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Despite the fact that the breed is called the American Pit Bull Terrier, it did not appear in America at all, but in the Old World. But it was among the Americans that this breed aroused particular interest, and they picked up the breeding initiative.
The history of the breed
The cause of the future breed of the American Pit Bull Terrier has become the laws of England. They forbade people from a poor stratum to have big dogs. Large dogs were available only to people from high society. Therefore, poor people could start a bulldog and that terrier, which was used as housing guards, as well as hunters. Over time, in the process of crossing these two breeds, the first representatives of modern pit bull terriers appeared. In order not to violate the law of his country,people left the smallest puppy from all born.
These dogs were quite dexterous and active like that terriers, and strong and fearless like bulldogs. At first, the breed was called the Bull Terrier, but soon the prefix "pit" was added to it. From English, this word translates as a pit for dog fighting, and this was due to the fact that these representatives were used as fighters.
It is not known exactly when the pit bulls hit America, but one thing is clear, that this happened no later than 1774. Animals swam along with emigrants from the territory of modern Europe. The most active migrants became in the middle of the 19th century.
It is worth noting that in the territory of Europe of those times, the battles between dogs were treated rather negatively, and soon these actions became completely forbidden. Therefore, in 1835 in England a law was passed stating that fighting between pit bull terriers was prohibited. But in America, it was quite the opposite. Fights between representatives of this breed were legal, and they were welcomed for a long time.
At this time, many people saw prospects in this action, and therefore they started breeding pit bulls.To officially recognize these animals, the breeders had to go a long way. At that time, these dogs did not yet have a specific breed name, so they could have been called differently: pit bulls or pit dogs, as well as pit terriers.
Of all the future representatives of the breed the most valuable were the red-nosed dogs. It was believed that they are individuals of the "old family" of the breed. Fans of this type of dog made a huge mistake when they excluded the red-nosed from breeding with other pitbull lines. They believed that the reason for this could be unforeseen consequences.
An Irishman named John Colby, who sailed to America in 1900, introduced new ideas about this issue. Together with him, he brought purebred pit bulls, which he referred to the “old family”. And he believed that on the contrary, they must be actively involved in breeding and crossed with other lines of this breed. This man was not understood by his contemporaries. He was condemned and criticized, but he did what he considered necessary. And, as it turned out later, all this was not in vain. Through the work of this Irish, it turned out to bring a lot of representatives who have become legends of fighting dogs.
Unfortunately, before 1900 it is very difficult to talk about any statistics: about the number of animals that became champions, and in general, how many dogs were brought from Europe. Therefore, talking about some standards was quite problematic. After all, they had a different color, and their features were very difficult to organize. But after 1900, when the dogs were on the territory of America, the development of this species was officially documented.
After a vivid example with John Colby, other breeders began active breeding of the breed using representatives of the “old family”. After that, this breed was called American. It was American breeders who made a great contribution to the formation of the breed. Therefore, despite the fact that the American Pit Bull Terrier had European roots, the Europeans still did not claim this species. Although the first representatives of the pit bulls lived not only in England and Ireland, but also in Holland and Spain.
The International Society of Dog Handlers did not recognize this breed, but it did not stop the persistent American breeders. And already in 1898 they opened their own club of fighting dogs lovers.After some time, this club ceased to exist, because it stopped supporting dog fights.
In 1909, a new organization was born, which was engaged in registering representatives of the pitbull breed for fighting. Today this society is considered international. American laws began to prohibit the conduct of dog fighting, so the purpose of this organization was to enter data about the representatives of the species. This procedure helps to keep the breed, as well as to hold a competition among these animals. These competitions are called confirmation show. At such events, competitions are held not only in the strength training of the animal, but also in its appearance.
Until now, representatives of the breed remain in trend in both the United States and Russia, although this type of dog has undergone numerous persecutions. For example, some European Union countries prohibit the breeding of these dogs. Those that already existed or are in the area, it is necessary, according to the laws, to be sterilized. By the way, Germany is much harder with the owners of these dogs.In order to have a pit bull puppy, you must obtain a permit, and at the same time a high tax will be charged on the maintenance of this animal.
