Lone Star State Pit Bull Club - ABOUT THE AMERICAN PIT BULL TERRIER

ABOUT THE AMERICAN PIT BULL TERRIER

There is no such breed as "Pit Bull". We do sometimes use the term "Pit
Bull as slang for "American Pit Bull Terrier" and related breeds (discussed
below). The APBT is a distinct breed of registered dog, just like the
German Shepherd or the Beagle. APBT pedigrees can be traced back for
generations.

The American Pit Bull Terrier originated in England at least 150 years ago.
Irish and English immigrants brought them to America in the mid-19th
century. In 1898, Chauncey Bennett formed the United Kennel Club
(UKC) for the sole purpose of registering "Pit Bull Terriers." In 1909, Guy
McCord, a close friend of John P. Colby started the American Dog
Breeders Association (ADBA). Now under the stewardship of the
Greenwood family, the ADBA is the largest APBT registry and has recently
begun registering other breeds of dog. This same ADBA is the
organization to which the Lone Star State Pit Bull Club belongs.

In 1936 the American Kennel Club (AKC) jregistered the breed as the
"Staffordshire Terrier". In 1972, this name was changed to "American
Staffordshire Terrier" to distinguish it from its English cousin, the
Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Many American Pit Bull Terriers are registered in both the ADBA and the
UKC. Some APBTs, depending on the bloodline, are even additionally
registered as AKC American Staffordshire Terriers. However, no APBT is
also registered as an AKC Staffordshire Terrier.

The ADBA conformation standard is unique because it has held
steadfastly to the breeds' working heritage. The written standard, and the
way judges are trained to interpret it, has changed very little over the
years. The APBT must be athletic, sturdy, healthy, confident, proud, and
outgoing. The points on the graph at left must be constructed in the
manner of a working dog, according to strict criteria. In ADBA conformation
shows, cosmetic elements such as color, ears cropped or not cropped,
and even total size, are irrelevant.

Please see the ADBA website for the detailed conformation standard and
ways to get involved. Check out the events calendar for a show near you.

WEIGHT PULLING

The ADBA sponsors extremely popular weight pulling
competitions. In weight pull, dogs wearing padded vests pull a
wheeled cart that is loaded with weight down a track. Weight
pulls were devised to measure the heart, drive, soundness and
athletic ability of the dog. It is a moving sight to watch these
canine athletes give their all, encouraged only by their owners'
praise. Male and female APBTs participate, ranging in size from
as small as under 30 to over 110lbs., with handlers from all
walks of life, from male body builders to petite grandmothers,
from teenagers to senior citizens. Dogs may be awarded "ACE"
or "ACE of ACE" titles, similar to a conformation "Champion"
status.

The public is always welcome to watch ADBA conformation
shows and weight pulls.

ONLY THE EXCEPTIONAL NEED APPLY

Chances are, if you are checking out this website, you already
have the desire to be an educated and responsible APBT
owner. Maybe you have been blessed to receive a stray
adolescent on your doorstep, or perhaps you are already an
experienced owner and want to help people in your
neighborhood to better understand the breed.

Here are some things APBT owners must do:

CONFINEMENT: If an APBT is left outside all day with nothing
to think about but escaping, he will succeed. He also has a
high probability of being stolen from the yard and being a
victim of abuse. A chain link fence is NOT adequate. A kennel
with a solid floor and a top, located within a fenced and locked
yard is. Dogs that will tolerate it should be crated inside the
house when the owner is not at home. Dogs running at large
are the number one reason why our dogs and other
large breeds are being banned.

Proper confinement includes using a secure 4-6 foot leash and
buckle-type collar or harness while going for walks.

TRAINING AND SOCIALIZATION: The training and
socialization should begin immediately and never stop. APBTs
respond well to positive, upbeat training and they love to
please. They should be friendly and outgoing with strangers.

BE A GOOD "PACK LEADER": Offer a consistent routine,
training and discipline. Everyone in the household, including
little ones, should be on the same page.

EXERCISE: A tired APBT is a happy APBT. She needs to
release the energy that might otherwise be spent on chasing
cats, barking, digging, eating the couch... etc.

NEVER, EVER TRUST A BULLY BREED NOT TO FIGHT. This
means that the dog park, where dogs are hyper-excited and
owners are out to lunch, is no place for an adult APBT. APBTs
should be separated from other pets while not supervised.

HEARTWORM PREVENTATIVE and routine vaccinations.
Spay and Neuter pets - don't add to the overpopulation
problem. These services can all be obtained at reduced cost
(see the rescue page).

It's simple -- A dog who is healthy, well-trained, tired out, and
kept in a secure enclosure doesn't bite or annoy humans or
other animals. .