Dr. G
Active member
so it seems like alot of people dont actually no anything about the american pitbull terrier id like to post some info to help with thier "gangsta" image
http://www.pbrc.net/programs.html
Difference between APBTs and AmStaffs
I adopted a dog at the shelter and was told that he is a Staffordshire Terrier. Is a Staffordshire Terrier the same as a Pit Bull?
First, it is important to know that Staffordshire Terrier and “pit bull” are not official breeds. They are common terms used to describe a certain type of dog. There are actually three breeds that can be easily confused. The correct designations are:
How can we tell the difference? We can't, really. We can only try to guess the breed based on subtle characteristics. Note that even experts can't always tell if a Pit Bull is an APBT, an AST or a SBT. For the average pit bull owner, however, these distinctions are not really relevant. As a general rule, dogs of these breeds tend to have stable and loving temperaments.
The American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT)
Like many other common breeds, including Labrador Retrievers, Greyhounds, German Shepherds, and the Parsons (or “Jack”) Russell Terrier, the American Pit Bull Terrier is essentially a canine athlete. As the UKC points out, during the nineteenth century breeders in the British Isles began to experiment with crosses between terriers and Bulldogs in hopes of finding a dog with the “gameness” (defined below) of a terrier and the athleticism of a Bulldog (a very different dog from the English Bulldog of today). This original breed, which later resulted in the breeds we now call the APBT, the AST, and the SBT, came to America with immigrants during the late nineteenth century. Just as the Bulldog was originally bred for bull and bear baiting, dog fighting was clearly part of the APBT’s original purpose. But as the UKC also notes, the breed’s many talents did not go unnoticed, and the APBT was also used as an all-purpose farm dog and family companion.
Street-Fighting and Gamebred APBTs Today, the APBT is bred for a wide variety of purposes from looks and companionship to fighting to nothing in particular, so it is difficult to make generalizations about appearance or purpose. While some APBTs (probably a minority of the overall population) may be directly from fighting lines (“game bred”), many are genetically far removed from their fighting ancestors. Some are animal aggressive; some are not animal aggressive at all.
NOTE: Like most things in life, we must be open to a certain degree of nuance when thinking about pit bulls. As we note above, pit bulls can exhibit a level of animal aggression ranging from nonexistent to very high or somewhere in between - a statement that is true for all dog breeds. To date, there is no identified “fighting gene” that determines which dogs will be animal aggressive and which dogs will not. Even pit bulls with fighting histories have proven manageable around other dogs. Knowing how your dog will behave around other dogs is an important part of being a responsible dog owner. More importantly, there is absolutely no relationship between animal aggression and human aggression. Pit bulls might exhibit an above-average tendency toward dog aggression relative to other breeds, but human aggression has never been a normal trait in these breeds. Pit bulls were not bred to fight humans or for guarding purposes. A common fallacy is the notion that pit bulls are the only dogs that have been historically bred for “fighting.” This is demonstrably false. A large number of dog breeds have been bred to chase, fight, and kill other animals, yet nobody seems to fret about human or animal aggression in Dachshunds, Greyhounds, Whippets, Irish Wolfhounds, Coonhounds, Foxhounds, Beagles, Jack Russell Terriers, and nearly every other dog in the terrier group. Once again, human aggression and animal aggression are entirely unrelated behaviors.
Because breeding purpose varies so widely among APBTs, less consideration is paid to conformation (how closely the dog matches a set physical standard for the breed). As these pictures show, APBTs can look quite different from one another. In general, however, APBTs can weigh as little as 30 lbs. and as much as 70 lbs. News reports of “pit bulls” weighing in excess of 100 lbs. should be taken with a grain of salt. These dogs are either not pit bulls at all or are mixes of some sort.
An often-overlooked fact of the APBT’s history is that human aggressive dogs (“man biters” in fighting parlance) have been actively culled from bloodlines. In the world of fighting, it is not useful or desirable for a dog to attack handlers or spectators. Not all APBT breeders breed for the pit, though. Some breed for conformation, temperament, weight-pulling, obedience trials, or therapy work. At the foundation of their bloodlines, however, are the same physical and mental characteristics—lean and athletic body, agility, courage, and stability.
Cropped ears are not an indicator of a dog's background. Some dogs bred for the pit have cropped ears; some don’t. Both ABPT and AST show dogs often have cropped ears, but many others have natural ears.
Show and Conformation Bred APBTs Nowadays people without breeding knowledge are breeding pit bulls for nothing in particular, unusual color (typically red, blue, or merle), general companionship, or to make a quick buck. The animal-welfare community refers to these people as “backyard breeders,” and they are a major contributor to America’s pet overpopulation problem. In general, their dogs are a little larger than the original APBT. These are the dogs that most commonly wind up in shelters or rescues. Most of them have stable dispositions and make excellent companions.
Backyard Bred APBTs The American Staffordshire Terrier (AST or Amstaff)
The AST or “Amstaff” used to be the same dog as the APBT but was completely taken out of the pit in the mid 1930s. In 1936, the AKC opened its studbooks to a few APBTs that fit their standards and came up with the name “Staffordshire Terrier.” In 1972, the name was changed to American Staffordshire Terrier to avoid confusion with the newly recognized "Staffordshire Bull Terrier" from England. The only dogs that can properly be called American Staffordshire Terriers are those from AKC-registered bloodlines.
ASTs are primarily bred for conformation and good temperament. They have a set height standard of 18 to 19 inches for males and 17 to 18 inches for females. They usually weigh between 50 to 80 lbs., which should be in proportion to their height. They may be a little stockier than the APBT but not always. “The dog’s chief requisites,” the AKC explains, “should be strength unusual for his size, soundness, balance, a strong powerful head, a well-muscled body, and courage that is proverbial.”
Red (or “Dudley”) noses are considered a fault according to the AKC’s breed standard, and this physical trait has been bred out of most AST lines. Red-nosed dogs are common in APBT lines. This may help you differentiate between the breeds. If the dog has a red nose, it is more likely to be of APBT than of AST lineage.
American Staffordshire Terriers Because the AST and APBT have the same ancestors (some are even dual-registered), they have a similar look and similar personalities. Dog-aggression is a potential behavior in both breeds, though it’s not as strong or common in the AST. The AKC’s Complete Dog Book sums it up best:
Staffordshire Bull Terrier (SBT, Staffie or Stafford)
Staffies remain very popular in England, but they are less common in the United States. They share common ancestors with the APBT and AST. Staffordshire Bull Terriers should be 14-16" at the shoulder height and at 24 to 34 lbs., they are noticeably smaller, though, and their ears are rarely cropped. They are essentially bred for good disposition and conformation. The AKC points to the Staffie Bull’s “affection for its friends” as well as “off-duty quietness” and “trustworthy stability,” all of which make it “a foremost all-purpose dog.” They are often referred to as "nanny dogs" because they are excellent with children.
Staffordshire Bull Terriers
Gameness and Disposition
What is gameness? Are dogs that demonstrate gameness temperamentally unsound?
