Pit-bulls are an American coined name for a bull dog and terrier mix breed canine. Much is so that in other countries such as the United Kingdom, they refer to the canine grouping as the American Pit-Bull.
This breed is actually a grouping of similar physical fleshed out canine including but not limited to
American Bully
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
American Staffordshire Terrier
And Sometimes the American Bulldog (depends on bloodline)
Most Pit-bull type of dogs descend from the old British bull and terrier, an 19th century fighting dog breed from the old English bulldog and old English terrier.
Pit bulls often carry a negative stigma with them do to misrepresentation in movies and media as well as irresponsible owners and mass breeders who breed the dogs for blood sport and profit. In this article we are going to go over some good and some bad info about our furry gym rat.
The Bad
Because of the controversial nature of the breed, several advocates and activist have taken stance on laws either protecting the breed, outlawing the breed or heavy fines to the pet owner for keeping and raising one.
The breed is still undergoing studies to determine the natural disposition of the breed versus the training and nurturing of the owners. Meaning does the owner make the dog? This argument does hold water on both ends as there are several documented cases of Pits biting, making up over half of hospital care needed bites, even though only accounting for 6% of the pet population.
A 2020 literature review in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that from 1971 to 2018 of all pure breed dogs in the United States, pit bull-type breeds were second, behind the German Shepherd, and ahead of Labradors, Chow Chows, and Rottweilers (in that order) for the most bites severe enough to require hospital treatment. The study found that the proportion of bites caused by German Shepherds decreased by 0.63 percent per year over that time interval while the proportion caused by pit bulls increased by 1.17 percent per year. The pit bull proportion of dog bites increased more slowly in Denver, Colorado, where breed-specific legislation had been in place.
Liability insurance
Dog owners in the United States can be held legally liable for injuries inflicted or caused by their dogs. In general, owners are considered liable if they were unreasonably careless in handling or restraining the dog, or if they knew beforehand that the dog had a tendency to cause injury (e.g., bite); however, dog owners are automatically considered liable if local laws hold an owner strictly liable for all damage caused by their dog, regardless of carelessness or foreknowledge of a dog's tendencies. Homeowners and renters' insurance policies typically provide liability coverage from US$100,000–300,000 for injuries inflicted by dogs; however, some insurance companies limit their exposure to dog bite liability claims by putting restrictions on dog owners that they insure. These restrictions include refusing to cover dog bites under the insurance policy, increasing insurance rates for homeowners with specific breeds, requiring owners of specific breeds to take special training or have their dogs pass the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen test, requiring owners to restrict their dogs with muzzles, chains, or enclosures, and refusing to write policies for homeowners or renters who have specific breeds of dogs
Other states have certain legislation in place that prohibits dog lovers from owning the breed. Many Rental properties will not allow the breed either. Unfortunately for the dog, these negative connotations have followed them around since the mid 1920’s.
The Good
Since the dawn of the 21st century, several pro pet organizations have taken up the challenge to clean the pit bulls name and reputation. The breed is not as aggressive or overbearing as made out to be and can be seen and noted on several platforms as having a loving, loyal nature.
Six characteristics of pit bulls that make them a great pet for the family are:
Pit bulls are an affectionate breed.
You will often see a pity express itself with no emotions held back. This is especially true when it comes to puppy kisses and cuddles.
Pit bulls are healthy breeds
Most of the pit bulls do not suffer from aliments like their canine brothermen. This makes them a relatively easy breed to care for.
Very sociable when trained correctly
They love people, and given proper training will do extremely well with people and families.
They are super loyal
To the bitter end. They are the true epitome of pack animal or dog and owner.
They love to please
Again, with proper training, Pitbull's love to do for the human counterparts. Whether it's getting the mail or just helping around the house. Their main goal is to make you happy!
They are super strong
Now this is a double edge trait as their strength is what makes people afraid of them however, this is great when needing a guard dog around the home when you are away. With proper training they can learn to use this strength in a nonviolent, or bite force manner, and protect the homestead.
Learning Continued:
Visit Pitbulls.org For resources from training to care
Thesprucepets.com for articles on Pitbull's and other pets
ASPCA.org for adoption and funds for pits
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