American Pit Bull Terrier (Pitbull): history of the breed

History of the breed

The history of the Pit Bull Terrier breed dates back to the 19th century in England. Her ancestors were an Old English Bulldog and a Terrier. Bulldogs were traditionally used for bull baiting. After the audience got bored with the entertainment, it was decided to diversify the program and bring dogs into the ring. Despite their ferocity and strong jaws, bulldogs were not particularly agile and often lost fights. To give the breed agility, breeders crossed it with a terrier. The hybrid turned out to be extremely successful: it combined quick response with a powerful grip.

In 1835, a decree was issued banning dog fighting. Emigrants brought bull and terriers to America, where they continued to fight in the ring. The breed is called the American Pit Bull Terrier. In 1898, a club for pit lovers was opened. The fighting breed of dogs could not participate in exhibitions, so enthusiasts began to work on breeding its variety. So, the American Staffordshire Terrier turned out. Amstaff and pit bull are the same breed, differing only in temperament and level of aggressiveness.

After dog fighting was banned in America, the government launched a cleanup campaign. Newspapers vied with each other to report that another pit attacked a man and brutally mutilated him. The material was supported by shocking photos. In reality, things weren't so bad. People who dealt with pit bulls noted their good trainability and affectionate disposition. Nowadays, pit bulls have regained their good name and are one of the most popular pets.

Breeding this breed is prohibited in the European Union. In Russia and the USA they are actively used as service dogs.

Despite the fact that the Amstaff breed was developed on the basis of pit bulls, they are still not recognized by the FCI.

Description of the American Pit Bull Terrier breed

For many people who do not have professional canine knowledge, the pit bull is a dog that should be feared and avoided. The dogs gained such fame because they were used in bloodthirsty dog fights in England and the USA, from which the owners earned large sums of money. Basic facts about this breed:

Such dogs were bred through selection of the Old English Bulldog and Terriers. From the former they took strength and endurance, and from the latter - speed and sharp mind.
The name of the breed is translated from English as “pit” and “bull”. That is, for fighting, dogs were put in special pits from which they could not get out, and they were set against each other until one of the rivals died.
Dogs are very active and hardy. They require constant physical activity. Fetching, running and other outdoor games have a positive effect on the mental and physical health of the animal.
The breed is very devoted to its owner and needs his constant attention and care.
With early and competent socialization, the animal becomes a devoted friend and protector of the family, and gets along in the same home with other pets, except dogs. The American Pit Bull Terrier shows innate aggression towards them.
The dog has a real “fighting spirit” that can only be curbed by an experienced owner with a sufficient level of knowledge.

History of the American Pit Bull Terrier breed

The country of origin of the breed is England. The breeders of Foggy Albion set themselves the task of combining in one dog the speed and fearlessness of terriers and the athleticism and endurance of bulldogs, so the description of the American Pit Bull Terrier breed indicates all these qualities. These dogs were used in the 19th century in dog fighting and hunting large animals, such as bears.

In 1835, human rights activists achieved the adoption of a law on the protection of animals, in which all of the above actions were declared illegal. The dogs were secretly brought to America, where they continued to be used in battles. Soon similar bans were adopted in many countries, and the breed was banned. However, special services and police departments in some countries successfully use the American Pit Bull Terrier for law enforcement. These dogs are endowed with an excellent sense of smell, allowing them to find prohibited substances and participate in search operations.

American Pit Bull Terrier breed standard

Dogs have a bad reputation in many countries of the world, although the breed standard in some of them and even in the International Federation of Cynology has not yet been adopted. Only two American associations ADBA and UKC officially recognize that the characteristics of the American Pit Bull Terrier breed include the following parameters:

The weight of males should be 16-27 kg with a height of 46-53 cm, and that of females should be 14-23 kg with a height at the withers of 43-51 cm.
The dog looks strong and athletic at the same time. The front of the body is twice as powerful as the back: wide back, deep chest and muscular shoulders. The ribs are stretched back, the croup is slightly sloping.
The neck is strong and powerful, widening towards the withers.
The head is rectangular in shape and of medium length. The muzzle is wide and deep, square in shape with sunken cheeks.
The teeth meet tightly in a regular scissor bite.
The eyes can be round or almond-shaped and set low. Any iris color except blue is allowed.
The ears are small and half drooping.
On the large nose, wide open nostrils are clearly visible. Color may vary.
The American Pit Bull Terrier has strong, short and flexible limbs. The elbows are pressed tightly to the body.
The low-slung, medium-length ponytail is a natural extension of the top. In a calm state it is lowered, and when running or excited it rises to the line of the back.

