New Zealand APBT Lovers - Recently Updated Pages

Baby and Pitty

Megapsych — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 17:53:59 CST

Under Construction

Gallery

Megapsych — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 17:08:23 CST

THE AMERICAN WATCHDOG Were not looking for trouble. But were ready for it	Ares at 5 weeks old	Austin
This is a work of art. :)	Big Daddy	Koda & Meisha?
Meisha	Big Mama	Misty

Slideshow

Megapsych — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 16:39:03 CST

Some of you may recognise your babies on this slideshow. If you want your APBT to show in this slideshow also join as a writer and put a comment on this page. We will take it from there. I am also looking at some sort of NZ APBT rescue trust. If anyone has ideas about this or would like to help please let me know.

Last but not least

Megapsych — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 07:40:20 CST

Pit Bulls are wonderful animals that deserve a chance to have a good life like any other dog. However, it's important to remember that Pit Bulls are not just any other dog - they are a little more of everything a dog can be. Pit Bulls have superior physical and mental characteristics that make them excellent partners for responsible, active, and caring owners. On the other hand, these same outstanding qualities can make them a little difficult to handle for people who don't have a lot of experience with dog ownership, or for those who don't understand the breed very well. Luckily, Pit Bulls are very responsive to training and eager to please. It is therefore strongly recommended to take them to obedience classes as soon as they are up to date with their shots. (Pit Bulls are prone to parvovirus, so it is important that they receive all their vaccinations before coming into contact with other dogs or going places that other dogs frequent.) A well-behaved and obedient Pit Bull will be a great ambassador for the breed and help fight prejudice and misconception. Pit Bulls are very adaptable and will even do well in urban living provided they have enough exercise or other positive outlets for their energy. Many Pit Bulls are easygoing couch potatoes but can also be somewhat rambunctious until they mature. Maturity can come pretty late with this breed (2 to 3 years old in some cases). Pit Bulls remain playful all their life and have a great sense of humour. Real clowns at heart, these dogs will make you laugh like no other. Pit Bulls are strong, energetic, agile, and powerful dogs. They are also very resourceful and driven. Determination is one of their most notable traits. Whatever they set out to do, they put their heart and soul into it...whether it is escaping an inadequately fenced yard to go explore the neighbourhood, destroying your new couch when left home alone, or climbing into your lap to shower you with kisses! They just don't give up easily. Stahlkuppe (1995) writes, "The American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT), or the AmStaff, is certainly not the right pet for everyone. Being a powerful dog, it will require sufficient and adequate control. Some prospective elderly owners or children, will not be able to supply that control... A first-time dog owner, in the minds of many experienced dog breeders, should not buy an APBT or an AmStaff! An insecure person who wants only an aggressive dog to bolster some personal human inadequacy should never become an owner of one of these dogs. An uncaring or negligent person should not buy an AmStaff or an APBT (or any other dog for that matter)." Another very important characteristic of Pit Bull’s is their amazing love of people. Many people are surprised by the loving personality of these dogs the first time they meet one. Pit Bull’s are indeed remarkably affectionate and truly enjoy human attention. They are wonderful cuddlers, and nothing beats a belly rub. In fact, most Pit Bulls think they are lap dogs! Dunbar (1999) writes: "Today, a properly bred Pit Bull is so exuberantly happy upon meeting her owner's friends (or even friendly strangers) that new owners sometimes worry that their dog is too sweet and fun-loving to protect their home and family... A multi-talented companion, the well-trained Pit Bull is suited for a variety of exciting activities. He excels at obedience, agility and weight-pulling competitions, events that showcase intelligence, trainability and strength. In addition, the Pit Bull's pleasant nature makes him an ideal candidate for therapy work with people." Human aggression, severe shyness, and instability are not traits typically found and accepted in the APBT breed. Dogs with these traits are not good representatives of the breed and should not be placed into adoptive homes. Like any other breed, APBT’s can develop behaviour problems if poorly bred, mishandled, abused, unsocialized, etc, that could result in inappropriate aggression. Any large, strong, and powerful dog that attacks can do a lot of damage. This is why temperament evaluation is important when dealing with dogs of certain size and potential. Unlike the myth propagated by the media however, human aggression is NOT a problem specific to the APBT. In fact, they tend to do better than average in temperament tests. The American Temperament Test Society provides temperament testing around the country for dog breeds, and gives a passing score for the entire breed based on the percentage of passed over failed within total number of the particular breed tested. As of December 2003, the American Pit Bull Terrier has a current passing rate of 83.9%, and the American Staffordshire Terrier passes at 83.2%. In comparison, The Golden Retriever passing rate is 83.2%. Pit Bull type dogs are wonderful, loving, and very loyal companions. It is important however, to understand the breed's nature, to provide a structured environment, and to establish a positive leadership role. In order to do so, Pit Bull owners must understand the original purpose of the breed, and respect its limits and potential. The Breed's Original Purpose
Humans have created specialized dogs through emphasizing desired traits and eliminating unwanted ones. It is no different with the Pit Bull type dogs. The American Pit Bull Terrier has been "selectively" bred for hundreds of years to fight. This is the sad "work" these dogs were created for. In the same way that Labradors were bred to retrieve birds, APBTs were bred to face mortal combat. Even in dogs that are not recently bred from fighting lines, the urge to fight can arise at any time. Not to strongly emphasize this fact would be negligent. That said we can't blame specialized breeds for behaving as they were bred to. Specific traits were bred into the dogs and are now part of the breed's character. It's like the digging instinct of many Terriers, the herding behaviour in Shelties, the compulsion to run in Greyhounds, etc. Your Pointer may have never spent a day on a real hunt, but he may still point and flush birds as his ancestors did. It's a mistake to think that the fighting gene can be trained or loved out of a dog, or that early socialization will guarantee your Pit Bull will always get along with other animals. There are precautions to take when owning Pit Bulls, especially in a multiple-dog environment. Unfortunately these precautions are often viewed as acceptance for the sport of pit-fighting when nothing could be further from the truth. Knowing how to avoid a fight, as well as how to break it up if, despite all efforts one strikes, is proof of smart and responsible Pit Bull ownership. Never trust a Pit Bull not to fight...
It is not a hate of other dogs that causes Pit Bulls to fight, but rather an "urge" to do so that has been bred into the dogs for many generations. Pit Bulls may fight over hierarchic status, but external stimulus or excitement can also trigger a fight. Remember that any canine can fight, but Pit Bulls were bred specifically for their drive, intensity, and determination to win. Pit Bull owners must be aware of the remarkable fighting abilities these dogs posses and always keep in mind that Pit Bulls have the potential to inflict serious injury to other animals. A Pit Bull may not even be the one starting a conflict, but he has the genetics to finish it. Remember that Pit Bulls are almost always blamed no matter who initiated the hostilities, and often end up paying the price...as does the owner! That said, a lot of Pit Bulls get along great with other pets and may live happily with other dogs without incident. We just can't assume that this is true for all of them, or take for granted that Pit Bulls getting along with other pets today will do so tomorrow. Pit Bull owners must have common sense and make sure they don't set their dogs up for failure by putting them in inappropriate situations. Every negative incident involving a Pit Bull adds to their reputation and jeopardizes our right to own these great dogs. Keep your Pit Bull out of trouble! Please remember that animal-aggression and people-aggression are two distinct traits and should never be confused. Unless they have been very poorly bred and/or specifically "trained" to attack humans (often by undesirable individuals through abusive methods), Pit Bulls are, by nature, very good with people. They are, in fact, one of the most loving, loyal, friendly and dedicated companions one can have. I hope this article will help people understand why so many of us are deeply dedicated to these wonderful dogs. Pit Bull dogs need more help, compassion and understanding than many other breeds, but they will pay you back with more love and loyalty than you ever thought.

