Great informational handout on Pit Bulls borrowed from Pit Bull Rescue Central - pbrc.net

1. Fall 2000
_Pitbulls
Pitbulls_
Pitbulls
Photo Credit: Soldiers and Sailors Hall Pit Bulls
ANIMAL WELFARE PROGRAM UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
PITBULL HANDOUT© COMPILED BY ANNA MACNEIL-ALLCOCK
For those of you who have fallen in
love with a Pitbull or Pitbull-mix dog
this handout contains information
about their history and behaviour. It
also discusses common ‘Pitbull’
myths, and explains why these dogs
have been considered good family pets
for centuries.
Photo credit: Anna MacNeil-Allcock
Rugby, a rescued Bull-and-Terrier
What is a ‘Pitbull’?
According to Merriam-Webster a
‘Pitbull’ is a powerful compact short-
haired dog developed for fighting. The
term ‘Pitbull’ is often used loosely to
describe four breeds of dog: the Ameri-
can Pit Bull Terrier, the American Staf-
fordshire Terrier, the Staffordshire Bull
Terrier and the Bull Terrier. All four
breeds have a common ancestor, the
Bull-and-Terrier, so to make things
Photo credit: www.bulldog.org simple, this term will be used through-
A Bull-and-Terrier adopted from an Animal Shelter
out the rest of the handout when refer-
ring to the four breeds as a group.

2. History of the Bull-and-Terrier
Bulldogs and Terriers were developed thought to tenderize the meat, but mostly American
in the British Isles. Both breeds became for entertainment purposes. Dog-fighting Pit Bull
increasingly popular around the start of took place in an enclosed arena called a Terrier
the 16th century when hunting was a ‘pit’- hence the name, ‘pit-fighter’, ‘pit- breeds were
major form of entertainment. Tall, ath- dog’ or ‘Pitbull’. In 1835 these ‘Blood created in
letic Bulldogs were used to hunt large sports’ were made illegal in England yet America.
animals like bulls, stags, and boars, organised dog-fighting continued behind By the
while the short and tenacious Terriers closed doors. 1900’s, it
were sent down the burrows of rats, was becom-
badgers, foxes and weasels. The Bull- ing obvious Photo credit: Paul Colby
and-terrier combination was created that the
when ‘Blood sports’, such as bull- American breeds were superior in their
baiting and dog fighting became popu- fighting abilities. So, the Staffordshire
lar means of gambling and entertain- Bull Terrier and Bull Terriers were re-
ment. Bull-baiting involved setting tired to the show ring to win dog shows
dogs upon a tethered bull destined for instead of dog fights.
market. Partly because the practice was
Photo credit: Rising Force Kennels
About Breed Differences
Chronologically, the Staffordshire Bull
Terrier and Bull Terrier breeds were de-
veloped first, in the British Isles. The
American Staffordshire Terrier and
Photo credit: Rising Force Kennel Photo Credit: Paul Colby
Hailed for 200 years
Until recently, Bull-
and-Terriers were cele- A StaffordshireTerrier
brated tokens of pop named ‘Sergeant Stubby’
culture. Buster Brown was a decorated World War
Shoes used the Bull- II hero. He warned troops
and-Terrier to represent of incoming gas, sought out
the tough dependability wounded soldiers and
of its product. Photo Credit: Blockhead Bulldogs caught enemy snipers.
Petey from the popular
television show ‘Our Gang’ (also know The Bull-and-Terrier image was used to repre-
as ‘Little sent the American presence in a World War I
Rascals’) poster with a British Bulldog, a German
was one of Dachshund, a French Bulldog and a Russian
the first Wolfhound. The caption states, ’I’m Neutral,
American BUT-Not afraid of any of them.’
Stafford-
shire Terri-
ers to be The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is
registered
with the nicknamed the ‘Nanny dog’ in Britain to
American
Kennel reflect their good nature with children.
