This is my college senior thesis. The focus of the project was to explore the history, purpose, and character of the American Pit Bull Terrier through both illustration and writing. The final project was printed in book form.
BREED INFORMATION
The term “Pit Bull” does not actually refer to one specific breed of dog. There are many breeds that are commonly lumped together under the term “Pit Bull” due to their stocky and muscular appearance that gives them all a similar look. A couple of these breeds include the Staffordshire Terrier, the American Pit Bull Terrier, the Bull Terrier, the English Bulldog and many others. I will be specifically referring to the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) in the traits that I describe for this breed.
The general appearance of the American Pit Bull Terrier according to the official United Kennel Club breed standard is a medium-sized, solidly built, short-coated dog with smooth, well-defined musculature. The body should be slightly longer than it is tall. The head is of medium length, with a broad, flat skull, and a wide, deep muzzle. The ears are small to medium in size and set high on the head. The coat comes in all colors and color patterns, however, merle coats and/or blue eyes will be disqualified from the show ring. The tail is relatively short and is set low, thick at the base and tapers to a point. The tail is never docked as it throws off the dogs balance. The American Pit Bull Terrier was bred to combine strength and athleticism with grace and agility and should never appear bulky or muscle-bound or fine boned and rangy.
The behavioral characteristics of the American Pit Bull Terrier as explained in the official United Kennel Club breed standard is a dog full of strength, confidence and zest for life. This breed is eager to please and full of enthusiasm. APBT’s make excellent family companions and have been noted for their love of children. Because this breed can show some signs of dog aggression and because it is such a powerful breed, this dog requires an owner who will carefully socialize and train it in proper obedience, however, this breed is not typically recommended as a guard dog because the breed is generally extremely friendly, even with strangers. Aggressive behavior towards humans is uncharacteristic in this breed and highly undesirable. The APBT does very well in performance events due to its high level of intelligence, natural athleticism and willingness to work.
BULL BAITING
The American Pit Bull Terrier was first developed from a combination of bulldogs and terriers that were common in England, Ireland, and Scotland. The early breeders of the APBT were looking for a dog that combined the gameness of the terrier with the strength of the bulldog. The resulting breed was the parent breed of the APBT and was referred to as a Bull Terrier, which is where the APBT gets the “bull” in its name. These dogs were commonly used to bait bulls. This sport was popular before the 1800’s and was seen as a source of entertainment for those in the struggling lower classes. Bull baiting was deemed cruel and inhumane in the early 1800’s and became illegal in 1835. Ratting became a popular replacement not only with the lower classes but also with the higher classes. Ratting entailed releasing a single dog into a pit full of rats for a set amount of time. The more rats the dog could kill within the time limit, the higher he scored. This is where the APBT gets the “pit” term to its name.
DOG FIGHTING
Dog fighting developed largely by those who were looking for a new blood sport after animal baiting was made illegal in the 1830’s. No longer having the ability to test their dog’s strength against that of bulls, the owners of these dogs began to set them against each other instead. The champions in the dog-fighting ring were the ones chosen to breed and so the traits towards dog aggression were introduced into the breed. This does not mean that aggression in general was introduced, however. Any dogs that showed any aggression towards people were undesirable and were typically destroyed. This is also why the American Pit Bull Terrier has become the breed of choice for dog fighters for no other breed is able to control its aggression so well when properly trained. Many dogs used in fighting are also reported as being family pets and stay in the home with the family. A dog that was naturally aggressive would not be kept in the same place as the family, especially one with children.
Dog fighting developed largely by those who were looking for a new blood sport after animal baiting was made illegal in the 1830’s. No longer having the ability to test their dog’s strength against that of bulls, the owners of these dogs began to set them against each other instead. The champions in the dog-fighting ring were the ones chosen to breed and so the traits towards dog aggression were introduced into the breed. This does not mean that aggression in general was introduced, however. Any dogs that showed any aggression towards people were undesirable and were typically destroyed. This is also why the American Pit Bull Terrier has become the breed of choice for dog fighters for no other breed is able to control its aggression so well when properly trained. Many dogs used in fighting are also reported as being family pets and stay in the home with the family. A dog that was naturally aggressive would not be kept in the same place as the family, especially one with children.
FARM WORK
When settlers moved from Europe to North America, the American Pit Bull Terrier went with them. The early days of America were the glory days for the APBT. Their devotion to their family, their desire to work and their ability to learn quickly made them the ideal farm dog and they were highly prized by the American people. There was not a job that the American Pit Bull Terrier could not be trained to do and they excelled at almost everything. Farmers used them for herding sheep and cattle. They aided in finding and catching semi-wild cattle or pigs from the range. They served to guard the property and family from wild animals and kept the barns free from rats. They were also used for carting of smaller items to and from town. They were commonly entrusted with the care of young children. It was also during this time that the APBT was given the “American” title in its name, officially dubbing the breed the American Pit Bull Terrier.
