Common Misconceptions about the American Pit Bull Terrier

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Common Misconceptions about the breed called American Pit Bull Terrier(APBT)

The American Pit Bull Terrier's (APBT) nickname is Pit Bull. Like Labrador Retrievers are called Labs. It's just a shortening of their full name. The United Kennel Club(UKC) is the registry that register the APBT. The AKC doesn't register this breed, but a breed called the American Staffordshire Terrier(Am. Staff). Not to be confused with the Staffordshire Terrier(Staffy Bull) which is another breed entirely. Sometimes people mistakenly refer to other breeds or even mixed breeds as pit bulls. Their is only one "kind" or breed of APBT. It is a common misconception when colors are referred to as seperate breeds of pit bull. Blue nose, red nose, brindle, black nose, violet nose, etc. are all just colors that the the American Pit Bull Terrier come in. A pure bred APBT can be any color except merle. Some traits pit bulls have are that they are medium sized, extremely active, have a high pain tolerence, and have short smooth coats. They also love adults and children. You should still teach your child how to behave properly around dogs and not to pull there tails or ears. No dog can be expected to endure abuse and never bite back. Due to their people friendly nature it is not recommended that these dogs be kept for guarding purposes. The APBT is one of the most common dogs to be stolen. So your more likely to come home to a stolen dog as well as stolen items. Not all pit bulls are friendly with other animals. It is important to remember dog/animal aggression is seperate from aggression shown toward people. The APBT should NEVER display aggression towards people. It is against the breed standard, and not something a pit bull should ever do. Even though a dog may have many similarities to the APBT standard or look like one there is no way to tell if they are purebred or not unless your dog has papers. They could be mixed breeds or even be a completely seperate breed. Most people have a hard time picking out a pit bull in a line up take the test below and see how you do.

http://www.pitbullsontheweb.com/petbull/findpit.html

How to approach an unfamiliar dog

Ask the owner if you can pet the dog or puppy
Wait for their answer
Always respect the dogs owners wishs when it comes to petting or not petting
Try to stay calm and not get overexcited. Talk to the dog calmly
Place your hand out and allow the dog to smell you
Gently pet the dog under the chin(some dogs may feel threatened if you put your hand over their head)
Never grab the dog by the collar, pinch the ears or pull their tails. These are sensitive areas and can cause pain.

Bite Prevention: Tips on How to avoid getting bit by a loose dog

Stand still
Stand straight and tall
Reach for the sky/put your arms up high
Look for a safe place like a car or gate without dogs in it?
Call for help

Coming soon!
How to teach your dog to sit!
Unfortunately due to some people being sue happy we must state the following.
The authors are not liable for any damages recieved or avoided by following these instructions. Use your best judgment when following any advice. This advice is not ment to replace any provided by a liscensed professional.. We are not responsible if you place yourself in harms way.

*Sorry they don't come in purple merle ;-) They do however come in black and tan.