"KING"

The Pit Bull are, without a doubt, the most misunderstood dog breed in the world.

In fact, one of the most misunderstood things is that Pit Bulls are not really a dog breed at all. 

Pit Bull is actually a general term that means different things to different people. To some, it’s simply a synonym for the American Pit Bull Terrier.

To others, it refers to a group of breeds that includes the American Pit Bull Terrier, the Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and possibly other similar-looking dogs.

See, you can’t even begin to talk about Pit Bulls without running into some confusion. No wonder there’s so many myths and misinformation swirling around them.

PIT BULLS:

* Scientific name: Canis Lupus Familiaris
* Origin: Early ancestors British Isles, United Kingdom, United States of America
* Breed Group: Terrier Dogs
* Body Mass: Medium Size - Solidly Built
* Lifespan: 8-15 years
* Height : 19 in.
* Weight: 30 lbs. to 85 lbs.
* Short-Hair
* Family Dog Breed
* Average Litter Size: 7-10 pups
* Colors: Black, White, Fawn, Brindle, Blue, Red, Tan, Brown and Grey
* Temperament: Affectionate, Companion, Obedient, Stubborn, Intelligent, Loyal, Friendly, Clownish, Courageous and Strong Willed

NOTABLE Pit Bulls

Pit Bulls that became famous for their roles:

* Soldiers
* Police dogs
* Search and rescue dogs
* Actors
* Television personalities
* Seeing eye dogs
* Celebrity pets
* Pete the Pup from the movie "Little Rascals"
* The Bull Terrier mix "Nipper", the model for the painting "His Master's Voice". Later known as RCA Victor for RCA records
* The American Staffordshire Terrier

Historically NOTABLE but LESSER KNOWN, Pit Bulls:

* Billie Holiday's companion "Mister"
* Helen Keller's dog "Sir Thomas"
* Buster Brown's dog "Tige"
* Horatio Jackson's dog "Bud"
* President Theodore Roosevelt's dog "Pete"
* Sir Walter Scott's dog named "Wasp"

* A Pit Bull named "Jack Brutus" who served for company K, the first Connecticut Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War

* A Pit Bull Named "Sergeant Stubby" who served for 102nd infantry,26th (Yankee) Division during World War I



To Learn the TRUTH about Pit Bulls,
Below are a few interesting FACTS...

ORIGINS and HISTORY:

1. Pit bulls pre-date the United States, they were bred in England and were brought to America by the settlers.

2. Originally, these dogs were bred to "bait" bulls. Then later they would be used in the (blood sport) to fight other Pit-Bull dogs. Combining the strength of the English Bulldog with the gameness (fearless nature) of a terrier.

3. Even in the early days, aggressiveness toward humans was an undesirable trait for these dogs, as human handlers often had to be in the fighting ring with them.

4. Pit Bulls were often used in "bear baiting" in England, a blood sport in which bears were publicly tortured for the “entertainment” of onlookers.

5. After bear baiting was outlawed in England, the sport of "RATTING" became popular. A pit was filled with rats and dogs competed to see who could kill all of them in the shortest time. Some believe that this is where the PIT in Pit Bull comes from.

6. In the old days, Pit Bulls found many uses on farms, from hunting, to protection, to helping with livestock.

7. Pit Bulls were popular mascots in early 20th Century America, appearing often on Army recruitment posters and other advertisements.

8. Pit Bulls were considered to be so trustworthy with children that they were known as nursemaids or nanny dogs.

9. Pit Bulls were on the cover of Life Magazine three times, more than any other dog.

10. In addition to the American Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier, other breeds sometimes identified as Pit Bulls include the Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Dogue de Bordeaux, and the Bulldog.

11. While it’s tough to estimate dog breed numbers, it’s believed that there are at least two million Pit Bulls in the United States.

12. Pit Bull puppies often have wrinkly foreheads. As the dog grows, the skin stretches out and becomes smooth.

13. Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier score exceptionally well on the test run by the American Temperament Test Society, beating out Miniature Schnauzers and many other terrier breeds.

14. Due to their athletic builds, Pit Bulls are some of the best fence-climbers in the dog world. Something to keep in mind if you need to confine one of these notorious escape artists.

