In Honor of October being National Pit Bull Awareness Month, let’s talk about Pit Bulls! Here are some interesting facts!
It seems that similar to fashion trends, the popularity of dog breeds will change with times! The Disney movie 101 Dalmations saw a massive increase in Dalmation puppies. Marley and Me made the already popular Laborador Retriever even more demanding! Traveling to different parts of the world, you will see different popularities of dogs as well. You may find more Husky type dogs in Alaska; however, in California, you may find more Chihuahuas or other small dog breeds! Lately, the Pit bull has reached the list of becoming a common breed, both in the positive and negative aspects of dog ownership. In honor of October being National Pit Bull Awareness month, let’s learn a little more about this popular breed of dog.
The “Pit Bull” Breed
- The American Staffordshire Terrier is a breed recognized by the American Kennel Club and is commonly confused with the “pit bull.” Despite media and the public calling them a “pit bull,” they are not technically classified as one.
- The “American Pit Bull Terrier” is recognized by the United Kennel Club and technically is the only “pit bull” breed. However, media and the general public commonly classify other bully type breeds such as the American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bulldog, and sometimes even the Staffordshire Bull Terrier to all be a “Pit Bull” type of dog.
- The pit bull is believed to be a descendant of two breeds; an Old English Terrier and the Old English Bulldogs of the mid-19th century.
Characteristics of Pit Bulls
- Pit bulls are known for their confidence, strength, and “zest for life.”
- They are a very energetic breed that needs daily exercise; however, they don’t mind lazing on the couch either.
- Pit bulls are considered as a medium to large dog and can be anywhere from 40-75 pounds full grown.
- As far as grooming, pit bulls are low maintenance and only need to be brushed once weekly, if at all. Like all dogs, they do shed but not in excessive amounts.
- Pit Bulls excel in canine performance events such as agility, rally, flyball, dock jumping, because they are highly intelligent, people-pleasers, and willing to work.
- This breed does very well around children and is commonly thought of as a “nanny.” This breed also has a growing popularity of becoming service dogs and therapy dogs due to their high intelligence and desire to please others.
- Despite their reputation, aggressive behavior towards humans is uncharacteristic. If a purebred American Pit Bull Terrier shows any signs of viciousness or extreme shyness in the show ring, they are immediately disqualified. Responsible breeders are cautious about these traits, mainly due to the negative publicity this breed gets.
What They Were Bred For, & What They Are Used For Today
- According to the United Kennel Club, the pit bull was bred for dogfighting. When the sport was finally made illegal, they were then used to help manage livestock and wild animals. This is where the breed’s drive to chase other animals comes from. Pit Bulls should be watched around other dogs and small animals. However, it is possible to have other pets AND own a pit bull if they are properly socialized, trained, and monitored.
- Despite what they were bred for in the 19th century, today pit bulls are used for companion dogs as well as service dogs such as police dogs and therapy dogs. Sadly, there is still illegal dogfighting, and they are usually the dog of choice for this sport since they were bred for this in the 19th century.
The “Dangerous Dog” List?
- Much like the pit bulls, German shepherds and rottweilers used to be classified as “dangerous dogs” in the late 1980s and the 1990s. Sadly, the pit bull has become the breed of choice currently for breed-specific regulations, and in some areas of the world and the United States, it is illegal to own this breed.
- Regardless of a person’s beliefs about pit bulls being a dangerous dog, they are not the only dog that is “known to bite.” According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, Labrador retrievers, German Shepherds, Huskies, Jack Russell Terriers, Collies, Poodles, Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apso’s, and rottweilers are “common” biters as well! Furthermore, mixed breed dogs also make up a large percentage of dog bites recorded every year as well.
- The point is that it does not matter what breed of dog you have! If the dog is mistreated, poorly socialized, not trained, or placed in the wrong environment, they could have a tendency of biting. Not all, but a vast majority of cases with dogs biting children happen due to the child handling the animal roughly, or the dog not being exposed to children properly.
Do Your Research!
- With ANY dog breed, a person absolutely must do their research before adopting a dog. Older, inactive people might struggle with the pit bull breed if they don’t take care to make sure the pet is adequately exercised. This is true for most dogs!
- I always caution folks with research because even though the dog is a specific breed, every dog is different in their personality, upbringing, training, and dispositions. Just like with humans, dogs can also have completely different behaviors and personalities from what they are “expected” to be.
- Before you take on the joy and responsibility of dog ownership, do your research on what dog breed might suit your lifestyle, but go into it with an open mind. I promise, every single puppy you look at, or every dog at the shelter is doing to be cute to you in some way!
- Lastly, remember the old saying, “don’t judge a book by its cover”? This is a worn-out saying, but it does have some truth to it, especially when it comes to pit bulls!