The Pit Bull Terrier is an American breed of dog, the breed is simply called pit bull for short. The dog is considered a fighting dog, so many people consider this breed to be aggressive, angry, and believe that the dog is intended only to kill.
In fact, in appearance the dog looks quite intimidating; protruding jaws, sharp fangs, and a special body structure with muscular paws do not allow one to think of the dog as the cutest creature on earth.
The dog is devoted to its owner, protects him, but as soon as strangers approach him, the dog will immediately attack.
Description of the American Pit Bull Terrier breed
Popularity 198th place among 263 dog breeds
Lifespan:
13-15 years old
Breed group:
Fighting
Height:
males: 46-53 cm, females: 43-51 cm
Country of origin:
USA
Average price:
15-20 thousand rubles
Weight:
males: 16-27 kg, females: 14-23 kg
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How can you call a pit bull a girl and a boy: the best beautiful nicknames
If you have already adopted a pit bull terrier puppy, then you now need to name the pet. You should choose your nickname so that you can pronounce it well. This is important in raising this breed of dog. What can you call a pit bull for a girl and a boy?
The best beautiful nicknames for pit bulls for boys:
What can you call a pit bull boy: the best beautiful nicknames
The best beautiful nicknames for pit bull girls:
How can you name a pit bull girl: the best beautiful nicknames
Key facts
The American Pit Bull Terrier (Pitbull) is a breed of dog of medium height with well-developed muscles. The height at the withers is 45-60 cm, and the weight of the American Pit Bull Terrier ranges from 13 to 27 kg (the male weighs 15-27 kg, and the female weighs 13-22 kg).
The country of origin, paradoxically, is Britain, but many sources indicate the USA. And all because breeders from the New World began to breed this breed, which arrived on the continent, and put a lot of effort into its development.
Before official recognition in 1898 by the British Kennel Club (UKC), and 5 years later by the American Kennel Club (AKC), the description of the American Pit Bull Terrier breed included all sorts of names: pittdog, pitterrier, bull terrier, half and half.
We usually use the abbreviated name for this breed “pit bull”, which is essentially erroneous. From English “pit” is translated as “pit”, where dog fights were held. This means that a pit bull terrier is a “fighting bull terrier,” but a pit bull is a “fighting bull.”
No dog in history has suffered at the hands of “black PR” as much as the American Pit Bull Terrier. The characteristics of the American Pit Bull Terrier breed as a killer dog haunt the dog to this day. Always faithfully serving her master, she took part in bloody games at his whim: she tore apart rivals and brought in considerable income, and sometimes died from many wounds, but never betrayed her human friend. Her strength caused her to be bullied by people.
Today the dog comes to the aid of the police, specializes in finding drugs, serves the disabled, she is an invaluable therapy dog and supernanny for children, a warrior, a security guard, a defender, and an athlete. The media is not very fond of covering such an unusual image in the newspapers. Therefore, clubs and societies are being created to protect dogs of this breed from sinister propaganda.
Interesting fact:
In Spain, Germany, Portugal, Poland, Switzerland, France, as well as in the homeland of dogs - in the UK - there is a ban or restriction on owning a pit bull.
It is convenient to keep pit bulls both in a private house and in a city apartment. Dogs of medium height do not make a lot of noise, do not shed or drool - these dogs are always looking for communication with a person and are happy to become part of the family.
Pit bulls are very smart and have good self-control and are able to make their own decisions. Aggression towards people is not typical for them and is considered a breed defect. A pit bull terrier easily gets along in the same apartment with a cat, but will still chase other people's cats.
The life expectancy of an American Pit Bull Terrier is on average 12-15 years; with decent maintenance and care, the pet’s “retirement” can be extended.
Buying a pit bull puppy in Russia is not at all difficult. The price depends on several factors (presence of pedigree, color, reputation of breeders, etc.) and can vary from 200 to 1000 dollars.
Pitbull - killer fighting dog: varieties
Pit Bull - Killer Fighting Dog: Varieties
Many people believe that the Pit Bull Terrier breed has several varieties. But there is only one standard for this breed; it is not divided into any varieties. Albanian, French and bulldog types of pit bulls have been bred, but among experienced breeders one type of pit bull is valued - the American Pit Bull Terrier .
- Pit bull is a popular name for the pit bull terrier that began to be used in the 90s.
