American Pit Bull Terrier Canine Breed: Images, Information, Maintenance Handbook & Characteristics
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The American Pit Bull Terrier presents a somewhat complex breed profile. While it is acknowledged by both the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the American Dog Breeders Association (ADBA), it has yet to gain registration with the American Kennel Club (AKC) – the primary kennel club in the United States. Tracing its lineage back to the British Isles, the American Pit Bull Terrier is believed to have descended from the Old English Bulldog and Old English Terrier. This medium-to-large-sized, short-haired canine is known for its muscular build and sleek, short coat. The breed boasts a diverse palette of coat colors, with the exception of merle, a pattern reserved for only a handful of breeds.
Breed Overview
Height
17-21 inches
Weight
30-60 pounds
Lifespan
12-16 years
Colors
Blue, Black, Brindle, Fawn, Grey, Red, White, and combinations of these colors
Suitable for
Active individuals and families with older children looking for a loyal and energetic companion
Temperament
Friendly, sociable, playful, intelligent, courageous, loyal
Height
17-21 inches
Weight
30-60 pounds
Lifespan
12-16 years
Colors
Blue, Black, Brindle, Fawn, Grey, Red, White, and combinations of these colors
Suitable for
Active individuals and families with older children looking for a loyal and energetic companion
Temperament
Friendly, sociable, playful, intelligent, courageous, loyal
It’s common for people to use the term “pit bull” to refer to various dog breeds, but the American Pit Bull Terrier is the one and only true pit bull. In the United States, the term “pit bull” is often mistakenly used to describe the American Staffordshire Terrier, which is an entirely different breed. Some parts of the world have banned this breed due to perceived “aggression,” although it’s not proven to be any more aggressive than most other breeds.
Characteristics
Energy
Health
Sociability
Trainability
Lifespan
Health Conditions
In general, American Pit Bull Terriers are a robust and healthy breed. Originally bred as working dogs, they were selected for their practicality rather than their appearance. Nowadays, they are primarily kept as cherished family pets. Although they enjoy a healthy disposition, they tend to be more susceptible to hip dysplasia, a serious condition that impacts the joints in their hips. Essentially, the joint doesn’t fit together properly, leading to wear and tear. Over time, this can cause the dog severe pain and even result in lameness. In the past, this breed was also more prone to issues such as patella problems, thyroid dysfunction, and congenital heart defects. However, responsible breeding practices have contributed to a decline in these conditions in recent years. Presently, they are not especially predisposed to these issues compared to other breeds.
It’s important to note that if not properly vaccinated, American Pit Bull Terriers have a higher risk of contracting parvovirus. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that they receive vaccinations as puppies and maintain their vaccination schedule into their later years. Additionally, these dogs are more likely to develop Demodex Mange, which can manifest in localized or generalized forms. While this type of mange is not highly contagious, it can be challenging to treat. Generalized Demodex is more severe and may lead to serious illness. Symptoms include widespread hair loss and the potential for the dog’s skin to become scabbed and bloody. Often, generalized conditions are the result of an immunodeficiency in the dog, making them more vulnerable to such issues.
Minor Conditions
- Allergies
- Hypothyroidism
- Ichthyosis
- Cataracts
- Heart Murmurs
- Skin Infections
- Ear Infections
Serious Conditions
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Congenital Heart Disease
- Degenerative Myelopathy
- Canine Cerebellar Ataxia
- Mange
Selecting the Perfect American Pit Bull Terrier Puppy for You
When considering the purchase of an American Pit Bull Terrier puppy, it is crucial to verify that you are indeed selecting the correct breed. The term “pit bull” is frequently used to describe various breeds, which may lead to confusion when trying to find an authentic American Pit Bull Terrier. Be cautious not to mistakenly choose an American Staffordshire Terrier instead. The cost of these puppies is comparable to other medium-sized breeds. A pet-quality puppy from a reputable breeder is typically more affordable due to their larger litter sizes, which help maintain lower prices.
However, show-quality dogs or those from distinguished bloodlines can be significantly more expensive. If you’re searching for a loving companion rather than a show dog, spending extra money on a top-tier puppy is not necessary. It is important to note that show-quality dogs do not inherently possess superior family-friendly traits; their higher price tag is attributed to their adherence to breed standards, which the average pet owner may not even recognize.
Uncovering the Temperament and Intelligence of American Pit Bull Terriers
Exhibiting many traits of a typical terrier, the American Pit Bull Terrier is a confident, lively, and affectionate breed. They adore people and often seek out attention, making them wonderful companions, especially for children. In fact, they are sometimes referred to as “nurse dogs” due to their gentle nature with young ones. As a naturally athletic breed, they excel in various physical activities, even climbing. However, this ability to climb over fences may pose challenges in containing them.
