Raising and caring for an American pit bull

Description and appearance

Translated, the name sounds like a fighting bull terrier, which reflects the character of the animals. Analyzing the history of the breed, it can be noted that the Pitbull was obtained as a result of crossing terriers, known for their lightning-fast reaction, and bulldogs, with tenacity and strength. These qualities made it possible to use Pit bull terriers for dog fighting.

When describing the appearance of these animals, marbled, solid, brindle color and a variety of shades are allowed: black, fawn, white, brown, red, brown.

Pit bull terriers have chocolate and gray coats. The exception is merle with different saturations of the same tone on any part of the body.

The Pit Bull Terrier looks like a strong and muscular animal. There are several types of pit bulls:

• terriers;
• bulldog type;
• mixed.

Since the English bulldog has become the source breed for the production of many types of individuals, when comparing one can find many common features in animals - activity, devotion, intelligence, but there are also differences.

The main difference between a pit bull and a bull terrier is that according to the standard, the latter type cannot be red-nosed. The iris should have a dark brown tone, but individuals with yellow eyes are allowed.

It should be noted that the French bulldog and the British bull terrier, who have common ancestors, are also very similar in character and appearance, but the first type is calmer and more homely.

In 1990, a dwarf pit bull terrier was bred, no less energetic than its ancestors - the Patterdale Terrier and the American Pit Bull. This miniature species is more suitable for home keeping. But you need to keep in mind that the mini breed also requires serious training to get a friendly and obedient pet.

How dangerous are pit bulls?

Ecology

The Maryland Court of Appeals recently ruled that pit bull terriers and pit bull terrier mixes are "inherently dangerous" dogs, but many animal experts and dog breeders believe the court overstepped its authority.

“Dangerous by nature” means that all dogs of this breed pose a threat, that is, their aggressive tendencies are passed on genetically from generation to generation.

Science does not yet recognize this fact.

For example, University of Pennsylvania

After conducting research, I concluded that most often people are bitten by smaller dogs: dachshunds, chihuahuas and Jack Russell terriers.

However, reports of pit bull terriers attacking people and animals appear quite often in the news, in some cases they are fatal. Pit bulls have often been accused of mauling domestic cats to death, and have also been seen committing other outrages.

Pit bulls didn't always have such a bad reputation. At the beginning of the 20th century, this dog breed was very fashionable and became very popular as a family dog.

The Little Rascals series, starring children, featured an energetic pit bull as the main character. Have these dogs really changed that much since then? Probably some of them - yes.

“It is quite possible to breed out certain traits of a breed or get rid of others; many dogs are deliberately bred to have an aggressive disposition.”

, says
Jennifer Scarlett
, a veterinarian who runs the Society Against Cruelty to Animals in San Francisco.

She also said that studies conducted on foxes showed that a character trait can be acquired in just 2-3 generations. Pit bulls may have been bred to be aggressive towards other dogs, but not necessarily towards humans.

Scarlett, who disagrees with the Maryland court's opinion, tries to defend pit bulls in court and in various public forums. She claims that many dogs of this breed that live in the United States are social and well trained and never attack on their own.

“Dogs of any breed, which are actually strong and aggressive, can be controlled, what can be called natural and what developed qualities in this case?

she asks.
– Should all dogs be allowed off leash in the park?
Definitely not! Dog owners are largely responsible, and this is where the biggest problem lies. Scarlett points out that at least one study is looking at whether certain factors can predict that a portion of the population will be at greater risk of dog attacks.

Experience shows that socioeconomic factors, such as whether the dog has been neutered or not, or whether it has been trained or not, can predict attacks. Many tragedies take place in the home when an out of control dog, be it a pit bull, Rottweiler or mastiff, attacks a child.

Pit bulls do get a bad rap today, but other dogs like Doberman Pinschers or German Shepherds also got a bad rap a few decades ago.

Some dog breeders might breed even more aggressive versions of these dogs in response to demand.

Because of the problems with dog breeding, many animal shelters are campaigning against "puppy farms" that put profit before the welfare of the animals. Aggression is not the only side effect. Dog owners often want exotic and unusual dogs, like the apple-shaped Chihuahua, without realizing that breeders are exploiting genetic defects that cause these dogs to have soft, unprotected heads.

In other words, specialists in breeding certain breeds put the health of animals at serious risk. Dogs end up suffering the most. The highest incidence of euthanasia is among pit bulls and chihuahuas.

Characteristic

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale has not officially recognized the breed. The American Pit Bull Terrier Standard is proposed by the UKC organization:

Breed standard

There is an opinion that pit bulls do not have breed standards; they can look too different. But that's not true. The first and most important of them, which was already mentioned above, is the absence of an aggression gene . As for other important characteristics, they are established by the UKC parameters.