NOTE: Like the AKC, we do not discuss gameness and fighting here either to praise or malign pit bulls. Fighting and gameness are important elements of the breed’s history and, ultimately, a key to understanding our dogs. There is nothing admirable, heroic, or particularly interesting about the fighting aspect of pit bulls’ history. Most importantly, gameness is not aggressiveness. It has nothing to do with aggression (animal or human) and should not enter into discussions about overall temperament.
Very simply put, gameness is the will never to quit a task despite injury, illness, and exhaustion. It is the unflagging courage referred to in UKC and AKC descriptions of these breeds. For pit bulls, gameness has traditionally been directed toward fighting other dogs (but never humans), though it is useful for other activities requiring high drive such as therapy work, weight-pulling, drug sniffing, flyball, Frisbee chasing, tracking, or obedience trials. Gameness does not equal aggressiveness. A dog can be game without being aggressive and vice versa. Unstable, highly aggressive dogs are, in fact, not at all likely to be game. As Diane Jessup explains in The Working Pit Bull, “Gameness does not mean a desire to fight—it means a desire to finish or succeed at a task” (156). Not all pit bulls are game. Dogfighters obviously assess gameness by testing their dogs in the pit. Their ultimate (and very cruel) goal would be to produce a dog that would fight other dogs to the death (these rare dogs are referred to as “dead game”). But as Jessup further notes, there are other, far better ways to gauge gameness in pit bulls and other breeds:
Because of their focus and determination, pit bulls have proven excellent candidates for search-and-rescue work and therapy work. Dogs can and do love with resoluteness and tenacity
Finally, it is important to recognize that this heritage of gameness partially contributes to the pit bull’s wonderful and resilient personality. It is why these dogs possess a constant desire to please and why they readily take up new lives as loving family pets following neglect and abuse. With this in mind, we will give the final word on gameness to Dr. D. Caroline Coile, author of the excellent Pit Bulls for Dummies:
I am looking for a good guard dog to protect my home. Is a pit bull a good choice as a guard dog?
No. The only "guard dog" qualities of a pit bull are its formidable appearance and its name. Other than that, they are not very good at this job. Pit bulls were not created to perform the task of protecting someone's home or property. In many cases pit bulls are just too friendly with people to be good at this. They may bark and "look" scary, but as soon as the intruder smiles at them, most pit bulls think they have made a new friend! In fact, pit bulls are very much at risk of being stolen. Due to their friendly and trusting nature, they are often led right out of their owners' yard, which is one reason they should never be left outdoors unattended.
Pit bulls should not show aggression towards humans and should never be encouraged to attack strangers under any circumstances. With their looks and unfair reputation alone, pit bulls will discourage most thieves from entering your property, provided they are not after the dog itself. Like any good dog, your pit bull should alert you if there is someone around your house, and it might naturally defend you if you are threatened. But do not count on your pit bull to guard your house or property while you are away. In fact, you may want to get a good alarm system to protect your pit bull.
Remember, you are the leader! Your dog counts on you to protect her, not the other way around.
Pit Bulls and Kids
I heard that Pit Bulls were not good with children, is it true?
Most pit bulls are excellent with children. They have a high tolerance for pain and, in general will patiently endure the "abuse" young kids unintentionally dish out; however, like any dog, they must be supervised with kids at all times. PBRC strongly urges all readers to supervise their children's interactions with dogs—that means any dog, regardless of breed, size, age, history, or initial appearance.
Like other medium-to-large sized dogs, pit bulls are enthusiastic and strong. They can easily knock over an unsteady toddler with their wagging tails. They can be quite rambunctious until they mature, which is generally around 2 to 4 years of age. Pit bulls should be taught to play gently, to greet visitors appropriately, not to jump on people, and to sit and wait for a signal before going through doors. Positive training methods work best.
Adding a juvenile dog of any breed to a home with toddlers or very young children may not be ideal since dogs are very energetic at that age. You may want to consider adopting a mature dog that has demonstrated compatibility with children. It is entirely possible to have a young dog with toddlers or infants, but you must be diligent with your supervision. Pit bulls are great playmates for older, respectful kids.
People-Aggression
Our neighbors bought a pit bull and now we are scared to let the kids play outside. Are these dogs really vicious like the media portrays them? Are pit bulls human aggressive by nature?
No dog breed is human aggressive by nature. Pit bulls pass the American Temperament Testing Society’s test at a rate similar to, if not higher than, many other medium-to-large, powerful breeds. The American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier pass at rates of 84.3%, 83.4%, and 88.8% respectively. Compare this to Golden Retrievers (84.2%), Great Danes (79.2%), Weimaraners (80.1%), and Standard Poodles (85.3%), to name just four common breeds. Carl Herkstroeter, the president of the ATTS, has commented on these results: "We have tested somewhere around a thousand pit-bull-type dogs […] I've tested half of them. And of the number I've tested I have disqualified one pit bull because of aggressive tendencies. They have done extremely well. They have a good temperament. They are very good with children." An independent, non-profit organization, the ATTS has been collecting data based on a series of evaluations resembling the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen test since 1977. These numbers, which anyone can access at http://www.atts.org, are our best available indicators of temperament. The point is not that pit bulls have better disposition than Poodles or Weimaraners, but that most breeds fall within an acceptable range of temperamental soundness. Pit bulls are no different from your average dog when it comes to human interaction.
By the same token, no dog breed is inherently non-human-aggressive. All dogs are capable of biting under the right circumstances. Operating under the mistaken assumption that you will never be bitten by a Labrador Retriever is a good way to get bitten by a Labrador Retriever.
It is quite easy to determine which dogs will cause serious injury, and breed has nothing to do with it. As public health studies show, dogs that attack almost always have a bite history, they are almost always intact (not spayed or neutered), they are frequently off-leash in public, and they have almost always lived their lives tethered or otherwise unsocialized (penned in the yard, kept in a basement, roaming around in a pack of dogs, or locked in a garage).
A dog should be evaluated on its own merits, not on its breed. Veterinarians will tell you that pit bulls are temperamentally stable and not inherently more dangerous than other dogs. Owner responsibility, however, is a must with any dog, and all canines should be well-socialized with adults and kids.
Since the mid-1980s, pit bulls have faced prejudice and misunderstanding from many people who do not understand them very well. The media has a well-documented tendency to over-report, misreport, and greatly exaggerate bite incidents involving pit bulls. Legislators frequently make frightening claims about pit bulls that are not grounded in evidence or fact. Ownership requires a thick skin, a willingness to understand your neighbors' fears, and a desire to educate them about the breed.
Works Cited
The American Kennel Club. The Complete Dog Book. 20th Ed. New York: Ballantine, 2006.
The American Temperament Testing Society. <http://www.atts.org>
Coile, D. Caroline. Pit Bulls for Dummies. New York: For Dummies, 2001.
Jessup, Diane. The Working Pit Bull. Neptune, NJ: TFH Publications, 1995.
The United Kennel Club. “American Pit Bull Terrier.” <http://www.ukcdogs.com/WebSite.nsf/Breeds/AmericanPitBullTerrier>
Breed Information
Related Links Introduction
PBRC is against the cruel “sport” of dog fighting, past and present. There is NO justifiable reason to throw two dogs in a pit and watch them tear each other apart.
