Never Mind the Dog - Beware of the Owner - American Pit Bull Terrier

Never Mind the Dog

Beware of the Owner

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a good breed of dogs that has earned its popularity throughout the world. The Pit bull is well known to be a loyal, brave and a very good companion to its owner. However, caution should be taken to avoid these terriers from getting into the hands of unethical owners.

According to the United Kennel Club (UKC), the standard for the American Pit Bull Terrier is a dog that is square and powerful with a blocky head, prominent cheeks and jaw, taut, and muscular body. The dog's ears maybe cropped or snipped. These dogs have a deep chest, and a short, glossy coat of any color. Size can range from 30-50 pounds for females and 35-60 pounds for males. The average pit bull today will cost you any where from one hundred and fifty dollars to one thousand dollars. Pit bulls have great physical and mental characteristics that make them excellent partners for responsible, active and caring owners (PBRC). Pitbull are very responsive to training, intelligent, strong, energetic, agile, and adaptable and are always eager to please (PBRC). For example, the Pit bull was America's first war dog serving in WWI, saving many lives from soldier of nerve gases and other chemical and biological harm. Pit bulls were also used as watch or alert dogs. In a California based APBT (American Pitbull Terrier) rescue group-encompassed training for Pitbulls to assist persons with disabilities, and with people who needed therapy. These Pitbulls were welcomed at nursing homes and hospitals assisting patients of all ages. (Chako Rescue Association)

The American Pit Bull Terrier arrived in the United States in the early 1800's from the British as farm dogs and frontier guardians. The U.S. respected the breed and welcomed it with open arms. The British used Pit bulls as entertainment by using them to attack and harass bulls. This cruel and violent activity was known as bull baiting and was ultimately a very profitable gambling game. Due to a public outcry the British parliament outlawed bull baiting, which made breeders seek another means for entertainment. The breeders started training, breeding, and prepping the pit bull to fight each other along with other dogs. Ever since this event, dog fighting has become very popular around the world.

The American Pit bull over the last