• APBT is home to the USA;
• the head is small, rectangular in shape, flattened on top and convex in the cheek area;
• the muzzle is wide, square in shape;
• The jaws are powerful and strong, the grip comes from a bulldog. Scissor bite;
• ears are allowed in their natural form or cropped;
• the neck is clearly defined, of medium thickness, powerful and muscular;
• eyes almond-shaped, widely set;
• The body is compact and muscular. The back is short. The chest is deep, but not wide. The stomach is taut. The tail is short in proportion to the proportions of the body. limbs are long and strong;
• The coat is short and close to the body. It feels hard to the touch. There is no undercoat. Absolutely any color is allowed.

Purpose

Modern American Pit Bull Terriers are not bred to become bloodthirsty killers. The main task is the possibility of using these strong mobile pets as a human assistant and comrade-in-arms.

These are excellent hunting dogs. The pit bull terrier's fearlessness does not allow him to retreat even at the sight of a large animal. Thanks to its strong, compact body with short, pressed hair, the pit bull easily makes its way through thickets. The animal swims well, bringing back shot game.

American Pit Bull Terriers are vigilant, reliable guards and bodyguards. Animals often serve in the police, and in the United States this is the most common breed in law enforcement. The fast-moving pet easily overtakes the fleeing criminal. Thanks to its keen sense of smell, the pit bull terrier quickly picks up the scent, the animal helps to search for narcotic, explosive and other prohibited substances.

Pit bull terrier character

Even a well-trained pit bull terrier remains a passionate, strong-willed pet.

These fighting guards easily adapt to the apartment, provided that the animals are provided with daily active walks with elements of sports exercises. Pit bull terriers have a hard time withstanding prolonged loneliness. Pets should not be left with small children without adult supervision.

Analyzing the description and character of a pit bull, one can also note the animal’s leadership qualities, high intelligence, independence, and patience of the pet. This is a devoted friend, protector and companion with a stable nervous system.

It is necessary to take into account the pronounced fighting spirit and pugnacity genetically inherent in the American Pit Bull Terrier breed. Such qualities of a pit bull require constant monitoring by the owner during walks until the pet unquestioningly obeys commands and passes by oncoming animals without trying to rush at them.

Video "American Pitbull"

In this video you will hear a description of the American Pitbull dog breed.

Related article: How to train and build muscle in a pit bull

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Upbringing

Taking into account the peculiarities of the behavior and character of the American Pit Bull Terrier, classes with the pet are carried out regularly from an early age of the animal, taking into account the following rules:

• when communicating with a pit bull terrier, you need to be assertive and confident so that the animal perceives the owner as the leader of the pack;
• You cannot show your pet your own fear;
• physical punishment of a pit bull, which can generate anger and aggression in the animal, is excluded;
• commands to the pit bull terrier should be given in a calm, confident tone, without breaking into a scream;
• in the process of raising a pet, each correctly executed command should be rewarded with a treat or affection;
• if the pit bull terrier makes a mistake, it is necessary to immediately correct the pet’s actions so as not to reinforce the wrong skills in the animal;
• prohibit the animal from jumping on the table or bed at home.

Characteristics of a pit bull

Pitbull is the strongest dog. And the pit bull is a good-natured, cheerful, affectionate and funny dog. They are very loyal to everything around them, always interested in research and communication.

And yet the description confirms that the fighting past left its mark on his character and behavior. Therefore, experienced dog breeders advise that you always pay attention to the upbringing and training of dogs. The Pitbull (bulldog type) is the most loyal dog, although it can be aggressive in some situations. For example, if the owner is threatened by something, they will stand and fight to the death. But aggressiveness directed at humans is unacceptable and has been eradicated over many years of breed selection.

The peculiarities of upbringing are that from a very early age it is necessary to pay attention to character. If the puppy grows up in good and stable conditions, without any traumatic psychological factors, especially from the owner, the individual will grow up balanced and calm. Proper upbringing will make it possible to understand the character of your pet and make its behavior predictable. We must also remember that a pit bull is an active dog, so it is necessary to carry out active games and training with it. Usually, at a young age, they always and everywhere follow their owner and listen to all his commands.

Related article: Is there an Albanian pit bull with a rare merle color?

Such a protector can be seen even in a family with children. They have great patience with kids and children's pranks, even if they are a little rude. This is a very brave, selfless and loyal dog.

Care and maintenance

The active and strong-willed pit bull terrier is a rather unpretentious pet.

