The following pages are full of information on all your favorite breeds.
We couldn't possibly include all the information there is to know about
these wonderful dogs, so please also visit our Resources
page for more great information. We highly recommend reading, The
Truth About Pit Bulls page.
For Breed info on American Bulldogs, Bull
Terriers, Neopolitan Mastiffs, English Mastiffs, Olde English Bulldogs,
and Boxers visit this page.
Understanding the APBT starts
with learning about their beginnings on up to the roles they play
in our society today. They've traveled a long road with Americans
since early colonists went to the trouble of importing them along
with their other family treasures. With the same courageous spirit,
tenacious loyalty and die-hard devotion they provided to their owners
generations ago, they continue to dutifully hold up a mirror to
this American society and reflect back to us who we are as a culture
of dog owners.
The dog that we now recognize as the APBT was originally bred in
the British Isles early 1800's to 'bait' bulls. These matches were
held for the entertainment of the struggling classes; a source of
relief from the tedius and brutal way of life suffered by many commoners
during that time. In 1835 bull baiting was deemed inhumane and became
illegal, and dogfighting became a popular replacement. The best
fighters were made heroes and the trait for aggression towards other
dogs began to be selectively bred into their genetic make up. At
the same time, a very strong bite inhibition towards humans was
also bred into the APBT lines so handlers could lean over into the
fighting pits and pull their battling dogs apart without worrying
about receiving a redirected bite. Partially because of this selective
breeding which culled out "man biters", this breed became
well known for its loving devotion and trustworthy nature with humans.
Immigrants brought their dogs across the ocean
along with their families and prized possessions. They soon
became a fixture in a developing nation. In early America,
the dogs were valued for much more than their fighting abilities.
They were entrusted to protect homesteads from predators and
worked as vital helpers on family farms. Homesteaders depended
on their abilities to help in hunts and as hog catchers (hence,
the common title "catch dogs").
They were constant companions to the young children who were entrusted
in their care. APBTs earned their place as an important part of the
fabric of a developing nation.
As cities sprung up, APBTs remained a prominent part of the American
culture. The USA admired this breed for qualities that it likened
in itself; friendly, brave, hardworking, worthy of respect. APBTs
were thought of less as pit fighters and more as 'regular dogs'.
They show up in hundreds of turn of the century photos.
World War I posters displayed illustrations of APBTs as proud mascots
of neutrality and bravery. Not to disappoint, the most decorated
war dog of that time was none other than 'Stubby' -- a loyal and
brave APBT.
Sgt Stubby
WWI Poster
The APBT was also a favorite dog among politicians,
scholars, celebrities. Helen Keller, Theodore Roosevelt, and the "Our
Gang" Little Rascals all had APBTS. Many reading this website
may have grandparents and great grandparents who kept a favorite APBT
as a pet. Today, this tradition continues with tens of thousands of
Amercians who love and cherish their family pit bulls.
Breed Characteristics
Because the early breeders of APBT were going for speed,
stamina and attitude rather than looks, the general appearance of
this breed can vary greatly. They can range between 25 and 85 pounds.
The earlier 'classic' APBTs were on the small side - an advantage
which afforded them speed and agility in the fighting pits. As the
pitdogs made their way to the working farms of America, larger characteristics
were bred into the lines.
The Pit Bull has typically been a well muscled dog,
with a deep rib cage, powerful back end, broad hips, heavy jaw, heavy
front legs and delicate, athletic back legs. They can also be found
slimmer and rangier in build with longer legs (a look that all too
often earns them the mislabel of "pit mix" in animal shelters).
The head shape has changed over the years, and only very recently
have the "huge heads" become popular with certain crowds.
These large, out of proportian heads would not have been desirable
with the working/fighting dogs of yester-year. Any color is acceptable
with this breed. The hair is typically short, bristly and glossy.
Ears can be cropped or uncropped. Tail is pencil then and always left
natural.
Why would anyone want a pit bull?
