The Pit Bull immediately strikes one as being a dog of power,
passion and undying willingness. The brick-like head, which is
especially broad between the cheeks (to house the powerful
jaws), is carried upon a thickly muscled, well-defined neck. The
neck runs into a deep, thick, well-sprung chest. The American Pit
Bull is a very muscular, stocky, yet agile dog that is extremely
Description strong for his size. The ears are generally cropped, though this is
optional. Docked tails are not accepted by the UKC or the ADBA.
The eyes are round. Both the ADBA and the UKC do not accept
blue eyes or the coat color merle. The American Pitbull Registry
does accept a merle coat. The teeth should form a scissors bite.
Its coat is made up of thick, short, shiny hair. All colors are
admissible. The tail tapers to a point.
The American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) has a strong pleasure to
please. The APBT has evoked more human emotional, rational
and irrational response than any other breed that exists today. By
no means are these dogs people-haters or people-eaters. Their
natural aggressive tendencies are toward other dogs and
animals, not people. However if they are properly socialized with
a firm, but calm, confident, consistent pack leader, they will not
even be aggressive with them. The American Pit Bull Terrier is a
good-natured, amusing, extremely loyal and affectionate family
pet that is good with children and adults. Almost always obedient,
it is always eager to please its master. It is an extremely
courageous and intelligent guard dog that is very full of vitality.
Highly protective of his owners and the owner's property, it will
fight an enemy to the death. It is usually very friendly, but has an
uncanny ability to know when it needs to protect and when
Temperament
everything is okay. The American Pit Bull Terrier can be willful
with meek owners and needs a firm hand. They are generally
okay with other pets if they are raised with them from
puppyhood. They are very friendly, but not recommended for
most people, because most people do not understand how to
properly raise and treat a dog. Problems arise when one does not
understand natural dog behavior, seeing the dog as having
human emotions, and ends up with a dog who thinks he is the
boss of the house. For a smaller, not as powerful dog, people can
sometimes get away with this, however, for a powerful breed, one
really needs to understand and follow this concept of keeping a
dog. An excellent guide to learning how to properly treat a dog is
the Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan (recommended to all dog
owners regardless of the breed they own). Excellent with children
in the family, they have a high pain tolerance and will happily put
up with rough child play. As with any breed, they should not be
left alone with unfamiliar children. Used as all-around working
farm dogs, they were referred to as "the poor man’s horse." Later
they were used as fighting dogs; the powerful American Pit Bull
may go for the throat of strange dogs. A minimum of training,
along with the proper amount of exercise and a firm pack leader,
will produce a tranquil, obedient dog. Socialize very thoroughly
when young to combat aggressive tendencies and be sure to
keep the dog under control when other dogs are present. Teach
this dog respect for humans by not allowing it to jump up and not
allowing it to enter doorways first. The humans must make the
dog heel beside or behind them when walking. It has given
outstanding results as a guardian of property, but is at the same
time esteemed as a companion dog. The objective in training this
dog is to achieve pack leader status. It is a natural instinct for a
dog to have an order in its pack. When we humans live with
dogs, we become their pack. The entire pack cooperates under a
single leader; lines are clearly defined and rules are set. You and
all other humans MUST be higher up in the order than the dog.
That is the only way your relationship can be a success. When
properly trained and socialized, this is a very good dog and a
great family companion. Unfortunately, some choose to promote
the fighting instinct in the breed, giving it a bad name. If you
would like to witness what a well-balanced Pitbull is like, tune into
the Dog Whisperer and check out Daddy and Junior along with
the rest of Cesar's pack of Pits. Daddy has since passed on,
however there are still many episodes that air with him. R.I.P.
Daddy.
Height: 14 - 24 inches (35 - 60 cm)
Weight: 22 - 78 pounds (10 - 35 kg)
The American Pit Bull Terrier is both powerful and agile. Actual
weight and height are less important than the correct proportion
of weight to height.
Height, weight A very common misconception is that APBTs are muscle-bound
hulks that weigh in around 85 pounds (39 kg) or more and this is
generally not the majority. Most of the APBT's that are that large
have been crossed with other breeds and are being called
American Bullies. The general public often gets American Bullies
mixed up with the American Pitbull Terriers. American Pitbull
Terrier vs. American Bully
A generally healthy breed, although some are prone to hip
Health dysplasia, hereditary cataracts, allergies to grass and congenital
heart disease.
Problems
Pits will do okay in an apartment if they are sufficiently exercised.
Living They are very active indoors and will do alright without a yard
Conditions provided they get enough exercise. Prefers warm climates.