This page lays out basic breed information for anyone interested in acquiring a pit bull,* for those who already have one or more and would like to learn more about the breed, or for anyone who would simply like to understand these affectionate, extraordinary dogs a little better.
This page discusses the most notable traits of pit-bull-type dogs, including their great love for people and their potential for dog aggression. You will learn that pit bulls make wonderful and loyal family companions. Like all dogs, they require intelligent, responsible, and dedicated ownership. Because of the breed’s undeserved negative media image, pit bull owners have to be even more careful and responsible than the average dog owner. They must also be aware of the myths (urban legends, really) surrounding their dogs. Owners must be well educated about bully breeds, because they will likely face comments from friends, families, and neighbors. Unfortunately, some people obtain pit bulls for the wrong reasons—to boost their own image, for dog fighting, or for backyard breeding—which makes life difficult for responsible owners. The good news is that pit bulls are now more popular than ever, and each good owner has an opportunity to reshape the breed’s image in positive ways. When you adopt a pit bull, you adopt the most energetic, intelligent, and loyal friend you’ll ever have, but you also take up a responsibility to represent the entire breed.
It’s unfortunate that one of the original purposes of the pit bull was dog fighting, but it is a fact that cannot be denied or ignored. Even more unfortunate is the fact that they are still chosen for this purpose, even though it is illegal in all fifty states and, in certain instances, as the Michael Vick case illustrates, a federal crime. Adopting a pit bull, loving it, and training it as a breed ambassador are the most important things any of us civilians can do to combat people like Vick. Accordingly, PBRC is committed to educating current and potential pit bull owners so they have a better understanding of their dog and thus provide responsible and caring ownership. PBRC does not wish to overemphasize the fighting aspect of the breed’s history, a history that does not negate their various positive traits or their scientifically proven gentleness toward humans. But we do acknowledge the importance of respecting the breed’s history. This is not to suggest that pit bulls are “different” or “unique” in a way that makes them dangerous. Those who claim that pit bulls are “different” fail to understand that all dog breeds are, in some way, different from each other. That’s what makes them dog breeds! (Besides, many breeds were historically bred to fight other animals. Pit bulls are not unique in this sense.) To put it simply, no matter what kind of dog you have, understanding its breed is the first step toward being a good dog owner. By nature, pit bulls are intelligent, fun loving, and affectionate. It’s our job to help them fulfill that potential.
*”Pit bull” is NOT a breed. It's a generic term often used to describe all dogs with similar traits and characteristics known to the public as "pit bulls." When we use the term “pit bull” here, it should be understood to encompass American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers.
Remember: in most cases, we usually know little about the background of rescue dogs. Some may be gamebred APBTs (from fighting lines), some may be registered show dogs, some may be American Staffordshire Terriers, some may look like APBTs but might be mixed with other breeds, etc. Since there is no way to know for sure unless you have the pedigree of the dog, we recommend following the advice offered by PBRC for any pit-bull-type dog (most of our guidelines are, at any rate, simply basic rules of dog ownership). See PBRC's FAQ for more information.
Basic Breed Overview
Pit bulls are wonderful, loving animals that deserve the chance to have a good life.
Pit bulls have superior physical and mental characteristics that make them excellent partners for responsible, active, and caring owners. These same outstanding qualities can, however, make them a little difficult to handle for people who don't have a lot of experience with dog ownership or for those who don't understand the breed well. Luckily, pit bulls are intelligent, very responsive to training, and, above all, eager to please. Therefore, pit bulls should be enrolled in obedience classes as soon as they are up-to-date on their shots. (Pit bulls are more susceptible to parvovirus, so it is important that they receive all their vaccinations before coming into contact with other dogs or entering areas of high canine traffic.) A well-behaved pit bull is the best ambassador for the breed. As we’ve already noted, this is the easiest way to fight breed prejudice and misconception.
Pit bulls are quite resilient and can do well in an urban environment, provided they have enough exercise and other positive outlets for their energy. Many pit bulls are easygoing couch potatoes, but like all terriers, they can also be somewhat rambunctious until they mature. Maturity can come relatively late with this breed (two to three years old in some cases). Pit bulls remain playful throughout their lifespan (nine to fifteen years) and have a great sense of humor. True clowns at heart, these dogs will make you laugh like no other.
Pit bulls are energetic, agile, and strong. They are also very resourceful and driven. Determination is one of their most notable traits (see the FAQ). They put their heart and soul into whatever they set out to do: whether it is escaping an inadequately fenced yard to explore the neighborhood, destroying your new couch when left home alone, or climbing into your lap to shower you with kisses!
As Stahlkuppe (1995) writes, "The American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT), or the AmStaff, is certainly not the right pet for everyone. Being a powerful dog, it will require sufficient and adequate control. Some prospective elderly owners or children will not be able to supply that control...
An insecure person who wants only an aggressive dog to bolster some personal human inadequacy should never become an owner of one of these dogs. An uncaring or negligent person should not buy an AmStaff or an APBT (or any other dog for that matter)."
An All-American Dog: Breed History
Humans have created dog breeds by emphasizing desirable traits and eliminating unwanted ones. It is no different with pit-bull-type dogs. In the same way that Labradors were bred to retrieve birds, pit bulls were originally bred for dog fighting and bull and bear baiting. This does not, however, mean that fighting is the sole purpose of these breeds or
that this component of the breeds’ history somehow makes them abnormal. For example, Greyhounds and Whippets were (and still are) bred for “coursing,” chasing and killing small prey like rabbits and squirrels. Like pit bulls, these dogs still make excellent family pets. While pit bulls do carry the potential for dog aggression, the vast majority of pit bulls are very far from “fighting lines,” and many are not dog aggressive at all. It’s not accurate to say that pit bulls are “fighting dogs,” because such a designation fails to describe such a diverse animal population, most of which are very far from “fighting stock” and will never be involved in fighting of any kind. From their inception, these dogs have been bred for general human companionship, and since the 1900s, they have been bred for conformation showing as well. From the very beginning, pit bulls have been used as farm dogs, family dogs, military mascots, and all-purpose companions. In England, the Staffie Bull is affectionately known as “The Nanny Dog” or “The Children’s Nursemaid” because of their placid and nurturing demeanor toward children. See the FAQ for more information on these topics.
Throughout their history in America, pit bull dogs have been valued as beloved members of the family. Their negative media image developed only recently. (Some suggest that an absurdly sensationalistic Sports Illustrated cover started the hysteria in 1987.) In fact, pit bulls have fulfilled important roles throughout the last 160-plus years of American history. In the nineteenth century, pit bulls were family pets of settlers crossing the United States. They were trusted to watch the children while the adults worked in the fields. As the years passed, pit bulls achieved a position of reverence among Americans, and they appeared in advertising campaigns such as Buster Brown and Pup Brand. A classic children’s television show, The Little Rascals, featured Petey the Pit Bull. The pit bull is the only breed to have graced the cover of Life magazine three times.
In 1903 Dr. Horatio Nelson Jackson hit the road with co-driver Sewall K. Crocker and a pit bull named Bud, who wore goggles, just like his master, to keep the dust from his eyes. Together, the three made the very first road trip across the US. Bud drew almost as much public attention as his fellow travelers. While it is unclear as to why Jackson and Crocker picked up Bud about halfway through their trip, one story suggests that Jackson rescued him from dogfighters.
