When is an American Staffordhsire Terrier not, as they are often called, an AmStaff? When it is confused with an American Pit Bull Terrier, which is often called a Pit Bull or a Pitbull Dog.
Does that clarify things? No? Didn't think so.
But, regardless of what these dogs get called, they 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 from inside their city limits. In the past Pitbull Dogs were bred for the hideously cruel sport of dog fighting. Such fighting has long since been outlawed, but today seeing a Pitbull Dog reminds some folks of the danger created because a handful of owners have trained them to be vicious. Some Pitbull Dogs are even used to protect criminal operations. And, unfortunately, some are still used in illegal sport.
All 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.
The average Pitbull Dog is born into controversy, especially because of one breed trait, gameness. Breed aficionados claim the Pitbull Dog and its elevated tenacity, drive and determination, its gameness, is to be preserved and celebrated. Breed detractors claim this trait is what makes Pitbull Dogs dangerous to humans and other dogs. Legend is that Pitbull Dogs get something in their mouths and will not let go at any cost. In fact, even the breed's biggest supporters believe a responsible owner should always keep a "break stick" at hand to pry open a Pit Bull's jaws if necessary.
After all, these are strong, compact muscular dogs. A typical Pitbull Dog weighs 35 to 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 many 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;
• And 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? One thing that most knowledgeable dog people agree on is that much of the bad press the Pitbull Dog has received is due primarily to what their owners trained them to do.