American Pit Bull Terriers must have plenty of regular exercise
Exercise and need to be taken on long daily walks.
Life About 12 years.
Expectancy
Average of 5 - 10 puppies
Litter Size
The smooth, shorthaired coat is easy to groom. Brush regularly
with a firm bristle brush, and bathe or dry shampoo as necessary.
Grooming A rub with a piece of toweling or chamois will make the coat
gleam. This breed is an average shedder.
Developed from the Bull and Terrier types of yesteryear, the
American Pit Bull Terrier was bred as an all-around farm dog,
working the farms as a cattle/hog dog. Some chose to turn their
talents into the sport of pit-fighting. The breed's tenacity and
accompanying strength are unmatched in the canine world. As
rich and captivating as the breed's history is, the Pit Bull's future
is more worthy of commentary. Some proponents of the breed
argue that this breed is the original bulldog of the past. Old prints
and woodcarvings show reason to believe this. They show dogs
that look exactly like the breed today, doing things the dog is still
capable of doing. For more information on this theory you can
read books by Richard F. Stratton. The APBT, as registered by
Origin the UKC, is an individual breed of dog and does not refer to just
any ill-bred, mindless warrior-type mongrel. At one time, the Pit
Bull was a much loved, trustworthy companion. People who
chose to train these dogs to fight are chiefly responsible for the
banning and witch-hunting that has been sweeping the U.S. The
media, however, should not go unmentioned, for it is also
responsible for escalating isolated incidences in a relentless and
attention-getting way. In a lot of cases when the media is
reporting about a Pit Bull attacking, it is indeed not even a Pit Bull
at all, but a mixed breed of some sort, or another bull breed all
together. For example, there was a report on KYW news in
Philadelphia about two Pit Bulls attacking a person. The dogs did
not look like Pit Bulls, but rather Boxer mixes. The news station
was called and asked if they knew the dogs were in fact purebred
American Pit Bull Terriers, or another bull breed of some sort, or
mutts, for that matter. They stated they did not know, and to call
the police station to verify that information. They were asked how
they could report something that they were not sure of. They had
no answer and they were not sure of the dogs’ breeds. Even after
admitting on the phone that they did not in fact know the breeds
of the dogs in question, they kept calling the dogs Pit Bulls in
their reports. Why? Because the name Pit Bull will draw out the
most attention from the public. The Pit Bull's future has been
perhaps irreparably undone and everyone is to blame except the
dog itself. This very loyal dog is too set on pleasing his owner,
and ironically this is the root of his own undoing. Accompanying
this need to please are remarkable abilities of all kinds. Jack
Dempsy, Teddy Roosevelt and Jack Johnson are just a few
people who have owned Pit Bulls. Pit Bulls excel in practically
every canine task including herding, guarding, hunting, policing,
cart pulling and ratting. A Pit Bull named Banddog Dread holds
more canine working titles than ANY other breed. The owner's
name is Diane Jessup and you can reference her book "The
Working Pit Bull." It tells all of Dread's accomplishments. These
dogs are truly capable of many tasks. The difference between
Pits and American Staffordshire Terriers is a difficult one. Even
breeders can't agree. The main difference is the bloodline.
Amstaffs are show dogs and dog fighters won't use dogs with
Amstaff blood. As time progresses there will be more of a
difference. Many are dual registered as Amstaffs with the AKC
and Pits with the UKC.
