Pit Bull

Many people are afraid of pit bulls, but to a large extent this fear is the result of prejudice and the misrepresentation of this breed in public.

On the other hand, irresponsible owners are also to blame for the bad reputation of this breed. In any case, we will try to debunk the existing myths about pit bulls.

1. The pit bull is a breed that “bites”

This is a myth. According to the results of a temperament test carried out in 2012, 86.8 percent of pit bulls passed the tests for socialisation, aggression, stability and sociability perfectly. By comparison, 85.2 percent of Golden Retrievers and 80.1 percent of Collies had positive results in the study.

2. Pit bulls attack more than other breeds

This is also a myth, “debunked” by the American Veterinary Medical Association through research confirming that no breed attacks more frequently than others. The level of aggression depends solely on the individual dog's disposition and upbringing.

3. A pit bull's jaw “locks” when it bites

According to Dr I. Lehr Brisbin of the University of Georgia, an expert in the training, behaviour and anatomy of this breed, several studies on the skull and tooth structure of pit bulls have shown that they do not differ in any way from the anatomy of other breeds. They have a completely ordinary jaw structure (bones, teeth, muscles), so there is no reason to believe that their jaw will “lock” while another dog's will not.

Here are some more facts about this breed:

1. These are the most frequently abused dogs

According to the Humane Society of the United States, pit bulls have been the most frequently abused dogs in recent years. As many as 70 percent of them are euthanised in city shelters simply because they belong to this breed.

2. They were once “nanny dogs”

From 1900 onwards, dogs of this breed were known as “nanny dogs” because they were tolerant, caring and gentle with children. This is confirmed by children's films as well as literature.

3. The pit bull is not a breed

The pit bull is not a breed but a collective name for the American Pit Bull Terrier, the Staffordshire, the Bull Terrier and the Bulldog.

4. Pit bull bites in the media

A pit bull bite attracts far more media attention than an attack by any other dog. A four-day journalistic study concluded that each of three fatal dog attacks not involving pit bulls was mentioned only once, while an attack by this dog would be mentioned 230 times in local as well as international media.

The truth about pit bulls

ASPCA.org, the world's best-known animal protection organisation, in its ‘truth about pit bulls’ describes in detail how a breed destined to help people became the most hated in the world and a synonym for danger.

Pit bull: the origin of the breed

The ancestors of pit bulls come from England, and they were brought to North America by English settlers. The dogs descend from English Bulldogs.

Historians believe these were powerful dogs that helped people hunt large game, but they were also used to assist butchers, helping them guard and control livestock. Unfortunately, they were also used in fights in which dogs were pitted against bulls, bears and other large wild animals.

To avoid confusion, the English Bulldogs of that time have nothing to do with today's English Bulldogs.

At the beginning of the 19th century such fights were banned in England. Unfortunately, a new blood sport was born at that time: fights in which dogs fought each other.

Wanting to create dogs that would be as strong as bulldogs but much lighter and more agile, which would give them an advantage over rivals in the ring, some people crossed bulldogs with terriers, and so the first ‘pit bulls’ were created.

Main characteristics of the breed: strength, endurance, courage and reliability.

The pit bull today

Most experts agree that today's pit bulls have retained these characteristics. Although many do not recognise them as a breed, pit bulls are recognisable by their broad skull, powerful jaws and strong ‘stocky’ body covered in short hair.

They are used as dogs for various kinds of sporting activities such as agility, flyball and ‘dog frisbee’, but they do equally well in obedience competitions. In short, this is a versatile working dog that needs a lot of activity.

Why is the pit bull a ‘dangerous breed’?

Every breed was created for a specific purpose, but apart from breed predispositions (appearance and temperament), every dog has its own personality. Some are aggressive, some are timid. Some are sociable, some prefer to keep to themselves.

The same applies to pit bulls, which as a breed have a genetic predisposition to be combative. That does not mean there are no gentle and peaceful pit bulls that get along well with other dogs and other pets, as well as with people.

Socialising the dog

It is up to people, more specifically owners, to prevent aggressive behaviour of their dogs towards anyone through early socialisation.

That is why it is recommended to separate dogs from their mother, brothers and sisters as late as possible. While they are still puppies they should be introduced to other dogs, which they will perceive positively.

As an example of the behaviour of a well-socialised dog, Aspca.org cites a dog scuffle that escalated from play into a conflict. Most socialised dogs will continue to play with other dogs even after that. A dog that did not socialise with other dogs as a puppy, or did so too little, may after a conflict with one dog come to ‘hate’ all the others and show fear towards them accompanied by aggressive behaviour.