The fun loving, spunky and affectionate attitude of
the APBT is what most admirers come to love best about these dogs.
We like to say "To know them is to love them". Pit bulls
are impressively loyal, bold and courageous animals. They are natually
clownish, alert and intelligent .. in other words, a whole lot of
fun to have around! Many participate and excel in various dog sports
and activities, including Obedience Trials, Search and Rescue work,
Agility Trials, Flyball and Frisbee Competitions, and Weight Pulling
events. With their tenacious work drive and strong desire to please
their owners, they are natural competitors and win impressive titles
wherever they're worked.
The soft side of the breed shows up in their gushing affection for
humans - a desirable trait that was very important to the original
breeders of this animal and remains so today. For this reason, many
pit bulls work as Certified Therapy Dogs in hospitals and nursing
homes. Homes with children that know the breed continue to seek them
out as their dog of choice. A favorite place of just about any well
loved pit bull is in the lap of his adoring human or close by his
side.
Chance has his CGC Title (Canine Good
Citizen)
A Lonely Twist In the Road
Although we've changed enough as a culture to create laws which protect
our admirable clown from organized dog fighting, ironically the darkest
hour of this breed's story has only come about in the past 20 years. While
huge numbers of pit bulls in this country are cherished family pets, many
not so fortunate suffer the consequences of a nation with multi-layered
social and economic problems. The historic fighting ability of this All
American breed began to be exploited on a larger scale in the 1980's. Pit
bulls were soon associated with poverty, crime, and newspaper headlines
of back alley dog fighting rings. And, for the first time in the breed's
history, we started hearing disturbing accounts of aggressive attacks on
humans by poorly socialized and badly bred APBTs, APBT mixes and other breed
dogs that were mislabled as APBTs. The press went wild, the public panicked,
and the reputation of the entire breed was dragged down with sensationalistic
headlines and a few rotten examples of "Pit Bull Imposters" owned
by shady and irresponsible owners.
To add to the sadness, a frenzy of
backyard breeding of APBTs in our urban cities began to add to the burgeoning
population of unwanted dogs in the 80's -- A trend which continues today.
The economic incentive of a 50 dollar price for unpapered pit bull puppies
has filled our newpapers with ads for "Pit Pups for Sale". Those
seeking a status symbol or controversial fashion statement are irresistably
drawn to having a pit bull of their own. But just as fashions change,
so do the minds of many 'casual pit bull owners' . The pattern of pit
bulls purchased for breeding, later discarded and then duly euthanized
by our overcrowded shelters has erupted into a disturbing 'business as
usual' cycle with no discernable end in sight. With a negative reputation
as "mean and vicious" animals, chances of salvation for most
unwanted pit bulls are depressingly slim.
So, just as we struggle as a nation to understand how to deal with the
social and economic ills that affect our cities, we are also left with
the sticky puzzle of what to do about our once favorite breed of dog that
is so feared and so loved at the same time . Once again, the APBT breed
reflects back to us who we are: A culture of incredible contrasts and
conflicting beliefs.
Paja and her lil "brother"
Callisto and all his lil "brothers"
Still Hereos
Despite the difficult beginnings many of our urban pit
bulls suffer, one thing rings true: The K9 hero that was admired by
this country's earliest citizens continues to show itself in the faces
of the overwhelming majority of APBTs in our homes and even most of
our area shelters. Even with the rocky starts that so many APBTs endure,
an astounding number of dogs remain stable in temperament and great
with people. Because of this, we can offer thanks to the earliest
dogmen for their selective breeding efforts which produced a dog as
hardy as the APBT. The animal that was once courageous enough to do
battle with a bull or another APBT in the pit, now utilizes that same
bravado to stay alive and sane in conditions where other 'softer'
breeds might go insane.
In loving and committed homes, the breed continues to dazzle us with
charms only a bullydog can possess. Its not hard to see that the original
Hero Dog is still alive and well in the show ring, in the various
dog sport competitions and even in the saddest of places in our shelters.