American Pit Bull Terrier - character

When deciding to buy such a large dog, it is worth studying in detail the characteristics of its psyche:

From a conscientious breeder, all puppies are born with a stable nervous system. It must be supported by regular training and training, early socialization and constant attention and control of the owner.
Owner oriented. Such dogs are very loyal; with proper training, they will always come to the aid of the owner.
Even the American Pit Bull Terrier girl is prone to fights with other dogs. This innate feature can be corrected by proper upbringing.
The pet is endowed with stubbornness and a desire for leadership everywhere and in everything. Such a dog should be raised by an experienced owner together with a professional dog handler. Connivance in upbringing will lead to the dog feeling like a leader when paired with a person.
The pets of this breed are very active. They require long walks with a large volume of varied physical activity.
They have a lively mind and are easy to learn. They love training with proper encouragement of achievements and non-aggressive correction of deficiencies.

American Pit Bull Terrier – colors

The coat of such pets should be short, hard and smooth. Adhere tightly to the skin. Medium coat length is considered an unacceptable trait at shows. As for colors, the following are allowed:

Absolutely any shade of coat. The American Pit Bull Terrier may be gray, brown, brindle or any other.
The only exception that is considered unacceptable is the so-called “merle” color. This is a white or black pit bull with characteristic gray spots on the face and body. Such dogs do not participate in exhibitions and are not allowed for breeding.

Types - brief description

There are three varieties of the breed:

American pit bull;
Albanian pit bull;
dwarf or mini pit bull.

These subtypes differ in external data. The character and working qualities are almost identical.

American pit bull

This is a large, pumped-up dog with an impressive jaw and short legs. There is no standard for pits, but there is an average portrait.

Description of the breed:

Dimensions: height - up to 49 cm, weight - up to 30 kg.
The head is high cheekbones, large, with powerful jaws.
The neck is strong, muscular, and gently blends into the chest.
The muzzle is slightly elongated at the end. The eyes are small and deep set. The color of the nose depends on the coat. The ears are set deep. The owner does as he pleases with the ears: they can be left hanging or cropped by one third.
The torso is muscular and strong. The dog looks squat and stocky.
The coat is coarse and short. There is no undercoat.

The color can be any color except merle (merle). Some cynological organizations do not accept blue color. The most common colors include:

Albanian pit bull

The Albanian variety has a marbled coat color called merle. Otherwise it is identical to American pita. The Albanian Pit Bull is one of the most expensive dogs in the world. Its spotted color is outside the standard and is artificially created. The necessary gene is introduced into the genome of the pit bull, which is fraught with disorders in the nervous system. Marbled puppies often suffer from deafness, blindness, and decreased immunity. It is not uncommon for dogs to be stillborn. The cynological community refuses to recognize Albanians as a separate breed.

Dwarf pitbull

This species is distinguished by its stocky build and low stance. Mini pit, oddly enough, is not small at all. Its height is about 40-50 cm, weight - up to 27 kg. The dog owes its name to its unique skeletal structure.

Color:

black;
brown;
grey;
cream;
white.

Life expectancy: 11-13 years. Otherwise, the characteristics of the breed are similar to the American pit bull.

Character

The Pitbull is a strong and confident dog. She needs constant activity and does not like to sit idle. Pete cannot be kept on a chain: if freedom of movement is limited, he will turn into an aggressor. Pit bulls need to be socialized on time. If raised correctly, they will be loyal to animals and strangers. A mentally healthy puppy is willing to make contact and will happily accept affection.