Apart from dogs and other pets, dogs should be introduced as early as possible to the other situations they will encounter during their life in urban environments.

Who is the pit bull for?

Owners, especially if a pit bull or American Staffordshire Terrier is their first dog, are strongly advised to enrol in a training school where their dog will learn the basic obedience exercises. The owner will learn how to communicate and work with their new pet. It is important to use only positive methods without physical force, because although they may look dangerous on the outside, many ‘dangerous dogs’ are in fact very sensitive.

After mastering basic obedience, these dogs need plenty of daily exercise for their athletically built body.

Pit bulls require a lot of aerobic exercise and are recommended for recreational athletes who need a partner for running and cycling, and they can also take part in agility or some other canine discipline.

Along with physical activity, a pit bull needs plenty of mental exercise, such as searching for hidden objects.

Ignorance or lack of time is no excuse, because in the hands of irresponsible owners any dog can become dangerous. With breeds like the pit bull, mistakes are costly.

This is borne out by the fact that it sits at the top of the list of breeds that have killed the most people in the USA.

How to choose a dog?

Unfortunately, most breeds, including the pit bull, are acquired primarily for their looks. Their character is overlooked, yet the character and needs of this breed are such that the owner must not allow anything to go wrong.

Taking into account their genetic predispositions, size and bite strength, most breeds that for whatever reason get into a fight with a pit bull will end up tragically, with serious injuries. The pit bull, guilty or not, will end up in the dock.

Since this is a breed that is banned in most countries or subject to special rules, very often this means the worst: euthanasia of the dog.

Pit bull is a collective name for three breeds

We know them simply as pit bulls, but the name is used for three breeds, the American Pit Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, as well as for all crosses between these three breeds. The American Pit Bull Terrier was bred to be strong and resistant to pain, which is why it was used in illegal dog fights; the American Staffordshire Terrier is a true family dog, though one that still cannot resist the call of other dogs to fight; while the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is the smallest type of pit bull. All pit bulls were created by crossing bulldogs and terriers.

The pit bull has the strongest bite

As an exceptionally strong breed, pit bulls also have an incredibly powerful jaw grip of 900 kg/cm2. By comparison, a Rottweiler has 500 kg/cm2 and a German Shepherd 250 kg/cm2. A pit bull's grip equals the pressure of a hydraulic sheet-metal bending press!

Pit bulls are war veterans

During the First World War the pit bull was the mascot of American soldiers, who identified their own courage with this breed. However, besides being mascots, pit bulls also took an active part themselves and are the breed that received the most decorations! Particularly notable was Stubby, who single-handedly saved an entire platoon from a gas attack, pulling out the soldiers one by one, and also captured a German spy. During the war Stubby, who was given the rank of sergeant, was wounded twice, and after the war he spent his retirement at the White House.

They are known for heroic deeds

Stubby is not the only pit bull we can call a hero. Weela, a female pit bull, saved 32 people, 29 dogs, three horses and one cat during her lifetime. Popsicle was found as a five-month-old puppy nearly frozen in a refrigerator and later became one of the most famous police dogs, thanks to whom a shipment of cocaine worth 130 million dollars was once discovered! Norton saved his owner, who would have died from a dangerous allergic reaction to a spider bite, while D-Boy shielded his family with his body and took three bullets from a burglar!

Is the American Pit Bull Terrier the dog for you?

Nothing could be further from the truth. Misinformation and fear caused by the actions of a small number of dogs whose owners are criminally negligent people have led to the adoption of laws against this breed in a large number of cities and countries around the world.

As the owner of an American Pit Bull Terrier you must be aware that you will encounter angry and hostile people who are poorly informed about this wonderful dog. This is not a breed for everyone, especially not for those who are not prepared to invest time in training and socialisation, and who cannot or will not provide consistent, firm guidance.

When raised with proper training, the American Pit Bull makes an excellent companion for children. It is loving and gentle with people, but is often a poor guard dog because of its desire to greet every person at the door. The American Pit Bull is devoted and loyal to its family and, if necessary, will defend them to the death.

The American Pit Bull loves children, and we don't mean for breakfast. Stable, energetic and tolerant, they are ideal companions. As with any dog of any size or breed, children should not be left unsupervised around them.

These dogs are exceptionally intelligent and learn all commands and tricks with ease. They have a zest for life and love to be involved in everything going on around them. The American Pit Bull retains its affectionate nature into adulthood, which makes living with them a true joy.

Once you get to know this breed, you will wonder how you ever lived without it.

Key facts

1. Type: Terrier
2. Height: 35 to 60 centimetres
3. Weight: 10 to 60 kilograms
4. Life span: 12 to 16 years

Source (Nezavisne novine)