The pit bull dog has been a controversial animal for a long time. Also known as the American Bull Terrier, the pit bull dog was introduced into the United States by the early Boston immigrants. In England, the pit bull dog had been originally used by butchers to drag bulls to the market for slaughter, which it did by biting the bull’s nose. Till the nineteenth century, pit bull dogs were commonly used in dog fights.
All this gave the poor pit bull dog an unsavory reputation. The breed was deemed to vicious and unsafe to keep in the house. Further, the American Kennel Club refused to recognize the pit bull dog as a pure thoroughbred. In fact, there are many kinds of similar dogs that were collectively termed as pit bulls. An offshoot of this was that the United Kennel Club was started to certify the pit bull dog, and others that the AKC refused to certify. Subsequently, the AKC also recognized the pit bull dog as a breed.
Despite its reputation as a dangerous dog, the pit bull dog makes a wonderful pet. The pit bull dog was the symbol of America in the First World War .The entire nation loved a pit bull called Stubby. Unfortunately, people still use the breed in dog fights held in smaller towns. The dog’s false reputation has led it to be banned in many city jurisdictions of America. In other places, owners have to muzzle the dog when it is outdoors.
Characteristics of a Pit Bull Dog
The main characteristic of this dog is its unswerving loyalty to its master. It ultimately depends on what the master trains it to do. Obviously, if the master trains it to attack other human beings, it will do so, but it is basically a very gentle and obedient breed. Another endearing characteristic of this breed is its maternal instinct. Very few dogs are as patient with and as affectionate towards children. They have made excellent police dogs, search and rescue dogs, livestock workers, and therapy dogs.
Owners train and enter them into various competitions for agility and obedience. They grow to a height of about twenty inches and weigh between forty and sixty pounds. They are bred in a number of colors, including white, shades of brown, black and piebald. Their coat has thick short shiny hair, and is thus very easy and convenient to maintain.
