A Brief Look AT Pit Bulls
Fact and Fiction
Pit Bull; these two words have invoked a wide range of human emotion, everything from fear and hate to love and respect. These animals have come to be highly misunderstood. They do come from a background of bull bating and dog fighting, however that does not make them killing machines. Lost among the myths and bloody lies is the truth about a wonderful breed of dog. While the Pit Bull can be very dog aggressive if trained to fight, a true Pit Bull has no human aggression. Originally if a pit bull showed any signs of human aggression the dog was put down and never bred from. Their actual temperament is very kind and loving. These dogs were once know as the “nanny dogs” or “nurse maids dogs” - doesn't sound like what I would call an evil monster. Pit Bulls, when owned by a responsible owner, make wonderful family pets. Despite what people think they are actually good with children because of their lack of human aggression and ability to tolerate pain. They can endure a child’s ‘not so gentle’ ways of playing.
Original Bulldog?
Many people argue that the Pit Bull is not an actual breed while, others argue that they are one of the oldest and purest breeds known today. Some even say that the Pit Bull is the original Bulldog and the English Bulldog we know today came after the Pit Bull. Looking back through history you will find descriptions and pictures of dogs that almost identically resemble today’s American Pit Bull Terrier. Little has changed in their appearance. They were a smaller size in the beginning, weighing between 15-30 pounds. But their dedication to their owner, athleticism, pain tolerance and courage (which made them great at controlling bulls, boars and other large animals) still remains the same today.
Human Aggression
Pit Bulls were breed for their gameness and willingness to continue and excel at whatever they are doing.T he same qualities that led people to use them for the blood sports of bull bating and dog fighting make them wonderful family pets. Even dogs breed for these gruesome practices were still breed to have no human aggression. In organized dog fighting (with actual rules and turn based matches) the owners have to enter the ring and handle their animal in the midst of battle. Also prior to the battle, the owner would wash the opposing dog assuring that no chemicals were coating the fur to give the dog and unfair advantage. Due to the amount of human contact, human aggression was breed out and not tolerated. However with street fighting (usually an all out fight to the death) the human aggression is not monitored as much and man biters may come from these lines.
Fight For Them
The thing to remember about Pit Bulls is that they have an amazing desire to please their owners, thus making them nothing more than the victims. We are the ones who push, train, abuse and neglect them from puppyhood. We are the ones who turn them into these fighters. It is us who should be blamed, not them. All they do is what we teach. In the hands of someone with ill intent anything can become dangerous - whether it be dogs, weapons, medication or even knowledge. With the proper training, guidance and leadership, pit bulls make exceptional companions and working dogs. If properly socialized, they can even be good around other dogs and pets. We need to stand up and take responsibility for our actions and wrong doings. We have made Pit Bulls into something we have come to fear. I feel we need to work on making them into what we love. Pit Bulls were once the top breed in America and known for their true nature. They are now being demonized. It's time we take back the image of our Pit Bulls, time to stand up and fight for them instead of making them fight for us.
Pit Bull Links
- Official Pit Bull Site of Diane Jessup
I found this to be a great and very informitive site - American Pit Bull Terrier Breed Information & Pictures (APBT, Pit Bull or Bull Dog )
Detailed Information on American Pit Bull Terrier, from Health to Temperament you will find the information you need on American Pit Bull Terrier - Pit Bull 411 - Pitbull Dog
The breed information, history, and photos of the American Pit Bull Terrier, also known as the Pit Bull, Pitbull, or Pitt bull dog. - Official American Pit Bull Site of Diane Jessup
- Pet Pit Bull - Breed Information
Created to add balance to the media hype, the Pet Pit Bull site is dedicated to improving the reputation of the breed by presenting Pit Bulls in a positive light. This website includes positive Pit Bull press, Pit Bull photo galleries, breed informat - American Pit Bull Terrier, Pit Bulls, Pitbulls
All about the American Pit Bull Terrier, info, pictures, breeders, rescues, care, temperament, health, puppy pictures and much more - CHANGING THE WAY WE THINK.....ONE PIT BULL AT A TIME!
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