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