The American Pit Bull Terrier, or APBT, is a breed of dog that's often misunderstood. They were originally bred for bloodsports, but today they're loving companions and family pets.
Their athletic build and muscular physique make them a natural fit for dog sports and activities. With a short, easy-to-maintain coat, they're a great choice for busy owners.
One of the key characteristics of the APBT is their strong prey drive, which can make them a challenge to train if not properly socialized. Early socialization is crucial to help them develop good manners and a calm temperament.
Their short coats require minimal grooming, but they do need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. A daily walk and playtime are a must for this energetic breed.
What is a Game Dog
A Game Dog is a term used to describe a dog that is bred to hunt and track small game, such as rabbits and hares.
Game dogs are known for their strong prey drive and ability to track and chase their quarry over long distances.
They are often used for hunting and are prized for their intelligence, athleticism, and strong instincts.
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History of Game Dogs
Game dogs have a rich history dating back to the 16th century in England.
The first recorded use of game dogs was for hunting small game like hares and rabbits.
They were bred to be energetic and agile, with a strong prey drive.
In the 18th century, game dogs began to be used for hunting larger game like foxes and deer.
The breeders of the time selectively bred these dogs to emphasize their hunting ability and endurance.
This selective breeding led to the development of specific breeds like the Foxhound and the Harrier.
These breeds were designed to work together with hunters to chase and bring down their prey.
Game dogs were highly valued for their skill and athleticism, and were often given as gifts to royalty.
Their popularity continued to grow throughout the 19th century, with many breeders developing new breeds.
The development of new breeds like the Beagle and the Coonhound further expanded the use of game dogs.
Today, game dogs are still used for hunting and are also popular as pets due to their energetic and affectionate nature.
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Characteristics of Game Dogs
Game dogs are bred and trained to be incredibly resilient and persistent, often working until they literally drop from exhaustion. This is due to their intense eagerness to please and their willingness to persevere despite the threat of injury.
A game dog is not necessarily a fighting dog, despite their reputation for being tough. In fact, many game dogs are bred for activities like weight pulling, hunting, tracking, and herding. Some examples of game dogs include the American Pit Bull Terrier, the Bull Terrier, and the Doberman Pinscher.
Game dogs are often referred to as "working dogs" because they are bred to perform a specific task or function. They are not just pets, but rather partners in work and play. Their intense energy and focus make them well-suited for tasks that require endurance and determination.
Some common characteristics of game dogs include their high prey drive, strong work ethic, and willingness to please their handlers. These traits make them excellent companions for hunters, herders, and other working dog enthusiasts.
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Here are some key characteristics of game dogs:
These characteristics are not unique to any one breed, but are rather a combination of traits that are commonly found in game dogs. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or a first-time dog owner, understanding the characteristics of game dogs can help you choose the right breed for your needs.
Physical Attributes
Game dogs, like the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT), have a distinct set of physical attributes that set them apart from other breeds.
Their muscular build allows them to be agile and powerful, making them well-suited for their original purpose as farm dogs.
A typical APBT weighs between 35-60 pounds and stands between 17-20 inches tall at the shoulder.
Their short, smooth coats require minimal grooming, which makes them a great choice for busy owners.
Their broad, wedge-shaped heads and distinctive underbites give them a unique appearance that's both handsome and intimidating.
Endurance
The American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) is a breed that's built for endurance. Their high levels of Type IIA and Type IIB muscle fibers, combined with their efficient cardiovascular and respiratory systems, make them capable of maintaining a high intensity of work rate for longer periods.
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This unique endurance ability has been developed through the breed's history of performing in the pit, where they needed to sustain their energy over long bouts. Today, it's essential to continue exercising their endurance to burn excess energy and maintain overall health.
Running-related activities are an excellent way to boost endurance in APBTs. Specialized fetch training is particularly effective, leveraging their natural high prey drive to develop endurance through ball-based movements. Treadmill running is also beneficial, especially on days when the weather doesn't cooperate.
Canine agility is another crucial aspect of an APBT's physical attributes. It involves the dog's ability to rapidly change direction, accelerate, or decelerate, which is essential for many working dogs, including those involved in hunting, protection, and flyball.
To maintain and boost your APBT's agility, consider using a flirt pole for conditioning. This dynamic tool works on agility, power, and muscular endurance, but it's essential to use it correctly. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Keep your dog's feet on the ground.
- No air time, jumping, or landing.
- Start with circular movements until your dog reaches a '3' on the Canine Body Assessment Scale.
- Progress to back-and-forth movements.
- Use a 1:1 work-to-rest ratio, with at least a 1-minute rest period for every minute of work.
- As your dog becomes more agile, add resistance to the flirt pole session using a 4lb Weighted Dog Collar.
Remember, aerobic exercise can reduce strength and decrease agility, so it's essential to use the flirt pole correctly to maximize its benefits.
Strength
The American Pitbull Terrier (APBT) is one of the strongest breeds in the world, especially when it comes to relative strength.
Their significantly high type II muscle fibre composition and high bone density make them perfect for strength-based activities like weight pulling.
This combination of physical attributes is ideal for weight pulling, a sport that has numerous benefits for the dog and handler.
The APBT's drive and eagerness to please also make them a great fit for weight pulling, as they thrive on pleasing their handlers.
The sport itself has many benefits, including increasing the handler-dog bond, reducing hyperactivity, and increasing lean muscle.
Here are some of the benefits of weight pulling for APBTs:
- Increasing the handler – dog bond
- Reducing hyperactivity
- Increase lean muscle
- Reduces risk of hip and knee injuries
- Great for socialisation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a game bred APBT?
A game-bred APBT (American Pit Bull Terrier) is a dog bred for fighting, inheriting generations of aggressive traits. Understanding this heritage is crucial for responsible pet ownership.
What is the difference between a pitbull and an APBT?
The American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) is a specific breed of dog, while "pitbull" is a colloquial term that can refer to several breeds, including the APBT. Understanding the difference between the two can be crucial for dog enthusiasts and owners.
How to know if a dog is game?
A dog is considered "game" if it continues to fight despite severe injury, exhaustion, or being outmatched, showing unwavering determination and resilience. Look for signs like a dog trying to "scratch" with broken legs or persisting in a fight despite overwhelming odds.
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