Training & Temperament

Megapsych — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 07:34:57 CST

Training for the ABPT is of up most importance. They are a strong-minded dog that needs socialization as a pup to accept humans as the beings in charge and obedience training to keep them from setting out to control the household. Meek and mild potential owners should forget about this breed and choose another. The training relationship should not be one of master and slave, however. The dog should be shown what to do and made to do it without any yanking, smacking, jerking or other punishment. Firm guidance will lead to respect and trust; physical penalties will lead to disrespect and distrust. A well-mannered and properly socialized pit will exhibit confidence in most every situation. When a task brings itself to light the pit is typically inquisitive and exhibits a can-do and don’t give up attitude. The pits intelligence is unsurpassed and can get it into trouble sometimes once it figures out it is a natural escape artist and climb trees almost as well as a cat. Because of this ability it is of the up most importance to keep objects and trees away from any fences that are intended to confine them. They have a natural tendency to want to please their owners and strive for human attention. They make excellent family pets but should be watched around children as their exuberance, size, strength and weight may be overpowering. Pit Bulls can be trained for most any occasion ranging from service and therapy work, guarding, hunting, rescue and the activity it loves best; couch or bed warming. Although all Pits need physical activity to help release their large stores of youthful energy, head pats and belly rubs are always a welcomed second. A well-developed and socialized Pit is like a chivalrous knight clad in armour of muscle covered with a well-polished glossy covering of skin. Like the great knights of old, the American Pit Bull Terrier will show unfaltering courage, dedication and will be honourable in action and have a heart to do what is right by their king or queen…you.
Of course, sometimes they are quite happy to just act as the joker.

