Game Bred American Pit Bull Terrier: A Comprehensive Guide

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a breed that's steeped in history and controversy.

The term "game bred" refers to a specific type of American Pit Bull Terrier that's been bred for its athleticism and fighting ability.

Game bred American Pit Bull Terriers are often associated with underground dog fighting rings, but it's essential to note that this is an illicit and inhumane activity.

These dogs are bred to be strong, agile, and fearless, with a strong prey drive and high energy levels.

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The American Pit Bull Terrier has a rich and fascinating history that spans nearly 200 years. Developed from bull and terrier types, APBTs were originally used by butchers to manage bulls and by hunters to help catch and hold wild boars and other game.

In England, these tasks evolved to become the sports of bull- and bear-baiting, the act of pitting dogs against bulls or bears, until these blood sports were outlawed in 1835 and dog fighting sprang up in its place. This dark period in the breed's history has contributed to the negative reputation that still follows them today.

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The APBT's reputation as a strong, handsome, loyal, and affectionate breed quickly gained popularity in the United States as a hunting dog and family companion, and dog fighting was outlawed in most states by the 1860s. They were even used on farms for various tasks, including cattle and sheep herding.

After their heyday as working dogs, Pitbulls quickly ascended to the forefront of American culture and were prominently featured in advertisements throughout the first half of the 20th century. Their fearless and hardworking demeanors made them a popular choice as guard dogs, protecting homesteads from wild animals.

American Pit Bull Terriers are known for their loving and playful personalities, making them excellent companions for families. They are intelligent and easily trainable, but they do require a responsible owner who knows the breed and how to properly socialize them.

With proper training and socialization, Pitbulls are kind and caring towards children, forming strong bonds with their family members. They are often eager to entertain and protect young children, but it's essential to teach them proper pet etiquette for everyone's safety.

Pitbulls can be a bit of a baby and don't appreciate being left alone for long periods, so they require frequent attention and interaction. They may become distraught or destructive if left unattended, so it's crucial to provide them with regular exercise and mental stimulation.

Despite their tough appearance, Pitbulls are often affectionate and loving towards their family, showering them with attention and affection. However, they may be aggressive towards other dogs, especially if they haven't been properly socialized, so it's essential to introduce them to other canines carefully.

Pitbulls are sensitive and smart, responding well to positive reinforcement and frequent training sessions. They deeply desire to please their owners, but they can be easily distracted by outside stimuli, so consistent training and attention are necessary.

Overall, Pitbulls are versatile and loving companions, but they do require a responsible owner who understands their needs and can provide them with the attention and care they require.

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Caring for your Game Bred American Pit Bull Terrier requires attention to their physical and emotional needs. They are prone to periodontal disease, so regular brushing and occasional professional cleanings are a must.

A consistent diet is essential, and it's best to feed a high-quality food appropriate for their age. You should also supervise your pet as you would a toddler to keep them out of trouble and away from objects they shouldn't put in their mouth.

To keep their coat healthy, brush it at least weekly, and clean their ears weekly as well. They are relatively low maintenance when it comes to grooming.

Exercise is crucial for their physical and mental well-being. Keep their mind and body active, and they'll be less likely to get bored and act out.

Here's a list of things to keep in mind when exercising your Pitbull:

Socialization is also key to their emotional well-being. Socialize them early with other dogs to make walks around the block easier and less stressful for both you and your dog.

Pitbulls can be prone to weight gain, so it's essential to help them maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise. With proper care and attention, they can live a long and happy life.

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American Pit Bull Terriers are generally a robust breed, but like all breeds, they're not immune to certain health issues. Many diseases and health conditions are genetic, meaning they're related to your pet's breed.

Pitbulls are known to be prone to periodontal disease, which can lead to serious dental problems if not addressed. Regular brushing and professional cleanings can help fight back against plaque and tartar.

Genetic predispositions can also lead to hip dysplasia and knee problems as they age. Watch out for abnormal behavior or signs of pain like excessive scratching, vomiting, or exhaustion.

Pitbulls have a short, no-nonsense coat that makes bathtime quick and easy. Owners won't have to worry about matted hair or dirt getting stuck in their coat.

