For its owner, the American pit bull terrier is the most devoted and gentle dog in the world. But for his enemies - a fierce beast with a dead grip. To properly raise such a dog requires experience and a strong character.
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Description of the American Pit Bull Terrier
There are many legends about American pit bull terriers. One way or another, they relate to his character - aggressive and uncontrollable. This is just a stereotype, because the dog lends itself very well to training. If you find a common language with her, she will be a great friend and guard.
Powerful pit bull energy requires a master's guide arm and good, regular loads.
This breed is very peculiar, with a strong character and powerful physique. The animal is stubborn, but understanding.
The dog is graceful in its game and exercises. She is more suitable for young people from 20 to 45 years old, who will pay attention to her, conduct classes with her, go to training. This is a sports dog. which requires increased attention, training and long walks.
History of breed origin
The first pit bull terriers appeared in America. The British brought them in with the aim of using them on farms as laborers for protection, hunting and as a nanny. Gambling Yankees bred and prepared these selfless animals for dog fights and bullying bulls. Pit bulls directed their strength and aggression directly at the enemy. Those individuals that got out of control were taken out of breeding.
Pit bull terriers today are no longer a fighting breed.They are considered sports dogs with the functions that nature and breeders gave them.
When the breed was banned for breeding, an exhibition variety of pit bull terriers appeared - the American Staffordshire Terrier or Amstaff. Interestingly, the FCI recognized the Amstaffs in 1972, although the differences between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier are insignificant. The latter have more stringent requirements for appearance - the boundaries of permissible weight and height, the color of the nose and eyes are determined.
Life span
Pit bull terriers are in good health, they have no hereditary diseases. Animals from birth have a strong skeleton, a powerful muscular system.
Health problems can arise due to malnutrition, a sedentary lifestyle. The average life expectancy of dogs is 12 to 15 years.
The purpose and nature of the dog
Dogs of this breed are active and bold, have a purposeful character and a special intelligence. They combine several opposing qualities - affection and strength, intransigence and complacency, tenacity and sensitivity. Dog handlers believe that pit bull terriers feel their strength very well, are aware of it. Therefore, children and smaller animals are treated with awe and tenderness. Pit bull terriers are very dedicated, they will never run away in pursuit of a cat for a walk, balanced and affectionate with the owner and his family.
The pit bull has a large head, strong bones, strong muscles, a powerful, menacing look. Not a single sane criminal wants to fight this animal.
Some representatives of the breed serve in the police, help in the search for drugs and explosives.
Most American pit bull terriers are used in competitions. At the training site, they have where to take a walk and show their character. In the pursuit of victory, these dogs have no equal, they enthusiastically participate in competitions, trying to be the first, to beat rivals.
Breed standard and puppy selection
Pit bull terriers are medium-sized dogs, powerful and muscular, with short hair. Breeders who breed breeds appreciate, above all, its working qualities. In some countries, breeding a pit bull terrier is prohibited by law.
Description of the breed American Pit Bull Terrier:
- muzzle of a square shape;
- elongated nose, like terriers;
- ears are small, widely spaced;
- oval eyes and nose can be painted in any color;
- a tightened abdomen and a deep chest;
- short tail;
- limbs with strong bones;
- tough, tight-fitting coat does not have undercoat, does not grow on the stomach.
The color of the coat and the weight of the animals do not play a role. The appearance of dogs may vary depending on the breeding line.
You need to get a puppy in a large nursery. When buying, you must ask the factory when the treatment was carried out against worms and the first vaccinations were made.
You need to pay attention to the puppy's parents in order to understand what character he will have. It is difficult to assess the psyche of an animal at first glance; when choosing, one should focus on positive physiological characteristics. The coat should shine, not be covered, the eyes should be clean, the mucous membranes in the mouth should be pink, the ears should be light pink inside, without scratching. The bite is correct, scissor-like (for show dogs). If the animal is taken for breeding, check the testes, the absence of umbilical and inguinal hernias.
It is impossible to buy a pit bull puppy with a Russian pedigree and documents. This breed is not recognized by the Russian Cynological Federation.
Maintenance, care and feeding
Pit bull terrier can not be kept in an aviary on the street, and even more so on a chain. He has no undercoat to warm in cold weather. In winter, in severe frost, walks should be limited in time.
For a dog, a spacious room in an apartment or a country house is well suited, where you can play, run, give active energy output.A puppy cannot be left alone for long. He needs communication, otherwise he will be bored and stressed. In order for a pet to develop well, up to a year he should experience as few stressful situations as possible. The puppy should have toys, its place with a rug, bowls for food and water.
Proper feeding of the pit bull terrier is balanced, includes all the elements necessary for the health of the dog.
- The puppy is given dry and wet premium food and natural products - chopped raw meat, cottage cheese, quail eggs, kefir. Dry food should correspond to the age of the pet, choose packages marked: "From 0 to 12 months."
- Some dogs enjoy eating vegetables and fruits, while others refuse them. If the dog’s diet contains high-quality dry food, there is no need for a wide variety of menu products, as it contains all the necessary vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates and fats.
- The dog is given food on a schedule, 2 times a day.
- Water should be in the bowl constantly, it is changed daily. The pet is always fed after training and walking, so that there is no inversion of the intestines.
American pit bulls require little to care. Short hair does not need to be cut, laid, just comb it with a brush with rough bristles and bathe as necessary. The dog needs to cut its nails in time and clean its ears.
Walk with a pit bull daily 2 or 3 times a day. One of the walks is desirable to fully devote to training and sports activities. To train a puppy to a leash and a muzzle is necessary since childhood.
How to train and educate a dog
The secret to educating a pit bull is to treat it like an equal being - not to drive it into a corner, give it time to think, a place to retreat. Under normal conditions, the dog will reciprocate and love. He is extremely sincere with his master and always openly expresses emotions.
Training is always a mutual communication between the dog and the owner. You need to choose the right motivation. For some dogs this may be a ball, for others a rope or a bottle. The subject that interests you will help you learn certain commands.
Pit bull terrier requires respect. He should perceive training as a game, not coercion.
The main thing is to interest the pet so that he experiences positive emotions for training.
With the dog you need to master the command "Give"! There may be problems with this. The pit bull has the makings of a leader, so the owner needs to show firmness of character so that the dog recognizes him as a “leader” and begins to obey implicitly. During training, use improvised means - balls, sticks, rollers and other objects that the dog really loves. This contributes to the development of conditioned reflexes to the team. At the end of training, you can reward your pet with your favorite toy.
Pros and cons of the breed
Before starting such a serious breed, you need to weigh the pros and cons. Pit bull terriers are very loyal to their owner, this is their advantage.
Other positive qualities of these dogs:
- smart, well trained;
- playful and gambling;
- working;
- brave, they are not afraid of a strong opponent;
- friendly and affectionate with friends;
- have good health and stamina.
With this dog you need to constantly engage. A person who does not have time for this is better not to start a pit bull.
The negative sides of the breed are manifested with poor education:
- may attack unfamiliar dogs and other animals, trying to fight with them;
- has a tendency to dominate;
- It requires adjustment of behavior in case of excessive aggression, training with an experienced trainer.
The breed is not suitable for children, the elderly, is more suitable for middle-aged people who lead a healthy lifestyle, play sports. If the owner makes morning runs or long walks with the dog, she will be happy.