- Since that time, this breed began to be considered a killer fighting dog , although in fact, if you raise the puppy correctly from childhood, the dog will be kind and sociable.
- Danger and mental problems can be expected from stray dogs . Uncontrolled and inept breeding leads to this. Therefore, it is important to purchase a purebred dog from experienced breeders.
Pit bull terriers can differ in coat color and eye color.
History of the origin of the pit bull terrier
The breed was first developed in England at the beginning of the 19th century by crossing an Old English Terrier and an Old English Bulldog. Bull or bear baiting, popular in those days, brought considerable income. The Bulldogs, although angry and fearless, lost all the time. The reason was their clumsiness. Having inherited the agility and mobility of the terrier, the bull terrier became the most popular fighting dog until animal rights activists sounded the alarm.
Already in 1835, the law prohibited such events, considering them too cruel to four-legged animals. Such a short time was enough for the newly introduced breed to gain fame as a fearless fighter. Pit bulls still participate in (now illegal) fights today.
The breed has existed for more than 300 years. In 1898, the United Kennels Club (UKC) was created; breeders who wanted to preserve the purity of the breed joined it. The club continues to operate successfully today. Only one breed is available for registration here – the American Pit Bull Terrier.
The American Dog Breeders Association (ADBA) began its work in 1909. American Staffordshire Terriers from all over the world also received registration here (their representatives do not participate in battles, but attend various exhibitions).
Price
The price of ear cropping in veterinary clinics starts from 100 rubles. In elite veterinary clinics, the cost can reach up to 1.5 thousand. For docking of the caudal vertebrae, you need to pay from 300 to 5 thousand rubles.
The price primarily differs depending on the timing of the operation: for older dogs it is always higher.
When finding out the price, you need to pay attention to whether the price includes all medications that will be used during the operation. Cupping with general anesthesia is also more expensive, especially if it is performed by a veterinary anesthesiologist.
In any case, it is better to give preference to an experienced veterinarian who constantly carries out such manipulations.
This veterinary operation has an ancient history. The first such manipulations were carried out during the existence of the Roman Empire. Dogs serving with legionnaires had their ears shortened to supposedly protect them from rabies. This is where the tradition came from that ear cropping of breeds (Staffs, Alabais, Dobermans and others) is a mandatory procedure. True, short ears gave them an advantage in battle - the four-legged fighter became less vulnerable to the enemy’s teeth. For hunting dogs, the reason for the operation is similar; they also sometimes enter into a fight with the animal, especially since small ears are more difficult to damage, and foreign objects are less likely to get into them. And in most cases, surgical formation has to be carried out due to the requirements of breed standards. Recently, cupping as a mandatory procedure has lost its relevance. Many European countries have even banned dogs with artificial ears from participating in dog shows. However, a fairly large percentage of animal owners still consider trimming this part of the body appropriate both from an aesthetic and necessity point of view.
Appearance of a pit bull terrier
Looking at the photo of the American Pit Bull Terrier, that is, such a powerful dog, you can be scared by its brutal appearance. The appearance of the pit bull is truly impressive.
Head
Large, with wide cheekbones and a powerful jaw.
Kind and affectionate eyes stand out: they are deep-set, small, almond-shaped, and come in different colors, with the exception of blue. The ears are normal - drooping or cropped, standing far apart.
Neck
Strong, short, with a massive muscular collar.
Torso
Strong, length exceeds body height. The pit bull's belly should not be very sunken, but excess weight is not allowed.
Forelegs
They are set obliquely and have a short length. The toes are collected and neatly rounded, the claws do not protrude too obviously.
Hind limbs
The thighs are elongated in shape, strong and muscular. The hock joint is well defined and slightly lowered.
Tail
Medium length, thin at the end, biting and mobile. In an excited state, the dog lifts it and aligns it with its back.
Wool
Evenly short, without undercoat, lying close to the body. Pleasant to the touch, smooth and shiny, does not cause any trouble during maintenance.
Color
There are no strict restrictions on the colors of the American Pit Bull Terrier, except for one thing - the standards do not recognize marble-colored Pit Bull Terriers. It's not just a matter of rejection of new things, but also bad genetics.
Size
An adult male dog reaches 50 cm at the withers and weighs 30 kg, while girls are 4-5 kg lighter. The height of a female American Pit Bull Terrier reaches a maximum of 43 cm. Considering the size of the American Pit Bull Terrier, it is necessary to place it comfortably at home. A fairly spacious apartment or country house is suitable for maintenance.