Petes should absolutely not be hit. Physical violence provokes a response. An angry dog doesn't happen without a reason.

The Pit Bull Terrier is no longer a killer dog. Years of selection smoothed out the explosive temperament, but could not suppress it completely. This means that the breed is suitable for a strong-willed, consistent owner. Pete needs to be given enough time and taught to be obedient from childhood.

Pit bulls have an amazing sense of smell and a high level of intelligence. This gives them the opportunity to work in government agencies. The dogs search for explosives, drugs and missing people. These fierce-looking animals love their family. They are always ready to rush at the offender and will die defending their owner.

Petes have developed facial expressions and can express human emotions. If the dog is full and satisfied, he smiles from ear to ear. Pitbull and children are a safe combination. The dog has limitless patience and will not harm the child.

This does not mean that children should be left alone with a large dog. She may accidentally injure the child during play or respond to careless handling.

Pit bulls are introduced to other dogs gradually and carefully. It is impossible for a new acquaintance to begin to demonstrate dominant behavior. The pit bull will perceive him as a rival and want to protect the territory. It is also recommended to remove all objects that the dogs want to share during the introduction process. Despite its friendly nature, it is better not to keep pita in the same area as a cat.

Care

Grooming procedures should begin in early childhood so that the dog develops the habit of having its body parts periodically subjected to some manipulation.

Keeping ears clean and dry is very important, especially for dogs that spend a lot of time outside. The American Pit Bull Terrier does not need regular bathing, so these dogs can be bathed when needed.

Just like any other dog, the Pit Bull Terrier needs to periodically trim its nails if they do not wear down naturally, rub its eyes and brush its teeth.

Dogs of this breed need a lot of exercise. They are very active, and if their energy is not provided with an outlet, they will use it to harm your things and your home.

Involve the American Pit Bull Terrier in any kind of activity: training, games, sports, they will be happy because they love to be busy with their owner or members of their family.
It is worth keeping in mind that every dog is individual. This description is typical for the breed as a whole and does not always completely coincide with the characteristics of a particular dog of this breed!

Care and maintenance

Pitbull is an unpretentious breed of dog. It can be kept in a private house or apartment. Petes are extremely sensitive to drafts and cannot live in an enclosure or outside. This dog is a former fighter, so it needs sufficient physical exercise. The ideal maintenance option is a private house with a large plot. If the dog lives within the city, he needs two walks lasting 2-3 hours. A bored dog loves to ruin clothes and furniture.

Lack of activity can lead to obesity.

Pitbulls have short hair without undercoat, so they can get by without regular brushing. Wash the dog as needed. The ideal option is once every six months. Claws need to be trimmed promptly. Pitbulls usually wear them down during walks, but sometimes this is not enough. Excessively long nails can cause pain and interfere with walking.

Ears are examined regularly and cleaned at least once a month. The outer part of the ear is wiped with a cotton swab dipped in warm water. The eyes are also examined regularly and cleaned as needed. Brush your teeth with dog toothpaste at least once a week.

The pit bull is a strong, physically developed dog. She needs to be taught the procedures from early childhood. Otherwise, you will have to fight with a big, disgruntled dog.

Nutrition

Pitas have sensitive skin and are prone to allergic reactions. Their diet must be properly balanced and free of harmful substances. A feature of the breed is the formation of subcutaneous wen. They appear due to unhealthy, high-calorie foods. These dogs can be fed both high-quality dry food and homemade meals.

The natural diet includes:

beef, rabbit, lamb;
offal (liver and heart);
fish;
eggs (2 times a week);
low-fat fermented milk products;
vegetables: pumpkin, carrots, bell peppers, zucchini and cabbage.

An adult pit bull should eat 400 grams of meat per day. Due to the fact that animals are prone to excess weight, porridge should not be added to their menu. On cereals they quickly gain weight. If, despite everything, the dog continues to gain weight, it is recommended to replace meat with fish. Vegetables can be stewed or served fresh. Fermented milk products cannot be mixed with anything. It is recommended to give them for an afternoon snack. Be sure to add 1 tbsp to each serving. l. olive oil.

