Last Updated on September 20, 2023
. So you think you know what Pitbulls are? Although I don’t like to sound negative, there is a good chance that you don’t know what a Pitbull is. According to the University of Florida, dog shelter workers, including veterinarians, often mistake a variety of dogs for Pitbull-type breeds. This can lead to devastating consequences for mislabeled pups. These pups could be some Pitbull mix ..
The term “Pitbull” is not used to describe a specific breed of dog, but rather a generic label that refers to several dog breeds with similar temperaments, origins, and appearances. The Pitbull types include the American Pitbull Terrier (American Staffordshire Terrier), the Staffordshire Bull Terrier (American Bully) and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier (American Bully). They are a vicious breed, but they can be raised well.
This guide will tell you the truth from the fiction about Pitbull. We are confident that you will discover something new about Pitbull dogs that you did not know. Below is a list of myths and reality myths that we have compiled.
Defining Pitbulls
Pitbulls are not a breed of dog. It’s a general descriptive term used for dogs whose ancestors are Bulldogs or Terriers. There are four Pitbull-type dogs. Of course, other breeds with similar looks will often be included under the Pitbull label. We will explore this further in the next section. Pitbull is most commonly associated with the American Pitbull Terrier. When someone refers to a Pitbull Terrier, they are more likely to be referring the American Pitbull Terrier. *Terriers are known for being agile and friendly and Bulldogs are well-known for their brute power. They were bred together to make the ultimate fighting dog. This breed is strong and tenacious. Great Britain was the first to introduce Pitbull-type dogs . Here bull-baiting and bear-baiting became popular, but they were cruel, bloodsports.
In 1835, when the Cruelty to Animals Act was enacted, this sport was thankfully stopped. However, spectators and participants soon turned their attention to dogfighting. These events were easier to organize and conceal from law enforcement because they were less expensive. These events allowed owners to show their dogs’ gameness and strength. Their owner won the reputation for breeding the most outstanding dogs and the prize of being the last dog to fight, which was called the “Last Dog Standing” award.
Reputation
This is how the Pitbull-type dog got its vicious reputation. Important note: All fighting dogs were trained to be vicious towards other dogs. However, once a human entered the , ring, they were taught not to attack. This, too, is where their love for humans comes from. Any dog who displayed aggression towards humans was euthanized.
After the Civil War, British immigrant began to arrive in America with their fighting dogs. American dogfighters sought to create a larger and more powerful fighting breed. Here were the American Pitbull Terrier and American Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Different Types Pitbulls
The following four Pitbull-type dogs are most popularly accepted. To make things even more confusing, certain breeds can only be accepted by certain Kennel Clubs. Some breeds are not accepted by all Kennel Clubs. Some argue that only the American Pitbull Terrier Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier can be considered true Pitbull dogs. Some people believe that the American Pitbull Terrier is the same breed as the American Staffordshire Terrier.
So, depending on who you ask you might get a different response. However, all of the information in this article represents the most commonly held belief or accepted practice by professionals in the field.
Appearances
All Pitbull type dogs share their muscular and athletic appearance. Some dogs may appear more athletic than others. Some dogs are smaller and more muscular than others. Others are shorter and leaner, while some dogs are larger and wider. At the bottom of the table, you can see their heights and their weights according to the official breed standard. Pitbull dogs are square-shaped with a square, fleshy nose and large almond-shaped eyes.
All of their coats have a short, smooth texture. All of their coats require minimal brushing and bathing. Their ears are usually rose-shaped and their tails are straight. Many owners prefer this look and continue to do so.
Coat Coloring
Pitbull-type dogs can be any color animal you like, except merle. While Pitbulls can be bred in merle colors, the merle gene is not found in these breeds. This indicates that another breed has been added with the merle gene. Therefore a merle Pitbull type dog is not 100% of Pitbull origin. This color is not recognized by any breed club. It is worth considering before you pay the additional price.
Temperaments
All four dogs share the same temperament , they love humans and are eager to be with them. They love to be part of the family fun, whether it’s a game or just a relaxing time on the couch. They are sensitive and sweet, and love children. They were so sweet and sensitive that they earned the nickname the nanny dog .
