The American Pit Bull Terrier: A Faithful Friend
Are you looking for an affectionate, loyal and not too independent dog? Or do you want a dog that will protect and defend your home, an energetic, obedient and easy to train dog? Well, if you are looking for a dog that possesses all these characteristics, the American Pit Bull Terrier is the choice for you: it will be your faithful friend.
What are the origins of the Pit Bull Terrier?
The Pit Bull Terrier breed originates from the United States, where it spread following the arrival of English immigrants. These, who went in search of a guard dog, of large size, made crosses between various dog breeds, until they made a cross between bulldog and terrier. When the Spaniards arrived in America, they also imported the Great Danes who, mating with the cross of bulldogs and terriers, gave birth to the American Pit Bull Terrier.
In addition to being a guard dog, the Pit Bull Terrier has also been used for fighting with bulls and, following the prohibition of these, also for fighting with other dogs, but also as a hunting and herding dog, to lead the grazing cattle.
What is his build?
The Pit Bull Terrier’s head is of medium size, rectangular, with a flat and broad skull. The cheekbones are protruding, free from wrinkles. The muzzle is square and broad, with large jaws and the closing of the scissor teeth. The eyes are slightly separated, low, and the nose has wide and dilated nostrils. The set of the ears is high, which means that the ears are on the top of the head, not on the sides. They are straight, short and have no folds.
The neck is muscular, pronounced, devoid of folds and arched, like the back, also short and strong, slightly inclined towards the tail. The junction of the tail is low and narrows at the tip. The legs are large, with rounded bones, rather straight and strong. The fingers are arched. In all not a very large dog, the males do not exceed 30 kg.
Are you sure he can live with his family?
The reputation of the American Pit Bull Terrier is that of an aggressive and violent dog, however, this is an unfair reputation. In reality, this breed is affectionate, fun and very patient with children: it lets itself be caressed by them and participates in their raids. They are a very intelligent breed, even if a little stubborn: if they put something in their head, they will do everything to obtain it, at least until they receive a different order! However, it adapts well to changes: it is one of the few breeds that can change families and adapt to the second home just like the first, if it feels accepted as an integral part of it. Being a faithful and protective dog, he will be totally dedicated to your family, although he will always reserve special treatment for the one he considers his best friend. He is an enthusiastic and funny dog, very attached to his family made up of human beings.
What is the best environment for a Pit Bull?
Being a dog originally used for fighting and grazing cattle, it has a restless temperament and needs a lot of physical activity, so it needs to take long walks regularly. His ideal family is made up of adults with children over the age of 14, because he would have the time to dedicate to him Young families or families with small children are not for him, because they have less time and it would be more difficult for him to get used to to children who may be born in the future. The more time you can dedicate to him, the better it will be for him, also because you have to devote a lot of energy to him, since he has to practice a lot of physical activity.
In short, the American Pit Bull Terrier is the ideal pet to defend your home (it makes an excellent watchdog) and protect your children: a life and playmate. In addition, he learns very quickly and can be trained, not just educated in family life, which should be done as a puppy; however it can also be trained as a fighting or guard dog. Furthermore, he will be ready to defend only his family and his “property”, not just any space or whoever takes him on a leash.
