a different |
| Living Environment: can be outdoor or sometimes | | | | name of Staffordshire Terriers. Staffordshire is a |
| even indoor. | | | | popular province in England and it is believed that the |
| Coat: shiny, short, thick and smooth | | | | dog originated from here. Many dogs possess this |
| Color: varied colors. | | | | dual-registry. |
| Height: anywhere between 18 and 22 inches | | | | In the most popular TV series “our gang”, |
| Weight: close to 30 and 60 pounds | | | | Petie, the star of the show was the very first breed |
| Temperament: full of energy, loyal and courageous, it | | | | to have registered as both Pit Bull and Staffordshire |
| is better to socialize them early especially with young | | | | Terrier. UKC however started to be on par with AKC |
| children. | | | | and started to introduce dog shows. |
| Health Issues: heart mange and murmurs. | | | | AKC spotted a variety of breeds and mainly allocated |
| Exercise and care to be taken: | | | | registration for those pit breeds having lineage and |
| 1. Bathe them only when it is necessary. | | | | having listed as Staffies. In 1970s, AKC disclosed |
| 2. Brush them with firm and hard bristles when you | | | | American pits back to their studbooks. |
| are rubbing them. | | | | It was in 1973 that American Kennel Club decided to |
| 3. Use towel to dry them. Loose hair fall during this | | | | add “American” to the pit’s name to |
| process. | | | | differentiate from the Staffie. The dogs with the |
| 4. Daily play or any activity can help its physique to | | | | mixed APTB-Staffie parents are being recognized by |
| stay good. Take them walking or ask them to run | | | | United Kennel Club and also by the American Dog |
| along bicycles on a leash. | | | | Breeder’s Association as “American pit bull |
| 5. Make sure the dogs aren’t loose while you are | | | | terriers or American pits.” |
| walking it. | | | | The pit is used mainly as rescuers and search, armed |
| History: | | | | or police service dogs, therapy animals and even |
| APBT has a rich history behind itself. The ancestors | | | | livestock workers these days. They make good |
| of these came in mid-1800s to the US alongside a | | | | companions and they are very hard working. |
| few Irish-Boston immigrants. They are originally bred | | | | Variety also competes in dog sports like obedience, |
| from terriers and bulldogs just like the Staffies are. | | | | herding and conformation. French ring and Schutzhund |
| APBT is usually brought up as a fighting dog as it is | | | | are also the other activities they actively participate |
| found to have a n aggressive look about itself. | | | | in. they are also very loving and caring. The dogs are |
| Americans train them according to their capabilities. | | | | bound to become strong and healthy as they |
| Dog baiting and bull baiting were abandoned in England | | | | perform these kinds of activities. |
| so the terriers were not bred for bouts. It got | | | | If you are determined to have an APBT as a pet, |
| popular in America and the reasons for this are: | | | | you should ensure that the dog is handled with care |
| 1. In the WW1 artwork, these were used to embody | | | | and is properly socialized. Good and solid training can |
| this country. | | | | make the dog healthy and produce a tranquil, |
| 2. RCA and the famous Buster Brown Shoe | | | | obedient, companion and even as a working dog. |