About The Pitbull

Pit Bull is not a specific breed of dog, but rather a term used to describe several breeds of dogs with similar physical characteristics. The American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier commonly fall under the category of "Pit Bull." There are several other breeds that can fall under the rubric of “pit bull,” including: the Argentine Dogo, the English Bull Terrier, the American Bulldog, Perro de Presa Canario and the Boxer. These breeds are usually not included by breed name in any Breed Specific Legislation (see below), but are usually ensnared because of a broad definition, and confusion as to what a "pit bull" actually is. Pit bulls are generally very timid dogs with a love for people and being a "mans best friend".

These dogs have a controversial reputation due to commonly cited attack statistics and highly publicized incidents of aggression by dogs fitting the broad "pit bull" description. Verification of many attacks is difficult due to that wide variation in pit varieties, and the tendency to label all dangerous dogs as pit bulls. These attack statistics have led to a certain degree of reactionary fear, and many governments and community organizations have called for bans and restrictions on pit bulls.

Breed supporters point out that pit bulls make good family pets, showing loyalty, playfulness, and a desire to please people. They also claim that most pit bull animals are no more or less likely to be aggressive than any other large domesticated dog. In fact many dog fancying websites and humane societies recommend "pit bull" type dogs as family pets because of their stable temperament, high pain tolerance, and desire to please people. However, because of their physical attributes and the social stigmatization surrounding them, the pit bull seems to be a popular choice among unsavoury owners. Those who primarily want an animal to fight or to intimidate do not properly train or socialize their dogs and are partly responsible for the negative stereotype of the "pit bull" in today’s society.

The "pit bull" is a medium-sized dog: males weigh 45–85 lb. (20–38 kg) and females generally weigh 30–80 lb. (14–36 kg). Their short coat accentuates their muscular bodies, giving them the appearance of a “doggy bodybuilder.” They are known for confidence, intelligence, and loyal temperament. In addition, they have an extremely high pain threshold. As athletic and energetic dogs, "pit bulls" need to be exercised frequently. They shed and their skin can be extremely sensitive.

"Pit bulls" were historically bred to display dominance and aggression toward other dogs—a relic of the breed's dog fighting past. Even today, some pit bulls still retain the predisposition towards dog aggression. However, a "pit bull" displaying the correct breed temperament is friendly towards humans, and is generally a poor choice as a guard dog. [1]. Unfortunately, many unethical breeders do not breed to the standard, producing "pit bulls" that are aggressive towards both humans and dogs.

The American Temperament Test Society, Inc. (ATTS) breed statistics as of December 2005 show an 83.5% passing rate for the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier and a 84.7% passing rate for the Staffordshire bull terrier, as compared to an 81.2% average pass rate for all dog breeds.