About American Bull Terriers

American bull terriers, or pit bulls, are a much maligned breed, thanks to owners who turn them into fighting animals. The dogs are extremely smart and like to please their owners. Therefore, if they are taught to fight, they will. When they are properly taught, however, they can be excellent pets and work animals as well.

  1. History

    • American bull terriers are also called pit bull terriers, and some consider them too dangerous to be a family pet. But their history tells a different story. American bull terriers were brought to the United States from Ireland in the 1800s. They were originally bred to fight bulls, not other dogs. It was an American bull terrier that was used on WWI posters, and they were a favorite of the early pioneers. Fans of "Little House on the Prairie" may remember Laura's dog, Jack. In real life, he was an American bull terrier, as was the RCA Victor dog, Nipper, and the dog in the "Our Gang" comedies, Petie. American soldiers smuggled their mascot, an American bull terrier named Stubby, aboard their ship when they went to France. Stubby was honored for his help in detecting gas attacks and alerting sentries when he sensed an enemy coming by being awarded the French Medal--Battle of Verdun,1st Annual American Legion Convention Medal, New Haven WWI Veterans Medal, Republic of France Grande War Medal, St. Mihiel Campaign Medal, Purple Heart and the Chateau Thierry Campaign Medal. Both Theodore Roosevelt and Helen Keller had American bull terriers as pets.

    Features

    • American bull terriers have an average life span of about 12 years and a thick, short-haired coat. They will grow 18 to 22 inches high and weigh 30 to 60 pounds. They are a high energy breed and need exercise daily, either in a fenced yard or on a leash.

    Health Issues

    • American bull terriers are susceptible to mange, heart murmurs, hip dysplasia, cataracts and congenital heart disease. They can also be allergic to grass. Reputable breeders are concerned with keeping the breed as healthy as possible and will not breed dogs who have any of the major problems.

    Function

    • American bull terriers are used as police dogs, therapy dogs, herding dogs and in search and rescue operations. They are not recognized as a separate breed by the American Kennel Association and can only be registered if both parents are registered as American Staffordshire terriers. American Staffordshire terriers are descended from the original American bull terriers, and while some say the breeds were separated long ago, there are others who insist they are really the same. American bull terriers are recognized as a separate breed by the North American Purebred Dog Registry, United Kennel Club, National Kennel Club, American Dog Breeders Association, Continental Kennel Club, American Pit Bull Registry and the America's Pet Registry.

    Considerations

    • Some communities have laws regarding American bull terriers that can range muzzle requirements to a ban against owning one. Consider getting a puppy trained before you bring it home. They need to be shown that they are not the boss of the house and need to handled a lot as puppies. As long as they are trained right, they can be wonderful companion animals.