Pit bulls are fighting dogs that originated in 19th-century England, Scotland, and Ireland from Bulldog and terrier heritage. Their primary purpose while hunting was to catch and confine semi-feral animals. Although the name has historically been used to refer to a number of dog breeds, such as the American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and Bull Terrier, the American Kennel Club does not recognize it as a separate breed. The United Kennel Club was the first of its kind to officially acknowledge the American Pit Bull Terrier in 1898. The American Pit Bull Terrier is also recognized by the American Dog Breeders Association (ADBA), whose main goal is to promote the breed’s best qualities, including devotion, loyalty, and athleticism.
Pit bulls were bred and trained to be aggressive toward other dogs, but because the dogs had to be handled by their trainers during fights, it was discouraged to utilize hostility toward people. Dogs with this characteristic were not chosen for breeding. But with dogfighting becoming permitted again in the US, UK, and many other nations, careless breeders began to intentionally breed their animals with these characteristics and mistreat them to make them aggressive. Legislation prohibiting or restricting the ownership of pit bulls was passed in several places as a result of well-publicized attacks on humans by these canines. Certain humane societies regularly put dogs they believe to be pit bulls to death when they come into their care because they believe they are inhumane. In response to the breed’s negative reputation, numerous pit bull owners and owner organizations (such as the ADBA) routinely condemn the breed’s mistreatment by irresponsible owners, arguing that any dog breed is capable of similar aggressive behavior when trained improperly.
Care
American Pit Bull Terrier
Dog parks are not a good fit for this breed. Even while a particular pit bull may have a history of getting along with other dogs, this may not always be the case after it reaches maturity, which happens around the age of 18 months, or if it faces challenges from other dogs. In fact, multi-dog households are advised by pit bull experts to keep a breaking stick handy in case a pit bull gets into a fight with another dog. A fenced yard is necessary for the pit bull’s exercise. Extra care should be taken to make sure the fence is safe, with strong, tall sides that cannot be tunneled under, given the athletic and tenacious nature of the breed. Leash walks and a pit should be included to backyard time. The breed excels at the sport of weight pulling. It may or may not like swimming.
Coat care is minimal, consisting of occasional bathing and weekly brushing. Pit bulls do not like extreme cold nor heat.
The breed is susceptible to various bone diseases, notably canine hip dysplasia. Treatments include surgery and physical therapy. Other issues include thyroid and heart conditions.
Temperament
American Pit Bull Terrier
Pit bulls are controversial when it comes to temperament, in part because they can be dogs of extremes. For many people, they are ideal companions: playful, willing to please, and moderately active. They are fun, generally obedient dogs that love to play games, especially those that are challenging and physical. Pit bulls are also generally quiet in the house and are not prolific barkers. They are fair watchdogs and protectors. Although stubborn at times, pit bulls are fast learners, capable of advanced obedience.
Most pit bulls have happy, contented lives. Still, the dogs were raised to be fierce combatants. Some reports state that this may result in fights between dogs and occasionally between people. More serious trauma and fatalities in humans and dogs are caused by pit bulls and pit bull mixes than by all other breeds and combinations combined. Home pit bulls that attack their owners or other pets for no apparent cause commit a great number of fatal attacks. Although it doesn’t appear to be any more prone to bite than many other breeds—possibly even less likely—the pit bull is more likely to carry out an assault. This, along with its powerful jaw and body, can cause its victim to be mutilated, disfigured, or even killed. Pit bull proponents contend that a dog’s behavior is influenced by its upbringing. They observe that the dog’s temperament test results are comparable to those of sociable dog breeds, including Golden Retrievers. Despite the small percentage of aggressive pit bulls, their death record suggests that owners should approach them with caution and be aware of their potential for violence.
It should be highlighted that these assertions are conventional and generally acknowledged generalizations about the breed, and the behavior of individual pit bulls may differ.
American Pit Bull Terrier Positive Temperament Traits
• Affectionate with family
• Good with children (when raised and socialized properly)
• Loyal and eager to please
• Highly trainable
• Playful and energetic
• Good-natured with a strong desire for human companionship
American Pit Bull Terrier Negative Temperament Traits
• Can be dog-aggressive if not properly socialized
• Strong prey drive
• Requires a lot of mental and physical stimulation
• Occasional stubbornness
Creating a happy home for them
Giving your American pit bull terrier a regulated environment, consistent exercise, and continual socialization are the most crucial factors in helping it develop a positive disposition.
“Ideal living conditions include a secure, spacious area where they can play and explore safely,” Glassman says.
There are certain things APBT owners can do to ensure they are raising happy, healthy, and well-balanced family members.
Exercise
Obesity is a common problem with the American pit bull terrier, so it’s important the energetic and athletic breed receives regular exercise to help maintain a healthy weight.
Diet
Due to their propensity to keep on weight, its important owners provide their American pit bull terrier with a high-quality, high-protein diet filled with nutrients and vitamins. And even though it’s tempting, avoid sharing scraps from your dinner plate to avoid excess weight gain.
Training
Early obedience training is important with this breed to avoid unwanted or aggressive behaviors. The American pit bull terrier is responsive to positive training techniques focusing on rewards and praise. The breed can be stubborn, so it will need regular and consistent training.
Socialization
Early socialization is highly recommended with the American pit bull terrier to prevent problematic and aggressive behavior from developing. This includes socializing the breed around other kinds of animals.
Grooming
Because of their short coat, regular bathing, nail cutting, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing are all that’s needed for basic grooming.
Creating a happy home for your American pit bull terrier also entails being a good neighbor to those around you, advises the ADBA. This involves acquiring an American Pit Bull Terrier from a trustworthy breeder or organization where they do genetic and temperament testing.
Other tips from the ADBA include the following:
• If you plan to kennel your dog, be sure it’s built from heavy-gauge material that they can’t chew through.
• Chains should not take the place of a proper fenced yard.
• Always walk your dog on a leash.
• If your dog dislikes other dogs, then choose off hours for walks.
How American Pit bull temperament evolve in different stages
American pit bull terriers go through several growth stages over their lives, much like most dogs, so owners should be ready for changes in their dog’s temperament and general health.
A number of variables, like as genetics, diet, socialization, training, stimulation, and the love and attention they receive from their family, will affect how well they age.
Puppy stage and Early Temperament
American pit bull terrier puppies are boisterous, gregarious, and awkward. It can be entertaining to watch them discover how to navigate the world for hours on end.
Socialization is very important during the puppy stage.
Ellis states, “Now is the ideal time to begin your socialization and positive reinforcement training.”
Adulthood and Mature Temperament
While they tend to become more mellow as they age, American pit bull terriers still require a significant amount of stimulation and exercise, according to Glassman. It’s also crucial to continue training and socialization activities together as they get older, says Ellis. As they enter their adult years, American pit bull terriers will start to exhibit a more refined temperament—if they have been properly trained and socialized.
Senior Years and Changing Temperament
When they get closer to their senior years, American pit bull terriers begin to slow down.
According to Ellis, “they become a lot snoopier during this period.” And, like some of us as we age, they might not be as understanding of things that irritate them.
She continues by saying that as the breed ages, hip and joint problems are typical. The best strategies for owners to support their elderly dog should be discussed with their veterinarian.
American pit bull terriers will need more comfort and cuddling as they age rather than strenuous exercise, according to Glassman.