American Pit Bull Terrier

BY: NEALIE SANCHEZ

Editor-in-Chief

"Texas Dog Magazine" was founded by Nealie Sanchez on July 4, 2017. While the first magazine was released March 1, 2018, many don't know that the first-ever mock-up edition lives online to this day. In this edition, Sancheznamed her own dog Gannicus, an American Pit Bull Terrier, TexasTop Dog. In the first edition, the TXDM team would go on to donate to The Love Pit, a nonprofit Pit Bull rescue based in Dallas-Fort Worth. In honor of Gannicus, in celebration of the aforementioned things and in recognition of all breeds placed on breed restriction lists, as well as the dog parents who continue to adopt, love and care for these breeds please enjoy our breed focus: The American Pit Bull Terrier

American Pit Bull Terriers are an interesting mix of "the gameness of the terrier with the strength and athleticism of the Bulldog," according to the United Kennel Club. This association was the first to recognize this breed, with founder C. Z. Bennett assigning his own American Pit Bull Terrier registration No. 1. While the American Kennel Club recognizes the American Staffordshire Terrier as a breed, the organization does not recognize the American Pit Bull Terrier as a separate breed.

With ancestry from the British Isles, this dog is known for its medium build, short coat, broad skull and wide muzzle. This breed can come in any color and pattern aside from merle, according to the UKC.

The breed's temperament towards children and families is described as loving by the UKC, however, the organization does address personality traits and training required of the American Pit Bull Terrier stating, "Because most APBTs exhibit some level of dog aggression and because of its powerful physique, the APBT requires an owner who will carefully socialize and obedience train the dog."

It"s no secret that despite many people still owning and caring for this breed, it has a particularly bad reputation often labeled an aggressive breed and subject to breed-specific legislation or BSL. Their reputation precedes them, dating back as far as the early 1800s in Great Britain the breed was used in "bull-baiting." This didn't last long as this blood sport was outlaws in 1835, according to VetIQ. In fact, since these days the American Pit Bull Terrier was used by the American military as a symbol in World War I and World War II. Many even believed the most decorated war dog of WWI, Sgt. Stubby, to be a Pit Bull Terrier (other guesses included Boston Terrier mixes).

Finally, while the American Pit Bull Terrier isn't shown at Westminster Dog Show, the breed?s close relative the American Staffordshire Terrier made one small pounce for bullies and one giant leap for bully breed kind in the show over the past several years. Louie, an American Staffordshire Terrier has taken Best of Breed in 2016, Best of Breed and Group Third in 2017 and Best of Breed and Group Second in 2018 paving a way for what some lump together as "Bully Breeds."

Because of the breed"s short coat, maintenance is relatively low. PetCareRx recommends brushing with a rubber curry brush to maintain coat shine. Please consult your veterinarian for the best practices for your specific dog.

Did you know?

April 8 is National Dog Fighting Awareness Day. The ASPCA created this day to raise awareness about the prevalence of dogfighting in the U.S. Across America, innocent dogs are forced to fight. Take action by signing the petition here: aspca.org/ break-the-chain

April 12-18, 2020, is Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week. To reduce the stigma surrounding animal control officers, TXDM observes Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week. This week we recognize that these officers pick up abandoned, abused, even dead animals and often are the animals? first line of defense for justice.

Coincidentally, April 12-18, 2020, is also National Dog Bite Prevention Week. While reminding the public that any dog can bite, this week is dedicated to the education and prevention of dog bites. Together we can stamp out dog bites.

Twitter: @NealieSanchez