Terrier
Group
History
Although pit bulls were all created with similar cross-breeding between bulldogs
and terriers, each individual breed within the type has a distinct history. The US
Humane Society estimated that in 2009 there were over 79.2 million owned dogs
in the United States;[1] however, the number of pit bull-type dogs has not been
reliably determined.[2]
American Pit Bull Terrier
Main article: American Pit Bull Terrier
The American Pit Bull Terrier is the product of interbreeding between Old English
Terrier and English Bulldogs to produce a dog that combined the gameness of
the terrier with the strength and athleticism of the bulldog. [3] These dogs were
initially bred in England, and arrived in the United States with the founders. In the
U.S., these dogs were used as catch dogs for semi-wild cattle and hogs, to hunt,
to drive livestock, and as family companions. [3] Some have been selectively bred
for their fighting prowess.[4][5] The United Kennel Club (UKC) was the first registry
to recognize the American Pit Bull Terrier, in 1898. [6]
American Pit Bull Terriers successfully fill the role of companion dog, police dog,
[7][8]
and therapy dog.[9] American Pit Bull Terriers also constitute the majority of
dogs used for illegal dog fighting in the United States. [10] In addition, law
enforcement organizations report these dogs are used for other nefarious
purposes, such as guarding illegal narcotics operations, [11][12] use against the
police,[13] and as attack dogs.[14]
The fighting reputation of pit bull-type dogs led the San Francisco Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in 1996 to relabel pit bull terriers as "St. Francis
Terriers" (not associated with the "terrier" mascot of St. Francis College in New
York) so that they might be more readily adopted; [15] 60 temperament-screened
dogs were adopted until the program was halted after several of the newly
adopted dogs killed cats.[16] The New York City Center for Animal Care and
Control tried a similar approach in 2004, by relabeling their pit bull terriers as
"New Yorkies", but dropped the idea in the face of overwhelming public
opposition.[17][18]
American Staffordshire Terrier
Main article: American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire Terrier was the product of 19th century interbreeding
between bulldogs and terriers that produced the "bull-and-terrier dog," "Half and
Half," and at times "pit dog" or "pit bullterrier," the last named becoming the
"Staffordshire Bull Terrier" in England. The bulldog of that time differed from the
modern Bulldog, having a full muzzle and a long, tapering tail. There is some
debate whether the White English Terrier, the Black and Tan Terrier, the Fox
Terrier, or some combination thereof were used. These dogs began to find their
way into America as early as 1870, where they became known as Pit Dog, Pit
Bull Terrier, later American Bull Terrier, and still later as a Yankee terrier. [19] They
were imported primarily, but not exclusively, for pit fighting. [20]
In 1936, they were accepted by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as
"Staffordshire Terriers."[19] Breeders started creating exemplars heavier in weight.
Since January 1, 1972, it was renamed to "American Staffordshire Terrier" to
make a separate breed from the lighter Staffordshire Bull Terrier of England. [19]
Famous Pit Bulls
Pit Bull breeds have become famous for their roles as soldiers, police dogs,
search and rescue dogs, actors, television personalities, seeing eye dogs, and
celebrity pets. Historically, the Bull Terrier mix Nipper and Petey from the Little
Rascals, are the most well known. Lesser known, but still historically notable pit
bulls include Helen Keller's dog "Sir Thomas",[21] Buster Brown's dog "Tige",[22]
Horatio Jackson's dog "Bud",[23][24] President Theodore Roosevelt's Pit Bull terrier
"Pete", "Jack Brutus" who served for Company K, the First Connecticut Volunteer
Infantry during the civil war,[25] and Sir Walter Scott's "Wasp".[26]
Modernly significant pit bulls are: Weela, who helped save 32 people, 29 dogs, 3
horses, and 1 cat;[27] Popsicle, a five-month-old puppy originally found nearly
dead in a freezer, who grew to become one of the nation's most important police
dogs;[28] Norton, who was placed in the Purina Animal Hall of Fame after he
rescued his owner from a severe reaction to a spider bite; [29] Titan, who rescued
his owner's wife, who would have died from an aneurysm, and D-Boy, who took
three bullets to save his family from an intruder with a gun. [30]
Attacks on Humans
Main articles: Dog attack and List of fatal dog attacks in the United States
A 9-year (1979–88) review of fatal dog attacks in the United States determined
that, of the 101 attacks in which breed was recorded, pit bulls were implicated in
42 of those attacks (41.6%). [31] A 1991 study found that 94% of attacks on
children by pit bulls were unprovoked, compared to 43% for other breeds. [32] A 5-
year (1989–94) review of fatal dog attacks in the United States determined that
pit bulls and pit bull mixed breeds were implicated in 24 (28.6%) of the 84 deaths
in which breed was recorded.[33]
A 15-year (1991–2005) review of dog attack fatalities investigated by the
Kentucky Medical Examiner determined that pit bulls were implicated in 5 of the
11 fatal attacks (45.4%).[34] Another 15-year (1994–2009) review of patients
admitted to a Level I Trauma Center with dog bites determined that pit bulls were
most often involved in these attacks: of the 228 patients treated, the breed of dog
was recorded in 82 attacks, and of these, 29 (35%) attacks were attributed to pit
bulls. All other dogs combined accounted for the remaining 65% of attacks. [35] In
44.8% of the attacks, the dog belonged to the victim's family. [35] The authors
state:
Attacks by pit bulls are associated with higher morbidity rates,
higher hospital charges, and a higher risk of death than are attacks
by other breeds of dogs. Strict regulation of pit bulls may
substantially reduce the US mortality rates related to dog bites. [35]
One 5-year (2001–05) review of dog attack victims admitted to the Children's
Hospital of Philadelphia determined that pit bull terriers were implicated in more
than half of bites. Of the 551 patients treated, breed was identified in 269 cases.
