Pitbull Dog

Pitbull Dogs, once known as a heroic breed have certainly had their share of bad press in recent decades. This can be directly attributed to the number of backyard breeders who, recognizing the Pitbull's natural strength and courage, decided to begin breeding the most aggressive specimens they could find to develop dogs for the illegal fighting trade, and this has been the breed's downfall. Pitbull dogs bred by responsible breeders are energetic and have a very sweet nature. So the key here is to carefully check out any breeder you consider making a purchase from to ensure proper temperament. If someone shady offers you a bargain pup, pass it by.

Pitbull Dog Physical Description

Pitbulls are medium-sized, with short smooth hair, a sturdy muscular build, a large chest and a large wedge-shaped head. Pitbulls do not have a wrinkled muzzle, but do have a distinctive facial expression when excited, raising their ears up and inward creating wrinkles on their forehead. The tail is straight with an upward bend, but never corkscrewed. Pitbulls can range from 20-110 pounds, averaging 35-60 pounds. Most Pits are very strong and hardy.

Personality and Temperament

Pitbulls are friendly, active dogs that need a lot of exercise. They are eager to please, inquisitive and very intelligent. Contrary to popular belief, most Pits are patient and adore children, making them wonderful family dogs. Due to their breeding, they tend to be aggressive toward other dogs, but some co-exist well with other pets. While a dog of any breed may become aggressive when raised in an abusive environment, Pitbulls are not naturally aggressive toward people. Pits crave love and attention.

Breed History

Pitbulls are one of the oldest domesticated breeds of dog. Their history as a registered breed with clubs such as The American Kennel Club (AKC) is spotted and controversial, but their written pedigrees date back to the 1700s when few breeds had such recognition. Originally, Pits came from England and Ireland. Dog fighting was not the original purpose of the Pitbull dog. These animals were bred as working dogs for use in ranching and hunting. The Pit's ability to control large animals such as bulls and bears was soon noticed by less ethical opportunists as a way to profit in sporting events. In 1835 when bull baiting was outlawed, a new competition came about where the dogs were placed in a pit with several rats. The dog who killed the most rats won the competition. This sport put the "pit" in Pitbull. Soon people turned to dog fighting as a way to make profit at the expense of these animals.

Pitbull Dogs of the Past

Although now a controversial breed, the Pitbull dog was once America's favorite dog. World War I artwork depicted Pits representing the United States. Sergeant Stubby, a Pitbull, was a World War II hero that saved several soldiers and captured a German spy. Helen Keller, Theodore Roosevelt and Thomas Edison were proud Pitbull owners. The Little Rascals had Pete. Laura Ingalls, author of The Little House on The Prairie book series, had Jack. RCA and Buster Brown Shoes both chose Pits for their mascots. A Pitbull dog named Bud was the first dog to travel across America in a car. His goggles can be found in the Smithsonian Institute.

The Breed Today

Today, the once loved Pitbull is a misunderstood breed. Villainized in the media and threatened by breed specific legislation, Pits may soon be a lost breed. The media is quick to credit any dog bite to this breed. In one case of this kind of misrepresentation, the true culprit was an Akita, a dog which in no way resembles a Pitbull.

Breed specific legislation affecting Pitbull dogs ranges from all-out bans to laws that require Pitbull owners to carry costly insurance policies. The actual number of Pit bites make up a very small percentage of the nearly five million dog bites reported in America each year.

In tests conducted by The American Canine Temperament Testing Association, Pitbulls have the fourth highest ranking of all breeds for passing the tests, with 95% of Pitbulls passing compared to 77% for all breeds on average. Since Pits are highly intelligent, eager to please, physically strong and tenacious animals, they make great service dogs. Pitbull dogs are often used in search and rescue operations, and by law enforcement for bomb and drug detection. The first certified hearing dog in Alaska was also a Pit. Pitbull dogs can still be found in sports. While cruel and dangerous sports such as dog fighting have been banned in most countries, weight-pull competitions have developed, giving Pits a chance to show off their strength and have some fun.

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