American Bully: The American Pitbull Terrier

Pit Bulls are known worldwide for being inherently dangerous and extremely vicious, but according to the American Temperament Test Society, Inc. 86.8% of American Pit Bull Terriers have passed their temperament tests better than Collies, Golden Retrievers, and Beagles. Many people don’t know that the term “bully breed” refers to more than forty breeds that hail from the same root breed. The history of the Pit Bull goes back to about the nineteenth century, during that time they were used to protect livestock, families, and even children as nannies (the Canine Journal). Today Pit Bulls are used as therapy dogs, police dogs, and of course a simple companion. Many myths about pit bulls circulate, which scares society into believing that they are dangerous to us and our families the question of banning Pit Bulls has been hotly discussed around the world, but banning Pit Bulls will not stop illegal breeding, fighting and distribution of Pit Bulls, other dogs from biting, and the problem will grow. The question of whether or not Pit Bulls should be banned is a hot topic in recent society, but the real question is should Pit Bulls be punished for the actions of their owners, or should laws be enforced at a higher degree.

dogs which were used in illegal dog fighting rings or whether they were just your average house pet. Many times when surveys are conducted dealing with dog temperaments and aggressiveness, Pit Bulls are the main breed that is done incorrectly. I say this because a Pit Bull is not actually a breed, but a label given by the Breed Specific Legislation, BLU, to describe many breeds such as: the American Bulldog, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, and Mini Bull Terrier. How does anyone know what the percentage of the real American Pit Bull

The main reason pit bulls attack is because they are mentally unstable, a mixed breed and show overbearing traits, or because they are mistreated by their owners. The public must understand that the three “pit bull breeds were bred for dog fighting and bear and bull-baiting” (PBRC). On the other hand, they were also kept as “nanny dogs” and used for herding cattle. “Pit bulls are ideal for therapy work because of their pleasant nature” (PBRC). These are three of the most stable breeds known to man. They have a very high temperament test score, 86% as of 2010, a lot higher than most breeds. “The American Pit Bull Terrier is one of the top 5 most stable breeds in the country” (PBRC). Anyone can see that this is an excellent breed of dog. There are a few things that people should know though. “Pit bulls have a lower Tolerance to dogs, but with any breed, a dog’s tolerance changes as they mature” (PBRC). “Maturity can come late with pit bull breeds” (Villalobos Rescue Center). The reason for this low tolerance is because of their history of dog fighting. It has been bred into them to have the will to fight. Pit bulls usually do not start a fight most of the time, but they will not back down or give up. Due to this, owners must be cautious and attentive.

As an owner of an American pit bull terrier, I witness first hand how the pit bull is

Pit bulls are the most misunderstood dog breeds in the world. When people hear the word pit bull they automatically think of dogs fighting and attacking. When people say "pit bull" they're usually referring to a range of breeds and, often, a mixed-breed dog. (Lawrence, C Louisville Magazine Feb 2007) People think they are a very dangerous breed of dog. Because of this, some areas do not allow pit bulls and breeds like them. Pit bulls are the leading culprit of dog bites in America, but on the other hand, they are the gentlest dogs people will ever meet. The National Canine Temperament Testing Association

Breeds that are most often called “pit bulls” are the American pit bull terrier, the American Staffordshire terrier, and the Staffordshire bull terrier (Warnes, 2017).

The breed known as “Pit Bulls” consists of many breeds in the Bull Terrier group. Today these dogs are known for their fighting, biting, and their aggressive behavior. Some of the many stereotypes of these dogs are: “Pit bulls are inherently vicious” (17 Things...). No dog is inherently

Pit bulls have a lot of history. Pit bulls been bred for human companionship, and since the 1900s, they have been bred for conformation showing as well. Pit bulls have been used as farm dogs, family dogs, military mascots, and all-purpose companions. In England, the Staffie Bull is known as the “The Nanny Dog” or “The Children’s Nursemaid” because of their placid and nurturing demeanor toward children. They say “Regardless of how gentle your dog is, all dogs of any breed should never be left alone unsupervised with children”.Throughout their history in America, pit bull dogs have

Before the Civil War, when the first pit bulls came to America by English immigrants, they were a respected breed. They were used as guards and herd pets. In the early 1900’s they were one of the most popular breeds America. They became a symbol of American pride. Their pictures were used to recruit soldiers during World War One. One example of popular pit bulls was Stubby, a pit bull mix, who was a war hero. He once saved his entire platoon by warning them of a poison gas attack.The breed stayed famous in the 1950’s and 60’s. Although they do attack people and get mentioned on the news, other dog attacks

For the majority of the 114 years since the American pit bull terrier was initially perceived by the United Kennel Club, the breed was rightly seen as the ideal "babysitter

Pit bulls have not always been viewed as the vicious killer. For instance, in the 1970s the concern was over German Shepherds, and in the 1980s, Doberman pinschers were considered as public and government concern (Dana M). Which just goes to show that people get concerned, but move on when they realize there is nothing to be concerned about. Pit bulls were actually considered to be the family dog in the 1900s, and were even nicknamed the “nanny dogs for children” because of the breed’s friendly and loyal nature (Holland). Pit-bulls even appeared up in popular motion pictures such as “our gang” and, “buster brown” (Bastian). In the 80s is where pit bulls started to get a bad rap because of their association with dog fighting, gangs, and drug dealers (Bastian). Which caused a change in

Humans poorly bred and badly train pit bulls. A lot of pit bulls are raised by backyard breeders who don’t know the right way to train or raise dogs. People think pitbulls are a cheap dog to purchase but are also trainable to be a deadly guard dog or fighting dog. The American pit bull breed can be traced back to the bulldogge used in a bloody sport called bull baiting, which was common in the 1700s and early 1800's in England. Humans misuse them, but pit bulls are actually a very friendly breed. People need to be re-educated on training and breeding them. They were originally bred as fighting dogs from cross breeding them.

Pit bulls are put through abuse like innocent people get shot for no reason. The abuse of Pit bulls is so bad little children day after day are attacked because of people who abuse them. Pit bulls tend to be the best fighting dog, because of its strength, high pain tolerance, and desire to please it’s owner. The owners of these dogs happen to abuse,torture, and even use them as bait if they're not good fighters. Examples like they're not strong enough or not aggressive, and especially if they won’t kill the other dog. Dog fighting also happens to be a felony in 43 states in the U.S and a misdemeanor in 7 states. Which makes it illegal in all 50

They were breed to be strong fighting dogs. They originated from Ireland. They mixed a Bulldog and a Terrier, so they had the strength of a Bulldog and the speed of a Terrier. Pit Bulls were fought in pits so that is were they got the name Pit Bull. Pits also have amassing jaw strength. They can smash these dog toys called kongs with their jaws. I can't even smash one by stepping on it. They are so strong that you can hang a rope from a tree and they will lock their jaws on the rope and swing from it. They can also jump very high. My Pit can already jump onto my bed and that is almost double his height. Some Pit Bulls can even learn to climb trees. Pits are also known for being very and muscular. My dog already weighs forty-five pounds at four months old.

breed of dog that seems to take most of the hits, the American Pitbull. This