Form options
In pit bulls, the ears are set high, so when docking, only 1/3 of the original length is left. The following options are acceptable for this breed:
- Long. The operation is not performed; a pit bull with undocked ears looks less menacing.
- Exhibition. Only 1/3 of the part is cut off and given a characteristic shape with a corner bent inward.
- Short. Leave only half the total length or a little less.
- Fighting ones. Almost the entire length of the ear is cut off, leaving short shells.
Pit bull terriers need to have their ears cropped correctly as they can fall over their head. The procedure is carried out by the owner himself after the stitches are removed. A regular patch is used to secure the desired position.
The ear is carefully pulled to the side by the tip and fixed in the desired position with your fingers. The patch is glued just below the crease, closer to the base, and wound in a clockwise direction. In the same way, the second piece is glued a little lower. At the end, the entire structure is secured - the ear is pulled up with one hand, and the patch is sealed with the other.
Character of the American Pit Bull Terrier
Before us is a representative of a multifaceted nature. The character of the American Pit Bull Terrier is capable of combining childish playfulness and adult wisdom. Dexterity and courage border on fearlessness. These dogs are always loyal to their owners, giving their last drop of blood for their safety. They can fight for several hours, enduring pain and serious injuries. He will not betray and will not retreat - this is not in his rules.
At home next to the owner, he will show the most tender feelings. A small dog hides a huge kind heart. This is a big fan of hugs with everyone in the household. Pitas take the youngest members of the family under their wing, playing the role of “nanny.” And they are masters at this!
Their natural intelligence gives them the ability to think independently, without waiting for the owner’s command. The pit bull is strong, knows and feels it, but will not look for an opportunity to demonstrate its superiority. He will not pay attention to small dogs barking tirelessly: he will be able to keep his feelings under control and remain cool-blooded.
What is the bite force of a pit bull, how to unclench the jaws of a pit bull?
What is the bite force of a pit bull, how to unclench the jaws of a pit bull?
The pit bull has the strongest jaws. The bite force of this dog is up to 126 kg/sq.cm.
- It is believed that it is almost impossible to unclench a pit bull's jaws when it is in a fight. This statement does not exist because this dog is bloodthirsty and cannot let go of the enemy, it has such a peculiarity in the way its jaw works.
- There are many cases when, in a fight between a pit bull and dogs of other breeds, the pit clings so tightly to the enemy that neither the owner’s blows, nor the gas from a spray can, nor the electric shock can help separate the animals.
- It seems that nothing will help in such a fight and the enemy is doomed.
But experienced dog handlers have one way that helps unclench a pit bull’s jaws:
- Place the collar on the dog so that it is not on the neck, but slightly higher towards the head, almost near the ears.
- Begin to lightly choke your pet . Although this sounds scary, you will not cause any harm to the dog.
- Tighten the leash until the dog unclenches his jaw . However, keep your wits about you and don't pull too hard as you might choke your dog.
Thanks to this technique, the pet will unclench its jaws and let go of the victim. Watch the video for more details:
Education and training
If a dog bites a person, there is a good reason for it. This is a sign of a defective individual or the result of improper upbringing.
There have been cases of pit bulls attacking people - but only when the owner himself gave such a command. Boundlessly devoted, capable of rushing to the defense of his master without hesitation, he does not know the moral laws of this world. Therefore, people, not dogs, should be blamed for a one-time display of aggression.
The owner of a dog must certainly be a person who is self-confident, self-sufficient, and with a strong moral foundation. Any dog must respect its place in the family hierarchy. This is achieved by a calm and confident tone of conversation, the slightest cruelty is excluded, otherwise a boomerang effect will arise. It is better for inexperienced and novice dog breeders to seek the help of a training instructor.
Pit bulls need to exercise a lot and have sufficient exercise. Unspent energy will result in hooliganism in the house. Any activity will become a game for Pete - dragging a rope, hanging on a ring, catching a stick, climbing trees - his joy will know no bounds.
Raising and training the American Pit Bull Terrier should begin from an early age. Inexperienced dog owners should definitely take a dog training course under the guidance of an instructor.
Rehabilitation period
After surgery, the pit bull is given a plastic collar to prevent the stitches from licking and causing infection. If the puppy feeds on its mother's milk, then she will have to be isolated for a while. It is necessary to bring a small pit bull terrier to her only for feeding time. Its bedding must be changed regularly to prevent bacteria from entering the wounds.
