The American Pit Bull Terrier and its AKC cousins had a well-deserved reputation as a loyal and trustworthy family pet in the early years of this century, but of late has been severely castigated as a vicious, man-killing beast, worthy of banishment from the cities, considered guilty with no chance of proving innocence in any case.

“Pit Bull” is a generic and derogatory term that encompasses any of several breeds of dogs or crosses on those breeds. Pit Bull fanciers can be divided into several camps: conscientious breeders of the AKC-registered duo who often deny kinship of their dogs with the APBT; ethical breeders of the APBT who face squarely the slander heaped upon them by ignorant neighbours; and unethical breeders of all three breeds who still indulge in dog fighting or promote aggressive temperaments for illegal purposes. Dog fighting rings still exist-its only been a few years since a ring with national ties was busted in New Richmond and Blanchester, Ohio-and inner city drug dealers often use the dogs to guard their drug supplies and cash.

The well-bred American Pit Bull Terrier is a family guardian and protector; an intelligent and obedient pet; a sweet, even-tempered dog that serves well as help-mate to handicapped owner and friend to small children; and a healthy, hardy dog that complains little and offers much to their family.