Ams Skinner

American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT): A Misunderstood Breed | Print View | PDF View

When people hear American Pit Bull Terrier, a lot of them picture an aggressive, vicious and human attacker 60 pounds of dog. This pejorative misconception leads to a bad reputation of this lovable and protective companion. However, the truth is, American Pit Bull Terriers are intelligent, loyal, and fun loving animals that only got a strayed reputation because of irresponsible owners.

The history and bad reputation of the breed started in England in the year 1835. During these times, the violent and sadistic game of bull baiting was so popular that some breeders were inspired to breed bulldogs for dog fighting. They were impressed with the dogs' tenacity and fierceness that they mixed it with Terrier blood which resulted to the Bull Terrier.

The Bull Terrier was born with impressive characters which are: aggressiveness to its enemies, tenacity and bravery, high pain threshold, and at the same time they are affectionate and sociable to people. These traits made the dog unbeatable and fatal in the dog fight scene. However, the Bull Terrier was not all violence because its natural ability to be caring and loyal to humans made the difference.

Bull baiting was eventually outlawed in England and this forced some people to cease the breeding for dog fighting. In the middle of 1800's, immigrants introduced the Bull Terrier to the United States but not for fighting anymore. During these times, the Bull Terrier was used as an- all around farm dog and frontier guardian.

The Bull Terrier officially became the American Pit Bull Terrier in 1889. This time, it was becoming very popular among breeders and non-breeders alike. In fact, companies such as Buster Brown Shoe Company, RCA phonograph and Levi's used the APBT as their mascots, representing dependability, loyalty, toughness and bravery.

There were also some famous people who had APBT as pets. There was Theodore Roosevelt, Hellen Keller, and Little House books' Laura Ingals Wilder. During World War I, APBT was highly regarded that even a Pit Bull named Stubby became a decorated war hero.

Despite the popularity and recognition, however, the American Pit Bull Terrier did not receive all praise and good fortune. Secret dog fights were uncovered and controversial human attacks were reported that kennel clubs changed its name and standard quite a few times. From the Bull Terrier, it became American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Terrier and now to American Pit Bull Terrier again.

There are still many people who breed and raise APBT for dog fighting and aggressiveness. Because of this bad training, indeed some APBT lost their human affection. In view of this, it is not the poor dog that's to be blamed for their misled behaviors but those heartless individuals who only wish to satisfy their violent cravings and selfish, and often, criminal acts.

Comments (0)  |   Fri, 27 Mar 2009   |  

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