Contrary to popular belief, American Pit Bull Terriers do not make good guard dogs, as their friendliness often outweighs any perceived aggressiveness. Reputable breeders prioritize breeding out any aggression towards humans, further emphasizing the importance of choosing a responsible breeder. Backyard breeders may not be aware of the genes their dogs carry, potentially resulting in more aggressive dogs.
American Pit Bull Terriers are highly intelligent, making them easy to train and eager to please. They excel in performance-based activities and enjoy showing off their skills. Despite their controversial reputation, numerous scientific studies, including one from the American Veterinary Medical Association, have concluded that this breed is not inherently more aggressive than others. Misidentification of dog breeds, particularly by the media following biting incidents, may contribute to the confusion surrounding their perceived aggression. Even animal shelters struggle with accurately identifying breeds, further highlighting that breed alone is not a reliable indicator of aggression.
Evaluating the American Pit Bull Terrier as a Family-Friendly Dog
American Pit Bull Terriers make wonderful family pets. Known for their gentle nature with kids and lively playfulness, they can easily keep children amused. However, they do need a fair amount of exercise, so I’d suggest them for active families or those with ample time for physical activity. These dogs effortlessly bond with people across all age groups.
Assessing the Compatibility of American Pit Bull Terriers with Other Pets
It’s possible for American Pit Bull Terriers to get along with other pets, but it’s not always a guarantee. This breed is known to exhibit some inter-dog aggression, meaning they can be aggressive towards other dogs. However, early and consistent socialization can greatly improve their behavior around other animals. Keep in mind that this breed tends to be excitable and possesses a strong prey drive, which can make them prone to chasing smaller animals like cats. While early socialization can help, it doesn’t guarantee that your Pit Bull will be completely non-aggressive towards smaller pets.
Navigating the Dietary Needs of American Pit Bull Terriers
American Pit Bull Terriers generally don’t have specific dietary requirements or health issues that can be prevented through diet. However, always consult your veterinarian for your individual dog’s nutritional needs. Feeding them a dog food rich in meat and protein for optimal health is the best overall approach to take.
Ensuring Your American Pit Bull Terrier Gets Enough Exercise
The American Pit Bull Terrier, a working dog breed, is known for its high energy levels and remarkable endurance. These dogs thrive on physical activities to stay healthy and content. As true terriers, they require ample exercise to maintain their well-being. While walks can help meet their energy demands, they also enjoy engaging in more complex games like hide-and-seek. Additionally, these dogs excel in various canine sports such as agility, weight pulling, lure coursing, and flyball. Even if you don’t intend to participate in competitions, introducing your dog to these sports can be an excellent way to cater to their mental and physical needs.
The Importance of Training Your American Pit Bull Terrier
As a breed, American Pit Bull Terriers are not only smart but also eager to please, facilitating their training process. They readily follow instructions, resulting in numerous successful completions of advanced obedience competitions. Their combination of intellect and physical prowess enables them to excel in roles such as search and rescue, law enforcement, and service dogs.
Keeping Your American Pit Bull Terrier Well-Groomed
Grooming an American Pit Bull Terrier is not too demanding, as their short coat only calls for a weekly brushing to get rid of loose hair and maintain cleanliness. There’s no need for trimming or other similar treatments due to the coat’s length. These dogs typically have healthy teeth, but it’s still essential to brush them regularly, ideally twice a week or more, to ensure proper dental hygiene. Don’t forget to check and clean their ears from an early age. A quick inspection during their teeth brushing routine will help you determine if their ears are clear of debris. If needed, gently clean them using a damp cotton ball.
Comparing Male and Female American Pit Bull Terriers
Generally, male American Pit Bull Terriers tend to be bigger in size compared to their female counterparts. Nonetheless, this size distinction is the sole notable variation between the two genders of this breed.
Intriguing Fact About American Pit Bull Terriers
In the past, these dogs participated in blood sports, engaging in battles with bulls and bears, often tethered to a post. By the 1800s, England outlawed such activities, leading to the dogs being involved in illicit fights, while many others became beloved family pets. Over the last two millennia, their role as family companions has significantly reduced their aggressive tendencies through selective breeding.
Concluding Thoughts on the American Pit Bull
Contrary to the undeserved reputation of aggressiveness that American Pit Bull Terriers often face, they are in reality no more aggressive than other dog breeds. Known for their friendly and social nature, they adore people and form strong bonds with children of all ages, earning them the nickname “nanny dogs.” If you’re able to fulfill the exercise needs of these high-energy dogs, you’ll find that they make wonderful companions, despite any negative reputation they may have.
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