'Pit Bull' FAQ

1. Don't American Pit Bulls have a reputation for being vicious?

Yes absolutely, among the uninformed. Any medium to large sized dog, with or without cropped ears, of any colour, shape and size is labeled a ‘Pit Bull’, thus, much undeserved criticism and hate falls upon the this breed. Furthermore, many so-called ‘Pit Bulls’ have been interbred / crossed with breeds of different temperaments, such as “Boerboels”, “American Bulldogs”, “Neopolitan Mastiffs” and even “English Bull Mastiffs” which can introduce different and sometimes very dangerous behaviour characteristics.

A properly bred and raised ‘Pit Bull’ will not exhibit any human aggressiveness, except when absolutely necessary and even in these rare occasions they seem to have a the ability to deal with the situation as needed.

2. Do American Pit Bulls have any connection with Staffordshire Bull Terriers and English Bull Terriers?

Yes there is definitely a correlation between these three breeds and it is well accepted that the origins stem from England and Ireland. Today there is a distinct difference between the three breeds based on differences in point of view. ‘Staffords’ tend to be smaller and thicker than ‘Pit Bulls’ and are exclusively bred for the show ring, as are ‘Bull Terrier’s’, however there is many an agility titled Staffie and these little dogs really are sometimes too much dog for some people. They have super stable temperaments and are often referred to as the ‘Nanny Dog’ because of their disposition towards children.

‘Bull Terriers’ are predominantly white with the distinct “Elongated” head. My experience with ‘Bullies’ is that they are extremely stubborn and cannot compare in intelligence to their other brethren, they are also generally bigger, thicker and less agile than Staffords and Pit Bulls. ‘Bullies’ tend to be more man-aggressive compared to ‘Staffords’ and ‘Pit Bulls’.

‘American Pit Bulls’ are still today bred as close as possible to resemble the dogs of 100 years ago. They are lean, athletic, muscular dogs with the same super temperament as the ‘Staffordshire Bull Terriers’. They range in size from 12kg to 30kg and are generally healthier and longer-lived than the other two. Todays ‘Pit Bull’ should not be aggressive to man, however there is a definite aggression towards other dogs.

3. What should I be careful of when buying a Pit Bull pup?

	Ensure that you buy from a breeder who tests his breeding animals for hip dysplasia (not absolutely necessary) and Babesia, and who sets correspondingly high standards.
	Stick to the best bloodlines - if you don't know what they are, ask us and other reputable breeders - as many as possible!
	Ascertain the family tree of your pup before you buy, and obtain a guarantee that a registered birth certificate, with one of the reputable breeders' associations, will be issued by the breeder upon purchase.
	Make sure that your puppy will be implanted with an identifying microchip bearing a unique number that can only be read electronically, prior to his leaving his home kennels.
	Ensure that copies of all certificates and identification papers are sent to you by e-mail or fax before the puppy is purchased. This way you get a guarantee of what you are buying.
	Make sure that the Seller requires that you enter into a stipulated contract of sale, which lays down the obligations of both parties. This way, you know what the breeder is guaranteeing you, and have recourse against them if they default.

Ask the breeder the following pointed questions:

	Can I come and view your dogs, your kennels and your breeding facilities?
	Are the parents of the puppies registered with one of the recognized breeders' associations?
	Do the parents have any qualifications, championships etc?
	Do you have registration papers for them?
	Can I have copies of the registration certificates?
	Are the parents checked for hip dysplasia?
	Can I have copies of their hip x-ray certificates?
	Can you verify through DNA testing that the said puppies are from the stipulated parents?

4. I already have a dog/dogs; if I get a Pit Bull, how will it get on with the other/s?

It is very difficult to tell. There are a few rules of thumb however.

	If your ‘Pit Bull’ grows up from a puppy with the other dog/s there is a better chance of them (all?) getting on well.
	All dogs get on better with dogs of the opposite sex than with dogs of the same sex.
	Remove bitches on heat; if there is a bitch on heat present then trouble between males is inevitable, and trouble from other females is likely between certain individuals.
	Neutered and spayed dogs will generally get along better in a group.

Be aware that once a habit of fighting has become established it will be very difficult to break, and that the establishment of separate living areas may become necessary.

5. Will my Pit Bull bitch settle down better if she has one litter before I spay her?

No. This is an old wives' tale and absolute rubbish.

6. What should I feed my Pit Bull?

The best food you can; ideally, correctly measured daily amounts of a balanced and complete dry pellet dog food from the veterinarian. Supermarket dog foods are greatly inferior to these, and will require supplementing to ensure your ‘Pit Bulls’ dietary needs. Do not expect your ‘Pit Bull to achieve his best performance or to stay in peak condition if you feed him poorly. Do not overfeed your ‘Pit Bull’, you will take years off his life and may damage his structure if he becomes overweight.

7. Are Pit Bulls safe with kids?

They are wonderful with kids. Do ensure, however, that your children are good with them. Teach your child to respect the dog and to treat him properly.

Beware of cross-bred dogs, however, which may have a completely different temperament to a properly bred ‘Pit Bull’.

8. Are Pit Bulls easily trained?

As easy to train as any other breed, and probably easier than most because of their high intelligence, eagerness to please and ‘never give up’ attitude.

9. Will a Pit Bull puppy wreck my garden?

Yes, entirely, if you let him, but no more than will any other dog. In common with all other breeds of dog, the ‘Pit Bull’ loves to dig and to chew. If you wish to preserve your garden, don’t get a dog. Also bear in mind that ‘Pit Bulls’ are very good at scaling a six foot wall and in most cases it will be necessary to either lengthen your wall or top it off with electric fencing.

10. What should I do if my Pit Bull gets into a fight with another dog?

Most importantly, don’t panic. Don’t ever try to hit the dogs or separate them by pulling them apart or by putting you hands in their mouths. All that will happen is you will enhance tissue damage and have your fingers chewed off. If possible try to get someone to help you and ALWAYS use a breaking stick when separating dogs so as not to get bitten. Putting your finger up the dogs arse is not only unpleasant for you, but it will do absolutely nothing to stop the fight, as will spraying the dogs with water, shock therapy or pepper spray. If your ‘Pit Bull’ is in a fight with a NON - Pit Bull, always bear in mind that the other dog is being hurt and is very likely to bite you, hence the help from another person to hold the other dog still while you break your Pit Bull off. This is also applicable to the ‘Staffords’ and ‘Bullies’ when they are in a fight too.