Dog Registration in the Nineteenth Century
As time marched on, feelings about dog fighting changed and so did the UKC (United Kennel Club), by abandoning and condemning this vicious sport.
The American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT)’s reputation was forever associated with dog fighting, so the American Kennel Club (AKC) whose mission was to recognize purebred show type dogs would not acknowledge that breed.
The American Kennel Club, however, was willing to accept the American Staffordshire Terrier, and did so in 1936, calling them the Staffordshire Terrier. Essentially they were the same breed, but they each retained different names.
The Staffordshire Terrier’s name was changed in 1972 to the American Staffordshire Terrier, to distinguish them from the English Staffordshire Bull Terrier, another bull and terrier breed that was developed in the U.K. for virtually the same purposes.
Since then, the AKC would not register any APBT as an American Staffordshire, stating that the two breeds were isolated for enough time to be considered different breeds.
Is this the same with the United Kennel Club?
No, the UKC will accept AKC registered American Staffordshire Terriers as American Pit Bull Terriers.
Enough about politics of the dog world.
As far as I can discern from researching both breeds, they are essentially the same dog. With that said, however, there may be big differences within the breeds’ lines.
It is clear that not all “Pit Bull” type dogs were developed, trained, and destined to fight other dogs. The majority of them were simple farm dogs that had important jobs to do on the farms of the late 1800s and early 1900s.
There was nothing to suggest that these dogs knew anything about fighting other dogs. These lines remained clear of dog fighting, but still maintained their heritage of farm dog, protector, hard worker, and livestock protector.
Fast forward about a hundred years or so.
Today’s Staffordshire Bull Terriers and American Pit Bull Terriers are unique because of their registration statistics. But more importantly, they differ because of their heritage and not because of their name.
There are some lines of both breeds that had little if anything to do with dog fighting. Then again, some have evolved from a long line of fighters of this questionable sport.
If you think this is a breed you want to consider, the best advice we can give is to research breeders thoroughly. Ask questions, visit their homes, and interact with their moms and dads.
There are some respectable breeders who love the breeds and want nothing to do with their breed’s dark history. There are other breeders, who don’t care and still others who find the fighting heritage of their dogs alluring and want to continue in this venue.
If you are looking for a loving, sensitive family dog, you will need to research breeders carefully, as some irresponsible breeders do little to breed out some of the most dangerous characteristics of the breed.
Modern reputable breeders, however, work very hard to produce puppies that are perfect for family life.
Both breeds can make excellent pets for the right type of owner, but that owner needs to do their homework.
To avoid the negative stereotyping of these dogs, owners and breed enthusiasts need to work tirelessly to dispel myths, and to act as ambassadors for the breed.
This is not a breed for everyone, so who are the best owners for these dogs:
*If you are considering one of these dogs and have small children, or are planning to have children soon, consider getting a puppy rather than an adult dog so that the puppy and your children can grow up together.
The word ‘bull’ symbolizes strength, physique, robustness, toughness. You can expect similar qualities in the pit bull terrier dog breed. A tough-looking dog indeed, but quite calm from within. The term “pit bull terrier” is generalized to describe a variety of dogs, the names of which are American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Thinking of getting a pet to share your apartment? How about considering a pit bull terrier mix? Here is some information and things to consider so you can make the right choice for you both!
These dogs are not recommended for the first time dog owner. One should do their research and have a clear understanding of this breed. Pitbulls need daily exercise and mentally stimulating games to keep fit and happy. It is also a very good idea to have a securely fenced yard because these doggos are so athletic they can easily scale small fences. They are also diggers so make sure that the fence is reinforced from underneath.
The love of this breed is vast. Many famous personalities have owned/own pit bull terriers such as Theodore Roosevelt, Kevin Federline, Michael J. Fox, Pink, Jamie Foxx, Helen Keller, Jessica Biel, and Jessica Alba. “Pibbles” are the only dog breed to have ever appeared on the cover of the Life magazine, thrice.
Never leave them (or any dog) alone with children or toddlers. Not just because of the dog, but because of the child as well. As time passes, you’ll find that the dog has a great level of tolerance towards the child. If you invest in proper grooming and take care of your dog, you will ensure excellent health for your canine friend. A Pittie will keep you company, play with you, and is more than happy chill out next to you on the couch.
Pitbull Genetics Can Favor Aggression Toward Animals, Including Other Dogs
The Pitbull breed was created for strength and fearlessness in the face of large predator animals like bears, wolves and wild boars. To this day, Pitbulls and related breeds like the Dog O Argentina serve as the boar hunting dogs of choice. It is no wonder then that Pitbull canines have become a symbol associated with groups looking to portray a tough, loyal and powerful .
There are several variations of the Pitbull breed, including the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bully, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. The name Staffordshire comes from the geographic origin of the breed: a landlocked county in the West Midlands of England where the dogs were believed to be originally bred for use in various blood sports.