ALL GOOD BULLS

Friday, 3 October 2014

Tips for Advocacy - Words Matter!

09/02/2014

Words matter. When we assign a label to a shelter dog or speak about "pit bull" dogs with the public, our words carry serious consequences. We owe it to the dogs to examine the language and labels we use to describe them.

There is no standard legal definition for "pit bull." So, the use of that label, "pit bull", is arbitrary, subjective, and often randomly applied.

Approximately 50% of the 78 million dogs living in the U.S. today are mixed-breed dogs (2009-10 American Pet Products Manufactures Association survey).

When labels are applied, correctly or not, it can mean the difference between life or death. No dog should be discriminated against because of a label. When a person calls a dog a "pit bull," or a "pit bull mix," that dog is now saddled with a label that might get him killed in a shelter that does not adopt out "pit bulls," or kicked out of a community with Breed Discriminatory Legislation (BDL).

A label will stick with a dog for the rest of its life. A label can mean discrimination, losing its home, or even death. Labels are a problem for the dogs when shelter staff, or veterinarians (considered to be the local experts on animals), allow adopters, politicians, and community members to think that the label assigned can predict who that dog is or will be.

Unless you are certain of a dog's breeding or heritage, please just call them a mixed breed dog, or better yet; let's just call them dogs.
"There is so much behavioral variability within each breed, and even more within breed mixes, that we cannot reliably predict a dog's behavior or his suitability for a particular adopter based on breed alone. Each dog is an individual." Amy Marder, V.M.D., CAAB, Director of the Center for Shelter Dogs, Animal Rescue League of Boston

(The above information was compiled from the Animal Farm Foundation website)

Village of Cambridge, Wisconsin to Remove Breed Discriminatory Language (BDL) from Dog Ordinance

08/27/2014

Sherlock, the Cambridge dog that started it all.

The Village of Cambridge, Wisconsin is a small, pleasant town on the border of Dane and Jefferson County. The Village has a population of 1457 people.

Recently, local residents and their adopted "pit bull" terrier, Sherlock, became the center of controversy between the resident's condo association, other condo residents, and the village board. You can read the background of the story by clicking this link.
At the August 26 council meeting the issue was discussed and a motion was made to remove the breed discriminatory language from the existing ordinance and send the ordinance back to be drafted with breed neutral language. The motion passed unanimously.

Hats off to the elected officials in Cambridge. They listened carefully to all of the testimony presented to them and made a decision based on fact, not misinformation. ALL dog lovers can once again enjoy living in and visiting Cambridge.

You can see the WKOW - Madison news story video from last night's meeting by clicking this link.

Village of Muscoda, Wisconsin Repeals Breed Discriminatory Legislation (BDL)

08/25/2014

The Village of Muscoda, Wisconsin, is best known as the "Morel Mushroom Capital of Wisconsin." The Village has a population of 1,300 and is nestled on the borders of Iowa, Grant, and Richland counties.

Recently, a local resident and "pit bull" terrier owner approached the council with concerns about their outdated Breed Discriminatory Ordinance. Other local advocates voiced their support.
At the July 8 council meeting the issue was discussed and a motion was made to repeal the ordinance and recreate a breed neutral dangerous dog ordinance. The motion passed unanimously.

Hats off to the elected officials in Muscoda. ALL dog lovers can once again enjoy living in and visiting the Morel Mushroom Capital of Wisconsin!

Here is a screen shot from the meeting minutes:

Here is the proposed new breed neutral ordinance:

Saturday, 27 September 2014

ALL GOOD BULLS

ALL GOOD BULLS

NAPDR = North American Purebred Dog Registry
UKC = United Kennel Club
NKC = National Kennel Club
ADBA = The American Dog Breeders Association Inc.
CKC = Continental Kennel Club
APBR = The American Pit Bull RegistryAPRI = American Pet Registry, Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry
PBFSA = Pit Bull Federation of South Africa
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
BBC = Backwoods Bulldog Club
NAPR = North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
ACA = American Canine Association Inc.

"Pretty Boy Swag aka RedBoy is a prime example of the American Pit Bull Terrier breed. He is 14 months old in this picture and is owned by us here at Five Star Bullies in central Florida. RedBoy has a perfect even temperament. He is a fun-loving dog that loves attention and long walks. He requires about 3 hours of exercise each day to maintain his muscle tone and to keep him happy. Thank you for this opportunity to promote this breed in a positive light. Amber at Five Star Bullies"

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Spencer the 12-week-old blue-nose brindle Pit Bull puppy sits calmly as the cat checks him out. Watch Spencer the Pit puppy grow up.

