American Pit Bull Terrier: Your Happy Healthy Pet
By Liz Palika
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About this ebook
Powerful, but affectionate. Enthusiastic and fun, but hard working. Playful, yet provocative. Exceptionally intelligent, but sometimes comical. American Pit Bull Terriers are among the most beloved dogs as well as the most misunderstood, feared, and despised. This guide fills you in on the breed's needs and attributes, covering:
- The distinction between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the "generic" pit bull
- Traits to look for in choosing your pet
- Things you'll need to make your pup feel at home
- Feeding, grooming, and healthcare
- The importance of positive yet firm training, socialization, and supervision around kids
Liz Palika
Liz Palika trains dogs in obedience and travels with her dogs doing canine therapy. She has written over thirty books, including The Complete Idiot's Guide to Raising a Puppy and Save That Dog! She resides in Oceanside, California, with her three dogs, Dax, Kes, and Riker.
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American Pit Bull Terrier - Liz Palika
This book is printed on acid-free paper.
Copyright © 2006 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey. All rights reserved.
Howell Book House
Published by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning or otherwise, except as permitted under Sections 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without either the prior written permission of the Publisher, or authorization through payment of the appropriate per-copy fee to the Copyright Clearance Center, 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, (978) 750-8400, fax (978) 646-8600, or on the web at www.copyright.com. Requests to the Publisher for permission should be addressed to the Legal Department, Wiley Publishing, Inc., 10475 Crosspoint Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46256, (317) 572-3447, fax (317) 572-4355, or online at http://www.wiley.com/go/permissions.
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data:
Palika, Liz, 1954–
American pit bull terrier / Liz Palika.—2nd ed.
p. cm.—(Your happy healthy pet)
ISBN-13: 978-0-471-74822-9 (alk. paper)
ISBN-10: 0-471-74822-6 (alk. paper)
1. American pit bull terrier. I. Title. II. Series.
SF429.A75.P34 2006
636.755′9—dc22
2005024914
Printed in the United States of America
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
2nd Edition
Edited by Beth Adelman
Photo research by Marcella Durand
Book design by Melissa Auciello-Brogan
Cover design by Michael J. Freeland
Illustrations in chapter 10 by Shelley Norris and Karl Brandt
Book production by Wiley Publishing, Inc. Composition Services
About the Author
Liz Palika is an award-winning author and a well-respected dog trainer. Her work has been published in all the major pet magazines, including Dog World, Dog Fancy, AKC Gazette, Cats, Cat Fancy, Dogs USA, Puppies USA, and others. Her work has also appeared in mainstream publications such as Newsweek, the Saturday Evening Post, and Women First. She is the author of more than forty-five books, including Save That Dog!, which won a Maxwell Award from the Dog Writers Association of America and the first ASPCA Pet Overpopulation Award. Her dog training book, All Dogs Need Some Training, was named one of the ten best training books available to dog owners by Pet Life magazine.
Liz is the owner of Kindred Spirits Dog Training in southern California, where she teaches family pet obedience classes, as well as noncompetitive agility and therapy dog training. She was a founding member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and of the International Association of Canine Professionals.
About Howell Book House
Since 1961, Howell Book House has been America’s premier publisher of pet books. We’re dedicated to companion animals and the people who love them, and our books reflect that commitment. Our stable of authors—training experts, veterinarians, breeders, and other authorities—is second to none. And we’ve won more Maxwell Awards from the Dog Writers Association of America than any other publisher.
As we head toward the half-century mark, we’re more committed than ever to providing new and innovative books, along with the classics our readers have grown to love. This year, we’re launching several exciting new initiatives, including redesigning the Howell Book House logo and revamping our biggest pet series, Your Happy Healthy Pet™, with bold new covers and updated content. From bringing home a new puppy to competing in advanced equestrian events, Howell has the titles that keep animal lovers coming back again and again
Contents
Part I: The World of the American Pit Bull Terrier
Chapter 1: What Is an American Pit Bull Terrier?
