Part of the Pit Bull family, the American Pit Bull Terrier is usually associated with aggressive behavior. However, many people choose it as a family dog because it can be very affectionate with the owners.
Where does the name American Pit Bull Terrier come from?
This breed is a cross between the terriers and the bulldogs, and was first bred in England, Scotland, and Ireland in the 19th century. The purpose was to create a dog breed that would be strong like the bulldog and playful like the terrier. Unfortunately, it has been used in many animal fights, which is why it is considered to be dangerous. The Pit part of the name came from the pit where it had to fight with the other animals. The legislation nowadays no longer allows fights between animals and this dog has been domesticated.
In spite of its notoriety, the American Pit Bull Terrier is actually a loving dog that can be extremely loyal and gentle with owners. Most families who own this dog trust it with their children, too. Specialists say that it is aggressive only with other animals, but with proper training, this behavior can be corrected too.
Physical features:
- Has features in common with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the bulldog
- Medium-sized body
- Well-defined muscles
- Thick neck
- Round, almond-shaped eyes
- Small ears (when larger, they can be cropped)
- Thick tail
- Extremely powerful for its size
Weight: between 30 and 78 pounds
Height: between 14 and 22 inches
Energy level: the American Pit Bull Terrier is very energetic, which is why it often gets bored. It is suitable for families that have time to take long walks and exercise with the dog. When it gets bored, it might become frustrated and destroy things in the house. This bad behavior can be minimized with the proper training and with the right amount of exercise.
Life expectancy: owners can enjoy this loving pet for 12 to 14 years.
Health problems: like other similar breeds, the hip dysplasia incidence can be quite high. These dogs are also prone to developing skin allergies because of their short coat. They can also suffer from thyroid dysfunctions, heart problems, and patella. With the right alimentation and annual visits to the vet, all these problems can be kept under control.
Grooming: very easy to groom because of the short-haired coat. As a medium shedder, this dog needs to be brushed with a firm bristle brush from time to time. It has to be washed with a regular dog shampoo or with a dry shampoo. Because of its aggressive nature, in some countries, this dog is completely forbidden. In other situations, the law imposes restrictions to the owners.
Conclusions
If you live in a state where you are allowed to own this dog, you should certainly consider it, as it can be a very loving and gentle pet that even your children will enjoy a great deal. However, you need to consider proper training. If you cannot handle this on your own, you should ask for the advice of a specialist. This way, your American Pit Bull Terrier will be a great friend and companion.
