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You become responsible forever
for what you have tamed.
- Antoine de Saint-Exupery
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Ventnor's Spike's
Gizzard
"Spike"
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Ventnor's Spike's Gizzard
"Spike"
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Descended from bulldogs and terriers
brought to the United States, the
American Pit Bull Terrier is now known for his role in
dog fighting. In fact, these dogs came
to the US in the early 1800s as all-around farm dogs and frontier guardians.
The United Kennel Club recognized
the Bull and Terrier Dog as the American Pit Bull Terrier in 1898. The American Kennel Club
recognized the American Pit Bull Terrier as the Staffordshire Terrier in 1936. The name was
changed in 1972 to the American Staffordshire Terrier to distinguish the breed from the
Staffordshire Bull Terrier of England, the ancestor of the American dogs. As blood sports
such as dog fighting are now illegal, the Pit Bull today is bred as a loyal family
pet and guardian.
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The Pit Bull is compact
and extremely strong for his size. Typically, he stands up to 19 inches tall at the shoulder.
He is powerful and muscular and may weigh up to 60 pounds. The Pit Bull has a
short, smooth, coat that comes in any colour or combination of colours.
Grooming needs are minimal.
The Pit Bull is a
courageous and fearless animal with a very high activity level. He is may be instinctively
hostile to other household pets and other animals as he has a high prey
drive. In spite of his bad press, this dog is very
loyal and devoted to his family. Being a people-friendly dog, he is not a
good guardian of property, though he is an excellent guardian for his
master. The Pit Bull is a very intuitive animal and has no trouble
identifying and responding to real threats towards his human. However, he is not the best choice
for the first time dog owner. This is a strong-willed, dominant dog. It is especially
important that a prospective owner of a Pit Bull check out the breeder to ensure the animal is
properly handled and socialized.
Intelligent, and strong-willed, the Pit Bull must be
socialized early and placed in obedience training. Firm, consistent training will produce a
calm, obedient, loving, companion. Guard and/or attack dog training is not
appropriate for this breed. His owner must be committed to providing appropriate
supervision and daily, vigorous exercise - always on a leash. The Pit Bull enjoys running
alongside a bicycle and makes a good jogging partner. A fenced backyard is ideal.
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