HOW IT ALL STARTED !
It is thought that the APBT (before it was called the APBT) developed from a cross between the original English bulldog and a smaller terrier type dog. These dogs were used for bull baiting until England outlawed this gruesome spectator sport in 1835. Former bull baiters turned their attention to the newly popular sport of organized dog fighting. The APBT is known to be the gamest and most capable fighting dog that has ever existed. Now being used primarily as fighting dogs in Staffordshire (central England) these dogs gradually became known as the Stafforshire Bull Terrier. After the Civil war these dogs were sent to the U.S. at which a larger dog was developed from the smaller English stock. The American Kennel Club (AKC) did not recognize the breed. The United Kennel Club (UKC) did and registered it as a Pit Bull Terrier later to become the American Pit bull Terrier as the official name for the American Staffordshire Bull Terrier. It wasn't until "Pete", the UKC registered Pit bull Terrier from the "Our Gang" comedy series achieved national attention in 1935 that the AKC recognized the breed and entered "Petey" as the first dual registered (UKC & AKC) Pitbull. The breed was registered as a Staffordshire Terrier and that name was adjusted in 1972 to what we now know as the American Stafforshire Terrier. (Am Staff) The American Staffordshire Terrier is the AKC's equivalent to the UKC's American Pit bull Terrier.
Key Points - Little Known Facts vs. Myths & Important Information
* Exception to the " aggressive nature " towards other animals - they may accept and love cats and other household pets provided it has become acquainted with them at an early age* Must be taught when young not to pull on the leash because they are amazingly strong as adults* Teach early to "let go" when playing catch or rope tugging when, YOU have had enough * Training must remain consistent* Highly condone obedience training as these dogs tend to do exceptionally well in obedience comparatively to other breeds* Have been known to make wonderful pet therapy dogs due to their sweet disposition and ability to remain calm in almost any situation* Myth - There jaws have a locking mechanism. FACT - Because of their incredible strength, stamina and tenacity it may appear the jaws have locked onto the object of prey. They can however be pryed apart.* Myth - A Pitbull is a vicious animal by nature and therefore dangerous and unreasonable to own. FACT - Throughout the breed's history the Pitbull is renowned for being affectionate, loving and very sweet. They have been described as wonderful dogs for children, therapy providers for the disabled and elderly and less likely to bite than many other popular breeds.
The American Pit Bull Terrier was the number one family dog during the first part of the 20th century so what happened? The wrong people realized this breed is extremely loyal and eager to please.
Then:
During World War I, the Pit Bull was often used to represent America. The Pit Bull (representing the American military) is protecting kittens (representing the American people) from the German Mastiff (representing the German armed forces).
Pit Bull Heroes
Popsicle, drug sniffing dog for the federal government.
STUBBY, Pit Bull Terrier mix, WWI. The most decorated war dog in U.S. history. She saved 30 people, 29 dogs, 13 horses and a cat during a flood in Southern California.
Pitbull saves child in fire.
Petey of the Little Rascals fame was a Pit Bull
Helen Keller owned a Pit Bull
The "Pitcasso" of the Art World
The first American cross country automobile trip with their sidekick 'Bud'.
According to the American Canine Temperament Testing Association, 82.5% of the American Pit Bull Terriers that took the temperament test passed, compared to a 77% passing rate for all breeds on average. In the test, a dog is placed in a series of confrontational situations. The first sign of aggression or panic is a failure of the test. Pit Bulls have achieved the fourth highest passing rate of all 122 breeds tested. The Alabama Supreme Court ruled that there is no genetic evidence that one breed of dog is more dangerous than another.
Bad people are breeding them for the wrong reasons. Most of them are living in hostile surroundings. It is an amazing testimony to the breed that although 95% of these animals suffer abuse / neglect we rarely hear of any problems. One analogy is, if there was a sudden increase of people being injured by red cars, would we ban red cars? No! Common sense would dictate that red is a more popular color choice.