During the summer months, pita is fed once a day.

List of prohibited products:

broccoli;
mushrooms;
grape;
bones;
bakery;
milk;
potato;
confectionery;
sugar substitute;
fat;
salty;
smoked.

Feeding homemade meals must be accompanied by taking vitamin supplements.

Many owners prefer dry food. It is convenient, hygienic and does not require taking additional vitamins. The main condition is that the product should not be lower than premium class. The ideal option is super premium.

The following foods for large breeds are suitable for pets:

Acana;
Almo Nature Holistic;
Belcando;
Hill's.

The food composition should not contain more than 25% protein.

Particular attention should be paid to the calcium and phosphorus content. Excess can accumulate in a dog's body and cause physical and neurological problems. You should not feed your pets food that contains fish as its main ingredient.

Pit bull terrier: hygiene

The owner of an American Pit Bull Terrier must regularly monitor the length of the pet's claws, trimming them once a month with a special guillotine nail clipper, and also check the cleanliness of the pet's ears, eyes and teeth. Pit bulls are not dogs with problem ears, so it will be enough to clean the ear shell once a week with napkins or a cotton pad moistened with boiled water.

The same goes for the eyes: a healthy dog's eyes do not run and do not require daily washing. If the animal has been walking in dust or something has gotten into the eye, you need to carefully rinse both eyes with a gauze swab or cotton pad, poured with a weak solution of chamomile or special eye drops.

Before swimming, it is better to place cotton wool in the pitbull’s ears to prevent water from getting in.

As for bathing American Pit Bull Terriers, this can not be done often. It is permissible to wash the dog with shampoo a couple of times a year, not counting cases when the dog is very dirty. The short and smooth coat does not require combing, but during the shedding period it is better to help the pet get rid of falling hairs by passing over the dog’s coat once a day with a rubber mitt with delicate teeth.

From the moment you change your teeth, you need to brush them two to three times a week. Only zoopaste that does not form foam and does not have a strong taste or smell is suitable for a dog. You can clean it with a special soft toothbrush or just with your finger, wrapping a bandage around it or wearing a special latex nozzle.

Choosing a puppy

The most important criterion when choosing a pita is a good pedigree. A purebred baby is less susceptible to aggression and mental disorders. Selection work gradually reduces the dog's excitability. A hand-bought pita or mixed breed can turn into the same killer that the media is constantly talking about. In addition, breeders guarantee the proper level of training for the pet. The puppy will be taught the basic principles of living with people. It is not customary to buy two-month-old babies abroad. The optimal age for moving to new owners is 8 months. However, it is worth noting that it is almost impossible to retrain an adult dog. He will stay with what the breeders gave him.

It is best to take a four-month-old puppy who has received all vaccinations and explained the rules of behavior. The baby should be moderately active (not hyperactive), and friendly towards guests. A withdrawn, half-asleep animal is most likely in pain. The puppy is examined for damage, gait and conformation. The pita should have a head that is not too large and proportionate. You need to take a closer look at the puppy’s gait: if he crouches or drags his paws behind him, this indicates problems with the joints. It is required to carefully study the documents of the parents, obtain information about vaccinations and genetic abnormalities.

Training

Training begins from the first months of life. After the puppy has moved to its new owners, it is necessary to establish contact with it. The success of education will depend on this. The owner must explain to Pete that man is the head of the pack and absolute authority. If the puppy shows a ferocious grin and dominates in every possible way, he needs to be turned over on his back and told that this cannot be done. This pose will emphasize a vulnerable position.

It is equally important to be consistent in prohibitions. If something is forbidden to a dog, you cannot make even the slightest concessions. This applies to all family members. Under no circumstances should you hit or yell at the puppy. Training should take the form of a game, but with the observance of mandatory rules. To consolidate the results and get a balanced dog, it is recommended to attend a general training course. This will help you understand the animal’s motives and avoid possible problems. The next stage is protective guard service. This course will teach your pit bull to control his impulses and make him an excellent watchdog.