The Bull Breeds
The APBT’s Physical Appearance
The APBT’s Character
Mythology
Chapter 2: The APBT Yesterday and Today
Origins of the APBT
The Ancient Bulldog
The Blood Sports
The Bull-and-Terrier
Arrival in America
The Dog of the Day
Media Monster
Breed-Specific Legislation
The APBT Today
Chapter 3: Why Choose an APBT?
Are You Ready for a Dog?
The Pet APBT
Working APBTs
Defective Dogs
If APBTs Could Choose Their Owners
Chapter 4: Choosing Your APBT
Breeder, Rescue, Shelter, or Free?
Finding the Right APBT
Choosing the APBT Puppy for You
The Puppy Temperament Test
Choosing an APBT Adult
Part II: Caring for Your American Pit Bull Terrier
Chapter 5: Getting Ready for Your APBT
A Secure Yard
Puppy-Proofing Your Home
Basic Supplies
The Great Crate
Puppy Essentials
Pet Professionals
Chapter 6: Feeding Your APBT
Commercial Dog Foods
Homemade Diets
Nutrition Throughout Your Dog’s Life
Changing Foods
Reading Dog Food Labels
Seven Mistakes to Avoid
Chapter 7: Grooming Your APBT
Brushing
Bathing Your APBT
Trimming Toenails
Cleaning Those Pearly Whites
Making Your Environment Flea Free
Cleaning Ears
Chapter 8: Keeping Your APBT Healthy
Internal Parasites
External Parasites
Health Problems
Handling Common Problems
Emergency How-To’s
When to Call the Veterinarian
How to Make a Canine First-Aid Kit
Spaying and Neutering for a Happier, Healthier Dog
Part III: Enjoying Your American Pit Bull Terrier
Chapter 9: Training Your ABPT
Understanding Builds the Bond
Practical Commands for Family Pets
Training for Attention
Teaching Cooperation
Chapter 10: Housetraining Your APBT
Your Housetraining Shopping List
The First Day
Confine Your Pup
Watch Your Pup
Accidents Happen
Scheduling Basics
Appendix: Learning More About Your APBT
Some Good Books
Magazines
On the Internet
Organizations
Index
Shopping List
You’ll need to do a bit of stocking up before you bring your new dog or puppy home. Below is a basic list of some must-have supplies. For more detailed information on the selection of each item below, consult chapter 5. For specific guidance on what grooming tools you’ll need, review chapter 7.
There are likely to be a few other items that you’re dying to pick up before bringing your dog home. Use the following blanks to note any additional items you’ll be shopping for.
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
Pet Sitter’s Guide
We can be reached at (___)_____-________ Cellphone (___)_____-________
_____________________________________________________________
We will return on ____________ (date) at ____________ (approximate time)
Dog’s Name ___________________________________________________
Breed, Age, and Sex _____________________________________________
Important Names and Numbers
Vet’s Name ____________________________ Phone (___)_____- ________
Address_______________________________________________________
Emergency Vet’s Name ____________________ Phone (___)_____- _______
Address_______________________________________________________
Poison Control ____________________________________ (or call vet first)
Other individual to contact in case of emergency _______________________
_____________________________________________________________
Care Instructions
In the following three blanks let the sitter know what to feed, how much, and when; when the dog should go out; when to give treats; and when to exercise the dog.
Morning ______________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Afternoon _____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Evening ______________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Medications needed (dosage and schedule) ____________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Any special medical conditions _____________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Grooming instructions ___________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
My dog’s favorite playtime activities, quirks, and other tips________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Part I
The World of the American Pit Bull Terrier
The American Pit Bull Terrier
Chapter 1
What Is an American Pit Bull Terrier?