15. Some people claim that Pit Bulls do not feel pain. This is patently false.

* However, all dogs are capable of blocking out pain, especially when they’re focused intently on something.

16. Despite their reputation, Pit Bulls aren’t considered great guard dogs. They’re too trusting of humans, and may greet an intruder as a new friend.

17. Blue Nose Pit Bulls are popular due to their distinctive blue-gray coloration however, they’re not actually a separate breed.

18. While not a recognized breed, the Razor Edge or Razor’s Edge Pit Bull is highly sought after for its unique (bulky) appearance and gentle nature. Razor Edge puppies often sell for thousands of dollars.

19. The claim that Pit Bulls have special “locking jaws” is a myth (they’re just really strong).

FAMOUS Pit Bulls:

20. One of the most famous Pit Bulls of all time is "Petey" the dog from The Little Rascals, was a Pit Bull.

21. When Horatio Nelson Jackson and Sewall K. Crocker made the first cross-country drive in 1903, they brought along a Pit Bull named "Bud". Like most dogs, he loved the ride.

22. The most decorated dog of World War I was a Pit Bull named "Sergeant Stubby". In between his 17 battles on the Western Front, the legendary pooch helped comfort wounded soldiers.

23. The Pit Bull named "Sallie" stood guard over dead and wounded Union soldiers at the Battle of Gettysburg. She is immortalized in a Civil War monument in Pennsylvania.

24. Throughout history notable figures that were avid Pit Bull owners and supporters.

Some of these people include:
Theodore Roosevelt (named Pete), Helen Keller (named Stubby), Thomas Edison, Mel Brooks, Anne Bancroft, John Steinbeck, General George Patton, Woodrow Wilson, Mary Tyler Moore, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Fred Astaire, and Humphrey Bogart.

25. The iconic RCA mascot "Nipper" was probably at least part Pit Bull.

26. Modern day celebrity Pit Bull owners:
Cesar Milan, Norman Reedus, Josh Hutcherson, Jessica Biel, Alicia Silverstone, Linda Blair, Jessica Alba, Jamie Foxx, Rachael Ray, Kaley Cuoco, Madonna, Brad Pitt, Pink, Usher, Channing Tatum, Liam Hemsworth, Michael J. Fox, Rachel Bilson, Katherine Heigl, Marc Jacobs, Jennifer Aniston, Sophia Bush, Sirena, Fiona Apple, Danny Trejo, Williams, Jon Stewart, Kevin Bacon, Adrian Grenier, Orlando Bloom, Anthony Robbins, Bernadette Peters, Dr. Phil, Ashley Olsen, Lake Bell, Tom Brady and Gisele, to name a few.

27. Helen Keller owned a Pit Bull named "Stubby". While many Pit Bulls are used as service and therapy dogs, Stubby was purely a companion. Though some believe that Helen Keller’s dog was actually a large Boston Terrier, Boston's were also bred to fight in the ring and considered to be “Pit Bulls” at that time. She was a dog lover and had several breeds in her life, including Mastiffs and Spaniels, but wrote in her autobiography "The Story of My Life".

28. There are not one, but two reality TV shows specifically featuring Pit Bulls – 
Pit Bulls and Parolees and Pit Boss,The Pit Bull Controversy.

29. As a result of their breeding, Pit Bulls have a tendency to be aggressive toward other dogs even if they act like perfect angels around humans.

Experts recommend lots of socialization with other dogs when they’re still puppies, as with all dog breeds.

30. Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) isn’t really all that, well, specific. It invariably focuses on the Pit Bull, which is a slippery subject for reasons mentioned earlier in this article. It also often targets “Pit Bull-type” breeds and crossbreeds.

31. Pit Bulls don’t always growl or display aggressive body language before attacking. They are also more likely than other breeds to attack a dog that has rolled over in submission. In other words, a lot of canine behaviors that are intended to avoid deadly conflicts between members of the species have been bred out of them.

32. Pit Bulls routinely top lists of breeds involved in dog bites and fatalities. However, because the dogs have become so popular with people who wants a vicious dog, you shouldn’t read too much into these statistics.