To keep your pet in good shape, you need to follow standard procedures. The main condition is their regularity.

1. It is important to take care of your pet's ears to keep them healthy and undamaged. Once a week, the pit bull's ears are cleaned of dirt using cotton swabs and disks soaked in warm boiled water.
2. The pit bull terrier's claws are trimmed every month using special devices, for example, a nail clipper - a guillotine.
3. Bathe your pet once every six months. Of course, you need to wash the animal if the pit bull gets very dirty while walking through a muddy area after rain.
4. The pet's smooth, short fur does not need to be combed. During the pit bull terrier's molting period, loose hairs are removed daily by stroking the animal's skin using a mitten with soft rubber teeth.
5. One of the important components of keeping and caring for pit bulls is walking. These animals are taken out at least twice a day. Be sure to include games with the pet, running, and various exercises.
6. In order to provide the pit bull with its own safe space in an apartment, a secluded corner is allocated where a compact cage is installed for the animal to sleep and rest.
7. The pit bull terrier's eyes need to be washed with chamomile infusion if dust or dirt gets into them during a walk. For severe lesions, contact a veterinarian.
8. The animal's teeth are brushed with a special paste and a soft brush twice a week.
9. To prevent the pet from getting lost, a tag indicating information about the owner is attached to the pit bull terrier's collar. Some turn to specialists to implant a microchip in an animal.

Nutrition

After purchasing a pit bull, it is important to immediately familiarize yourself with the feeding habits of your pet. If the breeder has already accustomed the animal to industrial ready-made food varieties, then there is no need to switch the pit bull terrier to natural food. Also, a mixed diet is not recommended for your pet.

Pitbull puppies are fed on average five times a day, maintaining a certain time. Use the same dishes for the pit bull terrier, which are washed thoroughly. Constantly pour fresh water into a separate container for the animal.

When giving preference to a natural diet, you need to take into account that it should be as balanced as possible. The main share comes from raw lean meat - veal, chicken, turkey, rabbit. Includes sea fish and offal. They should not be boiled, just pour boiling water over them and cool. Cut into pieces convenient for chewing.

Every day the American pet is given fresh chopped fruits and vegetables, lactic acid products, herbs, and boiled eggs twice a week. Add a small amount of vegetable oil to the animal portions. A vitamin complex is given to a pit bull terrier after consultation with a veterinarian.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

Ask a Question

It is dangerous to practice active games and training with your pet on a full stomach, so as not to provoke intestinal volvulus in the pit bull terrier. Therefore, an adult animal is given food after a walk - in the morning and in the evening.

Serving sizes for a pit bull terrier are selected by observing the pet’s appetite. If the pit bull quickly and greedily ate everything in two or three minutes and licks the plate, then you need to increase the volume. In a situation where a significant portion of the food remains and the pet is in excellent shape, the amount of food for the animal should be reduced.

It is prohibited to include baked goods and sausages in the pit bull’s menu. Sweets, smoked meats, fatty and spicy dishes, river fish, meat of wild birds and animals are excluded for animals. Does not include mushrooms, legumes, potatoes, semolina, rolled oats, bones.

Personality of the Red Nose Pitbull

Red Nose Pitbulls are friendly and affectionate dogs, although they are capable of violent outbursts and a short temper. Natural aggression is directed towards unfamiliar animals. The deficiency can easily be eliminated with proper education and socialization. If the pit bull does not feel a threat to itself or its owner, the dog becomes a good-natured and affectionate creature. If necessary, he is ready to defend his owner, family and property to the last.

If you decide to get a red-nosed pitbull puppy - remember, the dog is not for inexperienced breeders. To raise a child correctly, you will need experience, confidence and authoritarianism. If you are new to dog breeding, it is better to abandon the idea for now.

It is possible to draw conclusions about the character of a representative of the breed only by raising the dog from early puppyhood. Genetically, the animal is created so as not to show aggression towards humans. However, purposeful education of cruelty will quickly yield results.

Training and danger level

In order for your pit bull terrier to quickly socialize and acquire competent skills and habits, it is recommended to contact a specialist. This is important, since the pet must learn the basics of obedience, for which a general course of animal training is offered.

The next stage is training the pet in commands from the field of protective guard service, for which the pit bull has the necessary abilities: intelligence, discipline, excellent hearing and scent, hunting inclinations.

As a result, the pit bull terrier will be able to restrain aggression, which significantly reduces the level of danger inherent in this breed. It is mandatory to train your pit bull to immediately carry out all commands. This will allow the owner to keep the pet under control in any environment.

