Pit Bulls in America: Ownership and Welfare

Pit Bulls are one of the most popular breeds in the United States, with over 1 million owned as pets.

In fact, the American Kennel Club (AKC) ranks the Pit Bull as the 7th most popular breed in the country.

According to a survey, 71% of Pit Bull owners consider their dogs to be part of the family.

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The term "pit bull" has been used since at least the early 20th century. It's believed all dogs that are now classified as pit bulls descend from the British bull-and-terrier, which were first imported into North America in the 1870s.

These early bull-and-terriers were developed in the United Kingdom in the early 19th century for the blood sports of dog fighting and rat baiting. They were created by crossing the ferocious Old English Bulldog with the agile Black and Tan Terrier.

In the late 19th century, European immigrants brought some of these dogs to the U.S., where they found work on farms and ranches, catching hogs, hunting, driving livestock, and acting as family companions.

The name "pit bull" refers to all descendents of the Old English Bulldog, including the Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Terrier, Pit Bull Terrier, and other varieties.

The American Pit Bull Terrier is one of several breeds that can trace their origin back to the now-extinct Old English Bulldog and Old English Terriers. These dogs were crossbred to fight each other in the dog fighting pits of England.

The breed was brought to the U.S. by European immigrants in the late 19th century, where they found work on farms and ranches, catching hogs, hunting, driving livestock, and acting as family companions. The breed gained popularity and was eventually recognized by the U.S.-based United Kennel Club in 1898.

The first dog to be registered with the United Kennel Club was the club's founder's own dog. This marked the beginning of the breed's official recognition.

The breed was also recognized by the American Dog Breeders Association in 1909. Meanwhile, back in the UK, dogs crossbred for pit fighting split off into two different breeds: Bull Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

The term "pit bull" is a broad term that describes all descendents of the Old English Bulldog, including the American Pit Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Terrier, and others.

Pit bulls were originally bred and trained to be tenacious fighters, displaying aggression only against other dogs. This was their intended purpose, not to harm humans.

Some breeders, however, took a darker path and trained their pit bulls to be vicious, inducing aggression towards humans and contributing to the breed's negative reputation.

Their original breeding focused on showcasing their fighting prowess against other canines, not against humans.

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Pit bull care requires a lot of attention to their high energy levels and athletic nature.

To keep them happy and healthy, provide a balanced diet and plenty of exercise, including leash walks and playtime in a securely fenced yard.

Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial to monitor for common health issues like canine hip dysplasia and thyroid conditions.

American Pit Bull Terriers are high-energy dogs that need plenty of mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. They require at least one to two hours of intense activities every day, such as running, jogging, or playing tug-of-war games.

Exercise should be a priority, as leaving them to their own devices can lead to trouble and unexpected damage to your backyard. Schedule activities that engage both their mind and body, like agility obstacle courses, dog puzzles, and mental challenges.

Leaving your Pit Bull alone for extended periods is not an option, as they need constant interaction and attention. They thrive on being with their family and enjoy adding new friends to their roster.

A well-trained American Pit Bull Terrier is a joy to behold, and socialization and obedience training should start as early as 8 weeks old. Positive reinforcement techniques, rewards, and treats can help them bond with you and become well-behaved companions.

Their diet should consist of high-quality commercial dog food that meets nutritional standards set by the AAFCO. Your veterinarian can help you determine the right formula for your dog based on their age and stage in life.

Pit Bulls are single-coated dogs and shed less than double-coated dogs, but they still require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Brushing their coat once a week with a rubber mitt or firm bristle brush can help remove excess hair and keep their coat looking its best.

Regular grooming also includes brushing their teeth daily, clipping their nails every couple of weeks, and checking their ears for signs of infection. A hypoallergenic dog shampoo should be used for bathing every four to six weeks, and spot cleaning or quick rinsing can be done in between.

American Pit Bull Terriers are generally low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, but they do require regular veterinary check-ups and vaccinations to stay healthy. Pet health insurance can help cover the costs of medical tests and procedures throughout their life.

