Our family has shared our experiences with the American Pit Bull Terrier on the Lucydog.com website since 1996. My life with the APBT started in 1996, when we adopted our first silly Pit Bull, Lucy (at left) from a wonderful no-kill shelter. Now, we have three rescued Pit Bulls and a rare longhaired Pit Bull (just kidding, folks - he's a Chow Chow).
If you have never met a real live Pit Bull, we hope that you find that they are just regular family pets in many ways. If you are considering buying or adopting one, we hope that you will get a flavor of the unique day in, day out responsibility of owning this endangered breed. And if you already have one...welcome friend!
Now let's get started learning about these fascinating, intelligent dogs!
Note regarding the Google ads on this lens: They are served up by Squidoo, not for my benefit, with zero input from me. I am not promoting puppy sales on this lens. I promote adoption, especially of adult dogs.
Issues Confronting the American Pit Bull Terrier:
The Pit Bulls, United, Will Never Be Defeated!
When you bring home an APBT, you are not just getting a pet. You are, whether you like it or not, now officially enmeshed in a hot social and political issue. Hundreds of Pit Bull owners in Denver had this issue come to their front doors recently, when their Pit Bulls were seized by the city and destroyed.Yesterday, you were just looking for a dog. Today, you are part of...
1. Breed Bans / Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL). From complete bans, like the one on Ontario, Canada, to creeping legislation like mandatory spay/neuter of only Pit Bulls (such as that which is sweeping across California).
2. Overpopulation; in some urban areas Pit Bulls and Pit Bull Mixes represent over 75% of the impounded dogs.
3. Abuse, neglect and dogfighting.
4. Irresponsible and cruel owners who cause issues 1-3.
5. Irresponsible breeding practices causing a healthy working breed to suffer from hip dysplasia, skin problems and worst of all, unstable temperaments.
6. Prejudice -- ranging from difficulties finding housing and homeowners' insurance to dirty looks.
Hey, if you just acquired your first APBT and didn't know any of this - that is totally understandable! The thought of a dog breed being banned completely in some countries (England for one), a province in Canada, and large cities in the USA is so absurd that most people don't think to check before bringing home a new pet.
What is a Pit Bull?
Is it really a breed of dog? Is it part bull?
There is no such breed as "Pit Bull". We do sometimes use the terms "Pit Bull" or "Bulldog" as slang for "American Pit Bull Terrier".The APBT is a distinct breed of registered dog, just like the German Shepherd or the Beagle. APBT
pedigrees can be traced back for generations.
The American Pit Bull Terrier originated in England at least 150 years ago. Irish and English immigrants brought them to America in the mid-19th century. In 1898, Chauncey Bennett formed the United Kennel Club (UKC) for the sole purpose of registering "Pit Bull Terriers." In 1909, Guy
McCord, a close friend of John P. Colby started the American Dog Breeders Association (ADBA). Now under the stewardship of the Greenwood family, the ADBA continues to register only APBTs.
In 1936 the American Kennel Club (AKC) registered the breed as the "Staffordshire Terrier". In 1972, this name was changed to "American
Staffordshire Terrier" to distinguish it from its English cousin, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Many American Pit Bull Terriers are registered in both the ADBA and the UKC. Some APBTs, depending on the bloodline, are even additionally registered as AKC American Staffordshire Terriers. However, no APBT is also registered as an AKC Staffordshire Terrier.
The ADBA conformation standard is unique because it has held steadfastly to the breeds' working heritage. The written standard, and the way judges are trained to interpret it, has changed very little over the years. The APBT must be athletic, sturdy, healthy, confident, proud, and
outgoing. The animal must be constructed in the
manner of a working dog and must not be shy or aggressive towards people. In ADBA conformation shows, cosmetic elements such as color, ears cropped or not cropped, and even total size, are irrelevant.
The ADBA and UKC sponsor extremely popular weight pulling competitions. In weight pull, dogs wearing padded vests pull a wheeled cart that is loaded with weight down a track. Weight pulls were devised to measure the heart, drive, soundness and athletic ability of the dog. It is a moving sight to watch these canine athletes give their all, encouraged only by their owners'
praise. Male and female APBTs participate, ranging in size from as small as under 30 to over 110lbs., with handlers from all walks of life, from male body builders to petite grandmothers, from teenagers to senior citizens. Winners are awarded trophies and titles.
Learn More About Pit Bulls!
Hope you have a lot of free time...
The solutions to our problems are here. You can never learn too much about the breed. Sometimes, you will find information that conflicts with other information. You will even read about things that happened in the past that today are simply not acceptable. However, as responsible owners, we need to understand -all- the pieces that make up our breed.
However, learning is not enough. We must take action, which begins at home. Train your dog to be the best behaved dog on the block. Obey leash and poop-scoop laws to the letter. Exercise and socialize your dog so that he or she does not become a nusiance.
You don't have to try for an obedience championship -- if that's in the cards, great! But, the Pit Bull is first and foremost a companion, so anything you can do to improve your working relationship with your pet at home is good for the breed.
- Pit Bull Forum
- A pet, rescue, training and show-oriented forum. One that I find to be very positive and helpful.