Photo Credit: Keir Negron
Club. Photo Credit: Mary E. Thurston
Page 2 Pitbull Handout © compiled by Anna MacNeil-Allcock 2000

3. The ‘Pitbull’ Debate
Are Bull-and-Terriers Inherently all individuals of a breed are inherently be taken seriously. Keep a muzzle on
Dangerous to People? dangerous to humans. your dog and ask your Veterinarian for
“ T o catch the read attention, pla an interes ting s entence or quote from th s tory here.”
er's ce e
On the contrary, it has been advice about the most responsible course
It is well understood that argued that a history of dog- of action and/or to help you find a pro-
Bull-and-Terriers are gen- fighting is partly responsible fessional trainer right away.
erally aggressive towards for the breed’s friendliness
other dogs. Unfortu- to people because for centu- ‘Pitbull’ Attacks in the Media
nately, it is often assumed ries Bull-and-Terrier breed-
that Bull-and-Terriers are ers culled dogs that showed The frequency of ‘Pitbull attacks’, as
inherently dangerous to aggression towards humans. portrayed by the media, could be inaccu-
people because they have This was done for a number rate for a number of reasons. First, the
been bred to fight other of reasons. First, Bull-and- media may tend to over-report stories
dogs. This logic is flawed Terriers were the breadwin- about Bull-and-Terriers by giving them a
for a number of reasons. ners of poor coal-mining level of press attention that other breeds
First, if it were true that a families that could not af- do not receive. Second, Bull-and-Terriers
history of dog-fighting ford many dogs. When not are difficult to identify. It may be that
makes a breed dangerous Photo Credit: Blockhead Bulldogs winning dogfights, these any short-haired, medium sized dog in-
to people, then it also Bull-and-Terriers were part of the
dogs lived inside the home volved in an aggressive incident is likely
stands to reason that being family as a family pet. Second, to be reported as a ‘Pitbull’. It is not un-
bred to kill wolves and dogs that showed aggres- common for newspaper stories about ag-
coyotes should make a breed dangerous sion towards humans were gressive ‘Pitbulls’ to
to humans. Yet the Anatolian Shep- usually fearful animals be accompanied
herd, Kuvasz, Great Pyrenees, Tibetan that performed poorly in with photos of Box-
Mastiff and Irish Wolfhound have dog-fights. Third, the na- ers, Bull Mastiffs,
never been considered inherently dan- ture of the sport required a and even Boston
gerous to people. In fact, of the breeds great deal of contact be- Terriers. Third, at-
most commonly assumed to be danger- tween dogs and people. tacks may appear
ous to people, the Bull-and-Terrier is For example, to ensure disproportionately
the only one with a dog-fighting his- that no foul tasting or poi- common for this
tory. The Rottweiler was used to drive sonous substances had breed because the
cattle, and the Doberman was devel- been placed on the fur, number of Bull-and-
oped to guard the tax collections of each dog was checked Terriers is under-
their creator, Louis Doberman. In the over by the opposition be- reported in official
1970s the Saint Bernard breed was fin- fore, during and after a records. Reportedly,
gered as the instigator of a number of fight. Also, the rules of Photo Credit: Our Gang Kennels Bull-and-Terrier
attacks, even the fight required These dogs were considered good with children owners are reluctant
though this breed the dogs to be sepa- to register their dogs
had been devel- rated a number of as ‘pitbulls’ to avoid
oped to rescue times throughout the round to deter- scrutiny and/or to avoid paying the in-
humans in ava- mine if both were still willing to creased license fees often enforced by
lanches. Finally, continue. This involved pulling the cities with breed-specific legislation.
Bull-and-Terriers dogs to a corner of the ring and re-
had been bred to leasing them to see if they were still
fight dogs for willing to cross over the scratch line
more than two- and fight. Any aggression towards
hundred years strangers, even in the middle of a
yet have only dog-fight, would not have been tol-
been labeled erated.
‘dangerous’ in
the last twenty Some Bull-and-Terriers, by reason
years. Clearly, a Photo credit: Blockhead Bulldogs of poor genetics and/or poor owner-
history of ‘dog- ship, do show aggression to people
Bull-and-Terriers were sometimes the Photo credit: www.bulldog.org
fighting’ does breadwinners of poor coal-miners
and are extremely dangerous to so-
not ensure that ciety. All signs of aggression should ...and still are today.