Some breeds are prone to genetic illnesses and disorders due to their heritage. Luckily, Pitbulls are not particularly susceptible to most illnesses, and with proper preventative care, they can easily live a full and healthy life.

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Pitbulls vary in their desired activity level, but they can be susceptible to thyroid problems, which can lead to weight gain among other symptoms. It's essential to help your dog maintain a healthy weight for their general wellness.

The good news is that Pitbulls require relatively little maintenance when it comes to grooming. They have a low shedding level, which is a bonus for allergy-prone owners.

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Exercise and play are essential for a Game Bred American Pit Bull Terrier's physical and mental well-being. They need several walks per day to stay fit and mentally challenged.

These walks are a great opportunity to socialize your APBT with different people. You can introduce them to various individuals to help them become well-adjusted.

Pitbulls love to play and exercise, and they're always up for a game of fetch or tug of war. High-intensity play is a key component of their profile, so be prepared to go all out during playtime.

You shouldn't worry about over-exhausting your Pitbull, as they're likely to get tired before you do. However, make sure to balance their frequent playtime with plenty of snuggles.

Shedding can be a challenge for Pitbull owners, especially those with allergies, as they tend to shed heavily, sometimes all year round.

Pitbulls require very little maintenance when it comes to their coat, making it easy to keep them clean and healthy.

Their short, no-nonsense coat makes bathtime quick and easy, and they're unlikely to need regular grooming sessions.

You can expect some drool around dinner time, but overall, Pitbulls aren't particularly slobbery dogs.

Their short coat also means they're less prone to matted hair and dirt getting stuck in their fur.

With proper preventative care, Pitbulls can easily live a full and healthy life, with a general health rating of 4 out of 5.

However, they can be prone to weight gain due to thyroid problems, so it's essential to monitor their weight and activity level.

Pitbulls are highly intelligent dogs, with an intelligence rating of 4 out of 5, making them relatively easy to train and care for.

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The American Pit Bull Terrier is a sensitive and smart breed, making them highly responsive to positive reinforcement and frequent training sessions. They deeply desire to please their owners, but can be easily distracted by outside stimuli.

Pitbulls are quick to associate commands and behavior, but patience, consistency, and plenty of treats are still necessary to train them effectively. High-intelligence dogs are happiest when putting their brains to work, so engaging them in mental stimulation is crucial.

Socialization is an essential part of training your APBT, and exposure to various people and places, along with positive reinforcement, will help them become confident and trusting adults. Early socialization with other dogs can also make walks around the block easier.

Dogs like Pitbulls require a significant mental challenge to stay content, so providing complex toys and food puzzles can keep them actively thinking on a daily basis. They love a game of fetch or a round of tug of war at any time of day, and high-intensity play is a key component of their profile.

Pitbulls don't appreciate being left alone for significant periods of time and may become distraught or destructive without frequent attention. An untrained Pitbull may be more likely to act out and misbehave around other canines.

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The American Pit Bull Terrier is a breed that's often misunderstood, but one thing's for sure - they're a long-lived companion. The average life span of an American Pit Bull Terrier is 12 years.

They're a medium-sized breed, but their athletic build makes them seem larger than they are. Adult Pit Bulls typically weigh between 35-60 pounds.

Their life expectancy is a testament to their robust health, but regular exercise and a balanced diet are still essential for maintaining their physical and mental well-being.

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As a Game Bred American Pit Bull Terrier owner, it's essential to prioritize your pup's health and well-being. A thorough Hip Evaluation is crucial to identify any potential issues that may affect your dog's mobility and comfort.

Hip Evaluation is a must, as it can help prevent joint problems and arthritis. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help catch any issues early on.

Elbow Evaluation is also vital, as it can help identify any potential elbow dysplasia or other issues that may affect your dog's joints. This can help prevent pain and discomfort for your pup.

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Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help catch any issues early on. Your vet can perform an Elbow Evaluation to ensure your dog's elbows are healthy and functioning properly.

An Ophthalmologist Evaluation is necessary to check for any eye problems or issues that may affect your dog's vision. This can help prevent blindness and ensure your pup's eyes stay healthy.

Here are some essential evaluations to keep in mind: