A few questions from a confused Newbie...debatable.

I want a pure bred APBT in the future but with so much opinions on the "real" APBT, I've become confused about many topics related to the breed. I owned 2 pits (not from breeders, probably backyard bred that I found as strays) in the past when I was a kid and my dad was the type of person that dogs belong outside so I never really got the experience of owning a Pit in it's full potential.

I for sure do not confuse the new "bullies" for an APBT, and I would really like an APBT that follows the standard 30-60 lbs but that's nearly impossible to find now as APBT's are pretty much now Large breed dogs rather than a medium size breed so I would make an exception to up to 70 lbs.

From what I've read, and of course most of you would agree on here, if an APBT isn't bred with a game drive, it isn't a real APBT...so if I'm not a hunter or anything like that, would it be difficult to own an APBT? I guess I prefer a pet APBT. I'm interested in weight pulling but I read on a thread that breeders who breed conformation, participate in weight pulling, and other dog activities breed non-game dogs and should be considered AmStaffs just because they aren't hunting dogs. AmStaffs are a separate breed aren't they? Created just for show..? They even look different.

Most game breeders I've found, usually have their dogs chained or in separate kennels. Why is this? Do they not socialize their dogs or is it because game dogs are more likely to be dog aggressive so they are tied/separated to prevent fights?

We all know that the previous breeding for fighting is what created the dog aggression. So since breeding for fighting is outdated, are there any game breeders that even try to breed the aggression out? Or does breeding out aggression kill the game drive in their pits, as I got that impression from a previous thread...?

So because I prefer a pet Pit, I get the impression that I should buy from a breeder who breeds non-game but then I get the opinion, as I said earlier, that a non-game pit is an AmStaff. I don't want an AmStaff and don't get why people consider them this way if they're supposed to be a separate breed.

Also, about the dog aggression...I read all the time that a Pit owner should always be prepared for dog aggression whether from the start or suddenly when it's an adult because of their history. Is it NOT possible to get a non-aggressive APBT from a real breeder? When all I see is chained up dogs that seem like they aren't socialized. Of course I understand that no dog breed can be fully non-aggressive as it is natural canine behavior to lash out at one point but not to engage in a full attack/fight. Are the people that say this not socializing their dogs from puppy hood or is it just because of APBT history? I think it just adds to the whole society against this great breed...unless they are just being truthful.

I think that's all I had in mind...Lol. But thanks in advance if you can answer any of my questions.

 

why exactly do u want a bulldog and how old are you?

 

I think you should take a look at your local animal shelters. These dogs aint for everyone, especially folks with very limited understanding of what these animals are wired for. Keep doing your homework and research but I truly think youd do just fine adopting a pet at the shelter.

 

i 2nd that

 

I just want one as a pet dog/companion. I'm an active person so I like active dogs. I like to have my dogs run with me while I ride my bike. I'm only 19 now, that's why I say "in the future." When I'm finished with college and have my own place so there won't be any discrimination against my dog. I grew up with active dogs: Labs, collie and hyper mutts. I would adopt a pit from a shelter, but they often come from poor breeding and results in unpredictable behavior. And with all the new "bully" hype, I don't think there will much "pits" in the shelters in the years to come that are standard to the APBT.

 

Bird dog are active get a nice English setter or Brittany they can run forever. But please get a clue about dogs in general. Your misconceptions about shelter dogs, apbts and dog behavior in general show that you need some education before you get any dog. Glad you are doing your homework now instead of after you got a dog.

 

I don't have any misconceptions about shelter dogs. The mutts and collie I grew up with were from a shelter. I don't have anything against shelter dogs, I like mutts. They are usually more healthy than purebreds. As for dog behavior, I have trained all my dogs that I had, I know at least the basics to teach any house dog. I am actually the only person in my family that trains and exercises our dogs. I think you have the misconception that because I am only 19 and asked questions about one breed of dog that I don't have a clue about dogs in general. I know bird dogs can run forever but I don't want a bird dog. I already have a bird dog, my Lab. I only asked these questions about the APBT because when I started reading about them on these forums, some people said things I wouldn't expect. Those people are where I got my questions from. I'm only doing "homework" on APBT's because of issues that surround the breed and because APBT's are very versatile dogs as in they were bred for so many things at certain points in history.

