Are you thinking of taking a dog? What qualities do you look for in him? Whether affectionate, loyal, dependent on you or a dog that protects you and the home? An energetic, obedient and easy to train dog? If you are looking for a dog with all these features, the American Pit Bull Terrier is the perfect candidate to become your best friend .
What are the origins of the American Pit Bull Terrier?
The American Pit Bull Terrier breed was born in the United States with the arrival of British immigrants. In their search for a large watchdog, they experimented with different crossbreeds to obtain the Pitt Bull and the Terrier. When the Spaniards arrived in America they introduced the Spanish Alans, who in turn crossed paths with the Bulldog and Terrier, finally giving birth to the American Pit Bull Terrier.
Some think instead that it was the British who crossed them with the Alans. Before emigrating to America, in fact the British had imported Alani dogs in large quantities from Spain. In addition to being used as a guard dog, the Pit Bull Terrier was used for fighting bulls and following the prohibition of these shows, in the fight between dogs, as a big hunting dog and as a sheepdog for cattle.
What does it look like?
The American Pit Bull Terrier has a medium-sized head, rectangular in shape, a flat and broad skull. He has high cheekbones, with no folds. The snout is broad and square, with large mandibles. The eyes are low and distant, the nose is wide. The insertion of the ears is high, ie they are located on the top of the head and not on the sides. They are straight, short and without folds.
The neck is muscular, strong, without folds and arched, as is the back which is short, strong and slightly inclined towards the tail. The tail has low insertion and narrows towards the tip. The legs are large, with rounded, straight and vertical bones, rather strong. The legs have arched toes. Overall it is not a very large dog and the male specimen does not exceed 30 kg.
But are we sure that he can live with his family?
The American Pit Bull Terrier has the reputation of being an aggressive and violent dog , but it is an undeserved reputation. In reality this breed is affectionate, playful and very patient with children. He lets himself be touched and follows them in their raids. He is a very intelligent dog, but rather stubborn: if you put something on your head it is not easy to make him change his mind, unless you clearly order the contrary. Nevertheless, it adapts well to changes and is one of the few races that can change families and readjust itself if it feels accepted as an integral part of the new family. As a faithful dogand protective as he is he will give himself completely to his family, while always keeping a special place for the one he considers his best friend. He is a dog full of enthusiasm, fun and very close to his human family.
What is the best environment for the American Pit Bull?
Being a dog originally used in fighting and pastoralism, he has a restless nature and needs to do so much movement. For which you regularly take long walks and lots of physical activity. His ideal family could be a couple with children older than 14, so he could spend more time with them. Young families or those with small children are not for him, both because they will have less time and also because it will be a bit difficult for the dog to get used to the arrival of a child. In taking it then, consider that the more time you can devote to it, the better, besides the fact that you will have to devote enough energy to it, since you have to exercise.
In short, the American Pit Bull Terrier is the ideal dog to defend the home, protect your children and have a life and play companion.
He learns very quickly and lets himself be educated easily, not only in family cohabitation (something he should already be taught as a puppy), but also for the guard and for the fight. He will therefore be an excellent guard dog and will not defend any space or anyone who takes him on a leash, but only his family and his property.