Working With Pit Bull Terriers

This breed of dog, also fondly called as APBT, 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 Gang",
this breed make excellent companions since they area 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
APBT are of the same breed but many disapprovetheir journeys.
of this suggestion. For instance, if the American6. Jack, a working pit bulldog was owned by Laura
Kennel Club has an American Staffordshire terrier, itWilder of lines of books called "Little House".
will be registered as an American pit bull terrier by7. Popular people like Helen Keller and US President
the 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 APBTs.
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 APBT 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 the first
Height: between 18 and 22 inchesbreed that was dual-registered to be Staffordshire
Weight: between 30 and 60 poundsTerrier/Pit Bull. However, the UKC later started
Temperament: courageous, full of energy, and loyal;registering other performing-type varieties and they
should be socialized early on with other animalsalso began holding dog shows comparable to those
especially with childrenof the American Kennel Club.
Health Issues: heart murmurs and mangeThe AKC soon sealed its studbooks to APBTs. They
Care and Exercise:o Bathe when necessary.o Brushallocated registration to those pit breeds with lineages
their coat only occasionally using a brush with firmthat are listed as Staffies. For a little time during the
bristles.o Rub down their coat with a towel or a1970s, the AKC disclosed the American pits to their
chamois to remove hairs that are loose.o Theirstudbooks.
physique requires a regular exercise routine whichIn 1973, the American KC decided to add the word
includes a daily play time and/or running along a"American" with the pit's name to discriminate it from
bicycle while on a leash.o They should be on leasha Staffie. At present, those dogs with mixed
while walking in public places.APTB-StaffIe parents are recognized by UKC and
Origin/History:even the American Dog Breeders' Association as
The ancestors of APBT came to the US in the"American pits or American pit bull terriers".
mid-1800s with some Irish-Boston immigrants. LikeNowadays, the pit has employed as search and
the Staffie, they were originally bred from bulldogsrescuers, police/armed service dogs, livestock
and terriers. Since APBT is a forerunner to theworkers, and even as therapy animals because they
Staffie, it was also molded to be a fighting dog.are good as companions and working dogs.
However, the Americans made their variety someMoreover, the variety can even compete in dog
pounds heavier and trained them to have a moresports such as herding, obedience, and conformation,
powerful head.French Ring, and Schutzhund. Breeds of this type can
Bull baiting and dog baiting were prohibited in Englandbe very loving as pets for everyone. The physical
so bull terriers were no longer bred for bouts. It is indemands and harshness of various activities
America where the pit bull also gained its popularitydeveloped a healthy, strong, and stable animal.
for many uses and reasons like:If you want to have an APBT as a pet, be sure that
1. It was used to embody the country in one WW1the puppy is handled well and properly socialized. A
artwork.solid and good training will surely produce an obedient,
2. Well-known companies like the Buster Brown Shoetranquil, and good companion or even a working dog!