Say ‘pitbull’ to the uninitiated and what’s the immediate reaction? They tremble in their boots, even at the thought of pitbull puppies.
The poor pitbull has been so demonised by the media that the very name conjures up terror.
And that’s such a shame because it is not the dog that’s intrinsically evil but the owners who have trained him and use him for one purpose only. As a weapon.
Just as a knife is not dangerous, per se; in the hands of a criminal, it can be a killer.
Beautiful, sturdy, noble
Pitbull puppies grow up to be beautiful, sturdy, noble dogs. But like the Rotweiller, Dobermann and other powerful, muscular breeds, they do need proper training and handling. A firm hand is essential, right from the start. The pitbull puppy should never be the first choice as a family dog, because this puppy, more than any other, loves to chew anything in the vicinity… electric cables, table legs, toys. His teeth are particularly sharp.
Also, he’s such a sturdy, energetic little chap that he needs to be walked for miles every day… and put firmly in his place when he misbehaves. Definitely not the right choice for the little old lady who just wants a companion to sit with her as she snoozes by the fire. Puppies like this one need young, strong, energetic owners who appreciate exactly what sort of canine they are taking on. And have the confidence to cope with him.
Gladiatorial war dogs
Originally bred for hunting and guarding, these dogs were very much in demand by our ancient ancestors. When the Romans invaded Britain they regarded their pitbulls as gladiatorial war dogs. They encouraged them to fight off lions, bears and any other beast that threatened their masters or themselves.
When the dogs took it into their big chunky heads to fight each other, the public flocked to watch them. If they fought and managed to kill a bull, that was an even more enjoyable spectator sport.
This vile practice developed throughout the middle ages and on into the 16th century when bull baiting and bear baiting became premier sporting fixtures, even enjoying Royal patronage.
The owners of these animals could command high prices for the offspring of such fighters.
Vitally important to check background
Today’s pitbull puppies need very special care and handling to help cope with – and hopefully eliminate – any negative traits that many have been inherited from their ancestors.
Potential adopters should be very wary of taking big, powerful dogs such as these. Pitbull puppies and indeed pitbulls of any shape and size should never be purchased without a thorough investigation into their background and why they are being offered for sale.
They suffer from rejection
Be careful, too, about adopting a pitbull from a rescue centre. Rescue centres tend to be inundated with various types of bull terriers… English ‘bullies’, Staffordshire ‘bullies’ and variations on the theme. Why? Because the general public can’t handle them, mainly. They invite them into their home as puppies, then when they grow up into big, powerful dogs, these uninspired owners find they can no longer cope. Sadly, they reject them and dump them at the nearest rescue centre, or even thoughtlessly, at the side of a motorway. People who run animal rescue centres report that these dogs suffer from rejection more than any other. Britain is supposed to be a nation of animal lovers. It certainly doesn’t apply where bull terrier breeds are concerned.
With this breed it is vitally important to check its personal background. It is always wise to go to a reputable breeder, where the puppy’s mother and father can be seen and all those oh-so-important questions raised with the breeder. But first and foremost, the important question to ask is whether a pitbull is the right dog for you.
Remember always, that pitbulls do not adapt well to a household with children and/or other pets.
Wonderful dogs
Because of their dominant personalities and their tough background, only the very strongest and bravest of these pitbull puppies survived. They really are wonderful dogs and in the hands of the right sort of owner (preferably young, energetic, vibrant males) they can be loyal, loving, lifelong friends.
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