Dog fighting is the number one abuse towards animals in an urban environment. This is why when you watch Animal Precinct on Animal Planet almost every arrest made involves cruelty to pit bulls. There is undoubtedly a connection between animal abuse and crime. "It's time people stop closing their eyes to the source of the problem and start to face reality. The pain you see in the eyes of the dogs in this section IS the sad reality of too many Pit Bulls."http://www.pitbullsontheweb.com/petbull/sadreality.html
It is the very qualities that make the American Pit Bull Terrier an outstanding companion dog- intelligence, loyalty, courage, trainability - that attract the criminal element to this breed and make it the most commonly VICTIMIZED. At criminal hands, pit bulls are trained by brutal methods to fight other dogs to the death, and to protect their owners during drug deals. Taunting, beating and starvation are common. People's pets (cats, dogs, rabbits) are used as bait to increase aggressive behavior. One dog actually had metal bottle caps sewn under the skin of his neck to insure he was in constant pain resulting in vicious behavior. Complete lack of socialization (being kept in garages, backyards, abandoned buildings) further exacerbates the situation.
Dog fighting is a sadistic "sport" in which two dogs are placed into a ring and forced to fight until one of the dogs is either severely injured or killed. Fighting dogs are torn apart alive. If the loser survives the fight, he/she may be set on fire, left to die, suffocated or worse by a frustrated owner. One dog that lost a fight was attacked by a mob that raised a car and crushed the dogs head under the lifted wheel. Typically thousands of dollars are wagered on a single fight. This form of gambling is considered less risky than selling drugs. There are only three police officers in the entire city of Chicago assigned to stop this cruelty. Thousands and thosands of dogs are fought in every night. In addition to being an animal welfare issue, this is a child welfare issue. The adults involved in dog fighting often bring their children to watch. Children are further desensitized to violence in an already violent society. Cruelty investigators report that dog fighting attracts individuals involved in gambling, drug dealing, illegal weapons, gangs and pimps. There is a strong correlation between animal Cruelty/Abuse with Serial Killers.
It is not accurate to assess a dog based on appearance, pedigree or history. Every individual animal needs to be evaluated on its own merits. There is no reason to assume that because a dog has been injured and scarred that he/she is unadoptable, or should be termed a "fighter". Most pit bulls that end up in animal shelters bearing heavy scarring are there because they would NOT fight, and were discarded by dog fighters. These victims deserve special consideration, not condemnation. Some animal shelters condemn any dog that has a pit bull look as "unadoptable" without any evaluation. This death sentence is unfair and unsound.
Owner education and careful animal selection is the key to successful adoptions. All animal shelters must be careful to protect the American Pit Bull Terriers from owners who are incapable and unwilling to provide responsible ownership.
Example.....Father and son die while TRYING TO DROWN their pit bull that would NOT fight!
What can we do to help regain this wonderful breed's former popularity and reputation?
*ADOPT a pit bull and be a good ambassador for the breed. It is estimated that only one out of 600 pit bulls gets a home in the US.
*
Help us educate the public that these wonderful animals have been receiving poor publicity for too long and deserve a fair chance and a good, loving home.
For more information check out these web sites:
BadRap.org
American Pit Bull Terrier Frequently Asked Questions
Dogwatch
American Temperament Test Society's website http://www.atts.org/
The top six reasons why BSL doesn't Work, brought to us by the American Kennel Club.
Breed-specific laws are not the best way to protect communities. An owner intent on using his or her dogs for malicious purposes will simply be able to switch to another type of dog and continue to jeopardize public safety. The list of regulated breeds or types could grow every year without ever addressing responsible dog ownership. Deeds, not breeds, should be addressed.
Breed-specific laws are hard to enforce. Breed identification requires expert knowledge of the individual breeds, placing great burden on local officials.
Breed-specific laws are unfair to responsible owners. Breed-specific laws increase costs for community. Shelter costs for the community could rise as citizens abandon targeted breeds and adoptable dogs of the targeted breeds would be euthanized at the shelter.
Strongly enforced animal control laws (such as leash laws), generic guidelines on dealing with dangerous dogs and increased public education efforts to promote responsible dog ownership are all better ways to protect communities.
Breed-specific legislation is opposed by the AKC, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the National Animal Control Association, the ASPCA, the National Animal Interest Alliance, and a host of national animal welfare organizations that have studied the issue and recognize that targeting breeds simply does not work.