Selfie with Spencer the Pitbull

A True StoryA man was out walking his Pitbull off-lead through the woods. When the Pit turned and started walking off in a different direction the owner called the dog back to him. The dog didn't listen; he obviously had something on his mind. This was so uncharacteristic of this particular dog, who always followed his owner, always listened to every command, that the owner of the Pit decided he had better follow his dog to see where he was going. The Pitbull led him to a secluded part of the woods, where an autistic boy had gotten himself into a deep mud hole and could not get out. The Pit proceeded to walk right up to the boy and lick his face. This story was told to me by the father of the autistic child. He stated, "The dog saved my son's life that day. Had it not been for that Pitbull, we never would have found my son."

No more breed bans in Concordia, Kansas—Sign the Petition to end the breed ban.

Zeppelin the Pitbull Terrier as an adult at 2 years old—"Your site was instrumental in helping us select a dog for our family. After researching your site we decided on a Pitbull puppy; his name is Zeppelin. He has been everything good your site has said about Pitbulls and more! He loves to be with the family, play and play all day. He is a guardian of the front door with his bark when the doorbell rings and then licks whoever is there once they come in. He was by far the easiest dog I have had to train. I only have skills to train in basic obedience, but he learned it all very easily. He is an indoor dog. Very social with people and other pets, although some people find him intimidating and that nervousness transfers to the dog. He is protective of our home and loves to play in water. Insists he's a 5-lb lap dog and enjoys hiking."

Zeppelin the Pitbull Terrier as a young puppy (adult pic shown above)

DBI Recommends To EVERY Dog Owner

Cesar Millan DVDs

Cesar Millan Books

Training Dogs the Aussie Way

Tigger, the Pit Bull Terrier at 20 months old, weighing 60 pounds

"Tigger is a 20-month-old Pit Bull Terrier who weighs 60 lbs. He already obtained his Canine Good Citizen (CGC) through the AKC. Tigger loves his daily walks, going to doggy day care, and is currently training to compete in Novice Agility. He is very active, agile and is a great family pet! Tigger is loyal, caring, intelligent and friendly. He has many doggy friends, but his best friend is my sister's 4-lb.Yorkshire Terrier. They have a blast together."

Tigger the Pit Bull Terrier at 20 months old, weighing 60 pounds

Junior the 3 year old Pit Bull Terrier with a baby deer.

Junior the 3-year-old Pit Bull Terrier loving the baby deer—"I picked Junior out when he was 3 days old. He has been many miles with me. I also have 2 young children and he is absolutely wonderful."

Junior the 3-year-old Pit Bull Terrier with a baby deer

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Jager the red0nose American Pitbull Terrier at 10 months old—"We rescued Jager when he was 10 months old from a shelter in San Clemente, CA. We were looking for a dog for my 1-year-old daughter to grow up with so we went there looking for a small dog. After my daughter and Jager met there was an instant connection and we now had a new member in our family. Six years later he is still bringing joy to our lives. He is one of the most loving, gentle dogs ever. He also keeps me at peace due to the fact when I was in the Marines and deploying a lot. I knew he could keep my wife and 2 kids safe. Jager is AKC Good Citizen certified."

Jager the red-nose American Pitbull Terrier 6 years later

Jager the red-nose American Pitbull Terrier at 5 years old—"APBTs have received a horrible reputation due to misleading media and a few bad dog owners, which is now why we have bans on this breed. Not only do people want to ban this breed, the Marine Corps have deemed this a dangerous breed and have banned them from all Marine bases. This I have a huge problem with considering I can die for this country serving in the Marines to help protect people but I can't own a family member that can protect my own family while I am deployed. Thanks for the support to the ones that helped put these bans in place."

