Read About Pitbull Dog

Pitbull dogs are at the center of controversy in the eyes of many. There are almost as many detractors as there are lovers of the Pitbull Dog because of some highly publicized attacks.

Here is the indisputable bottom line: Pitbull Dogs have gained a nasty reputation, prompting some municipalities to ban them inside their limits. In the past, Pitbull Dogs were bred for the hideously cruel sport of dog fighting. Such fighting has long since been outlawed. However, seeing a Pitbull Dog today, reminds some people of the danger created because a handful of owners have trained their Pitbull dogs to be vicious. Some Pitbull Dogs are even used to protect criminal operations. Unfortunately, some are still used in illegal sports.

That aside, the Pitbull Dog is praised by many who appreciate this breed, and there are many. The United Kennel Club (UKC), the second largest breed organization in the U.S. recognizes the American Pit Bull Terrier as a breed. The American Kennel Club (AKC) does not. However, the American Staffordshire Terrier, one of the breeds whose blood flows through the veins of the Pit Bull, is recognized by the AKC and the UKC.

So, the average Pitbull Dog is born into controversy, especially because of one breed trait: "gameness". Breed aficionados claim that the Pitbull Dog and its elevated tenacity, drive and determination -- its "gameness" -- should be preserved and celebrated. Breed detractors claim that this trait is what makes Pitbull Dogs dangerous to humans and other dogs. Stories prevail saying that Pitbull Dogs get something in their mouths and do not let go of it at any cost. In fact, even the breed's biggest supporters believe that a responsible owner must always keeps a "break stick" at hand to pry open a Pit Bull's jaws, if necessary.

After all, these are strong, compact, and muscular dogs. A typical Pitbull Dog weighs 35-60 lbs and is a muscular working dog that can be used as a stock dog, for protection, and even in war. Many a Pitbull Dog may also be destined for sports such as "schutzhund", a competition that tests the obedience, training, and protection skills of several breeds of dogs. But, more often than not, an average Pit Bull Dog puppy becomes a family pet and watchdog.

The lucky Pitbull Dog goes on to stardom. Breed supporters point to some famous representatives of the breed:

• Nipper, the RCA "his master's voice" dog
• Tige, the dog inside Buster Brown brand shoes
• Petey, the canine member of the Our Gang comedies
• Jack, the frontier dog from the Laura Ingles Wilder "Little House" books

So, should you run the other way when you hear of a Pitbull Dog in the neighborhood? Most likely not. One thing that most knowledgeable dog enthusiasts agree upon, is that much of the bad press the Pitbull Dog has received is due primarily to what their owners trained them to do.