Saturday, August 8, 2009

Most Loyal and Sturdy Companion: Pit Bull Terrier

By Troy Richardson

Origins of pit bulls can be traced from the bulldogs and terriers in England way back during the Elizabethan period. As compared to other breeds such as the English Spaniel Springer and the Australian Cattle dog, the pit bulls origin is definite. However, with the rampant gambling occurring in England during that time, pit bulls were used by gamblers for dog fighting activities.

Bulldogs and terriers from England are the parents of pit bull terrier. The history of this breed type is definite because unlike other breeds, the development of this breed was properly documented in the past. During the era of Queen Elizabeth I, pit bull dogs were very common in dog fighting, one of the famous gambling practices during this time.

This breed type is also one of the most preferred companions because of its incomparable loyalty to its owner. Most owners claim that pit bulls are generally great pets, friendly, and have better temperament than other dogs. It is not a surprising comment about pit bulls because they are innately very smart, loving and protective of their owner and the owners family.

The only sad fact about pit bulls is that they commonly gain media popularity because of dog fighting events. Animal lovers, specifically dog lovers, are actually upset of this reality. Such bad publicity, however, is declining because of the efforts of humane owners and breeders to put an end to such thing.

The best time to own a pit bull pet is when it is still a puppy. Older pit bull dogs are quite hard to train and control their temperament. Puppies are generally easy to train for tricks and certain tasks and are tolerant to wherever they live till growing up into adults.

Warmer climate areas are the best places for rearing pit bull terriers. They have short coats so they could not survive cold environment. The most common body size of this breed type is 55 pounds but it generally ranges from 25 to 105 pounds weight.

Compared to other breeds, pit bulls are even sturdier, stronger and healthier. However, like all other breeds, they are also prone to diseases such as hereditary cataracts, hip dysplasia, and congenital heart disease. Of course, with proper care by letting the dog engage in regular physical and mental exercise and healthy diet, such diseases would inflict not your pit bull.

Interesting information about pit bull is that it is the only breed type that appeared three times on the cover of Life Magazine. Pit bull terrier also carries national value in the history of World War 1 in the US. Pit bull was even made famous in history through Sergeant Stubby who was an American Pit Bull Terrier mascot, and also got several medals of recognition during such time.

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