Pitbull Handout © compiled by Anna MacNeil-Allcock 2000 Page 3

4. The Reality of Owning a Bull-and-Terrier
Public Response to Bull-and- Bull-and-Terriers and other Pets
Terriers
Great care should be taken during inter-
Bull-and-Terrier owners should be pet introductions. All interactions should
prepared for occasional adverse reac- be controlled and consistently monitored.
tions from people. You cannot blame When you leave your pets at home, sepa-
them if they have not had the good rate them into different rooms, or keep
fortune of meeting a well-behaved them in their own kennel.
individual. Your actions will represent
all Bull-and-Terrier owners so it is Multi-dog household
Photo credit: www.bulldog.org important to ignore negative com-
ments and let your well-behaved dog It is best if a Bull-and-Terrier is the only
Aggression toward other dogs speak for itself. Get out there and pet. The next best thing is a male/female
show him/her off. mix. Never leave food, bones, toys, or
It is not true that Bull-and-Terriers are anything laying around that could trigger
just like any other breed. Most breeds Separation Anxiety a fight. Don’t throw the ball for both
are different from one another, and dogs at the same time and never let them
have very different capabilities. Bull- When adopting a dog you must allow play tug-o-war with each other. If your
and-Terriers have been selectively them time to adjust to their new life. dogs do get into a fight it may be neces-
bred, by humans, to fight with other They have been separated from their sary to separate the dogs at all times. It is
dogs. It is irresponsible to ignore this owners in the past and a common possible to keep two dogs that don’t get
fact. Bull-and-Terrier owners need to problem with such dogs is separation along with each other, but it requires a
accept the fact that they do not have the anxiety. This can lead to destructive great deal of commitment and discipline.
same freedoms as the owners of other behaviour when left alone. Bull-and-
breeds. They should not expect their Terriers are particularly susceptible to
dog to play with other dogs. They this condition because of their strong
should not expect to visit off-leash need for companionship. A few pre-
parks. In fact they should not expect to cautionary measures can be taken to
ever let their dogs off a leash unless smooth the transition into the home.
confined safely on their own property. Do not make a big fuss when entering
or leaving your home. Ignore your
Of course there are always exceptions dog five minutes before leaving and
to these rules. Those Bull-and-Terriers five minutes after returning. To con- Photo credit: Anna MacNeil-Allcock
adopted at a young age, and well so- vince your dog that you will always
cialised may have one or two ‘friends’ return to him/her, frequently pick up Those who adapt their lives for this situa-
that they can still play with (only oppo- your keys, put on your shoes, and tion will tell you the dogs are more than
site sex). However, remember never to leave the house for very short periods worth the effort. (www.pbrc.net)
let them interact unsupervised. If they of time throughout the day. Start by
begin to fight, do not ‘let them work it leaving for five minutes at a time and Remember
out on their own’. Separate them and work your way up to a few hours.
do not let them interact in the future. Never discipline your dog upon re- Veronique Chesser of Pit Bull Rescue
See www.pbrc.net for information on turning, even if s/he has destroyed Central suggests, ‘remember that Pit
how to stop a fight, should it occur. something in your absence. This cre- Bulls are very strong, energetic, agile and
ates an association of punishment with powerful dogs. They also are very re-
your arrival and will make separation sourceful, and determination is probably
anxiety worse. If you find that your their most notable trait. Whatever they
dog is chewing things when you are set out to do, they put their heart and soul
gone, one option is to get a large dog into it... Whether it is escaping an inade-
kennel and keep your dog crated when quately fenced yard to chase the
you are out. Ask your Veterinarian to neighbor’s cat, or destroying your new
help guide you through this procedure. couch when left home alone, or climbing
into your lap and shower you with
kisses!’ (www.pbrc.net)
Photo Credit: Anna MacNeil-Allcock
Page 4
Pitbull Handout© compiled by Anna MacNeil-Allcock 2000

5. Health and Care of your Bull-and-Terrier
dogs. On the opposite side of the scale,
Bull-and-Terriers are also very suscep-
tible to heat stroke. Although they love
to be warm and so actively seek out
sunny spots, they need to be monitored
carefully on a hot summer day. Keep-
ing the head and neck area cool is an
important measure for preventing heat
stroke.
Photo credit: www.bulldog.org
Photo credit: www.bulldog.org Give your shelter dog a few months
to become comfortable in his/her Use a ball as a reward when training your dog.
