Pitbulls Are There Different Types?

PitBulls Are there different types of Pitbulls? Âÿ The answer to this question depends on who you ask. Âÿ As most people know that "Pit Bulls" were a breed developed for their ability to fight. The basic breeds used in the breeding were a "Bull Dog" and a "Terrier." This is based on historical information much of which came from accounts of the dogs used in the popular sport of "Bull & Bear-baiting in the British Isles. Âÿ ÂÿHowever there have been many other breeds added to the genetic mix through the years by various breeders trying to improve on the fighting prowess of the Pitbull. Âÿ The fact that dog fighters closely guarded their champions bloodline makes it virtually impossible to make a definitive statement of what a " Pitbull" really is. Âÿ Even today the pitbull is the most misunderstood dog on the planet. Âÿ In the early 1900"s the name "American Pit Bull Terrier" was chosen by the American founder of the United Kennel Club, C.Z. Bennet. The UKC became the official registry for the "American Pit Bull Terrier." It also set the official rules governing dog fighting and the dimensions of the pits used in the events. Âÿ The UKC of today does not support any type of dog fighting or breeding of any dog for this illegal activity. The UKC is still the primary registrar for the APT but also list over 200 other breeds of dogs in its registry. Âÿ Political correctness adds to the confusion of the Pitbull. Âÿ The other major registry of dog breeds in the United States is the American Kennel Club (AKC). Âÿ Now the AKC repeatedly rejected the American Pitbull Terrier for inclusion into its official breed listing apparently because it didn't care for the word "PIT" in the name and the fact that the UKC sanctioned dog fighting at the time. Eventually the breeders of the APBT conceded to a name change. The new name (for the same breed of dog) was The Staffordshier Terrier. Âÿ This name change enabled the breeders to gain acceptance into the AKC in 1936. Âÿ But wait! The name game isn't over yet. Âÿ The Kennel Club of England's Staffordshier Bull Terrier was admitted to the AKC in 1974. So in an effort to prevent confusion (too late!) the AKC wanted the breeds name changed one more time to...(drum roll) "The American Staffordshier Terrier." Âÿ So today we essentially have the two major kennel clubs in the United States registering the same breed of dog under different names. It seems that not much is cut and dry when it comes to defining pitbulls. This only adds to the general publics confusion of just what is a pitbull. Pitbulls are the villain of choice today when it comes to viscous dog attacks, some of which are deserved. A powerful athletic dog such as a pitbull that has been mistreated or bred to fight is definitely a danger to people and other animals. But a pitbull bred for its temperament from a quality breeder many feel are the loyalist companion in the world.