Pitbull 101: Their Story & All You Need to Know 

There has been a lot said about Pitbull. It is surprising that the breed is popular both for good and bad reasons in many places. Putting rest on all rumors, the Pitbull is a companion dog breed that is also suitable for families. They are courageous, happy, and strong dogs who love to be active.  

However, this breed is amongst the so called ‘bully’ breeds - which are often labelled as Pitbull. But did you know that Pitbull is not really a breed? It is in fact a term that is used to describe the American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pitbull Terrier, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Many people are of the opinion that the American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pitbull Terrier are the same - this is not true, they are both completely different breeds. The source of this confusion is the fact that the AKC gave recognition to the American Staffordshire Terrier and not recognizing the American Pitbull Terrier. The former is bigger in comparison to the latter. The American Staffordshire Terrier is slightly smaller. 

The Story 

The mid-19th century saw the breeding of Old English Terriers (which are now extinct) and the Old English Bulldogs. They produced a dog that was the perfect combination of both breeds. They had the gameness of the terrier and the strength of the bulldog. These kinds of dogs were bred in the British Isles and came to the United States in the late nineteenth century. In the United Kingdom this breed started to be used in games such as bull baiting and bear baiting. These games were later banned when welfare laws were introduced in Britain. When they reached the United States of America, these dogs were again used for fighting.  

The breed was recognized by the United Kennel Club in the year 1898 as the American Pit Bull Terrier. Contrary to popular opinion, Pit bulls are sweet, loving, and loyal family dogs. They are also used as working dogs. Unfortunately, this breed is used for illegal dog fighting in the United States which is one of the reasons why this breed is considered ferocious. A noble step taken by the San Francisco Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was renaming this breed as the St. Francis Terriers - they hoped that through this, people would come forward to adopt the breed as many of them land up in shelters. 

What’s a Pit Bull Breed Like? 

Temperament 

Pit Bulls love their humans so much that they may even want to sit in your lap - forgetting that their size can be a problem! They are confident, brave, and athletic dogs who are keen to please their humans. They are great watchdogs as they are very aware of their surroundings and may alert you when they sense that a stranger has trespassed. Often their love for humans fails them as guard dogs but they are extremely courageous and don’t get scared easily.  

The controversy around their temperament stems from the fact that they can be at two extremes. For some they are ideal, playful, loyal companions whereas for others they are quite stubborn. Since they were bred to be tenacious fighters their temperament can sometimes be difficult. Due to this they can get into altercations with other dogs or humans. They need to be handled with utmost love and respect.  

Features 

The American Pitbull Terrier requires lot of physical exercise to keep them happy and mentally stimulated. Regular exercise also helps them in keeping their weight in check. It helps prevent obesity. A common trait of the Pit bull is that they can be quite stubborn by nature, therefore, early obedience training is of great help. Along with obedience training you can also invest in proper socialization. The Pit bull has a powerful looking head along with enlarged jaws. Their ears must be cleaned regularly to prevent ear infections. Otherwise, this breed requires very less grooming. They are smart dogs with tons of energy, this is why it is recommended to keep them involved in lots of physical exercise.  

Overall Health 

Pit bulls are generally healthy dogs however they are prone to certain health problems arising due to backyard breeding. Each Pit bull will not get these diseases, but it is crucial to keep them in mind so that you can get them checked if you notice any symptoms.  

• Hip dysplasia is common in this breed. This health condition is simply a malformation of the hip joint ball and the socket. The more severe the condition, the more painful it is.  
• Heart diseases also affect Pit bulls, especially in advancing age. Aortic stenosis is the most common kind of health trouble in this breed. It is a congenial heart problem which simply means that often these dogs are born with it. The earlier it is detected, the sooner you can start treatment for the same.  
• Skin allergies can also affect your Pit bull. Allergies are usually caused by allergens such as fleas, pollen, dust, and grass. Some allergies can also be food related. When you see your Pit bull itching nonstop it could be a sign of allergy. It is best to take them to the vet and get them checked. 

When to Visit the Vet?  

Being a responsible pet parent includes you taking your Pit bull for regular vet checkups. You must be up to date with yearly vaccinations and must get their core vaccinations done in time when they are puppies. A proper vaccination regimen helps keep their immune system in check. For more information on how to take care of your Pit doggo and for assessment, you can book a vet consultation with Zigly’s professionals.  

Also Read: Beagle 101: Their Story & All You Need to Know