The American pit bull terrier is arguably the most famous Hollywood star in the canine world.
They have been featured in many blockbuster Hollywood movies, most notably “Titan” from The Dog Who Saved Christmas and “Patey” from The Little Rascals.
Their Hollywood moments have helped put them in the spotlight, but not enough to erase their ugly history.
History of the American Pitbull Terrier:
You would be wrong to think they originated in America because of their name, “American Pit Bull Terrier.”.
Their origin is traced back to Britain in the 19th century, when they were specifically bred for bullbaiting from a mix of bulldogs and terriers.
Bulldogs were used in Britain for blood sports and were crossed with terriers to produce a more tenacious breed that would be more deadly in fights.
The result of the cross gave birth to the American pit bull terrier, a more tenacious fighter with great agility, mobility, courage, and strength capable of winning any one-on-one battle with any breed of dog ever known.
Their introduction into the bull-baiting ring in Britain was an instant success.
This led to their widespread popularity before the introduction of the Animal Welfare Act in 1835, which prohibited the use of animals for blood sport.
Arrival of American Pitbulls in America:
It was not surprising that after targeted advocacy for animal rights that led to the introduction of the Animal Welfare Act in 1835, the use of animals for bull baiting began to decline.
Breeding pit bulls for bull baiting and other blood sports drastically decreased as a result.
But immigrants from Britain brought the American pit bull terrier to America because of its stubbornness, which set it apart from all other breeds bred especially for bull baiting.
Their introduction to America began in the late 19th century and early 20th century, when the focus on breeding by American breeders shifted to a breed that was more suited for guarding livestock and later as lovely pooch companions.
In America, they were introduced to farms as livestock guards to hunt and kill bulls, bears, and other wild animals that were threats to livestock.
They quickly adapted and excelled in their new roles, which did not come as a surprise because of their strength, agility, courage, bite force, body build, and, of course, their history in blood sports.
They immediately developed a hero status as livestock protectors, and in no distant time, they were considered household keeps as pets to protect families.
Negative Stereotype of the American Pitbull Terrier:
Although blood sports and bull baiting have long ended after the introduction of the Animal Welfare Act in Britain in 1835, their perception of being inherently aggressive and deadly fighters has not changed in many quarters.
To many, American pit bulls are inherently aggressive dogs that cannot be easily tamed and are not suitable as family pets.
Their involvement in recorded fatalities has done little to improve the stereotypes.
In the year 2006, pit bulls, despite representing 6% of the animal pet population in the United States, accounted for over 71% of recorded fatalities, some of which were sensational headlines in mainstream media.
This has only reinforced their negative stereotype as a deadly breed of dog.
Physical Appearance of American Pit Bull Terrier:
Are you on the lookout for an athletic dog breed? Search no further.
American Pit Bull Terriers have one of the best strong muscular builds for any animal, domesticated or wild.
- Height: The adult males have a height between 18-22 inches (45 cm to 53 cm), while the females have a height between 17-20 inches (43 cm to 51 cm).
- Weight: Adult males weigh between 35 and 66 pounds (16 kg to 29 kg), while adult females weigh between 30 and 50 pounds (14 to 23 kg).
Their appearance gives a reflection of their tenacity, courage, agility, and resilience, which tells a story of their history and evolution.
American Pit Bull Terrier as Pets:
Against all odds, immigrants in America began to refine the American pit bull terrier breed focusing on qualities that can make them evolve from dogs specifically bred for bulls to livestock and now as family dogs.
Their success started after they successfully adapted to guarding livestock, staking their lives in the process against preying wild animals.
These acts of bravery and loyalty proved their worth to the human race which made them to be considered excellent pets for families.
This led to massive global recognition from breeders, dog clubs, and the American Kennel Club (AKC).
However, their long history as deadly fighters in blood sports has contributed to a negative stereotype and controversy as one of the most dangerous breeds of dogs.
Are American Pit Bulls Good Pets:
Despite the ugly history of the American pit bull terriers, they have been reported to be excellent pets according to pit bull pet owners.
Pit bull terriers just like other animals that have been domesticated are capable of being good pets.
They are loving, caring, intelligent dogs with a strong desire to always protect their loved ones.
Their journey from bullbaiting a century ago to household pets has been remarkable signaling responsible breeding by American breeders.
However, American pit bull terriers, are not recommended as first-time pets for intending new dog pet owners.
Lifespan of American Pitbulls:
The American pit bull terrier has a lifespan of 8-15 years.
They approach their golden years at 8 years old and at such age, there are noticeable changes in their prowess which have made them one of the most popular and fearful breeds of dogs.