The American Pit Bull Terrier

The American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) has its roots in England and Ireland where it was bred from a variety of Bull Dog and Terrier breeds. The Pit Bull (also known as the Staffordshire Terrier here in the U.S. [see note at bottom]) was originally brought to the U.S. during the Irish potato famine of the mid seventeen hundreds. Irish and Scot-Irish loved their dogs and introduced them here.

Today's Pit Bull is a solid, medium-sized, short (single coat) haired dog.

It is a member of the molosser breed group. Molossers were it was (and still is) a shepherding breed from the area between Greece and Albania. Over time the people of the British Isles crossed this breed with bull dogs and terriers. Eventually the dog was used for bull-baiting.

Bull Baiting
Bull baiting involves tying a bull to a stake and giving the bull about thirty feet of radius in which to move. Dogs are then released upon the bull. The intention is for the dogs to immobilize the bull by biting and firmly holding the bull's snout until it stops moving. In fact this was the original purpose of the appropriately named bull dog. The bull was then "dispatched" and the town butcher parceled out the bull; the best cuts going to the winning dog's owner.

At the time there were actually laws specifying that any bull meat sold had to be "baited" first. The thought was the meat would taste better if the bull was stressed before the kill. Eventually the practice fell out of favor, not because of any cruelty issue, but because the noise of the fights were a nuisance to the rapidly expanding population. Parliament passed a law forbidding the baiting of bulls in 1835.

American Pit Bull Lineage
The American Staffordshire Terrier and The American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) by breed are from the same lineage; "Staffordshire" was the name given by American Kennel Club, and American Pitt Bull Terriers by United Kennel Club.

The breeds are different despite the seemingly interchangeable name. The American Pit Bull Terrier tends to be about six inches taller and about thirty pounds heavier than the Staffordshire. Beyond that they appear to be the same dog.

All American Dog
With the outlawing of bull-baiting and other blood sports, owners bringing the breed to America tended to keep their dogs due to loyalty, bravery, and love of the human family. Over time the dog became so popular that it came to be viewed as "The American Dog."

It was prominently featured in war bond posters (see image left). RCA Records and Buster Brown Shoes both used the breed as mascot. A Pit Bull named Stubby was a decorated World War I hero. Helen Keller and Teddy Roosevelt both owned the breed.

Later. in the early twentieth century, Hal Roach Studios featured a Pit Bull named "Petey" in the "Our Gang" series. Petey typically playing with the children, rescued them or their possessions from villains and performed other brave acts of loyalty to his human "Our Gang" family.

Temperament
This dog is loyal, energetic, and courageous. They are also playful and intelligent. They should be socialized to other animals and people (adults and children) as puppies. As with most dogs the American Pit Bull should be trained early to recognize humans as alpha leader. This can be accomplished by establishing rules and boundaries for the dog. This usually involves teaching the dog "No" and the meaning of that word early on.

Care and Exercise
Regular brushing with a bristle brush or a rubdown with chamois skin will help keep the coat shiny and clean. Baths are only required when necessary.

This dog needs vigorous exercise. A home with a yard or frequent trips to a dog park is the ideal. It is also a good idea to encourage curiosity in the dog with "environmental enrichment" such as toys, new scenery and situations, as well as meeting new people and other animals.

Health Issues
This dog has few health problems. But the most common are heart murmur and mange. Dermatitis mange can be caused by a mite infestation or possibly just be an allergic reaction. If the mange is caused by mites the dog can be treated with a weekly dusting of florets of sulfur. Only a veterinarian can determine if the dog has heart murmur and she can recommend a course of action if this condition is found.

Lifespan
American Pit Bull Terriers typically lives twelve to fifteen years.

Working Dog
Originally the American Pit Bull was classified as a working dog. Over time this changed more to a companion animal, but lately the tide is turning back to that of working dog.

American Pit Bulls are now often employed as service dogs, police & armed services dogs, search and rescuers, and therapy animals. They also find work as livestock workers.

Companion Dog
The American Pit Bull can also be trained to compete in a wide variety of organized dog sports. This includes herding, competitive Frisbee as well as conformation to verbal commands.

They make excellent loving pets for children and seniors, and everyone in between.

They are one of the most versatile dog breeds on the planet. A great deal of this agility in function can be traced directly back to its beginnings as a baiting or fighting dog.

Is it a Staffordshire or an American Pit Bull?
The United Kennel Club (UKC) was originally formed exclusively to register the American Pit Bull. They also gave advice on how to fight the dog. The American Kennel Club, after being petitioned to accept the dog, only did so starting in 1936. As a condition of registration the dog owner had to refer to the animal as "Staffordshire Terrier" rather than "American Pit Bull;" this to distance the club from dog fighting.

Petey, the dog that starred in the "Our Gang" series was actually registered with both clubs as an American Pit Bull and as a Staffordshire Terrier. He was one of the first dogs so registered.

Eventually the UKC started registering other working dogs and eventually banning registrants convicted of dog fighting. In effect the UKC completely reversed its previous policies.

To this day the UKC and AKC recognize the same dog, but under different names.

Though this dog has a checkered past, it, like any other breed considers its human companion a member of its family and acts accordingly.

It is time to revisit Breed Specific Legislation for all breeds. it is obvious to me, at least, that these laws have little to do with reality and almost everything to do with unreasoned fear based solely on the look of the dog.