Of these 269 patients, 137 (50.9%) were attacked by pit bulls. [36] The authors
write:
the overwhelming number of bites involving pit bull terriers in this
study and others certainly has some degree of validity when it
comes to identifying bite-prone breeds. Pit bull terriers, German
shepherds, and Rottweilers were the offending breeds implicated in
our study and have accounted for the majority of dog bites
according to other investigators.[36]
One review of the medical literature found that pit bulls and pit bull cross-breeds
were involved in between 42 and 45% of dog attacks.[37] Fatalities were most
often reported in children, with 70% of victims being under the age of 10. [37] Some
studies that have been performed on the number of human deaths caused by
dog bite trauma have surveyed news media stories for reports of dog bite-related
fatalities. This methodology is subject to several potential sources of error: some
fatal attacks may not have been reported; a study might not find all of the
relevant news reports; and the potential for misidentification of dog breeds, [2]
although courts in the United States [38][39] and Canada[40][41] have ruled that expert
identification, when using published breed standards, is sufficient for the
enforcement of breed-specific legislation. It is possible to distinguish dogs by
breed using DNA testing,[41] but test results for any one dog can vary widely
depending upon the laboratory that performs the test and the number of purebred
dog breeds in the laboratory's DNA database.[42]
Other studies
A study by Dr. Malathi Raghavan, DVM, PhD questions the bull dog reputation as
a dangerous breed. An electronic search of newspaper articles by Dr. Raghavan
found that pit bull terriers were responsible for 1 of 28 (3.6%) dog bite-related
fatalities reported in Canada from 1990 through 2007. [43] The study also notes
that:
A higher proportion of sled dogs and, possibly, mixed-breed dogs in
Canada than in the United States caused fatalities, as did multiple
dogs rather than single dogs. Free-roaming dog packs, reported
only from rural communities, caused most on-reserve fatalities.
The total number of fatal dog attacks from the 17-year period is equal to about
one fatal attack per year, while the Clifton report, a more comprehensive study
that includes the 1990–2007 period in the Canadian Veterinary Journal Study,
shows an average of six fatalities attributed to pit bulls alone annually in the
United States and Canada.[44]
In a project called the "Calgary Model," legislation addressing bad owners
instead of breed-specific has been the focus. After implementation, which
includes fining the Owner $350-1,500 in dog bite cases has led to a 25-year low
in the incidence of such cases.
Several studies have determined that pit bull owners and owners of other
"vicious" or "high risk" breeds (most commonly identified as Akita, Chow Chow,
Doberman Pinscher, Pit Bull, Rottweiler, and Wolf-mix) are more likely to have
criminal convictions and are more likely to display antisocial behaviors. A 2006
study comparing owners of "high risk" dogs to owners of "low risk" dogs. "High
risk" dogs included “vicious” dogs by breed (e.g., Pit Bulls) or “vicious” actions
(e.g., any dog that had bitten, attacked or killed a person or other animal). The
study determined that "high risk" dog owners had nearly 10 times as many
criminal convictions then those of "low risk" dog owners. [45] A 2009[46] and a
followup 2012[47] study generally supported these conclusions.
Locked jaw
There is some confusion over the "locked jaw" notion with pit bulls. There is no
evidence for the existence of a physiological "locking mechanism" in the teeth or
jaw structure of normal pit bull-type dogs,[48] although a dog's jaws can be locked
in a closed position by surgically correctable jaw abnormalities. [49] However, pit
bull-type dogs exhibit "bite, hold, and shake" behavior, which is seen in all breeds
of dogs, and at times refuse to release when biting; [12][20][50] methods to force pit
bull-type dogs to release their grip include breaking an ammonia ampule and
holding it up to the dog's nose, [20] or using a "break stick" to lever the dog's jaws
open if it bites a person or animal. [51][52]
Legislation
Main article: Breed-specific legislation
Widely reported pit bull attacks have resulted in the enacting of breed-specific
legislation in several jurisdictions, as well as increased premiums for liability
insurance.
Many jurisdictions that restrict pit bulls, including Ontario, Canada,[53] Miami,
Florida, U.S.,[54] Denver, Colorado, U.S.,[55] and Malden, Massachusetts, U.S.[56]
apply the restriction to the modern American Pit Bull Terrier, American
Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or any other dog that has the
substantial physical characteristics and appearance of those breeds. However a
few jurisdictions, such as Singapore[57] and Franklin County, Ohio, U.S.,[58] also
classify the modern American Bulldog as a "pit bull-type dog", while in the United
Kingdom a pit bull is an American Pit Bull Terrier. [59] All of the breeds share a
similar history, with origins rooted from the Bulldog and a variety of Terriers,
except for the Johnson line of American Bulldog (as opposed to the more pure
Scott line), which come from the Bulldog and a variety of Mastiffs. The dogs
called bull terriers before the development of the modern Bull Terrier in the early
20th century may also be called pit bulls.
