What is a True American Pit Bull Terrier

The American Pit Bull Terrier, or APBT, is a breed that's often misunderstood due to its name and reputation. The APBT is actually a loving and loyal companion that thrives on human interaction.

Its origins date back to the 19th century, when it was bred from the Old English Bulldog and the Old English Terrier. This crossbreeding resulted in a dog that was both strong and agile.

The APBT's physical characteristics are a result of its breeding history. It typically weighs between 35-60 pounds and stands between 17-20 inches tall at the shoulder. Its short, smooth coat comes in a variety of colors, including fawn, brindle, and red.

Despite its tough exterior, the APBT has a heart of gold. It's a natural people-pleaser that's eager to please its owners and make them happy.

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The American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) is a breed known for its strength, confidence, and zest for life. This breed is eager to please and brimming over with enthusiasm.

The UKC describes the APBT as having a natural agility that makes it one of the most capable canine climbers, so good fencing is a must for this breed. The breed's high level of intelligence and willingness to work make it do very well in performance events.

The American Preservation Dog Registry (APDR) standard emphasizes the importance of a reliable temperament with people, and the CDC study found that pit bull-type dogs accounted for 67% of human dog-bite-related fatalities in the US between 1979 and 1998.

The APBT has several bloodlines, including those originating from professional dog fighting and those developed for conformation shows. The breed's history and ancestry can provide context, but responsible breeding practices and the well-being of individual dogs should always be prioritized.

The APBT bloodlines can be grouped into categories such as Terriers, Working breeds, and Bull-type breeds.

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The temperament of the American Pit Bull Terrier is a vital aspect of the breed. The UKC describes them as having strength, confidence, and zest for life.

This breed is eager to please and brimming over with enthusiasm, making them a joy to train. They're also highly intelligent, which is why they excel in performance events.

However, the breed's natural agility means they're expert climbers, so good fencing is a must to keep them safe. This breed does very well in performance events because of its high level of intelligence and its willingness to work.

The ADBA and OFRNR standards consider human aggression a disqualification factor, emphasizing the importance of a reliable temperament around people.

The American Pit Bull Terrier has a rich history with multiple bloodlines, many of which originated in professional dog fighting throughout the 20th century.

The breed's development is complex, with different bloodlines emerging from conformation shows in the 1980s and earlier dog fighting traditions.

The APBT bloodlines can be categorized into several groups, including Terriers, Working breeds, Bull-type breeds, and Toy breeds, among others.

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Here's a breakdown of the main categories:

Some bloodlines have been recognized as separate breeds, such as the American Staffordshire Terrier, which was developed from the APBT and is now recognized by the AKC.

However, not all breeders agree on the distinction between the APBT and the American Staffordshire Terrier, with some arguing that they are the same breed.

The Castillo bloodline is a unique combination of different breeding lines, resulting in dogs with desirable traits such as strength, intelligence, and temperament.

Founded by Tekla Castillo in the early 1980s, this bloodline features a mix of other well-known bloodlines, with connections to influential dog breeders like Earl Tudor, Joe Corvino, J.P. Colby, and others.

The Colby dogs are an ancient black-nosed bloodline that served as one of the pillars of the APBT breed, started by John Pritchard Colby in 1889.

One of the most famous dogs of the Colby bloodline was Colby's Pincher, widely used as a stud dog and present in the pedigree of the vast majority of APBT specimens.

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The Castillo bloodline has expanded as a result of the collective efforts of multiple breeders who contributed to its development over time.

The Colby dogs bloodline remains preserved by the family of John P. Colby.

Both the Castillo and Colby bloodlines have played a significant role in shaping the American Pit Bull Terrier breed, and understanding their histories can help us appreciate the complexities of APBT breeding.

Pit Bulls are often misunderstood, and it's essential to know that "Pit Bull" is not a breed, but a generic term used to describe dogs with similar traits.

The term "Pit Bull" encompasses various breeds, including American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and Pit mixes, making it difficult to determine a dog's background.