Appearance

Megapsych — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 07:26:19 CST

The APBT has been developed over hundreds of years to be a worker and is well suited to most any task requiring strength, agility and intelligence. A well-developed ABPT should be muscular in build with well-pronounced chest and legs. Their head is often described as brick-like but is actually more in the shape of a wedge. The muzzle may vary in length but a pit with a well-developed head will have a wide muzzle at maturity ending at a muscular jaw. The tail is often described to resemble a lever and ends in a tip. Although some pits have their tails cropped this is NOT recommended as it affects their balance. The ears of the pit are set rather high on the head and may be cropped or un-cropped depending on preference. When a pit shows interest or expresses joy in something its ears will often move toward each other revealing wrinkles in the forehead. Pits eyes are round or oval in shape and come in all colours including blue which is caused by the Merle gene. Merle genetics may also reveal itself in blotches on the coat and is typically manifested this way in reds and blues. The nose of the pit can be any natural colour but in most cases are black, red, blue or speckled. The APBT needs little grooming being a short-coated bread and suffers from few diseases. They are however prone to hip dysplasia, cataracts and some tumours.

What Happened

Megapsych — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 04:12:29 CST

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.

Sgt. Stubby

Megapsych — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 02:48:24 CST

By the time of World War 1 the American Pit Bull Terrier had become a well-loved and desired dog. In fact, the Pit Bull was used as America’s canine mascot of the time.

In fact, the first dog to travel across America was a Pit Bull by the name of Bud. He did so with the first persons (Horatio Jackson and his assistant and “bicycle” mechanic Sewall Crocker) to cross America in a car. Horatio later donated Bud’s goggles to the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C. During the trip Bud would assist in watching out for large bumps in the road and often received as much if not more attention by the press than did Jackson. After the trip was completed Bud bravely guarded the Jackson home until his death of old age.

In 1917 a Pit Bull by the name of Sgt. Stubby became a war hero for saving several soldiers lives and even capturing a German Spy. John Robert Conroy found Stubby as a stray at the age of several weeks on the Yale campus in 1917. Stubby marched with the men and even learned an approximate salute. When Conroy’s unit shipped out to France, Stubby was smuggled aboard the USS Minnesota. Stubby served with the 102nd Infantry, 26th (Yankee) Division in the trenches in France for 18 months and participated in four offensives and 17 battles. He entered combat on February 5, 1918 at Chemin des Dames, north of Soissons, and was under constant fire, day and night for over a month. Stubby’s presence served to lighten the stress on the men’s lives. In April 1918, during a raid to take Shieprey Stubby was wounded in the foreleg by the retreating Germans throwing grenades. He was sent to the rear for convalescence, and like he had done on the front was able to improve morale. When he recovered from his wounds, Stubby returned to the trenches. After being gassed himself, Stubby learned to warn his unit of poison gas attacks, located wounded soldiers in no-mans land, and – since he could hear the whine of incoming artillery shells before humans could – became very adept at letting his unit know when to duck for cover. He was even solely responsible for capturing a German spy in Argonne.

Following the retaking of Chateau-Thierry by the US, the thankful women of the town made Stubby a chamois coat on which were pinned his many medals. There is also a legend that while in Paris with Corporal Conroy, Stubby saved a young girl from being hit by a car.