Breed standards
The most important canine society still does not recognize this type of dog, so this breed has two different standards that have been described by other organizations. The first list of standards aims to describe the fighting qualities of the animal, and the second is devoted to the description of the external characteristics of the dog.
Standards from ADBA
The external characteristics of this representative say that the dog is quite strong and has good health. Her coat is smooth and shiny, and her look is always attentive. The figure is fit and sporty. All listed features are characteristics of a true representative of the breed. His relief muscles should not make him visually thick. Because adult representatives of the species in general should have a lean physique and slightly protruding ribs.
The head of the pit bull is allowed in different shapes, but mainly it must be wedge-shaped. To the nose, it should taper. When viewed from the front, the head looks like a circle.The transition from the nose to the forehead is quite expressive, and the cheekbones are slightly wider than the line of the ears. Ears can be cropped. The eyes are shaped like an ellipse.
The skin on the body is quite tight, but there may be folds on the neck and chest. The chest of the animal is quite wide, and to the bottom should be narrowed. Pit bull dexterity is expressed in the length of the waist. It can not be too long or short.
The limbs of an American pet are powerful and muscular. The shoulders, from which the forelimbs extend, are slightly wider than the dog’s chest. The hips of the animal are uneven, and slightly sloping at a 30 degree angle. The hind limbs are thinner than the front ones, which significantly affects their flexibility. Paws small in size, collected.
Tailing is quite low, and he himself has a wide base. The animal's hair is always short, harsh to the touch, but shiny. If we talk about the color of the dog, then it can be very different. The only thing that breed standards do not allow merle, and albino dogs.
UKC Standards
According to the standards of this type, the American Pit Bull Terrier dog must have an athletic body.Its backbone must be strong, and its muscular system is expressive and prominent. The movements of this pet are always graceful. But, despite the muscles and strong bones, these representatives should not look obese.
Energetic and interest in everything are the main features that are inherent in this breed. Despite the common misconception, pit bulls should not be aggressive to people or other animals.
The head is rather large, but, nevertheless, this should not create dissonance when looking at a dog, because it is proportional to the body. The muzzle itself is slightly smaller than the skull, and refers to it as 2: 3. In this species, the superciliary part and the lower jaw are well developed.
Eyes can not be blue. Their location should have a low but wide landing. Dog's ears are always high on the crown, and at the same time can be stopped. The dog's neck is elongated, and the body is proportionate, and should not be too long or short. The back part is a little sloping.
Weight of males can be from 15.9 kg to 27.2 kg. And females are a little easier, and their average weight starts from 13.6 kg, and does not exceed 22.7 kg. In males, growth can be 40-42 cm, and females grow to 37-40 cm.
Animal character
Many are not very good at dogs of this breed, and all this is connected with the stereotypes that these animals are quite aggressive. But the aggressiveness of dogs depends only on education. Pit bulls themselves should not be evil. At the same time, if the owner wants to make his dog angry and aggressive, then it is quite easy and quick to bring up these qualities in him.
American Pit Bull Terriers are very inquisitive dogs that are active in nature. They are always ready to play with their master and execute commands.
We can say with certainty that the nature of this breed of dogs is formed solely through educational work. And the most important age is children, because the older the pet, the harder it is to re-educate him.
Pit bull care and maintenance
It is better for the dog to give raw meat, if there is confidence in its quality, because the boiled one is worse absorbed. Pit bulls can also be given dairy products, with the exception of milk.
Bathing a dog is not worth much. It will be enough twice a year. It is also necessary to comb it once a week. With the same frequency you need to wipe your ears.
American Pit Bull Puppy Cost
On average, a puppy of this breed can cost 20 thousand rubles. It is worth considering the fact that many countries do not recognize this breed, therefore it is difficult to acquire an animal with a pedigree.
Video: American Pit Bull Terrier Dog Breed
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