pit bull breed history
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"Pit Bull" is a generic term encompassing several breeds. Because there is a vagueness to the term “pit bull”, many people have trouble recognizing a pit bull when they see one. The official breeds are The American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT), The American Staffordshire Terrier (AST) sometimes also included are The Staffordhire Bull Terrier (SBT) and the Bull Terrier and any mixes thereof. |
DOG AGGRESSION IS MAN MADE through irresponsible and unethical "selection' of traits to make a dog an aggressive fighter or drug guardian by inhumane monsters. Pit Bulls have proven that the vast majority of rescued pit bulls, even those who have been forced into dog fighting, CAN be rehabilitated and become loving pets, when these dogs are removed from the torturous conditions inflicted on them. Any dog of any breed can have severe behavioral problems sometimes so potentially harmful that they may have to be put down. The vast majority of pit bulls including those rescued from fight busts are gentle, loving dogs that make excellent pets if they are treated humanely and trained properly. it.
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Bull baiting, a blood sport, quite popular in London in the early 1800's, the sport in which bully-type dogs were sent to attempt to bait and eventually bring down a tethered bull. Dogs were bred for "gripping" ability. When bull baiting was banned, dog fighting was born, which led to the development of the Pit Bull Terrier. Breeding a smaller more agile dog. At the same time, they helped breed in bite inhibition towards humans, through selective breeding and culling biters. Because of these early breeding practices pit bulls have a trustworthiness reputation with people.
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America's Dog - Pit Bull History as it moves into America - As people immigrated to America, they brought their dogs with them. They soon became an intergral part of America's history. In the early years of America, they were valued for more than dog fighting. They were trusted companions for young children, they protected homesteads from predators and helped in hunts for food. They have been called "catch dogs" when used for hog hunting. They earned their place in this new nation working alongside their families.
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Today's Pit Bull brings search and rescue dogs, police dogs, disc dogs, therapy dogs. You will find them competing in agility, fly ball, scenting, weight pulling and some may just be family companions and couch potatoes. The public is becoming more aware that these dogs are just that, dogs. Wonderful dogs that can do just about anything you are willing to work with them to do.
You will find pit bulls from 25 lbs up to 80 lbs, in just about any color, with blocky heads and strong muscular bodies. Many pit bulls today are companions and have great homes, but there are those that are still in harms way.
Visit any of your local shelters you will find that probably more than half of the dogs there will be pit bulls or pit bull mixes. We need to STOP the overbreeding by adopting an existing dog instead of buying a dog. We need to STOP the cruel fighting and let these dogs, be just dogs and enjoy safe family homes and companionship. With tougher laws and people willing to speak up when they see it happening there are more and more arrests. Dog fighting is now a felony in all 50 states.
You can Take Action to Stop Dog Fighting HSUS with posters and information. The HSUS offers a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in dogfighting. If you have information about illegal animal fighting in your area, you can call HSUS animal fighting tip line at 877-TIP-HSUS and your information will be kept confidential.Today's Pit Bull brings search and rescue dogs, police dogs, disc dogs, therapy dogs. You will find them competing in agility, fly ball, scenting, weight pulling and some may just be family companions and couch potatoes. The public is becoming more aware that these dogs are just that, dogs. Wonderful dogs that can do just about anything you are willing to work with them to do.
You will find pit bulls from 25 lbs up to 80 lbs, in just about any color, with blocky heads and strong muscular bodies. Many pit bulls today are companions and have great homes, but there are those that are still in harms way.
Visit any of your local shelters you will find that probably more than half of the dogs there will be pit bulls or pit bull mixes. We need to STOP the overbreeding by adopting an existing dog instead of buying a dog. We need to STOP the cruel fighting and let these dogs, be just dogs and enjoy safe family homes and companionship. With tougher laws and people willing to speak up when they see it happening there are more and more arrests. Dog fighting is now a felony in all 50 states.
You can Take Action to Stop Dog Fighting HSUS with posters and information. The HSUS offers a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in dogfighting. If you have information about illegal animal fighting in your area, you can call HSUS animal fighting tip line at 877-TIP-HSUS and your information will be kept confidential.Today's Pit Bull brings search and rescue dogs, police dogs, disc dogs, therapy dogs. You will find them competing in agility, fly ball, scenting, weight pulling and some may just be family companions and couch potatoes. The public is becoming more aware that these dogs are just that, dogs. Wonderful dogs that can do just about anything you are willing to work with them to do.
The 80's brought more dogs exploited by dog fighting and owned by thugs who wanted toughness they didn't have. A time when many of the population didn't even know Pit Bulls existed and what they learned of them scared them. 1987 Sports Illustrated ran this article dragging them deeper into the murk.
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2008 brings a new era and a gentler Sports Illustrated with a triumph for pit bull enthusiasts of a newly educated public. Showing a gentler face for the same exact dog, people see proof of a pit bull's resiliency and their ability to bounce back. Dogs taken out of the fight ring and into successful homes and a new life. Dogs symbolizing the fight against animal cruelty.
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