American Pit Bull Terrier

General: Pit Bulls have great physical Strength. Their mental characteristics are uncanny which makes them a very smart breed. Their strength and brains are what makes them excellent dogs for responsible, active and caring owners. These same outstanding qualities can also make them a little hard to handle for people who don't have a lot of dog experience, or those who don't understand the breed. Pit Bulls are very responsive to training and eager to please, which makes them one of the best competitive weight pull breeds. They strongly need to go to obedience classes when they are young. Well behaved and obedient Pit Bulls are great ambassadors for the breed and contribute to improve its reputation. Be sure to take into consideration that the American Pit Bull Terrier is a strong and highly driven dog, with a great and powerful dog it must have great ownership.

Origin: American Pit Bull Terriers can originally be traced to the original pit dogs of Europe.

History: Many books on the Bull and Terrier and even some books on the Pit Bull Terrier state that the breed originated with a cross of the old-time Bulldog with some terrier. That simply don't jive with historians when they study historic artwork of the breed. The problems is this, demonstrated from the artwork of the past the bulldog of old looked just like modern American Pit Bull Terriers. This being the case, there was never any reason for the cross to allegedly increase agility. The fact of the matter is that it is not likely to be done by any breeder of a highly competitive performance breed. What most likely happened was that some peasants took to calling their (working) Bulldogs "terriers" since they were not allowed to keep any hunting dogs. The Irish referred to their Bulldogs as "Pit Terriers" for many years but everyone else called the breed "Bulldog" but used the term "Bull Terrier" in more formal occasions. Chauncy Bennett founder of the United Kennel Club, gave the name "American Pit Bull Terrier" to the breed to help promote this breed. The American Pit Bull Terrier is a relatively pure descendant of the old time Bulldog; the formal name was became taken by the show ring Bulldog that was most likely crossed to pug. The original name Bull Terrier was used a show dog developed by Hinks in England by crossing the white English terrier with a show bulldog. American pit dog men thought that the pit dogs were descended along similar lines and called their dogs "Pit Bull Terriers" formally. When Chauncy Bennett started the United Kennel Club the first breed he recognized was the American Pit Bull Terrier. He originally added on "American" to distinguish the breed from the show Bull Terrier and dropped the "Pit" out of the name. This suited some fanciers, but many of them wanted to retain "Pit" as a distinguishing term. In compromise, Bennett put back "Pit" in the name but placed it in parentheses. About ten years ago, the UKC dropped the parentheses after having had them for over fifty years. Many pit bull histories are full of flights of fancy and twists and turns that people still debate particular points. A controversial breed like the American Pit Bull Terrier owners wouldn't want it any other way!

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Temperament: Strong, energetic, agile and powerful dogs. They also are very determined and that is probably their most notable trait especially in weight pull. Whatever they set out to do they will put everything and more into it. Whether it is escaping an inadequately fenced yard to chase the neighbor's cat, or climbing into your lap and shower you with love! They just don't give up. Pit Bulls are very adaptable and will even do well in urban living provided they have enough exercise or other positive outlets for their energy. Maturity can come late with them 2 to 3 years old in most cases. Pit Bulls remain playful all their life and have a great sense of humor. These dogs will make you laugh like no other.

Size: American Pit Bull Terriers range from 20 pounds to 125 pounds. They are short haired, well boned and muscular. Their range in size is due to breeding for a working dog and not for looks alone.

Today's Uses: The American Pit Bull Terrier make a wonderful family companion where it is found most. They excel in weight pull along with Agility and fly ball.

American Pit Bull Terrier "Grace"

Owned by Damon Keels

American Pit Bull Terrier "Porky"

Owned by Bob Bonacorsi

PullDoggies.com 4660 Groves rd. - Columbus, Ohio - 43232 - DoggiePullin@yahoo.com

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