The American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) is both the most beloved dog breed today as well as the most feared and despised. People who know APBTs praise the breed’s affectionate nature, intelligence, and wonderful sense of humor. Other people fear the breed’s reputation for aggression, strength, and violence. Unfortunately, those who despise the breed are often quite vocal, and in many cities, counties, and states in the United States, Canada, and Europe, legislation aimed at entire breeds, rather than at individual aggressive dogs, has targeted APBTs, as well as other similar and related breeds. (That legislation will be discussed in chapter 2.)
Luckily, the breed has also had its fans. Thomas Edison owned one; as did Teddy Roosevelt. Pete, the Pit Bull star of the Little Rascals and Our Gang comedy series, proved the intelligence and adaptability of the breed by being the only animal actor to make the transition from silent movies to talkies. Author John Steinbeck is famous for his book Travels with Charlie about traveling the country with a Poodle, but he also shared his life with an APBT.
The Bull Breeds
American Pit Bull Terrier is the official name of the breed of dog recognized by the United Kennel Club and the American Dog Breeders Association. Although often referred to as Pit Bulls, the name Pit Bull is actually a generic term that applies to the various breeds that share the same ancestry or have a similar appearance. This includes the APBT, the American Staffordshire Terrier, and the Staffordshire Terrier. Sometimes people even refer to the Bull Terrier, the Miniature Bull Terrier, or the American Bulldog as Pit Bulls. Although enthusiasts of these different breeds can easily tell them apart, to those who are unfamiliar with them many of the breeds appear quite similar.
We’ll look at these breeds in chapter 2, as well as their relationships to one another (or lack thereof). Just keep in mind that this book is about American Pit Bull Terriers and not the other Pit Bull
breeds.
The APBT’s Physical Appearance
Most people recognize a specific dog or breed by the dog’s appearance. Papillons have butterfly-like ears with sweeping fringes of hair and Irish Setters have gorgeous red, flowing coats. Although personality, temperament, intelligence, and character are vitally important, too, the dog’s physical appearance provides people with that important first impression.
In this section I’ll briefly describe the APBT. To read the official breed standards, go to the web sites of the United Kennel Club, the American Dog Breeders Association, or the American Pit Bull Registry (they’re listed in the appendix).
The Head
When looking at an APBT, the dog’s head is the first thing that catches your eye. The APBT has a strong head, blocklike in shape, wide between the ears and eyes, with strong, flat cheeks. The muzzle should be of medium length; not long and narrow like a Collie’s or short and abrupt like a Boxer’s muzzle. The jaws and cheeks are well muscled to provide power to the jaws. The skin of the head should fit smoothly and the lips should not be pendulous.
The American Pit Bull Terrier’s head is strong and distinctive.
The ears can be either natural or cropped. Either way, the ears should be set high on the head and should not be wrinkled. Cropped ears should stand upright (this is known as prick ears). Natural or uncropped ears are usually half-prick ears (they stand upright but then fold over about halfway up) or rose ears (folded back so that part of the inside of the ear shows). Hanging ears (such as seen on Beagles and Basset Hounds) are not desirable.
What Is a Breed Standard?
A breed standard is a detailed description of the perfect dog of that breed. Breeders use the standard as a guide in their breeding programs, and judges use it to evaluate the dogs in conformation shows. The standard is written by the national breed club, using guidelines established by the registry that recognizes the breed (such as the UKC).
Various sections of the breed standard give overviews of the breed’s history, general appearance, and size as an adult. Next is a detailed description of the dog’s body, including head, neck, back, legs, and so forth. The standard then describes the ideal coat and how the dog should be presented in the show ring. It also lists all acceptable colors, patterns, and markings. Then there’s a section on how the dog moves, called gait. Finally, there’s a general description of the dog’s temperament.
Each section also lists characteristics that are considered to be faults or disqualifications in the conformation ring. Superficial faults in appearance are often what distinguish a pet-quality dog from a show- or competition-quality dog. However, some faults affect the way a dog moves or his overall health. And faults in temperament are serious business.
The APBT’s