Puppies who are not socialized well as puppies can show fear aggression towards other dogs. This is true for both a Chihuahua and Great Dane. They are more social if they have been socialized well. They are easy to train because of their eagerness to please masters. You will have a Pittie companion if you are consistent with your training. Let’s have a closer look at the Pitbull types and their specifications.
American Pitbull Terrier
This is the Pitbull most often referred to. This dog is often considered the first or only Pitbull-type Pitbull. The American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognize this dog as a breed. The United Kennel Club (UKC) recognizes him. It is stated that this breed has maintained his breed type for well over 150 years. He is by the UKC.
Ranchers and farmers noticed his agility, skill, and obedience upon arriving in America. These dogs were quickly employed on numerous farms and ranches as hunters and herders. After completing his day of hard work he became the family companion
to his master and his families. The American Pitbull Terrier ranks among the top four breeds. He is also more athletic because he stands taller. For further information on his appearance, the UKC breed standard of the American Pitbull Terrier can be found here.
APBT’s come in a variety of different colors including brindle, black, white, brown or a mix of all of them. Additional health conditions are often included with higher prices. The American Pitbull Terrier is also often compared to the American Bulldog or compared to the Staffordshire Terrier even though they are different breeds. They are also sometimes confused with the Dogo Argentino because they look similar.
Red Nose American Pitbull Terrier
A red nose American Pitbull Terrier will have exactly that, a red nose. The red nose is accompanied by copper or earthy brown colors such as brown, fawn, or chestnut. Red is also the color of his lips, eyes, and toenails. They are a rarer breed than the American Pitbull Terrier but they are identical in every other way. There are some health issues that they have due to the recessive genetic ,, which will be discussed below.
Because he is rarer in colour, many unprofessional breeders breed red-nosed puppies to increase their chances of having red-nosed puppies. This breed is not recommended as it can lead to genetic defects and poor health.
If you are looking for a red-nosed American Pitbull Terrier, work closely with an ethical breeder who can show family lineage and the health of your pups. They may sell for several thousand dollars, but that does not necessarily mean they were well bred or cared for. Do your research!
Blue Nose American Pitbull Terrier
A blue nose American Pitbull Terrier is the same as the red nose American Pitbull Terrier, except he has a blue nose. His nose, lips and eyes will be blue or gray in color. He will be easy to recognize from a young age, as opposed to the traditional black nose. Like other breeds, a rarer color can lead to a higher price . Make sure you work with a reliable breeder.
In addition to inbreeding concerns due to their smaller gene pool and the differences in color nose (including red) are a result high melanin levels. This pigment is responsible for coloring any living system, even us humans.
A deficiency of melanin is a result of the recessive gene. This can lead to additional health problems and diseases. It has been shown to cause skin allergies, heart disease, eye conditions, increased risk of developing cancer, and decreased immunity system function. This is why it is important to choose a reliable breeder.
American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire Terrier, commonly shortened to ‘AmStaff ‘,, is recognized by AKC and the UKC. He is ranked as the 85th most popular dog breed out of 193 breeds. Research shows that he is more popular than this. Most owners don’t register them for breeding or conformation purposes. He is a beloved American dog. He was the sidekick to 3 American presidents and he was also America’s most decorated wardog.
The American Staffordshire is a beloved family member. He is loved by millions across the globe for his sweet nature. He is a strong-willed dog, but he is very sweet and loves his family as well as everyone he meets. he is not the most natural guard dog. For further information on his appearance, his full breed standard can be found here.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is thought to be the most popular dog in Great Britain, yet being the 80th most popular breed in America his popularity has not quite caught on over here. All major Kennel Clubs recognize him, including the AKC (UKC). Staffies are described by being intelligent, brave, and tenacious. He is a loving dog with a genuine love for life.
He is the smallest Pitbull type dog , often measuring 7 inches in height. The largest Staffordshire Bull Terriers weigh about the same as other smaller dogs. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, being smaller than the Pitbull-type dogs, is an excellent choice for people who have limited space for larger breeds. Further detailed information on his breed standard can be found here.