At the end of the war, Conroy smuggled Stubby home. In his later years Stubby attended Georgetown University with John Conroy from 1922-23 and became the Georgetown Hoya’s mascot while Conroy was there. Stubby was given the football at halftime, and nudged the ball around the field to the amusement of the fans in the stadium. Stubby passed away on March 16, 1926 in Conroy’s arms. On Christmas 1918 at Mandres-en-Basigny Stubby met President Woodrow Wilson and shook his hand. After the war, Stubby became a celebrity and marched in many parades. He also met Presidents Calvin Coolidge and Warren G Harding. Stubby was made a life member of the American Legion, the Red Cross and the YMCA. In 1921 General John Pershing awarded him a special gold medal for service to his country. Today Stubby's remains are preserved and can be seen at the Smithsonian exhibit, The Price of Freedom: Americans at War. His medals and awards consisted of: · 3 Service Stripes · Yankee Division YD Patch · French Medal Battle of Verdun · 1st Annual American Legion Convention Medal Minneapolis, Minnesota Nov 1919 · New Haven WW1 Veterans Medal · Republic of France Grande War Medal · St Mihiel Campaign Medal · Wound stripe, replaced with Purple Heart when introduced in 1932 · Chateau Thierry Campaign Medal · 6th Annual American Legion Convention · Humane Education Society Gold Medal

History

Megapsych — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 02:29:37 CST

The history of the APBT varies depending on the sources you refer to. One of these stories, and in most cases the most reliable, goes back to the time of the Romans. During the time of Minos in Crete, the sport of bull baiting was quite a popular form of entertainment. This sport was developed as a part of the worship practice in honour of the warrior god “Mithras”.

During this time most dogs were wild and ferocious by nature. As the Roman tribes of the time conquered and moved across the land they also took the sport with them. Due to the selective breeding of the best dogs a distinctive breed began to emerge. By the 1700’s there were two primary bull-fighting dogs that had developed. This was the Blue poll of Scotland and the Alunt from Ireland, both of which were referred to as Bulldogs. The Alunt of the time resembled something closer to a Great Dane but is presumed to have later developed into the Alono of Spain. As this and other dog sports were developed people selectively breed different dogs to achieve the fighting attributes that they desired. They often mixed these breeds with the great dogs of England also used to bait bulls. During this time it was thought that the use of the dog on a bull had a tenderising effect on the meat. In reality this was a myth perpetuated by dog men and gamblers in order to encourage participation and thus draw profits of gambling.

By the time of the early 1800’s, due to selective breeding a dog had emerged which was very similar to the American Pit Bull of today. Due to a slow economy and a law that prohibited people of low economic means from owning a sporting dog the practice of bull baiting began to diminish. In 1835 bull baiting was officially banned. This forced people, especially of the lower classes, to find alternatives for their dogs. This resulted in a sport known as ratting where a number of rats were placed in a pit for a specified time with the dog.

THIS IS IN FACT WHERE THE “PIT” IN THE AMERICAN PIT BULL TERRIER NAME CAME FROM. NOT FROM FIGHTING OTHER DOGS.

The terrier part of the name came from its ability to hunt small game and was one of the reasons why ratters knew it would excel in the rat pit. The larger the number of kills the better the dog placed in the match. Due to the constraints of space and the agility of Black & Tan and White terriers of England these terriers were often being mixed with the old bull baiting dogs to achieve dogs that were premium for these purposes. It is believed that this practice of mixing bulldogs and terriers began in the town of Staffordshire, England and became known as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Due to the agility and gameness of this new-found breed many began to also fight dogs with each other. Soon dog on dog fighting and ratting became so popular that practically all Inns and Pubs were equipped with a fighting pit.

When colonization of America and Canada began these people also brought their dogs. These dogs soon became known by the name of “Pit Bull Terriers”. As time progressed a gentleman by the name of Chauncy Bennett founded the UKC (United Kennel Club) in 1898 with the American Pit Bull Terrier as its foundation dog breed. Although some are fortunate enough to own a UKC registered Pit, the majority of the public has chosen not to register their dogs due to financial constraints and subsequent loss of bloodline determination.

Home

Megapsych — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 01:58:55 CST

60 years ago a delightful group of children known as The Little Rascals graced out TV screens accompanied by their loyal and courageous dog Petey. Petey, a sturdy white pooch with a coloured patch over one eye, carried out a huge array of tricks to help the children out of various troubles. He was the consummate children’s pet. Petey was an American Pit Bull Terrier.

The original Petey was Lucenay’s Peter, a purebred dog registered as an American Pit Bull Terrier with the UKV (United Kennel Club), and as one of the 50 original Staffordshire Terriers accepted into the American Kennel Club (AKC). However, whatever the breed name is claimed for Petey, one thing is certain; today this dog could not be kept within many city limits (America) without facing arrest and euthanasia.