The Loyal Working Companion Dog: American Pit Bull Terrier

The Loyal Working Companion Dog: American Pit Bullartwork.
Terrier2. Well-known companies like the Buster Brown Shoe
This breed of dog, also fondly called as pitbull, isCompany and even RCA used the breed as mascots.
known for its loyalty and intelligence. The dogs with3. Petie, a pitbull, was one of the stars in, “Our
this breed make excellent companions since they areGang”, a well sought children’s TV series.
very aggressive because of their protective nature.4. A mix breed called Stubby was transformed into a
How, then, are they different from the Staffies? Forpopular and decorated WW1 hero.
the UKC or the United Kennel Club, Staffies and5. Pits became good companies of pioneer families on
pitbull are of the same breed but many disapprove oftheir journeys.
this suggestion. For instance, if the American Kennel6. Jack, a working pit bulldog was owned by Laura
Club has an American Staffordshire terrier, it will beWilder of lines of books called “Little House”.
registered as an American pit bull terrier by the7. Popular people like Helen Keller and US President
United Kennel Club. Furthermore, many breedersTheodore Roosevelt owned the variety.
noted that their lineages have been separate for aHere is some history about the cause of dilemma
long time already for these dogs to be still consideredregarding the registries of pitbulls.
as having the same variety.In 1898, the United Kennel Club or UKC was
Meanwhile, the American Kennel Club does notstructured to provide fighting guidelines and
register a UKC-listed American pit as an Americanregistration for pitbull as fighting dogs. Later, there
Staffie. In order to gain dual-registry, the dog mustwere breeders who shun away from dog fighting so
initially be recorded as an AKC American Staffiethey asked the AKC to recognize their pits so they
before it can be listed with the UKC as an Americanwould be fit for performance events like dog shows.
pit bull, and not the other way around.In 1935, the AKC approved of their petitions but the
The following are some of the basic facts breedersdogs were registered as Staffordshire Terriers,
would really love to know about APTBs:naming them after the little province in England that
Category: Terrierthe breed was known to have originated from. Thus,
Living Environment: either outdoor or indoormany breeders have dogs that have dual-registry.
Coat: smooth, shiny, thick, and shortIt is interesting to note that Petie, which was one of
Colors: color variesthe stars in the, “Our Gang” TV series was
Height: between 18 and 22 inchesthe first breed that was dual-registered to be
Weight: between 30 and 60 poundsStaffordshire Terrier/Pit Bull. However, the UKC later
Temperament: courageous, full of energy, and loyal;started registering other performing-type varieties
should be socialized early on with other animalsand they also began holding dog shows comparable
especially with childrento those of the American Kennel Club.
Health Issues: heart murmurs and mangeThe AKC soon sealed its studbooks to pitbulls. They
Care and Exercise:allocated registration to those pit breeds with lineages
• Bathe when necessary.that are listed as Staffies. For a little time during the
• Brush their coat only occasionally using a brush1970s, the AKC disclosed the American pits to their
with firm bristles.studbooks.
• Rub down their coat with a towel or a chamoisIn 1973, the American KC decided to add the word
to remove hairs that are loose."American" with the pit’s name to discriminate it
• Their physique requires a regular exercisefrom a Staffie. At present, those dogs with mixed
routine which includes a daily play time and/or runningAPTB-StaffIe parents are recognized by UKC and
along a bicycle while on a leash.even the American Dog Breeders’ Association as
• They should be on leash while walking in public“American pits or American pit bull terriers”.
places.Nowadays, the pit has employed as search and
Origin/History:rescuers, police/armed service dogs, livestock
The ancestors of pitbull came to the US in theworkers, and even as therapy animals because they
mid-1800s with some Irish-Boston immigrants. Likeare good as companions and working dogs.
the Staffie, they were originally bred from bulldogsMoreover, the variety can even compete in dog
and terriers. Since pitbull is a forerunner to thesports such as herding, obedience, and conformation,
Staffie, it was also molded to be a fighting dog.French Ring, and Schutzhund. Breeds of this type can
However, the Americans made their variety somebe very loving as pets for everyone. The physical
pounds heavier and trained them to have a moredemands and harshness of various activities
powerful head.developed a healthy, strong, and stable animal.
Bull baiting and dog baiting were prohibited in EnglandIf you want to have an pitbull as a pet, be sure that
so bull terriers were no longer bred for bouts. It is inthe puppy is handled well and properly socialized. A
America where the pit bull also gained its popularitysolid and good training will surely produce an obedient,
for many uses and reasons like:tranquil, and good companion or even a working dog!
1. It was used to embody the country in one WW1