In the early twentieth century, pit bulls were so respected for their loyalty, determination, and
bravery that they were chosen to represent America in WWI posters. The first decorated canine war hero was a pit bull named Sergeant Stubby. He was, until his death, a guest of every White House administration.
Many highly respected historical figures have owned pit bulls: President Woodrow Wilson, President Theodore Roosevelt, Helen Keller, Fred Astaire, Humphrey Bogart, and Thomas Edison, to name a few.
Today, pit bulls are respected and dearly loved by those who know them for what they truly are and not the monsters the media has created.
Pit bulls still loyally serve society in many roles:
Perhaps the most important characteristic of pit bulls is their amazing love of people. Many people are surprised by the loving personality of these dogs the first time they meet one. Pit bulls are remarkably affectionate and truly enjoy human attention. They are wonderful cuddlers and love nothing more than a belly rub. In fact, most pit bulls think they are lap dogs!
As Dunbar (1999) writes, "Today, a properly bred pit bull is so exuberantly happy upon meeting her owner's friends (or even friendly strangers) that new owners sometimes worry that their dog is too sweet and fun-loving to protect their home and family... A multi-talented companion, the well-trained pit bull is suited for a variety of exciting activities. He excels at obedience, agility and weight-pulling competitions, events which showcase intelligence, trainability and strength. In addition, the pit bull's pleasant nature makes him an ideal candidate for therapy work with people."
Traits like human aggression, severe shyness, and instability are not typically found in the APBT breed, nor are they acceptable. Dogs with these traits are not good representatives of the breed and should not be placed into adoptive homes.
Those who wish to label these breeds as “dangerous” are often quick to insist that the dogfighting aspect of their history somehow means that they are inclined to “fight” humans. This is simply wrong. A central fact of pit bulls’ history is that their lineage actually makes them less inclined to be aggressive toward humans. For over 160 years, they have been systematically
bred away from human aggressiveness. As Malcolm Gladwell (author of The Tipping Point, Blink and Outliers) explains in an article published in The New Yorker in 2006:
What is “essential pit bullness”? It’s difficult to express the personality of any breed in words, but for pit bulls it comes down to a certain joie-de-vivre and a magnetic attraction to humans. First, pit bulls have a constant desire to be close to humans, even if that means lying by your feet as you use the computer; they are not overly independent dogs and want nothing more than to be active members of your “family.” Second, pit bulls are outgoing, eager to meet new people, and generally trusting of strangers. Finally, this innate desire for human contact and outgoing nature adds up to the ultimate “people dog”: pit bulls are truly in their element when snuggling on the couch, hopping in the bed on a cold morning, getting rubbed on the belly or scratched behind the ears, showing off a trick, going for a car ride with their family, or playing a fun game.
Contrary to myths propagated by the media, human aggression occurs in all dog breeds. Canines can exhibit many kinds of aggression: human-, dog-, territory-, and food-aggression, to name a few. These are independent behaviors. For example, feral dogs can be good with other dogs but highly aggressive toward humans. By the same token, a dog with dog aggression isn't by default also human aggressive. Pit bulls test well above average in temperament evaluations. To date, every shred of empirical evidence we have suggests that pit bulls are the same as, if not better than, other breeds when it comes to human interaction. Each year, the American Temperament Testing Society holds evaluations across the country for dog breeds and gives a passing score for the entire breed based on the percentage of passed over failed within total number of the particular breed tested. As of 2008, pit bull breeds achieved a combined passing score of 85.5 percent. To put these figures into context, the combined passing rate of all breeds was 81.6 percent. The Collie, an icon of obedience, passed at a rate of 79.4 percent, and the beloved Golden Retriever scored at 84.2 percent. As you can see, by these measures, the pit bull breeds make fabulous family pets!
Pit bull type dogs are wonderful, loving, and very loyal companions; however, it is important to understand the breed's nature, to provide a structured environment, and to establish a positive leadership role. In order to do so, pit bull owners must understand the original purpose of the breed, respect its limits, and help it fulfill its tremendous potential. This is sound advice for dog owners of any breed. Pit Bulls and Other Dogs
Never trust a dog not to fight. That means any dog! Dog aggression is not a breed-specific behavior. Dogs of any breed can exhibit intolerance toward other dogs.
Dogs may fight over hierarchic status, food, toys, or rawhides. External stimulus or excitement can also trigger a fight. Remember that any canine can fight, regardless of breed. If you frequent a dog park, you’ve surely seen a fight occur among a pack of dogs for reasons not discernible to humans. Owners should separate their dogs if they cannot closely supervise them
Dog aggression (that is, aggression shown by dogs towards other dogs) is a complicated matter. Like most things in life, it is not a black-and-white issue. We should not think of dog aggression as a binary (dog aggressive/not dog aggressive) but as a spectrum: dogs can exhibit zero dog aggression, dog aggression only in some situations, a high level of dog aggression, or dog aggression that falls somewhere in between these points.
Given their historical circumstances, pit-bull-type dogs can be less tolerant of dogs than other breeds. Pit bull owners must understand that their dogs may not get along with all other dogs. There are several levels of dog tolerance. Many dogs are great with other dogs and enjoy the company of fellow canines. Some dogs do well only with dogs of the opposite sex. Some are fine with dogs they were raised with but intolerant of new dogs. Some dogs are tolerant of other dogs except for in limited circumstances, such as when greeting a new person. Some enjoy the company of other dogs, while others cannot accept any other dogs. All of this should suggest that dogs are individuals and should be treated as such. Owners need to understand their particular dog’s acceptance level of other dogs and manage their dog appropriately when around other animals. A dog's tolerance level can change during its lifetime, and owners need to be aware of these changes so
they can properly manage their dogs while in the company of other dogs. Some dogs become less tolerant as they mature from puppyhood to adult, while others become more accepting as they mature into the senior years. Some can become more tolerant with socialization and training. Regardless of breed, there are many dogs that do not like other dogs, and all dog owners need to be responsible. This means following the basic rules of dog ownership: keeping your dog on leash at all times, not letting your charge unfamiliar dogs, and supervising your valued companion at all times (i.e., not leaving your dog in the backyard without supervision).
For pit bull owners, the stakes are always higher. While they may not instigate a fight, they won’t back down from a challenge. Inevitably, no matter who “started it,” no matter what the circumstances, the pit bull will always be blamed. Each incident in which a pit bull gets blamed jeopardizes our right to own these great dogs. Keep your dog out of trouble!
That said, many pit bulls get along great with other pets and may live happily with other dogs without incident. We simply cannot assume that this is true for all of them. We also cannot take for granted that pit bulls who get along with other pets today will do so tomorrow. The same goes for all other breeds, and none of this should suggest that, in the language of popular myth, pit bulls are more likely to “snap” or “turn.” It only
means that their attitude toward other dogs may change as they mature. Pit bull owners must show common sense by ensuring that they don't set their dogs up to fail by putting them in inappropriate situations. It is every dog owner’s responsibility to ensure that they are managing their dog’s needs and looking out for their dog’s safety at all times. Please remember that, as we note throughout the site, animal aggression and human aggression are two entirely distinct behaviors and should never be confused. Pit bulls are, by nature, very good with people. They are, in fact, one of the most loving, loyal, friendly, and dedicated companions one can have.