Every day, the seams must be treated with an antiseptic. If an unknown fluid is released from the wounds, or the skin around them is red or inflamed, then you should immediately consult a veterinarian.
The dog's head should remain bandaged for the first few days. If the puppy is old enough, your veterinarian may prescribe pain medications. Once the stitches are removed, you need to massage your pit bull's ears every day, gently pulling the tips with your fingers.
You should not force feed your puppy. After recovering from anesthesia, the digestive system does not begin to work immediately - the dog can fast for up to 3 days without expressing its dissatisfaction about this.
Feeding her too early may cause her to vomit. It is better to give your pit bull dry food soaked in water or canned food until he recovers. Natural foods can cause problems with stool.
Pit Bull Terrier Health and Diseases
Possible diseases
These dogs are genetically endowed with good health.
A small nuisance is that pit bulls are sensitive to drafts and cold, and their paws can freeze. You should strictly follow the vaccination schedule for your pet (the veterinary clinic will inform you in detail). The first vaccination is indicated as early as 3 months - then you will have no need to worry about possible diseases.
Obesity or rapid weight loss indicate a malfunction of the thyroid gland. As you age, joint problems may arise. Many irritants contribute to the appearance of allergies. In this case, reconsider the diet and living conditions of your pet.
Reproductive health
The first estrus in a female dog begins 6-9 months after birth and lasts 20-23 days.
A healthy pregnancy lasts 8–9 weeks. Labor may begin a little earlier or a week later. Consulting with your doctor will help determine whether there will be complications during or after the birth process. After the birth of puppies, especially the first ones, the “young mother” will protect her offspring. Please be understanding about this. If you are not ready to be responsible for the lives of new family members, it is better to sterilize the animal.
How to care for cropped ears?
How to care for the animal’s cropped ears after the operation? The main thing is to monitor the healing of the wound; animals often experience severe itching in the damaged area, so you should avoid scratching them.
- To prevent the dog from tearing off the protective bandage, use neck collars designed for this purpose; they can be purchased at any veterinary pharmacy;
- You can also make this collar yourself using cardboard or non-rigid plastic. This collar should not be removed until the dog's ears have healed;
- Immediately after surgery and for several days, the dog must take analgesics to relieve pain. The dog should eat as usual;
- The seams are treated with a solution of brilliant green and three percent hydrogen peroxide. This is done using cotton pads or tampons.
You need to monitor the dog, prevent infection from getting into fresh wounds, and monitor the condition of the stitches. If any deterioration in the animal’s health is noticed, contact a veterinary clinic immediately.
Features of feeding and diet
As a rule, owners bring home a new family member at two months of age. The puppy receives balanced nutrition partly from dry food (only premium class, it should be soaked with water before feeding), and partly from natural products (boiled liver and beef, cottage cheese, kefir, porridge, grated carrots or apples, cheese, yolk once a week ). Porridge (rice, millet, buckwheat, oatmeal) is cooked in milk in a volume of 600 g, gradually it is recommended to reduce the portion to 400 g.
Meal frequency:
- at the age of 6-8 weeks - from 6 times a day;
- at the age of 10-12 weeks – 5 times a day;
- at 4-6 months – 4 times a day;
- at 6-8 months – 3 times a day.
From 8 months, the puppy receives food, like an adult dog, 2 times a day. As you grow older, the presence of four-legged protein in the diet is mandatory (100 grams of meat per day, offal once a week - liver, heart, kidneys). It is forbidden to feed your pet table scraps! There are allergenic foods for pit bulls: potatoes, broccoli, grapes, sweets, and baked goods. They need to be excluded.
Water should be available at all times and should be changed twice a day. The transition to dry food is carried out gradually, offering it in small portions and observing possible manifestations of allergies. If the animal reacts poorly, the food should be replaced with another.
At first, the puppy will be at home, so place a tray with litter so that the dog does not crap all over the apartment.
Are there any contraindications
If the owner decides to trim the ears of a pit bull, one should remember the cases when the operation cannot be performed or should be postponed.
Contraindications may be:
- serious physical and mental defects in the puppy;
- discharge from the ears of an unknown nature;
- age over 6 months.
Important! Adult dogs' ears are cropped only for medical reasons, as they may heal improperly.
