The American Pit Bull Terrier

The American Pit Bull Terrier is quite dissimilar from his smaller cousins. This breed resulted from a cross between the Terrier and the Bulldog, which took place in Britain in the mid-1800s. So they have features of both breeds, but the end result is a very distinctive dog.

An American Pit Bull Terrier usually weighs around 45 to 60 pounds (20 to 27 kilograms) and is about 20 to 24 inches (45 to 54 centimeters) in height at the shoulder. Its coat is typically dense and short, with gray and beige the most common coloring, although a number of them are also white. They'll normally live to be around 10 to 12 years old, if they are well cared for. Their bodies are muscular and they need plenty of exercise in order to remain not just fit but calm. Their eyes are almost triangular in shape.

These are fighting dogs that were developed for fierceness, power and daring, useful qualities in a hunting dog. However, these characteristics are also very desirable in illegal sports like dog fights and bull-baiting. Because of this violent reputation, which isn't always warranted, it's against the law to breed or sell these dogs in the United Kingdom and Canada. In the United States and Australia, many regions will permit these dogs as pets but place restrictions on them, like the use of a muzzle when taking the dog off the property.

The American pitbull terrier is a combination in more ways than its lineage. Some selective breeding has attempted to get rid of the breed's aggressive behavior towards humans, while maintaining it in reaction to other animals. But the complete opposite is desired if the dog is to be a watchdog. So training an American Pit Bull Terrier involves consistency and much caution.

Their reputation for attacking people is frequently overplayed, although it does happen. The training program will play a big part in the dog's final behavior. This is interesting, because the behavior of many other terrier breeds is shaped by the training, but the dog still retains most of its instinctive behavior.

Luckily for lovers of this breed, the American Pit Bull Terrier can certainly be trained. They are highly intelligent, athletic, and possess great stamina. They're exceptional on the obstacle course and make excellent border patrol or police dogs, excelling at sniffing for explosives and drugs. Due to their intelligence and strength, they are also well suited to a role as a service dog to deaf individuals. They can be skilled at keeping their companion from harm. These days, their typical job is usually somewhat more conventional. They're often employed as watchdogs, which they do well.

Although they can be aggressive, most owners of this breed realize that their pet is friendly, loyal and loving. American Pit Bull Terriers love to play and will fetch a Frisbee or a ball endlessly. Once again, this demonstrates their flexible nature which is largely an outcome of their training and early experiences.

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