A large number of jurisdictions have enacted breed-specific legislation (BSL) in
response to a number of well-publicized incidents involving pit bull-type dogs,
and some government organizations such as the United States Army[60] and
Marine Corps[61] have taken administrative action as well. These actions range
from outright bans on the possession of pit bull-type dogs to restrictions and
conditions on pit bull ownership, and often establish a legal presumption that a pit
bull-type dog is prima facie a legally "dangerous" or "vicious" dog. [62] In response,
some state-level governments in the United States have prohibited or restricted
the ability of municipal governments within those states to enact breed-specific
legislation, though these prohibitions on breed-specific legislation do not affect
military installations located within these states.[63]
It is now generally settled in case law that jurisdictions in the United States and
Canada have the right to enact breed-specific legislation. [64] Despite these
findings by the courts, there remains some public skepticism over whether the
laws are effective.[65] One point of view is that pit bulls are a public safety issue
that merits actions such as banning ownership, mandatory spay/neuter for all pit
bulls, mandatory microchip implants and liability insurance, or prohibiting people
convicted of a felony from owning pit bulls.[66][67] Another point of view is that
comprehensive "dog bite" legislation, coupled with better consumer education
and legally mandating responsible pet keeping practices, is a better solution to
the problem of dangerous dogs than breed-specific legislation. [68][69]
A third point of view is that breed-specific legislation should not ban breeds
entirely but should strictly regulate the conditions under which specific breeds
could be owned, for example, forbidding certain classes of individuals from
owning them, specifying public areas from which they would be prohibited, and
establishing conditions, such as requiring a dog to wear a muzzle, for taking dogs
from specific breeds into public places. [70] Finally, some governments, such as in
Australia, have forbidden the import of specific breeds and are requiring the
spay/neuter of all existing dogs of these breeds in an attempt to slowly eliminate
the population through natural attrition.[71][72]
The ASPCA states that along with putative over-reporting, false reporting is a
major contributor to public perceptions about the breed. [73]
In a 2012 ruling involving the mauling of a child, Maryland's highest court held
that pit bulls are "inherently dangerous", making pit bull owners, and landlords
renting to tenants who own a pit bull, strictly liable for any injuries caused during
an attack by said pit bull.[74][75]
Commercial restrictions
Liability insurance
Dog owners in the United States can be held legally liable for injuries inflicted or
caused by their dogs. In general, owners are considered liable if they were
unreasonably careless in handling or restraining the dog, or if they knew
beforehand that the dog had a tendency to cause injury (e.g., bite); however, dog
owners are automatically considered liable if local laws hold an owner strictly
liable for all damage caused by their dog, regardless of carelessness or
foreknowledge of a dog's tendencies. Homeowners and renters insurance
policies typically provide liability coverage from US$100,000–300,000 for injuries
inflicted by dogs;[76] however, some insurance companies limit their exposure to
dog bite liability claims by putting restrictions on dog owners that they insure.
These restrictions include refusing to cover dog bites under the insurance policy;
increasing insurance rates for homeowners with specific breeds; requiring
owners of specific breeds to take special training or have their dogs pass the
American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen test;[77] requiring owners to restrict
their dogs with muzzles, chains, or enclosures; and refusing to write policies for
homeowners or renters who have specific breeds of dogs. [76] In Ohio, which has
declared all pit bull-type dogs to be legally "vicious", [78] the cost of special liability
insurance that covers only the damage inflicted by a pit bull-type dog can exceed
US$575 per year.[79]
Owners of rental properties may also be held liable if they knew an aggressive
dog was living on their property and they did nothing to ensure the safety of other
tenants at the property; as a result, many rental properties forbid pit bull-type
dogs and any other breeds if the rental property's insurance will not cover
damage inflicted by that type of dog. The dog breeds most often targeted by
insurance companies include pit bull-type dogs, Rottweilers, German Shepherd
Dogs, Doberman Pinschers, Akitas (Akita Inu and American Akita), and Chows.
[80]
Air carrier restrictions
Several air carriers embargo certain dog breeds due to the effect of high
temperature and humidity on brachycephalic animals, or concerns for the safety
of airline property, personnel, and passengers. The following table has a
sampling of air carrier embargoes on dogs.
