American Pit Bulls - The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a short-haired dog of solid build. It's a dog breed recognized by The American Dog Breeders Association and loved by people from different parts of the world.

The name "Pit Bull", is not a breed but a name was given to describe the American Staffordshire Terrier or the American Pit Bull Terrier. While many agree that it's the same type of dog, just different names, some wholeheartedly disagree.

Since the name Pit Bull is a generic term used to describe similar-looking dogs such as Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers, we will refer to all of them as Pit Bulls in this article.

The Pit Bull had been identified as the type or breed of dog involved in the most dog attacks, more than Rottweiler and German Shepherd dogs. Personal injury lawyers have their work cut out for them as injuries involving dogs accounted for more than a third of homeowner's liability claims. Visit https://diamondlawab.ca/personal-injury-alberta/long-term-disability/ to learn more.

The Good - Love for Pit Bulls

The popularity and admiration of Pit Bull dogs can be traced back to World War 1, to a famous dog named Sgt. Stubby. The infamous canine was said to be responsible for locating wounded men, saving his regiment from a mustard gas attack, and eventually returning home to a hero's welcome.

The American Pit Bull Terrier is named as one of the top 3 favorite "breeds" of dogs in 28 American states to date.

Pit Bull lovers argue that their pets are affectionate companions and loving family dogs. These animals are people orientated and very energetic.

They need regular exercise and their diets need to be regulated as they tend to gain weight easily. American Pit Bull Terriers (APBT) need dedicated, committed owners since little is known about the background of rescued dogs likely to be adopted.

APBTs are very eager to please making them readily responsive to training. Owners should take their dogs for obedience classes to get the best out of these animals.

The best characteristics of these dogs are their affectionate natures and their energetic behavior. They are extremely powerful dogs and their determination is evident in whatever they do.

The Bad - Pit Bulls Labeled as Dangerous

The APBT was brought from England and Ireland to America during the 19th century as bull-baiting farm dogs. Selective breeding caused their jaws to be enlarged and an increase in their weight and size.

Pit Bulls are grossly misunderstood animals. Their best qualities have been used for unscrupulous purposes, namely cage fighting. Subsequently, these animals have been labeled as being dangerous killers.

Statistics over a 15-year period between 2005 and 2019 have shown Pit Bulls as being responsible for 66% of Americans killed by canines. During this period, 521 people in America were killed by dogs, 346 of these deaths caused by Pit Bull dogs.

Lawyers dealing with dog bite claims have reported a nationwide 2.9% increase in dog bite claims in 2019, and the average amount paid for dog bite liability claims at $44,760.

Several measures have been implemented to curtail dog attacks. Licensing laws, the banning of organized dog fights, and leash laws were implemented. Breeds such as

Rottweilers, German Shepherd dogs and Doberman Pinschers have been banned or restricted in areas.

The Ugly - Illegal Dog Fighting and Breeding

Injuries caused by dogs to humans or other animals have many different reasons. Some dogs responded to being mistreated by abusive owners, some attacked strangers or other dogs while guarding property. Many attacks were in response to organized fighting.

Pit Bulls are synonymous with their hold and shake bite style, which has unfortunately attracted the attention of shady characters known as "dogmen". These are individuals who train and breed their Pit Bulls to fight against other Pit Bulls for "gameness", the ability to "finish a fight".

Their willingness to please, their powerful stature, and their determination are qualities that make Pit Bulls the ultimate canine gladiators according to these dogmen. The dogs will fight on broken legs or stumps not giving up a fight until the end.

The cruel blood sport of dogfighting is done for gambling purposes and entertainment. It is considered a felony offense in all 50 states and under federal law in the United States as well. The good news for Pit Bull lovers and supporters of the Humane Society is that law enforcement is winning the fight against illegal dogfighting, going as far as prosecuting spectators.

In Conclusion

The owners of American Pit Bull Terriers are bombarded with statistics and media articles labeling these animals as dangerous towards human beings and other animals alike.

However, slogans like "My dog might lick you to death", tell a story of misunderstood dogs that were ominously bred by criminals for financial gain and harmful purposes.

Although the future of American Pit Bull Terriers seems bleak, it must be noted that while they are still loved by many, there is a future for this breed in America and the rest of the world.