When settlers moved from Europe to North America, the American Pit Bull Terrier went with them. The early days of America were the glory days for the APBT. Their devotion to their family, their desire to work and their ability to learn quickly made them the ideal farm dog and they were highly prized by the American people. There was not a job that the American Pit Bull Terrier could not be trained to do and they excelled at almost everything. Farmers used them for herding sheep and cattle. They aided in finding and catching semi-wild cattle or pigs from the range. They served to guard the property and family from wild animals and kept the barns free from rats. They were also used for carting of smaller items to and from town. They were commonly entrusted with the care of young children. It was also during this time that the APBT was given the “American” title in its name, officially dubbing the breed the American Pit Bull Terrier.
DOG OF WAR
The American Pit Bull Terrier has a highly decorated history as a dog of war during both the American Civil War and World War I. The APBT was actually the mascot chosen to represent the United States during WWI and was featured on many propaganda posters that included slogans like “We’re not looking for trouble, but we’re ready for it” and “Watchful Waiting.” Dogs of war were highly regarded with all the armies. They performed tasks such as running messages through the trenches, detecting gas attacks and incoming artillery, guarding both soldiers and supplies, and search and rescue work to find those wounded in battle. There have been many dogs decorated for their deeds during war. One of the most decorated during WWI was an APBT named Sargent Stubby.
The American Pit Bull Terrier has a highly decorated history as a dog of war during both the American Civil War and World War I. The APBT was actually the mascot chosen to represent the United States during WWI and was featured on many propaganda posters that included slogans like “We’re not looking for trouble, but we’re ready for it” and “Watchful Waiting.” Dogs of war were highly regarded with all the armies. They performed tasks such as running messages through the trenches, detecting gas attacks and incoming artillery, guarding both soldiers and supplies, and search and rescue work to find those wounded in battle. There have been many dogs decorated for their deeds during war. One of the most decorated during WWI was an APBT named Sargent Stubby.
NANNY DOG
There is conflicting information on whether the American Pit Bull Terrier has ever historically been labeled as a “nanny dog” but it is a historical fact that they are great with children. The tolerance of the APBT is one of the highest of all the dog breeds. In tests performed by the American Temperament Test Society, the APBT continually ranks high. According to research done by Glen Bui, the Vice President of the American Canine Federation, the American Pit Bull Terrier only accounts for .0012% of fatal dog attacks in a population of 5,000,000 people. This figure might be even lower as statistics tend to get skewed by the fact that any dog with any resemblance to a bully type breed often gets labeled as a “Pit Bull”, when it might be a different breed altogether.
There is conflicting information on whether the American Pit Bull Terrier has ever historically been labeled as a “nanny dog” but it is a historical fact that they are great with children. The tolerance of the APBT is one of the highest of all the dog breeds. In tests performed by the American Temperament Test Society, the APBT continually ranks high. According to research done by Glen Bui, the Vice President of the American Canine Federation, the American Pit Bull Terrier only accounts for .0012% of fatal dog attacks in a population of 5,000,000 people. This figure might be even lower as statistics tend to get skewed by the fact that any dog with any resemblance to a bully type breed often gets labeled as a “Pit Bull”, when it might be a different breed altogether.
BOAR HUNTING
The American Pit Bull Terrier was and still is a popular breed to use when hunting wild boar. The gameness of the breed gives it a long attention span and lots of persistence, making it an ideal choice. Gameness is defined as the willingness of the dog to see a task through to the end, even when under the risk of injury or death. This trait was highly developed in the dog-fighting ring and so has been thoroughly ingrained into the APBT’s character. Gameness is also one of the most desired traits for boar hunting. Boar hunting dogs are trained to work in groups so aggression towards other dogs is not desired.
Typically, two or more dogs will track down the boar while a third is kept in reserve. This third dog is referred to as the “catch” dog and is trained to go in and grab onto the boar and control it’s head to reduce the risk of injury to the hunters. Because of the highly dangerous position the dogs are in, it is common practice today for them to be fitted with a chest plate to protect their underbellies from the boar’s tusks.
The American Pit Bull Terrier was and still is a popular breed to use when hunting wild boar. The gameness of the breed gives it a long attention span and lots of persistence, making it an ideal choice. Gameness is defined as the willingness of the dog to see a task through to the end, even when under the risk of injury or death. This trait was highly developed in the dog-fighting ring and so has been thoroughly ingrained into the APBT’s character. Gameness is also one of the most desired traits for boar hunting. Boar hunting dogs are trained to work in groups so aggression towards other dogs is not desired.
Typically, two or more dogs will track down the boar while a third is kept in reserve. This third dog is referred to as the “catch” dog and is trained to go in and grab onto the boar and control it’s head to reduce the risk of injury to the hunters. Because of the highly dangerous position the dogs are in, it is common practice today for them to be fitted with a chest plate to protect their underbellies from the boar’s tusks.