 

It is possible to get a "game bred" abpt that isn't dog aggressive it's just not likely. If you want a companion apbt dog, in the future like you said, I suggest you keep doing research, read this blog up and down, go to shows, talk to breeders. Look at rescues and shelters.

It's good you're asking these questions.

 

Well just listen to what people have to say. Apbts are bred for 1 purpose to kill another animal or die trying wether it be a coon, hog or another dog. There ain't no training it out. Don't get stuck on the name apbt because what u want is an am staff. Listen to what others here tell u because they are making this shit up. I walked home with a rescue dog and it is the best damn dog but I have walk her 6 am 10 pm when other people/animals are no around because she screams. Windows and doors to the screened porch need to be closed at all times cuz she will try to ram through them. This is some shelter mutt, the real deal is 100 times more intense. Just don't think u can change what they are. Oh and I am gonna be a dick but a lab isnt a bird dog, gun dog maybe, it is a retriever it goes n gets a dead duck. A bird dog runs the field, points and retrieves.

 

I honestly think you would be much happier with another breed.

 

Ok I will answer this one... you are doing your homework before just rushing into a breed that you don't fully understand which is more than I can say for most and I can respect that. You came to the right site with a wealth of knowledgable and experienced members with an abundance of educational information and truth about the working APBT.

The APBT is a performance bred animal they have been bred for dog sporting for many years so part of the genetic make up for these animals is Dog Aggression it comes with the territory and any owner of any Pit Bull type dog should expect some level of Dog Aggression at some point. These dogs can never be fully trusted around other animals some people are just in denial about the breed they own and will try and say oh my dog wouldn't hurt a fly it's all in how you raise them blah blah blah those people are delusional and will most likely learn the hard way or just have a cold dog but even still a responsible owner should never take chances as you just never know with these dogs anything can set them off and even if they are not the ones who start the fight if they are challenged they will surely finish it. So things like play dates, dog parks, allowing your dog to run loose with strange animals is out of the question for this breed. Remember dog aggression is genetic so no amount of training is going to offset the genetic make up of this breed.

Now on to crating and chaining and why this is done by responsible loving and caring APBT owners. I have 4 APBT's all performance bred and they have all been raised together in my home under the same roof from puppy hood with the exception of an older female I took on at 4 which I introduced to my male when he was a pup and the other 2 came in as pups as well. Now I allowed all my pups to socialize under my constant supervision just to socialize them with other dogs I chose to do it with my own dogs in the home and not with strange dogs out in public. My dogs as they have matured are becoming less tolerant of one another which is completely normal with these dogs the older they become they will typically start to display dog aggression so nothing to be alarmed by. Living in a home with multiple animals it is responsible practice even if they get along to crate and rotate when you are not home to supervise OR chain them outside for their protection as they are never to be trusted due to the breeds genetic make up it's better to be safe than sorry. There is nothing wrong with containing your animals so long as it's done properly. If you keep them in crates make sure you do not leave them in the crate past 8 hours without letting them out. Make sure the crates are kept clean and have proper bedding. If you choose to chain them make sure they have a solid chain set up with proper collars and a nice dog house with proper bedding to keep them comfortable during the seasons and always leave them with 24 hour access to water.

The APBT derived from the game dog/ fighting dog they were selectively bred for gameness this is what makes the APBT an APBT. All APBT's should stem from game dogs AKA performance bred dogs. Along with that comes high prey drive, Dog Aggression, and a high stung dog who will require a lot of care and exercise. A bulldog that is cooped up too much and doesn't get enough exercise can become very destructive so they need to be worked and they need one on one time with their owners.

