American Pit Bull Terrier

The black sheep of the bull terrier family, the American Pit Bull is subject to more laws than perhaps any other breed. In the 19th century, some bull terrier lines in the United States were developed into the American Staffordshire, others into the American Pit Bull. Even today, it is possible for individuals listed as one breed with one registry to be listed as the other with another registry. Pit Bulls are victims of their reputation: famed as fighting dogs, they have too often been bought by those eager to project a macho image, who give little or no time to the dog’s care and socialization. With proper discipline from puppyhood, most members of this breed are people-oriented companions, with the usual caveat that they will attack other dogs without apparent provocation. The American Temperament Test Society (www.atts.org) finds few differences between temperament scores of American Pit Bulls and Staffordshires.