- Diane Jessup's Working Pit Bull
- Tons of detailed training and behavior that is specific to the APBT.
- American Dog Breeders Association (ADBA)
- American Dog Breeders' Association (ADBA), is the largest registry for American Pit Bull Terriers and also holds weight pulling events. You can get involved in "fun shows" and social events even if your dog is not registered.
- United Kennel Club (UKC)
- United Kennel Club (UKC) registers APBTs and other working breeds. They have recently started Weight Pulling competitions also. I believe that in the UKC, you can get an ILP to pull. You can also get an ILP to do Obedience and Utility competitions.
- American Kennel Club (AKC)
- The AKC registers American Staffordshire Terriers and Staffordshire Terriers (the English type Staffordshire Bull Terrier). This ia a complicated subject, but, many American Pit Bull Terriers are registered in both the ADBA and the UKC. Some APBTs, depending on the bloodline, are even additionally registered as AKC American Staffordshire Terriers. However, no APBT is also registered as an AKC Staffordshire Terrier.
It doesn't matter if your dog is registered or not - you can take a basic obedience class and pass the AKC's Canine Good Citizen test. See the AKC for more information on the CGC program, which is open to all breeds and mixes. Lucy and BB both have their CGCs - it's a basic level of training and manners that I believe any APBT can and should attain. We all need to represent the breed in a positive manner. - American Temperament Testing Society
- The American Temperament Testing Society tests and titles dogs with sound temperaments
- Lucydog
- Here is my personal/pit bull website. OK, I am really bad about updating it with new pictures and stuff. There are so many excellent and detailed websites out there about APBTs. My site is really focused on the pet and adoption aspects.
- Pit Bull Rescue Central
- The PBRC website is a virtual shelter and resource for owners and caretakers
of American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers and pit bull mixes. It's a very credible source, and has been around as long as Lucy! That's a long darn time. - Lone Star State Pit Bull Club
- If you are a Texas APBT owner, please check out our local ADBA club (for Dallas-Fort Worth). If some of the info on this lens looks like it was lifted from their site, it's because I wrote the material for that site also!
If you don't live in Texas, please check out either the ADBA or UKC links above, and get involved in something, please! Our dogs depend on you. - National Dog Bite Prevention Week
- Every year we Pit Bull people love Dog Bite Prevention Week because it's like "When 'pit bulls' attack: Greatest Hits from the Last 25 Years." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has excellent, rational tips for pet safety. And I quote: "There is currently no accurate way to identify the number of dogs of a particular breed, and consequently no measure to determine which breeds are more likely to bite or kill." So, check it out and help educate your neighbors and other peoples' kids.
- Wikipedia Pit Bull entry
- Lots more references and statistics here!
- Newman Leather and Nylon Collars and Leashes
- You probably won't find adequate collars, leashes and harnesses in a pet store for your APBT. The Newmans have been making them for years and know what they are doing. Also, if you want to get started in weight pulling, they sell the correct, padded harnesses. Hand made with pride in Cajun country by a very nice couple.
- Cesar Millan's Blog
- Not just about APBTs, but you can read about some of the APBTs in his pack and lots of tips on responsible dog ownership.
About "Statistics"
Centers for Disease Control states that their oft-quoted statistics should not be used for legislative purposes.
From the Centers for Disease Control website 5-16-2006: URL: http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/duip/biteprevention.htm"A CDC study on fatal dog bites lists the breeds involved in fatal attacks over 20 years ('Breeds of dogs involved in fatal human attacks in the United States between 1979 and 1998'). It does not identify specific breeds that are most likely to bite or kill, and thus is not appropriate for policy-making decisions related to the topic."
A recent Wall Street Journal article provided more clarification on the CDC's position ("State Lawmakers Aim to Stop Practice of Denying Coverage
To Homes With Certain Breeds," By M. P. MCQUEEN
(June 1, 2006) (quoted from WSJ):
"The study's authors, including Julie Gilchrist, say that public and private policymakers have drawn flawed conclusions from it. Dr. Gilchrist said the study wasn't designed to determine which are the most dangerous dog breeds and didn't establish bite-fatality rates for the breeds it named. "You can't say that one breed is more likely to bite (than another)," she said.
Dr. Gilchrist, a pediatrician, said the involvement of some breeds in more attacks may reflect the sheer prevalence of those breeds. Other factors, such as training and neutering, are more relevant than breed, she said, noting that owners choose and train some dogs for aggression. The CDC has posted a notice on its Web site trying to discourage lawmakers and others from using the study to ban specific breeds."
