A Part of the Pack: The American Pit Bull Terrier

Sunday, July 8, 2012

The American Pit Bull Terrier

The American Pit Bull Terrier strikes many as a dog of power, passion, and willingness. The ears are usually cropped, but this is an option of the owner/breeder. The American Pit Bull Terrier has a pleasure to please their owners. These dogs are NOT people haters or people eaters. Their natural aggressive tendencies are towards other animals and dogs, but not people. Although, if they are socialized in their puppyhood then they may not be aggresive towards other animals and dogs. They need to be socialized with a firm, confident, calm , and consistent pack leader. They can be willful with an owner who is weak, so they must have a firm owner. They are good natured, amusing, extremely loyal, and affectionate dogs. They make great family pets. They have a high pain tolerance and will put up with rough child play. They are very intelligent and obedient. They want to always please their owners. They are courageous guard dogs. They are highly protective over their owners and their property and will fight an enemy. They are generally okay with family pets if they are raised with them from puppyhood. They are very friendly, but are not recommended for people who don't know how to properly raise and treat a dog. Problems will start if one does not understand dog psychology and they end up with a dog who thinks he's the boss of the house. This is a very powerful dog and one should not allow it to take control of the house. As with every dog, training, exercise, and a firm pack leader will produce an obedient dog. Make sure to socialize your pit bull with other dogs while they are young. Always keep the dog under control when other dogs are present. Their life expectancy is about 12 years. They are easy to groom and are average shedders. They belong to the AKC Terrier group.
Height: 14-24 inches
Weight: 22-78 pounds
Health Problems:
They are prone to hip displaysia, hereditary cataracts, allergies to grass, and congenital heart disease.
Living Conditions:
Pit bulls will do well in apartment living if exercised regularly. They are highly active indoors. They prefer warm climates. They must be taken on long daily walks even if they don't live in an apartment.