CANINE SPORTS
The American Pit Bull Terrier is naturally a highly athletic dog. Combining their energy with their drive to work and their high intelligence with their desire to please their owner, this breed is an ideal choice for many canine sports such as Agility, Frisbee competitions, Flyball, Dock Jumping and Competitive Obedience. These sports all require a high level of speed, focus, drive, and impulse control. Some sports, such as Flyball, are team sports with multiple human-dog teams working together. This means that there cannot be any aggression from any dog on the team.
The American Pit Bull Terrier is naturally a highly athletic dog. Combining their energy with their drive to work and their high intelligence with their desire to please their owner, this breed is an ideal choice for many canine sports such as Agility, Frisbee competitions, Flyball, Dock Jumping and Competitive Obedience. These sports all require a high level of speed, focus, drive, and impulse control. Some sports, such as Flyball, are team sports with multiple human-dog teams working together. This means that there cannot be any aggression from any dog on the team.
POLICE WORK
The American Pit Bull Terrier has been highly successful as a police dog in recent years. Although not the most commonly used breed, the APBT has been used in many areas of police work including, tracking, border control, drug and explosives detection, as well as for some guard work. APBT that work as police canines have been highly praised by their human partners as wonderful dogs who perform their job without hesitation and are dependable to get the job done.
The American Pit Bull Terrier has been highly successful as a police dog in recent years. Although not the most commonly used breed, the APBT has been used in many areas of police work including, tracking, border control, drug and explosives detection, as well as for some guard work. APBT that work as police canines have been highly praised by their human partners as wonderful dogs who perform their job without hesitation and are dependable to get the job done.
WEIGHT PULLING
In the world of strength related canine competition, the American Pit Bull Terrier is a champion. Currently, the most popular and most well known event for APBTs is weight-pulling competitions. Being a working breed, the APBT is naturally a very strong dog and it tends to do very well in these competitions. This event tends to be seen by some as a kind of alternative to dog fighting. It is a way for people to compete against each other to see who has the strongest dog but without the risk of terrible injury to their dog and without the need for any aggression.
In the world of strength related canine competition, the American Pit Bull Terrier is a champion. Currently, the most popular and most well known event for APBTs is weight-pulling competitions. Being a working breed, the APBT is naturally a very strong dog and it tends to do very well in these competitions. This event tends to be seen by some as a kind of alternative to dog fighting. It is a way for people to compete against each other to see who has the strongest dog but without the risk of terrible injury to their dog and without the need for any aggression.
SEARCH AND RESCUE
The American Pit Bull Terrier excels at search and rescue work. The breed has an excellent sense of smell developed from its use as a hunting dog. The APBTs tireless and determined work ethic allows the dog to search for long periods of time without becoming exhausted or discouraged. Being a highly intelligent breed, the APBT learns quickly what it’s job is and it has the capacity to think and problem solve on its own which is a critical skill for search and rescue work due to the chaotic surroundings it tends to be performed in. In a disaster zone, if the dog gets separated from his handler he needs to be able to either keep searching for victims or he needs to be able to problem solve to find his way back to the handler. There were many APBT Search and Rescue teams that responded and searched for victims from the Twin Towers on 9/11.
The American Pit Bull Terrier excels at search and rescue work. The breed has an excellent sense of smell developed from its use as a hunting dog. The APBTs tireless and determined work ethic allows the dog to search for long periods of time without becoming exhausted or discouraged. Being a highly intelligent breed, the APBT learns quickly what it’s job is and it has the capacity to think and problem solve on its own which is a critical skill for search and rescue work due to the chaotic surroundings it tends to be performed in. In a disaster zone, if the dog gets separated from his handler he needs to be able to either keep searching for victims or he needs to be able to problem solve to find his way back to the handler. There were many APBT Search and Rescue teams that responded and searched for victims from the Twin Towers on 9/11.
SERVICE WORK
The American Pit Bull Terrier has been highly successful in the field of service work. They have been trained as guide dogs for the blind, aid dogs for the deaf, and assistance dogs for those in wheel chairs. The breed has been growing in popularity in recent years as companion dogs for veterans that return home with PTSD. Because of their patient temperament and high intelligence, APBTs are able to learn many complicated commands without getting quickly frustrated. The APBT also has a reputation for thinking it’s a lap dog from its desire to be as close as possible to the person it loves. This makes them especially effective as companion dogs for veterans with PTSD for their desire to keep close allows their human partner to learn how to re-establish some peace of mind while trying to return to everyday life.
The American Pit Bull Terrier has been highly successful in the field of service work. They have been trained as guide dogs for the blind, aid dogs for the deaf, and assistance dogs for those in wheel chairs. The breed has been growing in popularity in recent years as companion dogs for veterans that return home with PTSD. Because of their patient temperament and high intelligence, APBTs are able to learn many complicated commands without getting quickly frustrated. The APBT also has a reputation for thinking it’s a lap dog from its desire to be as close as possible to the person it loves. This makes them especially effective as companion dogs for veterans with PTSD for their desire to keep close allows their human partner to learn how to re-establish some peace of mind while trying to return to everyday life.