Conclusion
PBRC hopes this article will help people understand why so many of us are deeply dedicated to these wonderful dogs. Pit bull dogs need more help, compassion, and understanding than many other breeds, but they will pay you back with more love and loyalty than you ever thought possible.
http://www.pbrc.net/programs.html
Difference between APBTs and AmStaffs
I adopted a dog at the shelter and was told that he is a Staffordshire Terrier. Is a Staffordshire Terrier the same as a Pit Bull?
First, it is important to know that Staffordshire Terrier and “pit bull” are not official breeds. They are common terms used to describe a certain type of dog. There are actually three breeds that can be easily confused. The correct designations are:
- American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) - recognized by the ADBA and UKC
- American Staffordshire Terrier (AST) - recognized by the AKC
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier (SBT) - recognized by the AKC and UKC
How can we tell the difference? We can't, really. We can only try to guess the breed based on subtle characteristics. Note that even experts can't always tell if a Pit Bull is an APBT, an AST or a SBT. For the average pit bull owner, however, these distinctions are not really relevant. As a general rule, dogs of these breeds tend to have stable and loving temperaments.
The American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT)
Like many other common breeds, including Labrador Retrievers, Greyhounds, German Shepherds, and the Parsons (or “Jack”) Russell Terrier, the American Pit Bull Terrier is essentially a canine athlete. As the UKC points out, during the nineteenth century breeders in the British Isles began to experiment with crosses between terriers and Bulldogs in hopes of finding a dog with the “gameness” (defined below) of a terrier and the athleticism of a Bulldog (a very different dog from the English Bulldog of today). This original breed, which later resulted in the breeds we now call the APBT, the AST, and the SBT, came to America with immigrants during the late nineteenth century. Just as the Bulldog was originally bred for bull and bear baiting, dog fighting was clearly part of the APBT’s original purpose. But as the UKC also notes, the breed’s many talents did not go unnoticed, and the APBT was also used as an all-purpose farm dog and family companion.
Street-Fighting and Gamebred APBTs Today, the APBT is bred for a wide variety of purposes from looks and companionship to fighting to nothing in particular, so it is difficult to make generalizations about appearance or purpose. While some APBTs (probably a minority of the overall population) may be directly from fighting lines (“game bred”), many are genetically far removed from their fighting ancestors. Some are animal aggressive; some are not animal aggressive at all. NOTE: Like most things in life, we must be open to a certain degree of nuance when thinking about pit bulls. As we note above, pit bulls can exhibit a level of animal aggression ranging from nonexistent to very high or somewhere in between - a statement that is true for all dog breeds. To date, there is no identified “fighting gene” that determines which dogs will be animal aggressive and which dogs will not. Even pit bulls with fighting histories have proven manageable around other dogs. Knowing how your dog will behave around other dogs is an important part of being a responsible dog owner. More importantly, there is absolutely no relationship between animal aggression and human aggression. Pit bulls might exhibit an above-average tendency toward dog aggression relative to other breeds, but human aggression has never been a normal trait in these breeds. Pit bulls were not bred to fight humans or for guarding purposes. A common fallacy is the notion that pit bulls are the only dogs that have been historically bred for “fighting.” This is demonstrably false. A large number of dog breeds have been bred to chase, fight, and kill other animals, yet nobody seems to fret about human or animal aggression in Dachshunds, Greyhounds, Whippets, Irish Wolfhounds, Coonhounds, Foxhounds, Beagles, Jack Russell Terriers, and nearly every other dog in the terrier group. Once again, human aggression and animal aggression are entirely unrelated behaviors.
Because breeding purpose varies so widely among APBTs, less consideration is paid to conformation (how closely the dog matches a set physical standard for the breed). As these pictures show, APBTs can look quite different from one another. In general, however, APBTs can weigh as little as 30 lbs. and as much as 70 lbs. News reports of “pit bulls” weighing in excess of 100 lbs. should be taken with a grain of salt. These dogs are either not pit bulls at all or are mixes of some sort.
An often-overlooked fact of the APBT’s history is that human aggressive dogs (“man biters” in fighting parlance) have been actively culled from bloodlines. In the world of fighting, it is not useful or desirable for a dog to attack handlers or spectators. Not all APBT breeders breed for the pit, though. Some breed for conformation, temperament, weight-pulling, obedience trials, or therapy work. At the foundation of their bloodlines, however, are the same physical and mental characteristics—lean and athletic body, agility, courage, and stability.
Cropped ears are not an indicator of a dog's background. Some dogs bred for the pit have cropped ears; some don’t. Both ABPT and AST show dogs often have cropped ears, but many others have natural ears.
Show and Conformation Bred APBTs Nowadays people without breeding knowledge are breeding pit bulls for nothing in particular, unusual color (typically red, blue, or merle), general companionship, or to make a quick buck. The animal-welfare community refers to these people as “backyard breeders,” and they are a major contributor to America’s pet overpopulation problem. In general, their dogs are a little larger than the original APBT. These are the dogs that most commonly wind up in shelters or rescues. Most of them have stable dispositions and make excellent companions.
Backyard Bred APBTs The American Staffordshire Terrier (AST or Amstaff) The AST or “Amstaff” used to be the same dog as the APBT but was completely taken out of the pit in the mid 1930s. In 1936, the AKC opened its studbooks to a few APBTs that fit their standards and came up with the name “Staffordshire Terrier.” In 1972, the name was changed to American Staffordshire Terrier to avoid confusion with the newly recognized "Staffordshire Bull Terrier" from England. The only dogs that can properly be called American Staffordshire Terriers are those from AKC-registered bloodlines.
ASTs are primarily bred for conformation and good temperament. They have a set height standard of 18 to 19 inches for males and 17 to 18 inches for females. They usually weigh between 50 to 80 lbs., which should be in proportion to their height. They may be a little stockier than the APBT but not always. “The dog’s chief requisites,” the AKC explains, “should be strength unusual for his size, soundness, balance, a strong powerful head, a well-muscled body, and courage that is proverbial.”
Red (or “Dudley”) noses are considered a fault according to the AKC’s breed standard, and this physical trait has been bred out of most AST lines. Red-nosed dogs are common in APBT lines. This may help you differentiate between the breeds. If the dog has a red nose, it is more likely to be of APBT than of AST lineage.
American Staffordshire Terriers Because the AST and APBT have the same ancestors (some are even dual-registered), they have a similar look and similar personalities. Dog-aggression is a potential behavior in both breeds, though it’s not as strong or common in the AST. The AKC’s Complete Dog Book sums it up best:In mentioning the gameness of the Staffordshire, it is not the intention to tag him as a fighting machine or to praise this characteristic. These points are discussed because they are necessary in giving the correct origin and history of the breed. The good qualities of this dog are many, and it would be difficult for anyone to overstress them. […] As to character, they are game for anything; nevertheless, they should not be held in ill repute merely because some have been taking advantage of this rare courage to use them in the pit as gambling tools. These dogs are docile, and with a little training are even tractable around other dogs. (345)
The same goes for all dogs that come under the banner of the “pit bull.”