American Bully
The American Bully is a descendant from the American Pitbull Terrier. He has evolved to be so distinctive in appearance that he is considered his own breed. He is a relatively new breed that was developed in the 1980s, only recognized by the UKC in 2013. He is smaller than the American Pitbull Terrier, and wider than any other breeds in this article. The pups can often look like he has muscles because they are so large. The American Bully is a larger pitbull-type dog, and has specific nutrition requirements.
He is not recognized by the AKC, but the UKC. The American Bully Kennel Club also recognizes him, and they recognize him in four distinct sizes: Pocket, Standard, Classic and XL (see sizes in the below table). The Classic American Bully is smaller and more muscular than the other three sizes. Although Micro and XXL American Bullies are believed to exist, many people sell them as such.
The most expensive American Bully, named White Rhino, was purchased for $250,000, and this exorbitant price tag is very rare. American Bullies are some of the most expensive dogs in America. The biggest American Bully on record is Hulk, who weighs a humongous 174 pounds! The American Bully is often compared with the English Bulldog and American Bulldog.
Breed Specific Legislation
Pitbull-type dogs are all subject to Breed Specific Legislation. This varies from one country to the next and each state can enforce increased liability insurance up to banning. Research has shown that BSL is ineffective and should be removed.
Owners must deal with restrictive laws, insurance increases, exclusions from rentals and daily prejudices from society due to a lack education and sensationalist media. This is despite controlled studies suggesting that Pitbull type dogs are not disproportionately dangerous.
Although this topic is not worthy of an entire article, it is important to consider if you’re considering bringing a Pitbull-type dog into your home. This is something you should research. For further information regarding local laws, this page lists the states that prohibit the regulation of certain dog breeds by local government.
Pitbull Myths vs. Pitbull Reality
We will examine the myths and realities surrounding Pitbull-type Pitbull dogs. We know there are many misconceptions about Pitbulls. So we have compiled a list below of some of the most common myths. Let’s get rid of some of the negative stereotypes and look at some of the good ..
Myth: All Pitbull type dogs are inherently dangerous.
Reality – Pitbull dogs can be dangerous. The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) put dog breeds through a series of tests and challenges to test their temperament, and out of 35,686 dogs tested in the latest results (December 2017), the average pass rate was 83.7%.
The American Pitbull Terrier passed at 87.4%. Then, the American Staffordshire Terrier passed at 85.5% and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier passed at 90.9%. Unfortunately, the American Bully temperament test results were not available. However, this does not necessarily mean that they failed. The three Pitbull-type dogs passed the temperament test with a score of ,, which supports the argument that Pitbull dogs are not dangerous.
Myth: Pitbull type dogs have ‘lockjaw’, which makes them more dangerous.
Reality – They don’t have the ‘lockjaw ‘. A lockjaw is not a thing. Every canine skull is the same in design, function and has the same locking function. Terriers are well-known for their stubbornness and gameness. They will keep prey until they find it. This was the reason Terriers were originally bred with Bulldogs.
Myth: You shouldn’t rescue a Pitbull type dog because they were abused.
Reality. Not all Pitbulls have been mistreated and not all mistreated Pitbulls are dangerous. Pitbulls make up the largest number of rescue shelter dogs. They are the most euthanized.
Not all dogs that are mistreated are dangerous. Pitbull-type dog rescue mom. Her Pitbull-type dog, who was severely beaten and given drugs in his first year, was later used as a ‘tester dog” in rescue kennels to assess other dogs’ sociability. He is so friendly. Pitbulls are just like any other dog. There will always be some dangerous puppies. This entirely comes down to poor socialization as a puppy, but they are few and far between.
Myth: Do Pitbull type dogs really smile?
Reality. While science says that dogs don’t have the ability to smile, ask any Pitbull parent and they will tell you! And if you don’t believe them, then check out Lady Shortcake’s Instagram page, who is one of the most smiley dogs, or velvet hippo as her mom calls her, to grace the planet!
Final Thoughts
While all Pitbull-type dogs have a horrifying past, they most likely wouldn’t be here today. This is why pitbull enthusiasts around the world are so grateful. They are the most common breeds of dog found in rescue shelters. Adoption is a great option if you’re interested in adopting one of these dogs.
Despite their past, they are the most loving canine souls. They love people more than anything. They just need a loving home and a master who is willing to spend time training them. These sweet, adorable Pitbull-type dogs will make you feel confident.