October 28th is Pit Bull Awareness Day. The Pit Bull may very well be America’s most controversial dog breed. They’re also often misunderstood. Fido can make a wonderful pet, but it’s important to understand the breed before adopting one. A Tampa, FL vet discusses the breed in this article.

History

The Pit Bull, as we know it today, was bred in the 1800’s, as a mix of the Old English Terrier, which is now extinct, and the Old English Bulldog. The earliest pups were called ‘Bull and Terrier’ dogs. However, Fido’s lineage isn’t quite that clear-cut. The term Pit Bull actually encompasses several breeds: the American Bully, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and the American Bulldog.

Responsible Ownership

Pit Bulls are restricted or banned by many landlords and HOA, and not without reason. They are sorely overrepresented in animal attacks, a fact which cannot be dismissed. However, they’re also one of the most abused breeds. Genetics may also play a role here, as many were bred to fight. That said, there are also many wonderful, sweet Pitties out there that just want love and wouldn’t hurt a fly. Responsible ownership is crucial here.

Care

Pit Bull owners should take some extra precautions when it comes to safety. First and foremost? Get your canine companion fixed. You should never let a Pit Bull—or any other pup—run around off-leash. If your dog has strong prey drive, work with a trainer to ensure that you can control him at all times. If you have a yard, you’ll need to make sure that your fencing is strong and sturdy, so that Fido cannot go over, under, or through it. (Spoiler: many Pitties are escape artists.)

Adoption

As mentioned above, Pit Bulls can make great pets, but they aren’t the right match for every household. Many shelters advise against bringing them into homes with cats or other small animals. It’s also crucial to understand the commitment involved. Do plenty of research—and a lot of thinking—before deciding.

Helping

There’s no shortage of Pit Bulls in shelters and rescues. You’ll also find plenty of Pit Bull specific rescues out there, with the most famous likely being Tia Torres’ Pit Bulls And Parolees. If adopting a pittie isn’t right for you, you can still help homeless pooches by donating, volunteering, or just spreading the word.

Please contact us, your Tampa, FL animal clinic, for all of your dog’s care needs. We’re here to help!