2d • Breed of the Week
Pit bulls
Pit bulls – An umbrella term versus a breed
The term “pit bull” describes physical characteristics versus an actual breed. The types of physical characteristics that people associate with pit bulls are muscular build, stocky, and square head.
Where did pit bulls originate from?
Pit bulls originated from a bulldog and a terrier being bred together. This happened back in the 19th century, which is not that long ago if you think about it, in the countries of England, Scotland and Ireland. They were originally bred for hunting/restraining/capturing livestock.
As mentioned before pit bull is an umbrella term. It is descriptor word for physical characteristics not a breed specifically. The breeds that tend to fall under this umbrella are American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, American Pitbull Terrier and the like. The only breed under the umbrella that is recognized by the American Kennel Club and the American Dog Breeders Association, who advocates for promoting positivity around the breed, is the American Pitbull Terrier.
Pit bulls do have a reputation for being aggressive dogs and there is reason for that. Historically they were bred and trained for dog aggression, but not human aggression. It was the “sport” of dogfighting, and it being deemed illegal, that saw an influx of irresponsible owners mistreating pit bulls to encourage violent temperaments.
Speaking of temperament - pit bulls are probably one of the most controversial when it comes to whether they are aggressive or not. For those who have had the opportunity to own one and was willing to understand the dog they have and the training required, have found that they are playful, goofy, clownish people pleasers that are generally quiet but also stubborn at times.
While most pit bulls lead quiet lives it is important to not become ignorant to the fact they were bred for aggressive activities, such as dog fighting and bull baiting. It is important to be mindful of your limitations of knowledge and training skill when it comes to owning such a dog. While pit bull bites towards people are in the minority - the bites that are fatal are not. Pit bulls are great dog’s but they are not for beginner dog owners.
Pit bulls do have a positive history –
Once of the most famous pit bulls is a decorated war hero from WWI. His name was Stubby, due to his lack of tail, and he was a stray found by Cpl. Conroy in Connecticut while training at Yale University when he was a private.
Sgt Subby saved countless lives by alerting to incoming gases, finding the wounded and leading medics to them and he also took down a German spy, which is where he earned his rank of sergeant! Unsurprising to anyone who has gone through tough times with your dog by your side, Sgt Stubby was a great moral booster to the unit as well.
Sgt. Stubby participated in 17 battles, had to be smuggled to Europe after Cpl Conroy’s training and back to the United States at the end of the war. When he returned it was that of a hero’s welcome. He participated in parades, met his fans, which included 3 presidents – Woodrow Wilson, Calvin Coolidge and Warren G. Harding. He was also inducted as a member of the American Legion and the YMCA.
I highly encourage you to read Sgt. Stubby’s full story. It is something that, as a dog owner and lover of dogs, might find yourself fighting back tears at this beautiful story. I know I did as I was reading his story for this week.
My personal pit bull story:
So, a bit of backstory and some information about me: I love pit bulls, they are one of my favorite breeds. When I was born my mom had 4 American Staffordshire Bull Terrier’s and they were such great dogs. I believe the last one passed away when I was in elementary school and I still remember all of them after all this time. I also currently have one myself, he is an American Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire mix according to his Wisdom Panel. His name is Lucas McCain, and he is genuinely the best dog I could have ever asked for. He has been there for me through all the rough patches in my life and no matter what I made sure he was taken care of regardless of what we were going through.
At 4 years old Lucas and I joined a local SAR team and certified twice over the next 7 years before I retired him. Lucas was a crowd favorite with police and sheriffs on searches since you don’t really see pit bulls working very often. He has an excellent nose and strong food drive (no desire for toy). He is my first working dog and thankfully he allowed me to learn from my mistakes as we were both getting started.
He taught me a lot and without him I wouldn’t be doing what I am doing now. I never would have met of Chiron K9 or have my dream job: training working dogs.
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Pit bulls
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