| Over the past few years, the Pit Bull has taken a lot | | | | ground at between 18-22 inches tall. This gives them |
| of heat from the media about being a dog breed | | | | an extremely stocky, muscular, and compact |
| that's more bite than bark. The misconception that | | | | appearance. This particular breed has also has a |
| this breeds a man eater is reinforced by it's amazing, | | | | powerful stance, a broad chest and muscular legs. |
| muscular build. | | | | Pit Bulls are known for having very strong, wide |
| Unfortunately, over breeding, abusive owners, and | | | | heads, perky ears, and incredibly powerful looking |
| the fighting circles have caused this pooch to be | | | | jaw. Although it used to be common to dock the tail |
| maligned unfairly. Sure, it's a naturally strong willed | | | | of a Pit Bull puppy, they are now often left with long, |
| breed, but with the right training and owner, they can | | | | straight tails. Most dogs will have a good portion of |
| be a loyal, loving friend. | | | | white coloring on their bodies, but will never be |
| Here's more about this dog to help you understand | | | | completely white. They may also have mixture of |
| this misunderstood breed… | | | | brown or black or even be completely brindle as well. |
| History: Most sources trace the Pit Bull, or American | | | | Breed Temperament: Remember when it comes to |
| Pit Bull Terrier back to England, but the exact date of | | | | Pit Bull dogs, it is all in how they are raised and |
| their origination is constantly a source of controversy. | | | | handled. Over breeding and fighting circles have |
| Most Pit Bull experts agree they were bred between | | | | caused Pit Bulls to have a bad reputation in recent |
| the late 18th and early 19th centuries and are most | | | | years. For those who are willing to overlook the |
| likely a mixture of a Bulldog and Mastiffs, although | | | | media hype on the danger of this breed, these |
| some sources suggest other breeds were part of | | | | animals can and do make excellent pets, because |
| their crossbreeding. All sources agree that the breed | | | | they are fiercely loyal, loving and obedient once |
| was used for bull baiting and fighting. This has a great | | | | properly trained. Add this with their strong |
| deal to do with the tendency to label them as | | | | appearance and they will make an excellent watch |
| aggressive dogs, because they were bred for | | | | dog and guard dog for your family as well. |
| aggression from the beginning. | | | | Because of their strong personalities, need for |
| The breed became known as a fighting and bull | | | | exercise and aggressive tendencies, this breed is not |
| baiting dog in England and Ireland during the late 19th | | | | meant for a first time dog owner. They will do best |
| and early 20th century. Around the mid-1900s they | | | | with an owner that has experience handling dogs. |
| were introduced to the United States as herding and | | | | Once properly trained, many actually have the |
| cattle catching dogs instead of fighting and | | | | temperament of teddy bears who love lounging |
| performance dogs. Around this time, their appearance | | | | around with the family. |
| changed slightly, becoming larger and longer in the | | | | Life Span: 12-14 years |
| legs than their Irish and English ancestors. The | | | | Common Ailments: This breed is known for being |
| American version weighed an average of 50-55 | | | | hardy, but may be prone to hip dysplasia, skin |
| pounds, whereas the English version only weighed | | | | allergies and cataracts. |
| 25-30 pounds. The American Pitbull Terrier became | | | | Suitability with Children: Yes, but will need firm |
| recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1936, | | | | handling as a puppy |
| although they eventually diverged into the American | | | | Suitability with Other Pets: No, have a tendency |
| Staffordshire Terrier. The UKC still refers to this | | | | towards aggression with other animals |
| breed as the American Pitbull Terrier, but all other | | | | Living Conditions: Will do best in a home with a large |
| Kennel Clubs now refer to them as the Staffordshire | | | | yard and regular, daily exercise |
| Terrier. Until the 1980s, the Pit Bull was barely | | | | Trainability: Need a firm handler because of their |
| recognizable by most of the public and only became | | | | tendency towards a dominant personality, as well as |
| popular in the last twenty years. | | | | their innate, aggressive instincts. |
| Description: It is often difficult to correctly pick out | | | | Exercise Requirements: High |
| Pitbull dogs, as their weight range fluctuates from | | | | Maintenance Costs: Low |
| 35-75 pounds. Some are even known for being | | | | As you can see, the Pit Bull isn't anything to be afraid |
| smaller or larger than this weight range. Almost all are | | | | of. With proper training and a lot of loving care, this |
| similar in height, though, standing fairly low to the | | | | breed can make for an excellent family pet. |