Staffordshire Bull Terrier (SBT, Staffie or Stafford)
Staffies remain very popular in England, but they are less common in the United States. They share common ancestors with the APBT and AST. Staffordshire Bull Terriers should be 14-16" at the shoulder height and at 24 to 34 lbs., they are noticeably smaller, though, and their ears are rarely cropped. They are essentially bred for good disposition and conformation. The AKC points to the Staffie Bull’s “affection for its friends” as well as “off-duty quietness” and “trustworthy stability,” all of which make it “a foremost all-purpose dog.” They are often referred to as "nanny dogs" because they are excellent with children.
Staffordshire Bull Terriers Gameness and Disposition
What is gameness? Are dogs that demonstrate gameness temperamentally unsound?
NOTE: Like the AKC, we do not discuss gameness and fighting here either to praise or malign pit bulls. Fighting and gameness are important elements of the breed’s history and, ultimately, a key to understanding our dogs. There is nothing admirable, heroic, or particularly interesting about the fighting aspect of pit bulls’ history. Most importantly, gameness is not aggressiveness. It has nothing to do with aggression (animal or human) and should not enter into discussions about overall temperament.
Very simply put, gameness is the will never to quit a task despite injury, illness, and exhaustion. It is the unflagging courage referred to in UKC and AKC descriptions of these breeds. For pit bulls, gameness has traditionally been directed toward fighting other dogs (but never humans), though it is useful for other activities requiring high drive such as therapy work, weight-pulling, drug sniffing, flyball, Frisbee chasing, tracking, or obedience trials. Gameness does not equal aggressiveness. A dog can be game without being aggressive and vice versa. Unstable, highly aggressive dogs are, in fact, not at all likely to be game. As Diane Jessup explains in The Working Pit Bull, “Gameness does not mean a desire to fight—it means a desire to finish or succeed at a task” (156). Not all pit bulls are game. Dogfighters obviously assess gameness by testing their dogs in the pit. Their ultimate (and very cruel) goal would be to produce a dog that would fight other dogs to the death (these rare dogs are referred to as “dead game”). But as Jessup further notes, there are other, far better ways to gauge gameness in pit bulls and other breeds:
A few examples of true gameness in a dog would be the weight-pull dog that simply never quits trying to pull a load, and must be stopped by his handler when the load becomes too heavy, the tracking dog who continues to work out a faint, hours-old trail in the 100?F heat and scores a perfect 100 in a grueling F.H. German tracking test, […] the search and rescue dog who climbs over brush and debris hour after hour searching for victims. All these are tests of gameness with value (unlike dog fighting, which has no value to society whatsoever) and acceptance in our modern world. (158)
As the previous passage suggests, gameness is by no means a specialized “pit bull trait.” Like animal aggression, it’s a dog trait. This kind of drive is, most accurately, a working dog trait. The tireless Border Collies we see in herding and tracking exhibit gameness. As such, many other breeds are frequently tested and certified for gameness using non-fighting scenarios. The working terriers informally know as “dirt dogs”—a designation that covers Dachshunds, Jack Russell Terriers, Patterdale Terriers, West Highland White Terriers, Cairn Terriers, Norwich Terriers, and many other breeds—are routinely tested on their ability to quarry and “work” small rodents. Jack Russell and Patterdale Terriers still serve the valuable function of ridding farms of groundhogs and badgers.
Because of their focus and determination, pit bulls have proven excellent candidates for search-and-rescue work and therapy work. Dogs can and do love with resoluteness and tenacity
Finally, it is important to recognize that this heritage of gameness partially contributes to the pit bull’s wonderful and resilient personality. It is why these dogs possess a constant desire to please and why they readily take up new lives as loving family pets following neglect and abuse. With this in mind, we will give the final word on gameness to Dr. D. Caroline Coile, author of the excellent Pit Bulls for Dummies:
Gameness, though hard to define, is in essence the quality of pressing on cheerfully and with gusto in the face of adversity. In everyday life, this spirit expresses itself in self-confidence, determination, and a certain joie de vivre. […] Gameness is not aggressiveness. A non-aggressive dog can be game (for example, he avoids a fight but does not back down if pressed), and an aggressive dog can be ungame (for example, if he starts a fight but turns tail if the victim fights back). Some pit bulls are aggressive with other dogs. Others are not. But as a rule, Pit Bulls were not bred to be aggressive—they were bred to win.
Pit Bulls as Guard Dogs
I am looking for a good guard dog to protect my home. Is a pit bull a good choice as a guard dog?
No. The only "guard dog" qualities of a pit bull are its formidable appearance and its name. Other than that, they are not very good at this job. Pit bulls were not created to perform the task of protecting someone's home or property. In many cases pit bulls are just too friendly with people to be good at this. They may bark and "look" scary, but as soon as the intruder smiles at them, most pit bulls think they have made a new friend! In fact, pit bulls are very much at risk of being stolen. Due to their friendly and trusting nature, they are often led right out of their owners' yard, which is one reason they should never be left outdoors unattended.
Pit bulls should not show aggression towards humans and should never be encouraged to attack strangers under any circumstances. With their looks and unfair reputation alone, pit bulls will discourage most thieves from entering your property, provided they are not after the dog itself. Like any good dog, your pit bull should alert you if there is someone around your house, and it might naturally defend you if you are threatened. But do not count on your pit bull to guard your house or property while you are away. In fact, you may want to get a good alarm system to protect your pit bull.
Remember, you are the leader! Your dog counts on you to protect her, not the other way around.
Pit Bulls and Kids
I heard that Pit Bulls were not good with children, is it true?
Most pit bulls are excellent with children. They have a high tolerance for pain and, in general will patiently endure the "abuse" young kids unintentionally dish out; however, like any dog, they must be supervised with kids at all times. PBRC strongly urges all readers to supervise their children's interactions with dogs—that means any dog, regardless of breed, size, age, history, or initial appearance.
Like other medium-to-large sized dogs, pit bulls are enthusiastic and strong. They can easily knock over an unsteady toddler with their wagging tails. They can be quite rambunctious until they mature, which is generally around 2 to 4 years of age. Pit bulls should be taught to play gently, to greet visitors appropriately, not to jump on people, and to sit and wait for a signal before going through doors. Positive training methods work best.
Adding a juvenile dog of any breed to a home with toddlers or very young children may not be ideal since dogs are very energetic at that age. You may want to consider adopting a mature dog that has demonstrated compatibility with children. It is entirely possible to have a young dog with toddlers or infants, but you must be diligent with your supervision. Pit bulls are great playmates for older, respectful kids.
People-Aggression
Our neighbors bought a pit bull and now we are scared to let the kids play outside. Are these dogs really vicious like the media portrays them? Are pit bulls human aggressive by nature?
