How to Select an American Pit Bull Terrier

[font=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][size=-1]A descendant of the English bulldog, the American pit bull terrier came to the United States in the 1800s as a pit-fighting dog. The pit bull has earned a reputation as an aggressive and dangerous dog. However, it is eager to please, and when properly socialized is a gentle and affectionate dog. [/size][/font]<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD vAlign=top align=right>[font=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][size=-1]. [/size][/font] </TD><TD>[font=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][size=-1]Know that the American pit bull terrier is not for everyone. This breed is extremely dominant and aggressive by nature and will need much time and training to subdue it. [/size][/font][font=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][/font]</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD colSpan=2> </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD vAlign=top align=right>[font=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][size=-1]2. [/size][/font] </TD><TD>[font=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][size=-1]Reconsider getting a pit bull if you have another dog in the house or other pets. This breed will attack other dogs and dominate animals in the house. [/size][/font][font=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][/font]</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD colSpan=2> </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD vAlign=top align=right>[font=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][size=-1]3. [/size][/font] </TD><TD>[font=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][size=-1]Consider a pit bull if you're looking for a vigilant guard dog and watchdog. This breed is known for its fierce protectiveness of its property, fighting to the death to safeguard its home. [/size][/font][font=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][/font]</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD colSpan=2> </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD vAlign=top align=right>[font=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][size=-1]4. [/size][/font] </TD><TD>[font=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][size=-1]Note that the American pit bull terrier makes a great companion as well as a guard dog. It is very friendly with people. If correctly trained, it can be very sweet and watchful with children and won't mind if they play rough. [/size][/font][font=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][/font]</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD colSpan=2> </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD vAlign=top align=right>[font=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][size=-1]5. [/size][/font] </TD><TD>[font=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][size=-1]Note that pit bulls do well living in an apartment. However, they do need daily exercise. [/size][/font][font=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][/font]</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD colSpan=2> </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD vAlign=top align=right>[font=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][size=-1]6. [/size][/font] </TD><TD>[font=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][size=-1]Look at the American pit bull terrier's features when choosing yours. The dog will have the trademark brick-shaped head that is wide through the cheeks, strong jaws and a dense neck. It should have a powerful and muscular body with a short, smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors. [/size][/font][font=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif](Images 1 to 3) [/font]</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD colSpan=2> </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD vAlign=top align=right>[font=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][size=-1]7. [/size][/font] </TD><TD>[font=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][size=-1]Understand that American pit bull terriers are prone to certain health conditions such as cataracts (cloudy eye lens) and hip dysplasia (a malformed ball and socket in the hip joint). [/size][/font][font=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][/font]</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD colSpan=2> </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD vAlign=top align=right>[font=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][size=-1]8. [/size][/font] </TD><TD>[font=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][size=-1]Check out potential breeders very carefully, being sure to ask if they are members of breed clubs, specialty clubs or obedience clubs. Affiliation with a club means you can check their references to make sure that they don't run a puppy mill and that they screen for health problems before they breed. [/size][/font][font=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][/font]</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD colSpan=2> </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD vAlign=top align=right>[font=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][size=-1]9. [/size][/font] </TD><TD>[font=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][size=-1]Expect male and female American pit bull terriers to grow to 18 to 22 inches and weigh between 30 and 80 lbs. [/size][/font][font=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][/font]</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD colSpan=2> </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD vAlign=top align=right>[font=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][size=-1]10. [/size][/font] </TD><TD>[font=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][size=-1]Realize that you'll probably pay between $300 and $1,500 for a purebred American pit bull terrier. [/size][/font][font=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][/font]</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD colSpan=2> </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD vAlign=top align=right>[font=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][size=-1]11. [/size][/font] </TD><TD>[font=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][size=-1]Know that this dog's life expectancy is 12 years. [/size][/font]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD> </TD><TD>[font=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][size=-1]Tips: [/size][/font]</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD></TD><TD colSpan=2>[font=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][size=-1]The American pit bull terrier has a high tolerance for pain. [/size][/font]</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD colSpan=2> </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD></TD><TD colSpan=2>[font=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][size=-1]This dog is easy to train and eager to be obedient. [/size][/font]</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD colSpan=2> </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD></TD><TD colSpan=2>[font=Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif][size=-1]This breed does better in warmer climates. [/size][/font]</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

I agree with some points in that post, but not all. First off, if you want a watchdog, get a german shepherd. Also, the pitbull originated from the bulldog and white terrier. The English Bulldog that we know today was created by the AKC, when they tried to create a "Bulldog". What they ended up with is a dog that can't walk 2 feet without breathing heavy, is too short and fat to catch a bull or jump up to grab a hold of the bull, and it's so undershot it wouldn't be able to hang onto the bull. (it also wouldn't be able to breathe while holding onto the bull.) It also has a HUGE list of health problems. So please don't give anyone the impression that the pitbull originated from this sorry excuse for a bulldog. And to any who didn't know, pitbulls are also at high risk for cardiomyopathy.

 

i agree, i would not make a apbt a gaurd dog

 

Word. But I don't know about that not having a pit with any other dog either. Any dog can be an alpha, and while pits are might have a problem with dogs they don't know, I have found that proper socialization dog aggression can be controled.

 

I agree, but always supervise when they're together. Anything can happen, even with the most socialized dogs.