One of the rules of training a pit bull terrier, which should be followed strictly and at home in communication, is the prevention of bites. A small pit bull puppy often confuses his hands with toys, eager to try his teeth on them. Experts recommend immediately stopping such attempts by switching the pet’s attention.

Instilling communication skills in a pit bull while the pet is still small reduces the degree of possible manifestations of anger towards people or other animals. They do this gradually, encouraging friendly expressions and taking the pit bull terrier puppy aside when negative moments arise. As the pet grows older, it becomes less dangerous, since the animal acquires the necessary skills to visit public places.

Do dogs that are neutered or neutered live longer?

Castration of males has a positive effect on the dog and its owner. Neutered animals live 3-4 years longer than non-castrated animals. Prostate adenoma and prostatitis affect up to 90% of pit bulls older than 4-5 years. Castration prevents the development of these diseases.

Neutered pets do not lose their guarding and hunting qualities. At the same time, their level of aggression towards other males decreases and one of their basic instincts is lost.

After castration, adjust the diet, as the body's need for proteins and fats decreases. This prevents sudden weight gain in the animal.

Health and disease treatment

The strong and cheerful pit bull terrier is characterized by strong health. But you need to know that this breed has a predisposition to certain diseases:

1. Allergic reaction to certain types of food, including professional food. Having discovered signs of individual intolerance to a particular product in an animal, it is excluded from the pet’s diet.
2. Thyroid dysfunction leading to the accumulation of fatty deposits. The consequence is the development of cardiovascular and liver pathologies in the pet. Treatment for the animal is prescribed by a veterinarian.
3. Pelvic dysplasia, caused by heredity, unbalanced nutrition, excessive stress. The pit bull experiences pain that limits movement. If eliminating the provoking factors does not bring relief, the pet requires surgery.
4. Aortic stenosis, the main symptom of which is shortness of breath in the animal, fatigue, and rapid heartbeat. According to indications, surgical intervention is usually prescribed.

To prevent enteritis, distemper, rabies, leptospirosis, and hepatitis, pit bulls are vaccinated in accordance with the schedule approved by the veterinary clinic.

Lifespan

Subject to timely detection of the disease, vaccination, and compliance with the rules of care, American pit bull terriers remain active until old age. Keeping animals in favorable home conditions has a positive effect on the health of pets.

The average lifespan of an American pit bull ranges from 13 to 15 years. If previously animals were injured or died in bloody battles, in modern conditions such an outcome is excluded. Most often, pit bulls live in apartments or houses and receive good nutrition, so the age of pets can exceed the average by two to three years.

Dimensions and other characteristics

The size and weight of the dog varies: for a male, the height is approximately 49 cm, for a female - 44 cm; The weight of an adult dog can reach 30 kg. The Pit Bull is such a unique dog that it can be any solid color, but there are exceptions with brindle markings. The coat is usually short, so shedding is almost unnoticeable.

Related article: What is unique about the mini pit bull breed

The average life expectancy is 13 years. The breed of this type of dog is considered complex; the pit bull requires increased attention, so the owner should immediately consider the seriousness of his intentions. If the dog begins to feel lonely or abandoned, this will greatly affect his psyche.

How to choose a puppy

The desire to bring an American Pit Bull Terrier into your home must be conscious. Abroad, preference is given to already trained animals, purchasing pets at 6 months and older.

However, it is necessary to realize that such puppies have already mastered certain behavioral skills and it will be almost impossible to change the animals to different conditions.

It is recommended to pay attention to newborn pit bulls, who are already ready to master the necessary commands at 2 months. The breeder must provide all information about the animals. Before choosing a puppy, the pit bull is examined. Good health in a pet is indicated by activity, shiny coat, mobility, and absence of flaws in posture.

Pit bull terrier cost

When contacting a nursery to purchase American Pit Bull Terrier puppies, you need to clearly understand the consequences after purchasing the animal. This is important because the price of this popular breed varies depending on various criteria.

1. If you need to raise a friend who can become a participant in various sports competitions, then choose pit bulls of the “pet” class. This includes individuals with minor external defects - malocclusion, blue eyes, non-standard color. The average cost of such pit bull terriers in Russia in rubles is approximately 10 thousand.
2. Breed-class pit bull puppies have stellar parents. Pets are purchased for the purpose of further breeding and for the active participation of pit bull terriers in competitions. Such a pet can cost from 20 thousand rubles. and more.
3. Show-class pit bulls with a long pedigree are considered the most expensive. Pets are raised for competitive activities, since such animals are capable of winning prestigious high awards. If you manage to find such a pit bull terrier puppy, you will have to pay at least 50 thousand rubles for the pet.