The American Pit Bull Terrier - Its History And Characteristics

APBT, as it’s dearly called, is another breed of dog known for its intelligence and fidelity. They make marvelous companions as they tend to be very aggressive and protective in nature.

Now, how do they differ from Staffies? For the United Kennel Club or the UKC, as it is called, APBT or the Staffies are some breeds which many do not approve of this suggestion. Say, suppose an American Staffordshire terrier in American Kennel Club, it might be registered by the Club as an American Pit Bull Terrier. Dogs are checked for its lineage and seen for variety.

UKC‘s American pit is never registered at the American Kennel Club as American Staffies. In order to be registered in both, the dog must have registered as American Staffie before being present in the UKC as an American Pit Bull. It doesn’t work the other way around.

Some basic information on breeders is essential to know. The following shows you the facts:

Category: Terrier

Living Environment: can be outdoor or sometimes even indoor.

Coat: shiny, short, thick and smooth

Color: varied colors.

Height: anywhere between 18 and 22 inches

Weight: close to 30 and 60 pounds

Temperament: full of energy, loyal and courageous, it is better to socialize them early especially with young children.

Health Issues: heart mange and murmurs.

Exercise and care to be taken:
1. Bathe them only when it is necessary.
2. Brush them with firm and hard bristles when you are rubbing them.
3. Use towel to dry them. Loose hair fall during this process.
4. Daily play or any activity can help its physique to stay good. Take them walking or ask them to run along bicycles on a leash.
5. Make sure the dogs aren’t loose while you are walking it.

History:
APBT has a rich history behind itself. The ancestors of these came in mid-1800s to the US alongside a few Irish-Boston immigrants. They are originally bred from terriers and bulldogs just like the Staffies are. APBT is usually brought up as a fighting dog as it is found to have a n aggressive look about itself. Americans train them according to their capabilities.

Dog baiting and bull baiting were abandoned in England so the terriers were not bred for bouts. It got popular in America and the reasons for this are:

1. In the WW1 artwork, these were used to embody this country.
2. RCA and the famous Buster Brown Shoe Company used this specific breed as mascots.
3. It became popular in TV series. One such was the “our gang” show.
4. Stubby, a mixed breed was a popular and a wonderful WW1 hero.
5. Pits were identified as good company for the pioneer families on their long journeys.
6. In the famous book “little house”, jack was a working pit dog owned by Laura Wilder.
7. Very renowned and recognized people like US president Roosevelt owned such a variety.

Here is the history behind the cause of the dilemma in the various registries of APBTs.

The United Kennel Club, in 1898, was structured to registration and guidelines for the APBT as fighting dogs. American Kennel Club was then asked to recognize these pits as a few breeders were not suited for dog fighting. Once AKC recognized it, they would be available for dog shows as well.

In 1935, AKC approved this petitions filed to them though the dogs were being registered in a different name of Staffordshire Terriers. Staffordshire is a popular province in England and it is believed that the dog originated from here. Many dogs possess this dual-registry.

In the most popular TV series “our gang”, Petie, the star of the show was the very first breed to have registered as both Pit Bull and Staffordshire Terrier. UKC however started to be on par with AKC and started to introduce dog shows.

AKC spotted a variety of breeds and mainly allocated registration for those pit breeds having lineage and having listed as Staffies. In 1970s, AKC disclosed American pits back to their studbooks.

It was in 1973 that American Kennel Club decided to add “American” to the pit’s name to differentiate from the Staffie. The dogs with the mixed APTB-Staffie parents are being recognized by United Kennel Club and also by the American Dog Breeder’s Association as “American pit bull terriers or American pits.”

The pit is used mainly as rescuers and search, armed or police service dogs, therapy animals and even livestock workers these days. They make good companions and they are very hard working.

Variety also competes in dog sports like obedience, herding and conformation. French ring and Schutzhund are also the other activities they actively participate in. they are also very loving and caring. The dogs are bound to become strong and healthy as they perform these kinds of activities.

If you are determined to have an APBT as a pet, you should ensure that the dog is handled with care and is properly socialized. Good and solid training can make the dog healthy and produce a tranquil, obedient, companion and even as a working dog.