American Pit Bull Terriers

You may surprised at hearing that the American Pit Bull Terrier is being mentioned as a great family dog and as an exceptionally good companion to children. The fact is these terriers, because of their sheer fearless spirit and tenacity, were originally bred in order to bait bulls. They later evolved into farm dogs and worked in an equally fearless and determined manner to keep out vermin as well as foxes and so on. They were used to watch over children and in fact were called ‘nanny dogs’ because they behaved very gently towards children, at the same acting as excellent guard dogs.

The way the American Pit Bull Terrier evolved and its breeding history is still unclear. In fact, many claim that the American Pit Bull Terrier is the same as the American Staffordshire Terrier but other experts will vehemently argue otherwise. What is known is that both belong to the same group as the Bull Terrier and The Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

While before the 1930s, this particular terrier breed was called by different names, around early 1930s, the AKC (American Kennel Club) decided to call it by just one name the American Staffordshire Terrier. They hoped that this would help separate it from its more notorious past.

The bull terrier breeds are often highly misunderstood. It is true that since these dogs are highly fearless as well as display great tenacity and determination, they are many who try to use them in dog fighting and other unscrupulous activities that give these dogs a bad name. These dogs by nature are gentle and affectionate but when forced to fight, can be fairly ferocious. This has ended in giving them a reputation as being violent and dangerous and not suitable for small children.

However, as any family that actually owns an American Pit Bull Terrier will vouch for, this is just fear generated out misinformation. In fact, you may face quite a few raised eyebrows when you inform people that you intend to have an American Pit Bull as a pet, as they fear how the terrier will behave in a family environment, especially towards your children.

The truth of the matter is that just like with any other breed, if provided proper training and guidance, an American Pit Bull Terrier can make a great family dog. It is unusually gentle and friendly, even to strangers so long as they do not give it reason to feel threatened. They make their affection clearly known by the vigorous wagging of their tails and are very loving towards all, but particularly towards children.

The American Pit Bull terrier is a very intelligent animal and has been used in the two World Wars to fearlessly go forth into battlefields to deliver messages. In fact, compared to other breeds, these terriers are very eager to learn commands and love to perform new tricks. This just attests to the great energy they have in them and their zest for life. With their energy and vitality, they manage to lift the spirits of everyone they come into contact with.