The AKC Amstaff is the show dog bred for the show ring while it is true that the APBT and the Staff were once the same breed and are cut from the same cloth what sets them apart today is purpose. Not breeding for gameness for 60+ years you no longer have the same breed of dog. The Amstaff today even looks different this is due to selectively breeding for the show ring and breeding away from performance.


Bulldogs are very special in their genetics and it takes a special person who can truly accept the breed for what it is instead of making excuses for them or trying to make them something they are not. When you ask the question do the people who keep the dogs chained or crated away from other dogs not socialize them? No most actually do socialize them as pups but as time goes by and as they sexually mature they have to separate them from other dogs to prevent them from killing each other it's those genetics and like I said while training can give you a well mannered dog it will not remove those genetics from them that is something you will have to control by using proper confinement and when you take your dog out on walks you always keep the dog leashed at all times!

It's just like asking could you trust a guard dog around strangers? No those dogs are bred to guard their families they will always be protective over their families it's instinctive and genetic and people who choose to own those types of dogs should always properly contain those dogs and not let them around strange people other than the immediate family members who the dog is familiar with.

What add's to the problem with society against this breed is owners not accepting the breed and it's history most of these people hate the idea of dog fighting so much that they think they can save the breed from their history and it just can't be done we can't save the breed from their genetics. The reason we have the APBT is because of their past history with the sport. This is why it's important not to portray false image to the public be honest about the history it's not our dogs fault they like to fight and instead of trying to prove they can get along with other dogs by allowing them to run around with strange dogs at dog parks those owners should be protecting the breed and not setting them up to fail by not putting them in these types of situations in the first place.

My suggestion to you is figure out if you can handle the truth about the breed if it's something you can accept and embrace than stick around and learn as much as you possibly can. Do not get an APBT with false expectations. It's better that these dogs be in the hands of people who are truly going to accept them and love them for what they are.

 

That's the best and most truthful answer I've read in a while

 

I don't understand why people here are saying "get an education". That's the fucking point and the reason why he made this thread. Jesus Christ.

 

Labs are kool! U can take them to dog parks

 

Good for you for doing your home work first. Too many people tend to just jump the gun before they realize what they have. On that note,I agree with the rest of them. I don't think a game bred dog is what you need. Have you looked at Belgian Malinoise? They have more energy than you can shake a stick at!

 

Malinois are a lot of dog too!

 

Are you kidding me? Malinois are a hell of a lot of dog they are working dogs! Those are certainly not for everyone.

 

Excellent post, sadiesblues!

I will reiterate/ highlight a few points for those that aren't going to read the whole thing:

1. A dog is usually on a chain/ in a crate because it wants to kill other dogs. Many of the dogs you see on here on chains have been socialized, some of them extensively. They almost all reach maturity and do what genetics dictates (want to kill other dogs).

2. You are doing a great job researching before jumping in first!

I will add:

1. There are people that breed just for weight pull dogs. A lot of these dogs are less dog aggressive than game- bred dogs, and many of them can be kept with other dogs. This might be more what you are looking for.

2. If the dog aggression is something that you can't live with and accept- just get another breed. All breeds have an original purpose- pick one that fits what you want.

 

Your getting some great advice here . I'll just reinerate one main point. This breed is not for everyone ,your doing the right thing in reserching before jumping in , but dont think for one minuet that you will ever get an APBT that you will socilize and have no concern with for the rest of its life ...not gonna happen . What makes a good owner is someone who knows the potential hazards of this breed and accepts the fact that its thier responcability to keep thier dog and others safe. Its easy to gain a false sence of security while the dog is young that he/she is going to do well w/ others then in later years be proven wrong.

 

Malinois are a handfull. I have had and worked four. The ones that are usually bred in the states are mostly show dog quality and not as high strung as the dogs bred for their work ability. Get a Malinois from Europe and you have got a dog on your hands! U.S.A not so much...