No dog breed is human aggressive by nature. Pit bulls pass the American Temperament Testing Society’s test at a rate similar to, if not higher than, many other medium-to-large, powerful breeds. The American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier pass at rates of 84.3%, 83.4%, and 88.8% respectively. Compare this to Golden Retrievers (84.2%), Great Danes (79.2%), Weimaraners (80.1%), and Standard Poodles (85.3%), to name just four common breeds. Carl Herkstroeter, the president of the ATTS, has commented on these results: "We have tested somewhere around a thousand pit-bull-type dogs […] I've tested half of them. And of the number I've tested I have disqualified one pit bull because of aggressive tendencies. They have done extremely well. They have a good temperament. They are very good with children." An independent, non-profit organization, the ATTS has been collecting data based on a series of evaluations resembling the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen test since 1977. These numbers, which anyone can access at http://www.atts.org, are our best available indicators of temperament. The point is not that pit bulls have better disposition than Poodles or Weimaraners, but that most breeds fall within an acceptable range of temperamental soundness. Pit bulls are no different from your average dog when it comes to human interaction.
By the same token, no dog breed is inherently non-human-aggressive. All dogs are capable of biting under the right circumstances. Operating under the mistaken assumption that you will never be bitten by a Labrador Retriever is a good way to get bitten by a Labrador Retriever.
It is quite easy to determine which dogs will cause serious injury, and breed has nothing to do with it. As public health studies show, dogs that attack almost always have a bite history, they are almost always intact (not spayed or neutered), they are frequently off-leash in public, and they have almost always lived their lives tethered or otherwise unsocialized (penned in the yard, kept in a basement, roaming around in a pack of dogs, or locked in a garage).
A dog should be evaluated on its own merits, not on its breed. Veterinarians will tell you that pit bulls are temperamentally stable and not inherently more dangerous than other dogs. Owner responsibility, however, is a must with any dog, and all canines should be well-socialized with adults and kids.
Since the mid-1980s, pit bulls have faced prejudice and misunderstanding from many people who do not understand them very well. The media has a well-documented tendency to over-report, misreport, and greatly exaggerate bite incidents involving pit bulls. Legislators frequently make frightening claims about pit bulls that are not grounded in evidence or fact. Ownership requires a thick skin, a willingness to understand your neighbors' fears, and a desire to educate them about the breed.
Works Cited
The American Kennel Club. The Complete Dog Book. 20th Ed. New York: Ballantine, 2006.
The American Temperament Testing Society. <http://www.atts.org>
Coile, D. Caroline. Pit Bulls for Dummies. New York: For Dummies, 2001.
Jessup, Diane. The Working Pit Bull. Neptune, NJ: TFH Publications, 1995.
The United Kennel Club. “American Pit Bull Terrier.” <http://www.ukcdogs.com/WebSite.nsf/Breeds/AmericanPitBullTerrier>
Breed Information
PBRC is against the cruel “sport” of dog fighting, past and present. There is NO justifiable reason to throw two dogs in a pit and watch them tear each other apart.
This page lays out basic breed information for anyone interested in acquiring a pit bull,* for those who already have one or more and would like to learn more about the breed, or for anyone who would simply like to understand these affectionate, extraordinary dogs a little better.
It’s unfortunate that one of the original purposes of the pit bull was dog fighting, but it is a fact that cannot be denied or ignored. Even more unfortunate is the fact that they are still chosen for this purpose, even though it is illegal in all fifty states and, in certain instances, as the Michael Vick case illustrates, a federal crime. Adopting a pit bull, loving it, and training it as a breed ambassador are the most important things any of us civilians can do to combat people like Vick. Accordingly, PBRC is committed to educating current and potential pit bull owners so they have a better understanding of their dog and thus provide responsible and caring ownership. PBRC does not wish to overemphasize the fighting aspect of the breed’s history, a history that does not negate their various positive traits or their scientifically proven gentleness toward humans. But we do acknowledge the importance of respecting the breed’s history. This is not to suggest that pit bulls are “different” or “unique” in a way that makes them dangerous. Those who claim that pit bulls are “different” fail to understand that all dog breeds are, in some way, different from each other. That’s what makes them dog breeds! (Besides, many breeds were historically bred to fight other animals. Pit bulls are not unique in this sense.) To put it simply, no matter what kind of dog you have, understanding its breed is the first step toward being a good dog owner. By nature, pit bulls are intelligent, fun loving, and affectionate. It’s our job to help them fulfill that potential.
*”Pit bull” is NOT a breed. It's a generic term often used to describe all dogs with similar traits and characteristics known to the public as "pit bulls." When we use the term “pit bull” here, it should be understood to encompass American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers.
Remember: in most cases, we usually know little about the background of rescue dogs. Some may be gamebred APBTs (from fighting lines), some may be registered show dogs, some may be American Staffordshire Terriers, some may look like APBTs but might be mixed with other breeds, etc. Since there is no way to know for sure unless you have the pedigree of the dog, we recommend following the advice offered by PBRC for any pit-bull-type dog (most of our guidelines are, at any rate, simply basic rules of dog ownership). See PBRC's FAQ for more information.
Basic Breed Overview
Pit bulls are wonderful, loving animals that deserve the chance to have a good life.
Pit bulls have superior physical and mental characteristics that make them excellent partners for responsible, active, and caring owners. These same outstanding qualities can, however, make them a little difficult to handle for people who don't have a lot of experience with dog ownership or for those who don't understand the breed well. Luckily, pit bulls are intelligent, very responsive to training, and, above all, eager to please. Therefore, pit bulls should be enrolled in obedience classes as soon as they are up-to-date on their shots. (Pit bulls are more susceptible to parvovirus, so it is important that they receive all their vaccinations before coming into contact with other dogs or entering areas of high canine traffic.) A well-behaved pit bull is the best ambassador for the breed. As we’ve already noted, this is the easiest way to fight breed prejudice and misconception.
Pit bulls are quite resilient and can do well in an urban environment, provided they have enough exercise and other positive outlets for their energy. Many pit bulls are easygoing couch potatoes, but like all terriers, they can also be somewhat rambunctious until they mature. Maturity can come relatively late with this breed (two to three years old in some cases). Pit bulls remain playful throughout their lifespan (nine to fifteen years) and have a great sense of humor. True clowns at heart, these dogs will make you laugh like no other.
Pit bulls are energetic, agile, and strong. They are also very resourceful and driven. Determination is one of their most notable traits (see the FAQ). They put their heart and soul into whatever they set out to do: whether it is escaping an inadequately fenced yard to explore the neighborhood, destroying your new couch when left home alone, or climbing into your lap to shower you with kisses!
As Stahlkuppe (1995) writes, "The American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT), or the AmStaff, is certainly not the right pet for everyone. Being a powerful dog, it will require sufficient and adequate control. Some prospective elderly owners or children will not be able to supply that control...