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Spaying or neutering your Pit Bull is one of the best decisions you can make for their health and well-being.

Having your Pit Bull spayed or neutered decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers, such as uterine infections and testicular cancer.

This surgery also eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies.

Spaying or neutering gives us a chance to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop, like hip problems or puppy teeth that need to be extracted.

Routine blood testing prior to surgery helps us to identify and take precautions for common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk.

We'll discuss the specific problems we'll be looking for when the time arrives, so you'll be fully informed and prepared.

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Pit bulls are known for their loyalty and affection towards their families, but like all breeds, they're not immune to health issues. They have a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years, but some health problems can affect their quality of life.

Hip dysplasia is a common issue in pit bulls, which causes their hip joints to form improperly and can lead to arthritis. This inherited disease can be painful and debilitating, especially if left untreated.

Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help prevent or manage hip dysplasia. However, it's essential to monitor your pit bull's weight, as excess weight can exacerbate the condition.

Pit bulls are also prone to knee problems, particularly the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), which can rupture over time. Surgery is often required to repair the damage.

Skin infections are another common issue in pit bulls, often caused by a lack of zinc or an inability to absorb it. Zinc-responsive dermatosis can lead to lesions on the nose and foot pads, as well as red, oozing skin around the face.

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Allergies are also a significant concern for pit bulls, with various triggers such as diet ingredients, environmental factors, and parasites. Affected dogs may develop itching, skin rashes, redness, and hair loss.

Blindness is a potential issue in pit bulls, particularly cataracts, which can cause progressive vision loss. Surgery can be performed to remove the cataracts, but early detection is crucial.

To keep your pit bull healthy, it's essential to establish a routine care schedule. This includes supervising your pet, keeping doors closed, and blocking off rooms as necessary.

A weekly coat brushing and regular ear cleaning are also crucial for maintaining your pit bull's health. Brushing their teeth at least twice a week can prevent dental issues.

Pit bulls are intelligent and energetic, so it's vital to keep their minds and bodies active. Early obedience and socialization can help prevent overprotectiveness and aggression.

Here's a summary of the essential health checks for pit bulls:

By being aware of these potential health issues and taking proactive steps, you can help your pit bull live a long, happy, and healthy life.

Pit bull safety and liability are major concerns in the United States. Homeowners and renters insurance policies typically provide liability coverage from US$100,000–300,000 for injuries inflicted by dogs.

Some insurance companies limit their exposure to dog bite liability claims by putting restrictions on dog owners. These restrictions can include refusing to cover dog bites under the insurance policy, increasing insurance rates for homeowners with specific breeds, or requiring owners of specific breeds to take special training.

In 2013, Farmers Insurance notified policyholders in California that it would no longer cover bites by pit bulls, Rottweilers, and wolf-dog hybrids. Those groups account for more than a quarter of the agency's dog bite claims.

Owners of rental properties may be held liable if they knew an aggressive dog was living on their property and did nothing to ensure the safety of other tenants.

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Pit bull attacks are a growing concern, with fatal and disfiguring attacks rising 830% since 2007.

Pit bull bites are more deadly than those of other breeds. From 2011 to 2019, 14 peer-reviewed studies from Level 1 trauma centers across the US reported that pit bulls inflict a higher prevalence of injuries than all other breeds.

Pit bull attacks often result in severe injuries, requiring up to five times more operative interventions than other dog breeds. Four studies from Level 1 trauma centers in the Denver metro area show a mixture of results, possibly due to the city's pit bull ban.

Studies by health care providers have found that pit bull attacks are associated with higher median Injury Severity Scale scores, a higher number of hospital admissions, and higher hospital charges. Pit bull attacks also pose a higher risk of death.

Pit bull bites are more likely to result in complex wounds, often unprovoked, and can go off property to attack. The probability of a bite resulting in a complex wound is 4.4 times higher for pit bulls compared to other top-biting breeds.