Care and maintenance
There are no excessive requirements for the care and maintenance of American pit bull terriers.
Pit cats have short fur and are brushed twice a year during seasonal shedding. The rest of the year, they simply tidy up by lightly combing and removing dirt.
The claws wear down on their own during long walks. If they are long and interfere with walking, trim them with a nail clipper. Ears are treated as they become dirty.
Oral care will help maintain white teeth and eliminate unpleasant odor in the mouth. It is easier to teach a dog to brush its teeth (with toothpaste, as it should be!) from an early age.
Bathing is enough 2 times a year. The dog tolerates this procedure very calmly. Place a rubber mat on the bottom of the bathtub to prevent your dog from slipping and scratching the bathtub. You can add a little water so that it barely covers your paws. Now we water the four-legged animal, avoiding getting its head and ears wet. Lather the shampoo into foam and apply to the coat (do not pour shampoo on the dog!), stroke the dog with this foam, and then rinse. You can dry the wool with a hairdryer with a warm jet or wipe it with a towel. Leave your pet at home for 2-3 hours after bathing and let him dry completely. It is not recommended to bathe pregnant, old, or sick dogs. If you bathe frequently, your skin may begin to crack due to dryness. So don't overdo it!
In summer, pitas willingly swim in ponds. Choose places where there are no people (observe hygiene rules!). If the dog does not dare to go into the water, set an example for it - take a swim first and call it to you. Don't forget to take off your collar! After each walk, the paws are washed in a basin and the belly is wiped with a damp cloth.
Briefly about the main thing
- The history of dog docking dates back centuries BC.
- It is a myth that puppies do not experience pain during docking.
- In many countries the procedure is prohibited.
- People's opinions on this matter are very mixed, but veterinarians do not recommend docking.
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Tips for choosing a puppy
If you want to have a little friend and a faithful companion at home, having well calculated your strengths, capabilities and means, you can begin to search for a suitable breeder. Having recommendations from other owners makes the task much easier and reduces the risk of falling into the trap of an unscrupulous seller.
Are you planning to participate in exhibitions? You need a show class puppy. Will you be breeding the breed? Take a breed-class puppy. The price for both will be higher. Pet-class American Pit Bull Terrier puppies (pets) will be cheaper, but this will not affect their character in any way. But he will delight you every day with his love of life and kindness. They are allowed to be taken from the breeder as early as 2 months, when habits have not yet been formed and training can be started “from scratch.”
For those who plan to conquer exhibitions with their pet, it is better to choose from eight-month-old puppies. At this age, the makings of a champion are more or less visible. Calm, balanced, cooperative, moderately active puppies are easy to train and do not cause trouble with their behavior. But you shouldn’t choose timid, fearful, and modest people. You may encounter difficulties in parenting.
Photo gallery
If you are ready to train your pet hard, you will get a loyal friend and an excellent guard, to whom you will not be afraid to leave your home. We invite you to get to know these dogs better in our selection of photos.
Complications
Wound healing most often ends within 1-2 weeks, after which the dog must be shown to a veterinarian who will monitor the result.
But sometimes complications arise after relief. Their reason does not always lie in the qualifications or quality of the surgeon’s work; sometimes this arises due to the dog’s individual health indicators or due to improper care in the postoperative period.
The most common complications:
- Bleeding. In puppies this occurs in the most extreme cases, and with age the risk of bleeding increases sharply. Bleeding may not stop immediately after surgery, but may occur after some time in the case of rumen grass.
- Formation of a large scar and thickening of the upper part of the cropped ears. The risk of such a complication is directly related to the age of the dog; thickening is almost never observed in puppies.
- Inflammatory processes in the suture area. This complication occurs when the wound is contaminated, due to suture dehiscence or decreased immunity in the animal.
If there is any deterioration in the pet’s well-being, it must be urgently shown to a veterinarian, preferably the one who performed the docking.
Preparation for the procedure
The pet will have to be patient - half a day before the operation you cannot eat, and you need to control your drinking regime. It is also necessary to undergo tests to determine the tolerance of anesthesia.
If the four-legged patient is older than a week, he will be given general anesthesia. If the puppy is still very small, a local one will suffice.
When setting a date for surgery, the pit bull's vaccination schedule is also taken into account. Experienced dog breeders recommend docking no earlier than a week after vaccination.