The pros and cons of adopting a pit bull:http://www.pitbullsontheweb.com/mpr/misc/breedinfo.html
Your Eyes , an innovative way to use Petfinder.com
It is thought that the APBT (before it was called the APBT) developed from a cross between the original English bulldog and a smaller terrier type dog. These dogs were used for bull baiting until England outlawed this gruesome spectator sport in 1835. Former bull baiters turned their attention to the newly popular sport of organized dog fighting. The APBT is known to be the gamest and most capable fighting dog that has ever existed. Now being used primarily as fighting dogs in Staffordshire (central England) these dogs gradually became known as the Stafforshire Bull Terrier. After the Civil war these dogs were sent to the U.S. at which a larger dog was developed from the smaller English stock. The American Kennel Club (AKC) did not recognize the breed. The United Kennel Club (UKC) did and registered it as a Pit Bull Terrier later to become the American Pit bull Terrier as the official name for the American Staffordshire Bull Terrier. It wasn't until "Pete", the UKC registered Pit bull Terrier from the "Our Gang" comedy series achieved national attention in 1935 that the AKC recognized the breed and entered "Petey" as the first dual registered (UKC & AKC) Pitbull. The breed was registered as a Staffordshire Terrier and that name was adjusted in 1972 to what we now know as the American Stafforshire Terrier. (Am Staff) The American Staffordshire Terrier is the AKC's equivalent to the UKC's American Pit bull Terrier.
Key Points - Little Known Facts vs. Myths & Important Information
* Exception to the " aggressive nature " towards other animals - they may accept and love cats and other household pets provided it has become acquainted with them at an early age* Must be taught when young not to pull on the leash because they are amazingly strong as adults* Teach early to "let go" when playing catch or rope tugging when, YOU have had enough * Training must remain consistent* Highly condone obedience training as these dogs tend to do exceptionally well in obedience comparatively to other breeds* Have been known to make wonderful pet therapy dogs due to their sweet disposition and ability to remain calm in almost any situation* Myth - There jaws have a locking mechanism. FACT - Because of their incredible strength, stamina and tenacity it may appear the jaws have locked onto the object of prey. They can however be pryed apart.* Myth - A Pitbull is a vicious animal by nature and therefore dangerous and unreasonable to own. FACT - Throughout the breed's history the Pitbull is renowned for being affectionate, loving and very sweet. They have been described as wonderful dogs for children, therapy providers for the disabled and elderly and less likely to bite than many other popular breeds.
The American Pit Bull Terrier was the number one family dog during the first part of the 20th century so what happened? The wrong people realized this breed is extremely loyal and eager to please.
Then:
During World War I, the Pit Bull was often used to represent America. The Pit Bull (representing the American military) is protecting kittens (representing the American people) from the German Mastiff (representing the German armed forces).
Pit Bull Heroes
Popsicle, drug sniffing dog for the federal government.
STUBBY, Pit Bull Terrier mix, WWI. The most decorated war dog in U.S. history. She saved 30 people, 29 dogs, 13 horses and a cat during a flood in Southern California.
Pitbull saves child in fire.
Petey of the Little Rascals fame was a Pit Bull
Helen Keller owned a Pit Bull
The "Pitcasso" of the Art World
The first American cross country automobile trip with their sidekick 'Bud'.
According to the American Canine Temperament Testing Association, 82.5% of the American Pit Bull Terriers that took the temperament test passed, compared to a 77% passing rate for all breeds on average. In the test, a dog is placed in a series of confrontational situations. The first sign of aggression or panic is a failure of the test. Pit Bulls have achieved the fourth highest passing rate of all 122 breeds tested. The Alabama Supreme Court ruled that there is no genetic evidence that one breed of dog is more dangerous than another.
Bad people are breeding them for the wrong reasons. Most of them are living in hostile surroundings. It is an amazing testimony to the breed that although 95% of these animals suffer abuse / neglect we rarely hear of any problems. One analogy is, if there was a sudden increase of people being injured by red cars, would we ban red cars? No! Common sense would dictate that red is a more popular color choice.
