The American Pit Bull Terrier is a popular and well-recognized dog breed known for its loyalty and intelligence. They are often seen as powerful and eager to please, making them suitable for a variety of roles. Pit Bulls excel in activities like pushing, pulling, and working as therapy or search and rescue dogs. However, it is also important to note that if not properly trained, pit bulls can be dangerous, and they have been identified as the most deadly breed. Due to their aggression, inexperienced individuals should avoid keeping them as pets.
History
Early 19th-century England saw the development of bull and terrier breeds for the well-liked spectator sports of bull- and bear-baiting. The feature for dog aggressiveness was bred into the genetic line when those sports were deemed inhumane and made illegal in 1835 and dogfighting took their place. However, this breed’s genetic makeup also includes a resistance to biting people. To be able to separate dogs without getting wounded, handlers had to reach into the dog-fighting rings. The breed quickly gained a reputation for being a powerful, guardian dog that was both gentle and family-friendly.
Size
The pitbull is shorter than tall and has a low center of balance. Particularly well developed are the neck and head muscles. Small eyes and chopped or uncropped ears are both present. This dog weighs between 55 and 70 pounds, which is big for a dog his size (25 to 32 kilograms). He ranges in height from 17 to 19 inches. Short and streamlined is the coat. Although coats with more than 80% of either white, black and tan, or liver are least desirable, any hue is acceptable. The average lifespan of an American pit bull terrier is 8 to 15 years.
Personality
The American Pit Bull Terrier loves to please its owners. More human emotional, intellectual, and irrational reactions have been triggered than by any other breed currently in existence. These dogs by no means despise or devour humans. Their basic violent qualities are directed against other dogs and animals rather than humans. They won’t even be hostile toward them if they are properly socialized by a firm but composed, certain, and persistent pack leader. The American Pit Bull Terrier is a friendly, entertaining, devoted, and loving family companion that gets along well with both kids and adults.
Food
Given the wide variety of options at supermarkets and convenience stores, choosing dog food may be fairly challenging. Because of this, owners should actively collaborate with a reliable veterinarian to develop a diet that is tailored to the requirements of your Pit Bull Terrier. No matter what option you choose, make sure the ingredients are derived from a high-quality dog product. Additionally, while some dog owners may find it tempting to feed their dogs table scraps, it’s crucial to remember that many human-based meals are particularly dangerous to dogs since they include lipids and other toxins that are challenging for canines to digest.
Grooming
Pitbulls have easy-to-maintain coats that require little maintenance. Brushing their coat with a stiff brush and wiping it down with a cloth can help maintain its luster. It is important to brush their teeth two to three times a week to prevent tartar buildup and gum disease. Trimming their nails once or twice a month is necessary to prevent tears and other issues. Regularly checking their ears, feet, nose, mouth, eyes, and skin for any issues such as redness, sores, or infections is important. By making grooming a positive experience with praise and rewards, you can help them become comfortable with vet check-ups.
Training
Before your dog gets too big to handle, early and consistent training will help you establish authority and help you control these behaviors. You could want to put more work into establishing your position as the alpha (calm leader), and keep a crate or kennel as a secure location to put the dog while taking a break, going outside, or being around youngsters unattended. Like any other breed of dog, a bored pet is typically a mischievous pet. By giving your pitbull enough of exercise and attention, you can stop many behavior issues in their tracks. When you take your Pit Bull Terrier outside, make sure he is on a leash, apply gentle corrections, and praise him with treats. And make sure to provide toys that can sustain vigorous, heavy gnawing. They can be trained to become anything, from an excellent cuddle friend to a well-respected service dog. Many Pit Bulls end up working as therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, or even police dogs.
Health
In general, pit bull terriers are healthier than other breeds. They are, however, predisposed to a number of health issues, including elbow and hip dysplasia, skin and food allergies, hypothyroidism (which is highly curable), and, very infrequently, aortic stenosis, a type of heart disease. It’s crucial to frequently brush your pit bull’s teeth, look for infection in their ears, and carefully clip their nails for good household hygiene and the prevention of minor health issues. Consult your veterinarian about allergy testing and the best dog food for Pit Bulls who may be prone to skin or food allergies to treat potential allergies. For peace of mind, many pet parents get health insurance.
Bottom Line
A pitbull in the house makes every day an adventure. These are playful dogs who are constantly up for a game. Every day, they must engage in intense activity. Although they are sturdy dogs, they need be protected from the elements as they are not cold weather dogs.
Because it is an excellent pastime for fostering connection, pit bulls should be trained in obedience. They should always be on a leash around other dogs because they frequently don’t get along with them.
These dogs are exceptionally affectionate and lively, yet they dislike being left alone for extended periods of time because they need daily mental and physical exercise. These devoted friends will stop at nothing to please their owners and are teammates for life, but they thrive with knowledgeable pet parents who have the time and patience to keep them focused. They should be watched around young children because they do enjoy physical play.
5 Responses
In order to make a new friend, my pit bull, Blue, would physically break down gates if he hears an unexpected voice. He is incredibly lovable, kind, and sociable. He is the cause of my anger when Pit Bulls are portrayed as violent killers.
About a month ago, I just received my meathead. He was being kept by some homeless folks, but my neighbor’s buddy took him away because he was terribly underweight and flea-infested. Since his pit bull just gave birth to 8 puppies, my neighbour was unable to take him in. A tenth dog was thus the last thing he required. When I learned he was homeless, I took him in. He is a true rescue, therefore. I gave him three cups of puppy chow every day until he gained weight again. When he filled out the form, I bought him some Frontline Plus, and now I have a very attractive and healthy boy. He’s a really cool canine. playful, devoted, and witty. I just love him.
Bradley, what a sweet story!
Are pit bulls really dangerous? This is a question that has been at the forefront of peoples’ minds for a long time. Pit bulls have been associated with aggressive behaviors and incidents that have led to their reputation for being dangerous. The truth is, however, that any dog can be dangerous if it isn’t properly trained, socialized and treated by its owner.
How their owners handle them, lack of knowledge and experience combined with poor training can lead to a pit bull being seen as aggressive or troublesome. Therefore, it is essential for owners who plan on getting a pit bull to first educate themselves on how to properly train and care for the breed in order to ensure its safety, as well as the safety of others.
Thanks Magnus.
I entirely agree with you, any dog can be dangerous if it isn’t properly trained and socialized. However, we need to also consider the fact that pit bulls have a bad reputation due to misinformation and bias. It is important to treat every dog with respect and love in order to ensure their safety and the safety of those around them.