In fact, little is known about the background of rescue dogs, which can be a mix of game-bred, registered show dogs, or even other breeds.

Pit Bulls are wonderful animals that deserve a chance to have a good life, but they're not just any other dog.

Breed-specific legislation has been enacted in many countries, including the United Kingdom, Brazil, and Australia, with restrictions ranging from outright bans to conditions on ownership.

In the United States, certain cities have banned ownership of the American Pit Bull Terrier, while in the United Kingdom, it's against the law to own, sell, or breed a Pit Bull Terrier.

Restrictions have been declining, with at least 120 repeals since 2018, but the debate continues.

Interestingly, new statistical evidence emerged in 2014 regarding the province-wide ban on "pit bulls" in Ontario, Canada, showing that dog bites had dropped considerably as the registered populations of these breeds decreased.

However, Toronto's reported dog bites have been rising since 2012, and in 2013 and 2014, reached their highest levels this century, even as pit bulls and similar dogs neared local extinction.

American Pit Bull Terriers are capable of excelling in many dog sports, including weight pulling, dog agility, flyball, lure coursing, and advanced obedience competition.

They have also been used as search and rescue dogs, police dogs performing narcotics and explosives detection, Border Patrol dogs, hearing dogs to provide services to the deaf, and general service dogs, including therapy dogs.

In some places, they're even used to catch feral pigs, but this practice can be hazardous for the dogs, with risks including severe injuries, heat exhaustion, poisoning, vehicular trauma, snake bites, and accidental shooting.

Their intelligence, high energy, and endurance make them suitable for a wide range of working disciplines.

American Pit Bull Terriers are incredibly versatile dogs that excel in a wide range of dog sports, including weight pulling, dog agility, flyball, lure coursing, and advanced obedience competition.

Out of the 115 dogs who have earned UKC "superdog" status, 34 have been American Pit Bull Terriers. They're also a popular choice for working disciplines due to their intelligence, high energy, and endurance.

In the United States, they've been used as search and rescue dogs, police dogs performing narcotics and explosives detection, and Border Patrol dogs. Their versatility makes them a valuable asset in many roles.

They've also been used as hearing dogs to provide services to the deaf, and general service dogs, including therapy dogs. This highlights their ability to adapt to different situations and needs.

In some places, they're even used for catching feral pigs, although this practice can be dangerous for the hunting dogs.

Pit Bulls are naturally aggressive, but this is a myth. In reality, the breed is often misjudged due to irresponsible ownership and lack of socialization.

Pit Bulls are not inherently aggressive, but they can be if they're not properly trained and socialized. In fact, a study found that only 1.5% of dog bites are caused by Pit Bulls.

Pit Bulls are often associated with fighting, but this is a result of human actions, not the breed itself. According to a survey, 95% of Pit Bulls are kept as pets, not fighting dogs.

Pit Bulls are a relatively healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain health issues. A study found that Pit Bulls are more likely to suffer from hip dysplasia and allergies due to their genetic makeup.

Pit Bulls are often misunderstood, but with proper care and attention, they can make wonderful companions. In fact, many families have Pit Bulls as beloved pets, and they're often described as loving and loyal.

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The Villalobos Rescue Center has a lot to say about Pit Bulls, and it's worth listening to. They're a rescue facility that works with this breed specifically, and they've seen firsthand the challenges that come with owning a Pit Bull.

Before bringing a Pit Bull into your home, it's essential to do your research. The Villalobos Rescue Center stresses the importance of understanding what these dogs have endured throughout the years.

Serious Pit Bull owners are often the ones who end up pleading for help at the rescue center. They're the ones who know the reality of owning a Pit Bull and are often overwhelmed by the responsibilities that come with it.

The Villalobos Rescue Center asks potential owners to consider whether they're truly ready for the challenge of owning a Pit Bull. They want to make sure that people are prepared to provide the love, care, and attention that these dogs need.