Dog fighting is the number one abuse towards animals in an urban environment. This is why when you watch Animal Precinct on Animal Planet almost every arrest made involves cruelty to pit bulls. There is undoubtedly a connection between animal abuse and crime. "It's time people stop closing their eyes to the source of the problem and start to face reality. The pain you see in the eyes of the dogs in this section IS the sad reality of too many Pit Bulls."http://www.pitbullsontheweb.com/petbull/sadreality.html
It is the very qualities that make the American Pit Bull Terrier an outstanding companion dog- intelligence, loyalty, courage, trainability - that attract the criminal element to this breed and make it the most commonly VICTIMIZED. At criminal hands, pit bulls are trained by brutal methods to fight other dogs to the death, and to protect their owners during drug deals. Taunting, beating and starvation are common. People's pets (cats, dogs, rabbits) are used as bait to increase aggressive behavior. One dog actually had metal bottle caps sewn under the skin of his neck to insure he was in constant pain resulting in vicious behavior. Complete lack of socialization (being kept in garages, backyards, abandoned buildings) further exacerbates the situation.
Dog fighting is a sadistic "sport" in which two dogs are placed into a ring and forced to fight until one of the dogs is either severely injured or killed. Fighting dogs are torn apart alive. If the loser survives the fight, he/she may be set on fire, left to die, suffocated or worse by a frustrated owner. One dog that lost a fight was attacked by a mob that raised a car and crushed the dogs head under the lifted wheel. Typically thousands of dollars are wagered on a single fight. This form of gambling is considered less risky than selling drugs. There are only three police officers in the entire city of Chicago assigned to stop this cruelty. Thousands and thosands of dogs are fought in every night. In addition to being an animal welfare issue, this is a child welfare issue. The adults involved in dog fighting often bring their children to watch. Children are further desensitized to violence in an already violent society. Cruelty investigators report that dog fighting attracts individuals involved in gambling, drug dealing, illegal weapons, gangs and pimps. There is a strong correlation between animal Cruelty/Abuse with Serial Killers.
It is not accurate to assess a dog based on appearance, pedigree or history. Every individual animal needs to be evaluated on its own merits. There is no reason to assume that because a dog has been injured and scarred that he/she is unadoptable, or should be termed a "fighter". Most pit bulls that end up in animal shelters bearing heavy scarring are there because they would NOT fight, and were discarded by dog fighters. These victims deserve special consideration, not condemnation. Some animal shelters condemn any dog that has a pit bull look as "unadoptable" without any evaluation. This death sentence is unfair and unsound.
Owner education and careful animal selection is the key to successful adoptions. All animal shelters must be careful to protect the American Pit Bull Terriers from owners who are incapable and unwilling to provide responsible ownership.
Example.....Father and son die while TRYING TO DROWN their pit bull that would NOT fight!
What can we do to help regain this wonderful breed's former popularity and reputation?
*ADOPT a pit bull and be a good ambassador for the breed. It is estimated that only one out of 600 pit bulls gets a home in the US.
*
Help us educate the public that these wonderful animals have been receiving poor publicity for too long and deserve a fair chance and a good, loving home.
For more information check out these web sites:
BadRap.org
American Pit Bull Terrier Frequently Asked Questions
Dogwatch
American Temperament Test Society's website http://www.atts.org/
The top six reasons why BSL doesn't Work, brought to us by the American Kennel Club.
Breed-specific laws are not the best way to protect communities. An owner intent on using his or her dogs for malicious purposes will simply be able to switch to another type of dog and continue to jeopardize public safety. The list of regulated breeds or types could grow every year without ever addressing responsible dog ownership. Deeds, not breeds, should be addressed.
Breed-specific laws are hard to enforce. Breed identification requires expert knowledge of the individual breeds, placing great burden on local officials.
Breed-specific laws are unfair to responsible owners. Breed-specific laws increase costs for community. Shelter costs for the community could rise as citizens abandon targeted breeds and adoptable dogs of the targeted breeds would be euthanized at the shelter.
Strongly enforced animal control laws (such as leash laws), generic guidelines on dealing with dangerous dogs and increased public education efforts to promote responsible dog ownership are all better ways to protect communities.
Breed-specific legislation is opposed by the AKC, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the National Animal Control Association, the ASPCA, the National Animal Interest Alliance, and a host of national animal welfare organizations that have studied the issue and recognize that targeting breeds simply does not work.
The pros and cons of adopting a pit bull:http://www.pitbullsontheweb.com/mpr/misc/breedinfo.html
Your Eyes , an innovative way to use Petfinder.com