33. Once known as America’s Dog, the Pit Bull could now be called America’s Most Abused Dog.

Not only are they tortured in dog fighting rings, but they’re also frequently chained up outside and neglected by low-life's who want nothing more than a scary looking guard dog.

34. Contrary to everything you’ve read, Pit Bulls don’t bite especially hard. In a test of the bite force of three breeds conducted by National Geographic in 2008, Pit Bulls came in last behind German Shepherds and Rottweiler's.

35. Despite how long Pit Bulls have been around, stories of Pit Bull attacks didn’t begin to pick up steam until the 1980's.

This happens to coincide with the reemergence of dog fighting in the United States.

36. Pit Bulls have been banned in England and Wales since 1991.

37. There have been various attempts to rename Pit Bulls to something that doesn’t carry negative connotations.

However, no other name has caught on to any significant extent.

38. Pit Bulls are outlawed in many American cities, forbidden in many apartment complexes that otherwise allow dogs, and may raise your homeowner’s insurance.

Before getting a Pittie, consider whether your current and future circumstances will allow you to keep it.

39. At any given time, there’s always a media scare about a particular dog breed.

Before Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, and even Bloodhounds had their turn.

40. Of the 51 dogs seized from Michael Vick’s dog-fighting ring in 2007, over 30 of them have been rehabilitated and gone on to loving homes. Four of them have even become therapy dogs.

41. In England and Wales the Dangerous Dogs Act prohibits the ownership of American Pit Bull Terriers, along with three other breeds.

The Act also bans the breeding, sale and exchange of these dogs. Similar legislation in Australia has been criticized by veterinary professionals.

42. Pit bulls constitute the majority of dogs used for illegal dog fighting in America. 

43. Law enforcement organizations report these dogs are used for other nefarious purposes, such as guarding illegal narcotics operations, use against police, and as attack dogs. 

44. On the other side of the law, pit bulls have been used as police dogs.
CONTEMPORARY SIGNIFICANT Pit Bulls:

* A Pit Bull named "Weela" who helped save
32 people, 29 dogs, 3 horses, and 1 cat
during southern California's widespread
flooding in 1993.

* A five month old Pit Bull puppy named
"Popsicle" originally found nearly dead in a
freezer, who grew to become one of the
nation's most important police dogs. 

* A Pit Bull named "Norton" who was placed in
the "Purina Animal Hall of Fame" after he
rescued his owner from a severe reaction to
a spider bite.

* A Pit Bull named "Titan" who rescued his
owner's wife, who would have died from
an aneurysm.

* A Pit Bull named "D-Boy" who took three
bullets to save his family from an intruder
with a gun.

* A Pit Bull named "Star" who while protecting
her owner was shot by police in a video that
went viral.

* A Pit Bull named "Lilly" who lost a leg after
being struck by a freight train while pulling
her unconscious owner from the train tracks.

* Cesar Millan's Pit Bull named "Daddy" was
his right-hand dog. He was famous for his
mellow temperament and his ability to
interact calmly with ill-mannered dogs.


"AMERICAN PIT BULL TERRIER"

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a companion and family dog breed.

Originally bred to “bait” bulls, the breed evolved into all-around farm dogs, and later moved into the house to become “nanny dogs” because they were so gentle around children.

Their tenacity, gameness, and courage make them popular competitors in the sports of weight pulling, agility, and obedience competition.

But all experts can agree that the confusion started with a decision by the AKC in the early 1930's to give it a new name, American Staffordshire Terrier, to separate it from its pit-fighting past.

The American Pit Bull Terrier has not been recognized by the AKC, while the American Staffordshire Terrier, which is slightly smaller.

The bull breeds are often grossly misunderstood. The qualities that make these dogs tenacious players in obedience and agility games also attract highly unscrupulous people looking for strong competitors for their dog fighting rings.

The sorry result is that bull breeds, in particular the APBT, have gained a reputation over recent years for being dangerous.

Nothing could be further from the truth.
But rampant misinformation and fear caused by the actions of a minority of dogs kept by criminally negligent people have provoked legislation against the breed in a number of cities and countries around the world.