Health of your Bull-and-Terrier new home. Please be patient.
a hot day or after exercise, your dog
As long as you keep vaccinations up- needs to open its mouth wide to pant
to-date, your Bull-and-Terrier should and cool off. The basket muzzle is
be relatively problem-free in the health most accommodating.
department. Your Veterinarian could be
pleasantly surprised that Bull-and- Exercise Requirements
Terriers often take medicine willingly
and needles without flinching. Bull-and-Terriers need regular exercise
but are content to play indoor games
You may find that your dog picks up on a rainy day. Once the sun breaks
many cuts and scrapes even on un- out, these dogs love to work their mus-
eventful walks. Their short, single cles, and a good run-and-jump game is
coated fur does little to protect them always an effective form of exercise.
from sharp stick, twigs and rocks. En- Bull-and-Terriers love to chase balls
thusiastic antics and a high pain toler- but many are more likely to sit down
ance often mean that deep cuts will go and chew them than bring them back.
unnoticed until you get home. Keep a
bottle of Hibitane Antibacterial Soap Training your Bull-and-Terrier
Photo credit: www.bulldog.org
on hand and simply wash any superfi
cial cuts as soon as they are noticed to Bull-and-Terriers love to chew Kong toys. Bull-and-Terriers require positive, firm
keep them from becoming infected. and very consistent training. Not ex-
Muzzling your Bull-and-Terrier cessive force - just patience and a
strong will. Search for a personal
Weatherproofing a Bull-and-Terrier It is a legal requirement to muzzle Bull- trainer who has some experience with
and-Terriers in many locations. Many Bull-and-Terriers and uses social re-
Bull-and-Terrier breeds do not grow a argue that muzzling enhances the nega- wards such as play, petting and verbal
‘second’ or ‘winter’ undercoat. This is tive image of these breeds. If you are praise instead of relying mostly on
great news for those who desire a dog concerned about such laws get active in food rewards. Teach your Bull-and-
that doesn’t shed in the Springtime. the fight against them. Don’t worry- Terrier to ignore other dogs on your
However, it also means that they lack your muzzled dog can defend itself walks. Bounce a ball, or jog with your
protection against the elements. They long enough for you to break up a fight, dog to distract him/her from looking at
should be monitored in anything but if one should oc- other dogs. Praise him/her for looking
temperate weather. Their high muscle- cur. The best at you instead.
to-fat ratio causes rapid heat loss, so muzzles for the
they get cold very easily and should Bull-and-Terrier Feeding your Bull-and-Terrier
never be made to live outside. You will are the basket-
notice your dog shivering in cool type that enclose Bull-and-Terriers generally have high
A wire basket muzzle will
weather and may even witness steam the front of the allow your dog to drink and metabolism rates and may benefit from
rising from your dog’s body under cold muzzle instead of breath freely a number of small meals throughout
and moist conditions. For this reason, the nylon tube the day instead of one or two large
many people buy sweaters for their that simply holds the mouth closed. On meals.
Page 5 Pitbull Handout© compiled by Anna MacNeil-Allcock 2000

6. Enjoying your Bull-and-Terrier
Bull-and-Terriers are attention addicts. Bull-and-Terrier’s adapt extremely well to city life and apartment
If these dogs could communicate one dwelling. They remain surprisingly clean because of their short
wish, it might be to spend more time
with their owners. They will keep you
fur and lack of an undercoat. Many have a seemingly innate dis-
company day and night. Bull-and- like of mud puddles and shine after a quick wipe down with a
Terriers can adapt to any lifestyle, as towel.
long as it means they can be with you.
Photo Credit: www.bulldog.org
Bull-and-Terrier on a Sail boat
These dogs truly appreciate the good
things in life. They are masters at find-
ing the warmest, most comfortable spot
in the house to settle down for a nap. If
there’s a pile of pillows or blankets
around, they’ll find it. If you have a Photo credit: Thunder Ridge Kennels
fireplace or a heater they’ll make it
their home.
For more information about Bull-and-Terriers visit the following:
• People for Pitbulls: www.peopleforpitbulls.com
• Pitbull Rescue Central: www.pbrc.net
• Pittbulls.com: www.pittbulls.com
• Pitbulls on the Web: www.pitbullsontheweb.com
• Therapy & Search Pitbulls: www.forpitssake.org
Photo credit: www.bulldog.org
A common resting place for Bull-and-Terriers: the couch
Anna MacNeil-Allcock, BSc
Animal Welfare Program
The Bull-and-Terrier is a good Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Centre for Applied Ethics
choice for people who like to University of British Columbia
pamper their animals and 2357 Main Mall suite 180H
appreciate an adoring pet. Vancouver, B.C. V6T 1Z4 Canada
tel (604) 822-5715 fax (604) 885-6204
e-mail busterbrown@telus.net
www.agsci.ubc.ca/animalwelfare
www3.telus.net/cac/pitbulls
Pitbull Handout© compiled by Anna MacNeil-Allcock 2000