Pit Bull dogs, also known as Pitties, are often misunderstood, but they're more than just a breed. They're a mix of several breeds, including the Old English Bulldog and the Old English Terrier.
The American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) is one of the most common types of Pit Bull dogs. They were originally bred for companionship and as working dogs.
Pit Bull dogs are known for their loyalty and affection towards their families.
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What is a Pit Bull?
There are at least five breeds of dogs that are commonly misidentified as pitbulls, including the English bull terrier, the American bulldog, the boxer, the American pit bull terrier, and the American Staffordshire terrier.
The term "pit bull" is not recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
The United Kennel Club does recognize a breed known as the American pit bull terrier.
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Pit Bull Characteristics
Pit bulls are generally quiet in the house and are not prolific barkers. They are fair watchdogs and protectors.
Pit bulls are fast learners, capable of advanced obedience. They can be stubborn at times, but their willingness to please makes them a joy to train.
Pit bulls are moderately active, making them suitable for families with a moderate lifestyle.
Breed Facts
Pit bulls have a rich history that dates back to the 19th century.
They were originally bred as a cross between the Old English Bulldog and the Old English Terrier to create a dog that was both strong and agile.
Pit bulls are known for their muscular build and athletic ability, making them well-suited for various activities such as weight pulling and agility training.
Their short coats come in a variety of colors, including brindle, fawn, and black.
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Temperament
Pit bulls are capable of being ideal companions, known for being playful, willing to please, and moderately active. They love to play games, especially challenging and physical ones.
Their temperament can be a mix of extremes, with some being generally obedient and quiet in the house, while others can be stubborn at times. Pit bulls are fast learners and can excel in advanced obedience training.
The majority of pit bulls lead peaceful lives, but their history as fighting dogs can lead to altercations with other dogs and sometimes with people. This is a concern, as pit bulls and pit bull mixes are responsible for more human and canine fatalities and severe trauma than all other breeds and mixes combined.
Pit bulls are not necessarily more likely to bite than other breeds, but their jaw and body strength can result in serious harm if they continue an attack. This is a key consideration when handling pit bulls, as their potential aggression should be understood and respected.
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Caring for a Pit Bull
Caring for a Pit Bull requires some extra attention to their exercise needs. A pit bull needs a fenced yard to run around in, and the fence should be secure with strong and tall sides that can't be tunneled under.
Time in the yard should be supplemented with leash walks, and a pit bull should wear a harness that limits the dog's ability to pull the handler. Leash walks can be a great way to engage your pit bull's mind and body.
Pit bulls also need regular coat care, which is minimal - just occasional bathing and weekly brushing. They don't like extreme cold or heat, so be mindful of their comfort in different weather conditions.
Pit Bull Shedding
Pit bulls do shed, but they shed less than double-coated dogs because they have single-coated fur.
As a single-coated dog, pit bulls tend to have shorter, finer fur than double-coated dogs.
They shed all year round, but especially in spring and fall.
It's essential to brush your pit bull regularly to prevent matting and tangling, especially during shedding seasons.
Regular grooming can also help reduce the amount of loose hair around the house.
Care and Upkeep
Pit bulls are not well suited for dog parks, as their temperament can change with maturity or when challenged by other dogs.
You'll need a fenced yard for your pit bull to exercise in, and it's crucial that the fence is secure with strong and tall sides that can't be tunneled under.
Time in the yard should be supplemented with leash walks, and a harness is a must to limit your dog's ability to pull the handler.
Pit bulls excel at weight pulling, and they may or may not enjoy swimming.
Coat care is minimal, requiring only occasional bathing and weekly brushing.
Pit bulls don't tolerate extreme cold or heat well.
Be aware that this breed is susceptible to bone diseases like hip dysplasia, which can be treated with surgery and physical therapy.
Debunking Pit Bull Myths
Pit bulls have a bad reputation, but let's set the record straight. They have locking jaws, right? Wrong. There's nothing anatomically different about a pit bull's jaw - they cannot lock.
Pit bulls are often seen as unpredictable, but that's just a myth. The popular notion is that pit bulls can be fine their entire lives and suddenly snap and turn on their owner. Reid says that's no more likely to happen with pit bulls than it is with any other breed.
Pit Bull History and Types
Pit Bull type dogs have their roots in Ancient Greece, where they were used by the Molossi tribe to guard families and goods.
These early dogs, known as Molossers, shared characteristics with modern day Pit Bulls and were also used in war.
The Molossers were a dual-purpose breed, and this trait has continued throughout the history of Pit Bull type dogs.
In 1800 England, breeders mixed the drive and gameness of a terrier with the size and leanness of a bulldog to create a dog who was exploited for blood sports, specifically bull baiting.
This practice was deemed unethical in the early 1800s, and breeders found new uses for these dogs.
Early immigrants from England brought their dogs to America in the 1870s, where they became popular among farming communities for their tenacity and athleticism.
The qualities of these dogs made them perfect for working on farms and hunting game.
By the 1930s, breeders had diverged into two separate breeds: the American Pit Bull Terrier, used for farming, and the American Staffordshire Terrier, removed from the fighting circuit and used in conformation.
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The Pit Bull
The term "pit bull" refers to an ill-defined type of dog, rather than a specific breed. This type of dog originated in the British Isles in the early 1800s, specifically from the sport of bull baiting.
Bull baiting involved tying a bull to an iron stake and setting dogs on it to immobilize the animal for public entertainment. The sport was outlawed in 1835, but it's from this sport that the term "pit bull" came into being.
Pit bull type dogs are thought to have originated in England, but they have an even older history. The Molosser, an extinct breed of dog, was used in Ancient Greece by the Molossi tribe to guard their families and goods.
These ancient dogs had a dual purpose, which is a characteristic that many modern large breed dogs, including mastiff breeds and bulldog breeds, share. This dual purpose was also seen in the early days of pit bull breeding.
In 1800s England, breeders mixed the drive and gameness of a terrier with the size and leanness of a bulldog to create a dog that was exploited for blood sports. The practice of bull baiting was deemed unethical, and other jobs were found for these dogs.
Early immigrants from England brought their dogs to America in the 1870s, where they became popular among farming communities for their tenacity and athleticism.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is a pittie the same as a pitbull?
Pitties and Pitbulls are often used interchangeably, but technically, a Pitbull refers to a specific group of breeds, while a Pittie is a more general term that can include a variety of dogs with similar characteristics
What is the nickname for a pitbull?
Pitbulls are affectionately known as "pibble" or "pittie", among other nicknames.
What were Pit Bulls originally called?
Originally, dogs now known as Pit Bulls were referred to as "bulldogs." This name was used by breed enthusiasts until the late 1800s when they were officially re-named.
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