As the owner of an American Pit Bull Terrier you must be aware that you may be met with anger and hostility by people who are misinformed about your wonderful dog.

This is not a breed for everyone, especially those who aren't willing to invest time in training and socialization and can't or won't provide consistent firm guidance.

When raised with the proper training and socialization, the American Pit Bull Terrier makes an excellent companion for children.

Pit Bulls are loving and gentle with people and often makes a lousy guard dog because of his tail-wagging eagerness to greet the person at the door.

American Pit Bull Terriers are devoted and loyal to their family and will, if necessary, defend them to the death.

These dogs are extremely intelligent and learn commands and tricks with ease.

They have a zest for life and love to be involved in everything going on around them.

They maintain a puppyish demeanor well into adulthood, and that vitality makes them a joy to live with.

Once you have met and gotten to know this breed you will wonder how you ever lived without one.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• American Pit Bull Terriers are not a good choice for people who can give them little or no attention.

• They must be trained and socialized when young to overcome the breed's tendencies toward stubbornness and bossiness, which combined with his strength can make him hard to handle if he hasn't learned you are in charge.

• Your American Pit Bull Terrier must be kept on leash in public to prevent aggression toward other dogs. It's not a good idea to let these dogs run loose in dog parks.

While they might not start a fight, they'll never back down from one, and they fight to the finish. American Pit Bulls who aren't properly socialized as puppies can become aggressive toward other dogs.

• Breed-specific legislation almost always includes this breed. Be aware of rules in your area as well as neighboring regions if you travel with your dog.

• American Pit Bull Terriers have a great need to chew, and powerful jaws make quick work of cheap or flimsy toys. Give yours only tough, durable toys that can't be chewed up and swallowed.

• American Pit Bull Terriers are best suited to owners who can offer firm, fair training, and gentle consistent discipline.

HISTORY:

* Bull and terrier breeds were created in early 19th-century England for the popular spectator sports of bull and bear baiting.

* When those sports were deemed inhumane and became illegal 1835, dog-fighting sprung up in its place and thus was the trait for dog aggression bred into the genetic line.

* But another part of this breed's genetic makeup is an unwillingness to bite humans.

* Handlers reaching into the dog-fighting rings wanted to be able to separate dogs without getting hurt themselves.

* Quite soon the breed developed a reputation as a strong, protective dog, but one also known for being gentle and family-friendly.

* When these "bull dogs" accompanied immigrants to America they began new careers as all-around farm dogs.

* Their jobs included hunting wild game, guarding the property from animal intruders, and providing companionship.

* In keeping with the "bigger is better" mindset of their new country, the settlers developed a dog larger than it had been in England.

* In 1898 the UKC, Britain's equivalent of the AKC, named these bull dogs the American Pit Bull Terrier.

* The AKC decided to recognize the breed in the early 1930's but under a new name.

Intending to separate it from its pit-fighting past, the AKC named it the American Staffordshire Terrier.

* Since then the American Staffordshire Terrier has been bred for AKC conformation, or dog shows, while the American Pit Bull Terrier has not been.
The results are very slight differences in build and in personality.

SIZE:

* Height: 17 inches to 19 inches.

* Weight: 30 to 85 pounds.

Personality:

* These dogs love people and have no idea that their size is something of a deterrent to being a lap dog.

* Confident and keenly aware of their surroundings, they are watchdogs in that they may alert you to the presence of strangers, but that's primarily because they're eager to greet "their" guests.

* While their love of people makes them failures as guard dogs, their courage is unmatched and they will defend their family with their lives.

* Like every dog, American Pit Bull Terriers need early socialization, exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences when they're young.
Socialization helps ensure that your puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog.

Health:

American Pit Bull Terriers are generally healthy, but as with all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. Not all American Pit Bulls Terriers will get any or all of these diseases, but it's important to be aware of them if you're considering this breed.

• Hip Dysplasia (HD): This condition is a malformation of the hip joint ball and socket. It can be extremely painful depending on the severity of the condition. Dogs who are going to be bred should have x-rays of their hips done at 2 years of age to ensure they do not have this condition.