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Breed-specific legislation has been enacted in several jurisdictions in response to reported pit bull attacks, but it's largely been found to be ineffective at reducing dog attacks.

Research has shown that breed-specific bans can be difficult to enforce, with many jurisdictions struggling to distinguish between breeds and identifying dogs as pit bulls.

Courts in the US and Canada have ruled that expert identification, using published breed standards, is sufficient for enforcing breed-specific legislation.

Debates often center on whether aggressive tendencies are the result of poor dog ownership or natural behaviors of the breed.

In England, Wales, and Scotland, the Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991 prohibits the ownership of American Pit Bull Terriers, along with three other breeds, and also bans breeding, sale, and exchange of these dogs.

Similar legislation exists in Australia, and in Ireland, American Pit Bull Terriers must be led by someone at least 16 years old, kept on a short strong lead, be muzzled, and wear a collar with their owner's name and address in public.

Despite being banned in some areas, there were 3,316 registered pit bull-type dogs in England and Wales in 2023, an increase from 2,323 ten years earlier.

In Denver, Colorado, breed-specific legislation was reversed in 2021 after a referendum voted to repeal the ban.

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Liability insurance can be a major concern for pit bull owners. Dog owners in the United States can be held legally liable for injuries inflicted or caused by their dogs.

Pit bull owners should know that their breed is often not covered by insurance companies. The dog breeds most often not covered by insurance companies include pit bull-type dogs, Rottweilers, German Shepherd Dogs, Doberman Pinschers, Akitas, and Chow Chows.

Some insurance companies limit their exposure to dog bite liability claims by putting restrictions on dog owners. These restrictions can include refusing to cover dog bites under the insurance policy or increasing insurance rates for homeowners with specific breeds.

Rental property owners may also be held liable if they knew an aggressive dog was living on their property and they did nothing to ensure the safety of other tenants. As a result, many rental properties forbid pit bull-type dogs and other breeds if the rental property's insurance will not cover damage inflicted by that type of dog.

Farmers Insurance notified policyholders in California in 2013 that it would no longer cover bites by pit bulls, Rottweilers, and wolf-dog hybrids. Those groups account for more than a quarter of the agency's dog bite claims.

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Any abnormal symptom in your American Pit Bull Terrier could be a sign of serious disease, or it could just be a minor or temporary problem.

Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your dog needs help.

Abnormal symptoms to watch for include changes in appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy.

Being able to tell when to seek veterinary help and how urgently is crucial.

If you notice any of these symptoms, don't hesitate to contact your veterinarian.

Pit bulls are often misunderstood, but they're also incredibly loving and loyal companions.

Research suggests that responsible pit bull ownership can lead to a significant decrease in aggressive behavior, with one study finding that 85% of pit bulls in a study were considered to be well-behaved.

With proper training and socialization, pit bulls can thrive in a variety of living situations, including apartments and homes with small yards.

According to the American Temperament Test Society, pit bulls have a passing rate of 86.8%, indicating that they are generally a friendly and outgoing breed.

Pit bulls in animal shelters face a unique set of challenges. Many people consider them undesirable, making it harder for shelters to adopt them out.

Animal shelter workers often intentionally misidentify pit bulls to improve their adoption rates. This is a problem that needs to be addressed.

In some jurisdictions, pit bulls are banned, which can lead to euthanization. Animal advocates recommend that shelters stop labeling breeds to improve pit bull adoption rates.

Pit bulls have higher rates of unsuccessful adoptions compared to other kinds of dogs. They are also more likely to be returned to a shelter multiple times and eventually euthanized.

The most common reasons for failed shelter dog adoptions are behavioral problems or incompatibility with the adopter's existing pets.

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Pit bulls make up less than 6% of all dogs in the USA, which is a relatively small percentage considering their popularity.

There are approximately 4.5 million pit bulls in the United States, making up approximately 5.8% of the country's canine population.

This small percentage is often misinterpreted, leading to misconceptions about the prevalence of pit bulls in the country.

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