In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? We’re giving you a deeper dive into popular dog breeds, from a puppy trainer’s perspective, to help you make this incredibly life-changing decision!
The American Pit Bull Terrier, or Pit Bull for short, makes up for approximately 5.8-6% or 4 million, of the population owning one. Even more staggering is the number of these pups that are currently in shelters and rescues, approximately 15-20%. The term Pit Bull actually qualifies a type of dog instead of a breed, it is hard to identify a definitive number.
Facts and stereotypes collide when it comes to the American Pit Bull Terrier. As you read through this blog, you’ll learn just what makes this breed so popular amongst bully breed owners! Also, help dispel the misinformation that propagates stereotypes about these wonderful pups!
How do you know if the American Pit Bull Terrier is the right fit for you and your family? We’re offering you a puppy trainer’s take on this breed, from their personalities, care needs, and of course, training advice to help you raise a wonderful adult dog!
A Brief Background on American Pit Bull Terriers!
The American Pit Bull Terrier got its start in the 1800s United Kingdom where they were originally bred from Olde English Bulldogs. During this time, sports as ratting and dog-fighting were common, and the pits where these activities took place became part of the name, Pit Bull.
Through selective breeding, breeders soak to create bite inhibition toward humans so handlers could easily remove their dogs without concern of being bitten. Due to this selective breeding, American Pit Bull Terriers developed a far more loyal and loving demeanor toward humans.
Eventually, before the Civil War as British immigrants made their way over, the American in American Pit Bull Terrier was added on. The pups became an all-around working frontier dog: herding, guarding livestock, and companions for children which is where the term “nanny dog” began.
What are American Pit Bull Terrier Breed Characteristics?
The American Pit Bull Terrier is actually a catch all term for a type of dog that includes
American Pit Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, the American Bully, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
These breeds are known for strong square heads, muscular stalky bodies with short fur, floopy ears, and thin tail. One of the most common features of the American Pit Bull Terrier are their overly large jowly mouths. They literally always look like they are smiling!
These pups come in a variety of coat colorings such as brindle, red, blue, gray, tan, black, white, and more combinations!
What are American Pit Bull Terrier Personalities like?
Despite the stereotyping of aggression, American Pit Bull Terriers have proven their smile conveys a soft and loving heart.
According to the American Temperament Test Society, this breed passes 87% of the time, bringing them to the 4th rank of 122 tested breeds. They are a loving, highly-affectionate, and loyal breed! If you’re main selling point was a puppy that wanted to be your forever BFF, look no further than an American Pit Bull Terrier.
That sense of loyalty and attachment means they are protective of their homes and people, but not overly protective which actually doesn’t suit them for guard dog duty. These lovable pups would much rather be cuddled with you, or playing!
What is an American Pit Bull Terrier’s Ideal Living Environment?
The American Pit Bull Terrior is happiest when they are surrounded by their people! These pups make great companions for people with work from home or frequent time spent at home set ups.
While they are muscular and strong, these pups don’t have a high energy drive and they’d do just fine with moderate exercise. Regular walks, some play time, good structure at home, and lots of love are exactly what this puppy needs to thrive!
Depending on your specific living situations, such as rentals and apartment complexes, and even town regulations have breed allowance rules. Unfortunately American Pit Bull Terriers are often not allowed in certain living situations so be mindful about this when you are looking to bring one of these pup’s home that you can give them a secure home.
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How to Care for Your American Pit Bull Terrier!
These pups have a study disposition and are generally healthy however, it’s important to research the specific breed health concerns in order to discuss them with your veterinarian!
The American Pit Bull Terrier can suffer from elbow and hip dysplasia, skin and food allergies, hypothyroidism (which is very treatable), and, rarely, a type of heart disease called aortic stenosis.
While they don’t have thick coats that require frequent de-shedding and cutting, these pups do need regular home care which includes bathing, nail trimming, and teeth brushing to prevent tooth tartar and decay.
Since these pups can suffer food related allergies, cleaning of the ears and pads to check for infections is recommended so you can address them with your pup’s vet.
Puppy Trainer’s Advice for Raising a Well-behaved American Pit Bull Terrier!
1. Create a Daily Puppy Training Schedule
The American Pit Bull Terrier can have a stubborn streak and be a bit pushy so establishing good leadership from an early young age will help combat potential moments of not listening. Start your puppy a regular daily puppy schedule to create structured routines in the home, and include puppy training sessions.
During their puppy training focus on their obedience commands to help your puppy learn to look to you for guidance, build their communication with you, and solidify a trusting relationship!
In-person and online puppy training programs will walk you through how to teach the commands, exercises to help your puppy learn them, and troubleshoot when your puppy needs it!
2. Teach Them Good Walk Manners
Because of the prejudice Pit Bulls often receive, teaching them proper leash manners including how to walk in Heel position and how to pass other people and pups without lunging, jumping, and excited nipping at them can greatly help reduce your neighbors’ concerns while teaching them great habits!
For more walk training tips, visit our blog "Tips to Master Walking Outside with Your Puppy".
3. Socialization
Pit Bulls love to play! But they're also known to play rough. Teaching proper socialization skills from an early age, as well as how to deescalate high-energy play sessions can go a long way with these pups!
When done correctly, socialization helps teach your puppy the proper way to greet people, other dogs and create boundaries. During socialization sessions, you can work with your puppy on barking or jumping, which are common puppy behaviors when they are excited or over-stimulated when meeting strangers. And if you're not sure how to do this on your own, hire a local puppy trainer or join an online puppy training school to help set you up for the best success!
4. Teach them “Drop-it”
With their strong jaws, making sure your Pit Bull pup knows a good “Drop-it” command will allow you to easily have control of their mouth and anything they may put in it along the way! You can teach “Drop-It” through engaging in “Tug”, which also helps teach your pup how to turn play on and off and lower their energy when you say so! For more info on how to teach this, check out our blog How to Play with Your Puppy Part 1!
Did you recently bring home an American Pit Bull Terrier puppy? Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! We’re available to answer questions live every Wednesday at 1 pm PT on @thepuppyacademy Instagram.
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