• Allergies: Allergies are quite common in APBT-Am Staffs. Skin allergies are typically caused by such environmental allergens as fleas, grass, pollen, and dust. They can also be food related, but this is less common. Common food allergens include beef, rice, wheat, and corn. Allergies can cause intense itching and discomfort, which means dogs will dig and chew sometimes till they bleed. This is risky because secondary infections can develop in the damaged tissue. To treat allergies, the cause must be identified and removed from the dog's environment if possible. A veterinarian can help you with this, as well as let you know which allergy symptoms can be controlled with medication.

• Hypothyroidism: This is a dysfunction of the thyroid gland that causes weight gain, poor coat, reproductive problems and other issues. It usually occurs in middle-aged dogs and can be controlled with daily medication that must continue throughout the dog's life.

• Heart Disease: Heart disease affects these dogs in several forms, with aortic stenosis being most common. Aortic stenosis is a congenital heart defect, meaning it's something the dog is born with. It's an abnormal narrowing of the connection between the left ventricle and the aorta. Some dogs don't have any signs or only minor signs, while others may have little energy or even die suddenly. If your veterinarian hears a heart murmur, a chest x-ray and electrocardiogram can confirm the diagnosis.

Care:

Expect to spend about an hour a day walking, playing with or otherwise exercising this dog. While they love people, American Pit Bull Terriers are strong for their size and can be stubborn if left to their own devices. Begin obedience training early and continue it throughout the dog's life. Training is the foundation for a strong relationship with your American Pit Bull Terrier.

American Pit Bull Terriers should not be left outside for long because they can't tolerate the cold well. Even regardless the climate, these dogs do best as house-dogs.
They form strong attachments to their families and will suffer if left alone for long periods.


Coat Color And Grooming:

The short coat is shiny and stiff to the touch, and comes in all colors — red, blue, brown, grey, black and white, and brindle, among them.

They require little grooming, and have a coat that's easy to keep clean with the occasional bath. Brushing with a stiff brush and wiping down with a cloth will maintain the coat's shine.

Brush your dog's teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and the bacteria that lurk inside it. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath.

Trim his nails once or twice a month if your dog doesn't wear them down naturally to prevent painful tears and other problems. If you can hear them clicking on the floor, they're too long. Dog toenails have blood vessels in them, and if you cut too far you can cause bleeding — and your dog may not cooperate the next time he sees the nail clippers come out. So, if you're not experienced trimming dog nails, ask a vet or groomer for pointers.

His ears should be checked weekly for redness or a bad odor, which can indicate an infection. When you check your dog's ears, wipe them out with a cotton ball dampened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner to help prevent infections. Don't insert anything into the ear canal; just clean the outer ear.
Accustom your American Pit Bull Terrier to being brushed and examined when he's a puppy. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth and ears. Make grooming a positive experience filled with praise and rewards, and you'll lay the groundwork for easy veterinary exams and other handling when he's an adult.
As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early.

Children And Other Pets:

American Pit Bull Terriers love children, and we don't mean for breakfast.

Sturdy, energetic, and tolerant, they are ideal playmates. That said, no dog of any size or breed should ever be left unsupervised with children.

When no adult can be there to oversee what's going on, dogs should be crated or kenneled, especially after they reach sexual maturity, when they may begin to test the possibility of becoming "pack" leader.

Don't allow children to pull on a dog's ears or tail. Teach them never to approach any dog while he's sleeping or eating or to try to take the dog's food away.

Because of their dog-fighting heritage, some American Pit Bull Terriers retain a tendency to be aggressive with other dogs, but if they are socialized early and trained to know what behavior is expected of them, that aggression can be minimized or overcome, and many are dog- and cat-friendly. Just to be safe, they should always be supervised in the presence of other pets.

Rescue Groups:
You can find American Pit Bulls, and Pit Bulls, and Pit Bull mixes, in just about every shelter in the country. Several good rescue groups are dedicated to finding homes for these much misunderstood dogs.
•Bad Rap
•Pit Bull Rescue Central
•Pit Bull Project
•Animal Farm Foundation
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