Allergies in the American Pit Bull Terrier: types, symptoms, signs, treatment

An allergy is a reaction of the immune system caused by an allergen. Allergens include: food, as well as proteins from plants, animals and insects.

The immune system's reaction can have a detrimental effect on the American Pit Bull Terrier's body. Over the course of several years or months, periodically the allergen can increase sensitivity and cause an overreaction of the immune system. Most often, the body protects the animal from infections, but the reaction of the immune system will have a devastating effect on it. Allergic reactions are quite difficult to tolerate. Allergen molecules combine with antibodies in the blood and then attach to mast cells. These cells are found throughout the body in animal tissues. The reaction of antibodies and antigens with mast cells causes a substance that has a very strong effect on the body. For example, histamines, they cause inflammation in the form of itching, swelling and redness of the pet's skin. Such inflammation leads to signs of an allergic reaction.

The symptoms of the American Pit Bull Terrier vary, for example:

Your pet's face, lips, nose, eyelids, ears, or earmolds may become swollen. Possible itching in the ears, eyes, nose. Sometimes sneezing and coughing in a dog is a sign of an allergic reaction. Another symptom is a disease of the digestive tract, a sign of which is diarrhea and vomiting. There may be hives or red, inflamed skin.
The American Pit Bull Terrier most often experiences skin itching, either in one area (localized) or over the entire body (generalized). Sometimes the symptom is accompanied by wheezing, sneezing, or a completely disrupted respiratory system. Allergies can affect the digestive system, in such cases diarrhea and vomiting are observed. There may also be discharge (liquid) from the nose and eyes.

Allergies are quite common in dogs, regardless of breed and origin. This happens due to the fact that there are a very large number of substances that act as allergens. Most often, allergies appear in dogs that are six months old or affect pets older than one or two years.

Allergens that cause allergies in animals:

There are a huge number of substances that at first glance are completely harmless, but in fact cause allergies in the American Pit Bull Terrier and act as an allergen. Allergies can be caused by small chemical molecules or proteins of animal, plant, or insect origin.

Examples of allergens:

Allergies can be caused by pollen or mold spores. Dust mites are also an allergen. Skin cells that cause the same reaction as allergies in humans to animals. The allergen can be insect proteins, most often flea saliva. Sometimes certain medications act as an allergen and cause allergies in the American Pit Bull Terrier.

How much does it cost and where to buy

A specialized nursery is the best place to buy a puppy. Pitbull is very popular in Russia, so there are many registered kennels. To buy a baby, you don’t have to go to St. Petersburg or Moscow.

List of nurseries:

Strong Spirit (St. Petersburg);
Pit Real (St. Petersburg);
D&M's Pit Kennel (Perm);
BRIDEL (Ryazan);
RAMBO (Tyumen);
BEST STAR (Moscow);
BRAVE FIGHTER (Moscow).

The average price for puppies is 20,000-60,000 rubles.

Pitbull and Stafford: differences

Externally, these dogs are very similar. They look like variations of the same breed. The Stafford is 6 cm taller than the pit bull. It is distinguished by a wide chest, square jaws and longer legs. Pitbull is stocky and squat. The color of his nose depends on his coat. Amstaffs have it exclusively black. Pit bulls are more prone to aggression. Amstaffs are show dogs. Hostility is unacceptable to them.

Both breeds are pain-resistant and aggressive towards their peers. The Pit Bull is primarily a service and guard dog, while the Stafford is a protector and companion.

Pros and cons of the pit bull terrier

+	—
Suitable for apartment living	Not suitable for beginners
Friendly with children	Requires intensive training
Unpretentious in content	Not suitable for sharing with cats
Virtually no shedding	Aggressive towards unfamiliar dogs
Excellent security guard	Many clubs prohibit participation in agility training
Has good health
Easily trainable

Raising a pit bull is a big responsibility. This breed is not suitable for insecure people. Pitas require firmness and consistency. If the owner does everything right and treats the dog with love and respect, he will see that the dog is a kind and sympathetic dog.