The American Pit Bull terrier is quite a bit different from his smaller
relatives. The product of an historical cross between the Bulldog and Terrier
carried out in the UK in the mid-1800s, they are a bit of both. The
combination, though, is a unique dog.
They typically weigh between 45-60 lbs (20-27 kg) and stand 20-24 inches
(45-54cm) tall at the shoulder. The coat is usually short, dense, and beige or
gray, though white is far from unknown. Their lifespan is about 10-12 years on
average, given good care. They're muscular and seek exercise to keep them not
only fit but calm. The eyes are somewhat triangular.
These fighting dogs were bred for ferocity, strength and fearlessness -
qualities highly valued in hunting and illegal sports, such as bull-baiting
and dog fights. Because of their fierce reputation, they are illegal to sell or breed in the UK and Canada. Many areas of the U.S. and Australia allow ownership but place restrictions on use, such as requiring a muzzle when the dog is out in public.
But the breed is a mixture in ways other than its ancestry. Selective
breeding practices aimed to eliminate aggressive behavior toward people, while
retaining it toward other animals. Yet, as a watchdog, the opposite attitude
is preferred. As a result, training an American Pit Bull Terrier requires care
and consistency.
While their reputation for being unpredictable and dangerous to people and other animals is often overstated, unprovoked attacks hit the headlines with enough regularity to justify the claim. However, there is a new generation of pit bull owners working tirelessly as advocates of the breed, to train and socialize pit bulls in order to tell a new story and bring about a new, benign reputation. The stereotype of uncontrolled ferocity embodied by the Pit Bull may be receding as these dogs are now trained not for illegal dog fighting, not kept snarling and snapping on the end of a short strap to make the world's muscle-bound peabrains feel adequate, but trained for conformation, agility, police and military work and all manner of other mainstream canine activities.
Obedience Training for Your Pit Bull Terrier
We are discovering that everything is possible. Like any dog, American Pit Bull Terriers can be
trained and trained well. They are extremely athletic, intelligent and have
tremendous endurance. They're outstanding on the obstacle course, make great watchdogs, and perform
well as Border Patrol or Police dogs where they're often used for drug or
explosive sniffing duties.
While Pit Bulls' aggressive tendencies may always be instinctive, many owners know that their personal pet is loving and loyal. Like all of us, their personalities are shaped by their early experiences. They play the way all dogs play
and will chase a ball or Frisbee until long after the human is worn out.