Pit Bull Books on Amazon
World of the American Pit Bull Terrier
Amazon Price: (as of 11/10/2009) 
The Working Pit Bull
Amazon Price: $26.37 (as of 11/10/2009)
The Ultimate American Pit Bull Terrier (Howell reference books)
Amazon Price: (as of 11/10/2009)
Pit Bulls and Tenacious Guard Dogs
Amazon Price: $36.44 (as of 11/10/2009)
A New Owner's Guide to the American Pit Bull Terriers (JG Dog)
Amazon Price: (as of 11/10/2009)
Colby's Book of the American Pit Bull Terrier
Amazon Price: (as of 11/10/2009)
This Is the American Pit Bull Terrier
Amazon Price: (as of 11/10/2009)
American Pit Bull Terriers: The Truth Behind One of America's Most Popular Breeds
Amazon Price: $9.32 (as of 11/10/2009)
The Book of the American Pit Bull Terrier
Amazon Price: (as of 11/10/2009)
The Truth About the American Pit Bull Terrier
Amazon Price: (as of 11/10/2009)
Bandit: Dossier of a Dangerous Dog
Amazon Price: (as of 11/10/2009)
The Dog Who Spoke With Gods
Amazon Price: $18.68 (as of 11/10/2009)
Marc Joseph: American Pitbull
Amazon Price: (as of 11/10/2009)
Cesar's Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems
Mr. Millan has done so much to show our breed in a positive light to millions of people. The book is outstanding. However, he runs his APBTs in a pack, be off-lead outside a fenced area, uses very light leads, and also feeds them together. I believe this is for *very advanced* APBT owners and should not be attempted by 99% of the people out there. It's like jumping into a Formula One racecar and going at is 200 MPH right off the bat. Yes, you can, but you shouldn't. Nothing wrong with aspiring to it, but please, safety first. Everything else in the book - read it, do it. For those of us fighting BSL, there is a great step-by-step breakdown of how fatal dog attacks happen (the Diane Whipple case in San Francisco).
Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 11/10/2009)
Dog Whisperer With Cesar Millan - The Complete First Season
I love this DVD! You can rewind segments over and over to really get exactly what he is doing. The book is fascinating, but you really need both. The DVD has one episode devoted entirely to a dog-aggressive Pit Bull that is really worth watching. Another episode shows your basic unruly adolescent APBT who is on her way to becoming a statistic until Cesar steps in. Again, safety first. You get a better idea of the safety precautions taken by watching the videos.
Amazon Price: $29.99 (as of 11/10/2009)
Pit Bull News
If you see any good news down here, it's an exception.
An introduction to the news cycle. Irresponsible people put their dogs in the position to bite a person or another animal. The news media finds this kind of story irresistible, whether it's newsworthy or not (many times, it turns out that the dog is not really a "Pit Bull). Politicians find these stories even more irresistible because it gives them a quick fix to distract the public from school buildings falling apart, gangs, graft, waste, potholes, and no jobs in the city.
The headlines also show sickening cases of abuse and cruelty. This is the real story of the APBT that people in rescue have known for years: That they are overwhelmingly the victims of, not accessories, to crimes.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byPositive Pit Bull Merchandise on CafePress
Pit Bull Charm School Jr. Ringer T-shirt
Price: 22.99
Check out Fully Bully Magazine and related merchandise!
Here is Lucy!
AKA: Fat Lucy
Lucy is obsessed with picking rocks up from underwater. At 11 years old, she still picks up rocks bigger than her head. Old Lucy and I learned together how to be a good APBT. Nothing in the world is sweeter than an old, grey-muzzled Pit Bulldog. I'll take one 10 times over a cute little puppy any day! Here is BB!
AKA "BB Bad Dog"
BB is almost 10 years old, and still can't be trusted with a decent dog bed. She has developed OCD in her old age, and has to take meds. But, I assure you that they do work. Really.BB has a grey muzzle too, and few intact teeth. However, she is impossible to tire out. She exemplifies the famous "never quit" Bulldog attitude.
Here is Loretta Lynn!
AKA: The Good One
Loretta Lynn was saved from the needle at the city dog pound. She loves camping! All I know about her is that she is between 3-5 years old and was found running with a pack. She'd had pups, was very skinny and had heartworms. And, she loves kids more than any dog I have ever seen. Here is Jasper!
AKA: J-Maannnnn!!
I decided that having one banned breed wasn't enough. Actually, a friend of mine passed away, and no one wanted a 9 year old Chow Chow. He decided to keep us. Well, he is just an angel. All of our ladies love him. Another one who proves that stereotypes are just not accurate. He has proven amazingly open to new things and loves to go places. As you can see, I have a soft spot for the Senior dogs. Did you know... The great Billy Joe Shaver is a Pit Bull owner!
The legendary Texan musician and songwriter loves the Pit Bulls.
In an interview with NPR's Terry Gross, Mr. Shaver described how his two Pit Bulls kept his spirits up after his wife died.
In an August 20, 2006 interview with the Kalamazoo (MI) Gazette, Shaver describes sponsoring a Pit Bull at Kinky Friedman's Utopia Rescue Ranch.
Asked why he'd be so supportive of such a problem dog, Shaver said: ``You know, `dog' is God spelled backward. I think there's something about a dog. ... They show unconditional love.''
He owns two pit bulls and often reads the Bible to them. ``Gets rid of evil spirits,'' he said, and laughed. ``Yeah, I read the Bible every day if I can. ... There's no doubt about it, it just helps me. I'm not scared of no man and very few animals, and that's the reason why.''
by lucysfabrics
We adopted our first APBT from a no-kill shelter in 1996, and I had no idea what I was in for. Now, I am an officer in my local Pit Bull Club and work...
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