An All-American Dog: Breed History
Humans have created dog breeds by emphasizing desirable traits and eliminating unwanted ones. It is no different with pit-bull-type dogs. In the same way that Labradors were bred to retrieve birds, pit bulls were originally bred for dog fighting and bull and bear baiting. This does not, however, mean that fighting is the sole purpose of these breeds or
Throughout their history in America, pit bull dogs have been valued as beloved members of the family. Their negative media image developed only recently. (Some suggest that an absurdly sensationalistic Sports Illustrated cover started the hysteria in 1987.) In fact, pit bulls have fulfilled important roles throughout the last 160-plus years of American history. In the nineteenth century, pit bulls were family pets of settlers crossing the United States. They were trusted to watch the children while the adults worked in the fields. As the years passed, pit bulls achieved a position of reverence among Americans, and they appeared in advertising campaigns such as Buster Brown and Pup Brand. A classic children’s television show, The Little Rascals, featured Petey the Pit Bull. The pit bull is the only breed to have graced the cover of Life magazine three times.
In 1903 Dr. Horatio Nelson Jackson hit the road with co-driver Sewall K. Crocker and a pit bull named Bud, who wore goggles, just like his master, to keep the dust from his eyes. Together, the three made the very first road trip across the US. Bud drew almost as much public attention as his fellow travelers. While it is unclear as to why Jackson and Crocker picked up Bud about halfway through their trip, one story suggests that Jackson rescued him from dogfighters.
In the early twentieth century, pit bulls were so respected for their loyalty, determination, and
Many highly respected historical figures have owned pit bulls: President Woodrow Wilson, President Theodore Roosevelt, Helen Keller, Fred Astaire, Humphrey Bogart, and Thomas Edison, to name a few.
Today, pit bulls are respected and dearly loved by those who know them for what they truly are and not the monsters the media has created.
Pit bulls still loyally serve society in many roles:
- Search and rescue (Christina Ridge and Doc appear to the left)
- Therapy dogs visiting hospitals and senior communities
- Working in law enforcement as narcotics and bomb detection dogs
- Educational dogs teaching children about canine safety
- Service dogs
Perhaps the most important characteristic of pit bulls is their amazing love of people. Many people are surprised by the loving personality of these dogs the first time they meet one. Pit bulls are remarkably affectionate and truly enjoy human attention. They are wonderful cuddlers and love nothing more than a belly rub. In fact, most pit bulls think they are lap dogs!
As Dunbar (1999) writes, "Today, a properly bred pit bull is so exuberantly happy upon meeting her owner's friends (or even friendly strangers) that new owners sometimes worry that their dog is too sweet and fun-loving to protect their home and family... A multi-talented companion, the well-trained pit bull is suited for a variety of exciting activities. He excels at obedience, agility and weight-pulling competitions, events which showcase intelligence, trainability and strength. In addition, the pit bull's pleasant nature makes him an ideal candidate for therapy work with people."
Traits like human aggression, severe shyness, and instability are not typically found in the APBT breed, nor are they acceptable. Dogs with these traits are not good representatives of the breed and should not be placed into adoptive homes.
Those who wish to label these breeds as “dangerous” are often quick to insist that the dogfighting aspect of their history somehow means that they are inclined to “fight” humans. This is simply wrong. A central fact of pit bulls’ history is that their lineage actually makes them less inclined to be aggressive toward humans. For over 160 years, they have been systematically
Pit bulls were not bred to fight humans. On the contrary: a dog that went after spectators, or its handler, or the trainer, or any of the other people involved in making a dogfighting dog a good dogfighter was usually put down. (The rule in the pit-bull world was "Man-eaters die.")
So while human aggressive pit bulls were actively culled from bloodlines, traits such as gentleness, temperamental stability, and the desire to be handled by humans were emphasized. These qualities are the foundation of the “pit bull” breeds. It explains why footage of pit bulls being rescued from horrific circumstances usually features skinny, scarred-up dogs with wagging tails and happy tongues joyfully greeting law enforcement officers. “A pit bull is dangerous to people,” Gladwell concludes, “not to the extent that it expresses its essential pit bullness but to the extent that it deviates from it.”
What is “essential pit bullness”? It’s difficult to express the personality of any breed in words, but for pit bulls it comes down to a certain joie-de-vivre and a magnetic attraction to humans. First, pit bulls have a constant desire to be close to humans, even if that means lying by your feet as you use the computer; they are not overly independent dogs and want nothing more than to be active members of your “family.” Second, pit bulls are outgoing, eager to meet new people, and generally trusting of strangers. Finally, this innate desire for human contact and outgoing nature adds up to the ultimate “people dog”: pit bulls are truly in their element when snuggling on the couch, hopping in the bed on a cold morning, getting rubbed on the belly or scratched behind the ears, showing off a trick, going for a car ride with their family, or playing a fun game.
Pit bull type dogs are wonderful, loving, and very loyal companions; however, it is important to understand the breed's nature, to provide a structured environment, and to establish a positive leadership role. In order to do so, pit bull owners must understand the original purpose of the breed, respect its limits, and help it fulfill its tremendous potential. This is sound advice for dog owners of any breed. Pit Bulls and Other Dogs
Never trust a dog not to fight. That means any dog! Dog aggression is not a breed-specific behavior. Dogs of any breed can exhibit intolerance toward other dogs.
Dogs may fight over hierarchic status, food, toys, or rawhides. External stimulus or excitement can also trigger a fight. Remember that any canine can fight, regardless of breed. If you frequent a dog park, you’ve surely seen a fight occur among a pack of dogs for reasons not discernible to humans. Owners should separate their dogs if they cannot closely supervise them
Dog aggression (that is, aggression shown by dogs towards other dogs) is a complicated matter. Like most things in life, it is not a black-and-white issue. We should not think of dog aggression as a binary (dog aggressive/not dog aggressive) but as a spectrum: dogs can exhibit zero dog aggression, dog aggression only in some situations, a high level of dog aggression, or dog aggression that falls somewhere in between these points.
The graphic below provides a helpful visualization of this concept:
they can properly manage their dogs while in the company of other dogs. Some dogs become less tolerant as they mature from puppyhood to adult, while others become more accepting as they mature into the senior years. Some can become more tolerant with socialization and training. Regardless of breed, there are many dogs that do not like other dogs, and all dog owners need to be responsible. This means following the basic rules of dog ownership: keeping your dog on leash at all times, not letting your charge unfamiliar dogs, and supervising your valued companion at all times (i.e., not leaving your dog in the backyard without supervision).
That said, many pit bulls get along great with other pets and may live happily with other dogs without incident. We simply cannot assume that this is true for all of them. We also cannot take for granted that pit bulls who get along with other pets today will do so tomorrow. The same goes for all other breeds, and none of this should suggest that, in the language of popular myth, pit bulls are more likely to “snap” or “turn.” It only
means that their attitude toward other dogs may change as they mature. Pit bull owners must show common sense by ensuring that they don't set their dogs up to fail by putting them in inappropriate situations. It is every dog owner’s responsibility to ensure that they are managing their dog’s needs and looking out for their dog’s safety at all times. Please remember that, as we note throughout the site, animal aggression and human aggression are two entirely distinct behaviors and should never be confused. Pit bulls are, by nature, very good with people. They are, in fact, one of the most loving, loyal, friendly, and dedicated companions one can have.
Conclusion
PBRC hopes this article will help people understand why so many of us are deeply dedicated to these wonderful dogs. Pit bull dogs need more help, compassion, and understanding than many other breeds, but they will pay you back with more love and loyalty than you ever thought possible.