Jager the red-nose American Pitbull Terrier at 5 years old

American Pit Bull Terrier Pictures 1

American Pit Bull Terrier Pictures 2

American Pit Bull Terrier Pictures 3

American Pit Bull Terrier Pictures 4

American Pit Bull Terrier Pictures 5

American Pit Bull Terrier Pictures 6

American Pit Bull Terrier Pictures 7

American Pit Bull Terrier Info

American Bully Info

American Pit Bull Terrier vs. American Bully

The Truth behind the Pit Bull Terrier

List of different American Pit Bull and American Bully bloodlines

Breed Bans: Bad Idea

Lucky the Labrador Retriever

Persecution Ontario Style

Mandatory Euthanasia of the American Pit Bull Terrier

Game Dogs

Herding Dogs

Raising a Puppy: A day in the life with Mia the Blue-Nose American Bully (Bully Pit)

Raising a Puppy: A day in the life with Spencer the Pit Bull puppy

Understanding Dog Behavior

Pit Bull Dogs: Collectable Vintage Figurines

We strongly suggest Cesar Millan DVDs and/or Cesar Millan Books to every dog owner, from Chihuahua to Pit Bull. They are excellent guides to communicating with, understanding, and controlling your dog.

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American Pit Bull Terrier

(Also known as Pitbull and Pit Bull)
A family dog who blends strength, sweetness, and intelligence.

VITAL STATS

DOG BREED GROUP: Terriers
HEIGHT: General: 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 7 inches tall at the shoulder
WEIGHT: General: 30 to 85 pounds
LIFE SPAN: 12 to 16 years

BREED CHARACTERISTICS

Adaptability
based on 6 ratings
Trainability
based on 6 ratings
Health & Grooming
based on 6 ratings
All-around friendliness
based on 4 ratings
Exercise needs
based on 4 ratings
See All Characteristic Ratings

Summary

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a companion and family dog breed. Originally bred to "bait" bulls, the breed evolved into all-around farm dogs, and later moved into the house to become "nanny dogs" because they were so gentle around children. Their tenacity, gameness, and courage make them popular competitors in the sports of weight pulling,agility, and obedience competition.

Additional articles you will be interested in:

Adoption
Pit Bull Terrier Dog Names
More Dog Names
Bringing Home Your Dog
Help with Training Puppies
Housetraining Puppies
Feeding a Puppy
Dog Games

Overview

The American Pit Bull Terrier is one of the so-called bully breeds often labeled a pit bull. In fact, "pit bull" isn't a breed, but a term used to describe the American Pit Bull Terrier, the Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Some people say the American Pit Bull Terrier is the same as the American Staffordshire Terrier. Others, just as forcefully, say they're entirely different breeds.

But all experts can agree that the confusion started with a decision by the AKC in the early 1930s to give it a new name, American Staffordshire Terrier, to separate it from its pit-fighting past. The American Pit Bull Terrier has not been recognized by the AKC, while the American Staffordshire Terrier, which is slightly smaller, has been.

The bull breeds are often grossly misunderstood. The qualities that make these dogs tenacious players in obedience and agility games also attract highly unscrupulous people looking for strong competitors for their dog fighting rings. The sorry result is that bull breeds, in particular the APBT, have gained a reputation over recent years for being dangerous.

Nothing could be further from the truth. But rampant misinformation and fear caused by the actions of a minority of dogs kept by criminally negligent people have provoked legislation against the breed in a number of cities and countries around the world.

As the owner of an American Pit Bull Terrier you must be aware that you may be met with anger and hostility by people who are misinformed about your wonderful dog. This is not a breed for everyone, especially those who aren't willing to invest time intraining and socialization and can't or won't provide consistent firm guidance.

When raised with the proper training and socialization, the American Pit Bull Terrier makes an excellent companion for children. He is loving and gentle with people and often makes a lousy guard dog because of his tail-wagging eagerness to greet the person at the door. American Pit Bull Terriers are devoted and loyal to their family and will, if necessary, defend them to the death.

These dogs are extremely intelligent and learn commands and tricks with ease. They have a zest for life and love to be involved in everything going on around them. They maintain a puppyish demeanor well into adulthood, and that vitality makes them a joy to live with. Once you have met and gotten to know this breed you will wonder how you ever lived without one.
Highlights
- American Pit Bull Terriers are not a good choice for people who can give them little or no attention.
- They must be trained and socialized when young to overcome the breed's tendencies toward stubbornness and bossiness, which combined with his strength can make him hard to handle if he hasn't learned you are in charge.
- Your American Pit Bull Terrier must be kept on leash in public to preventaggression toward other dogs. It's not a good idea to let these dogs run loose in dog parks. While they might not start a fight, they'll never back down from one, and they fight to the finish. American Pit Bulls who aren't properly socialized as puppies can become aggressive toward other dogs.
- Breed-specific legislation almost always includes this breed. Be aware of rules in your area as well as neighboring regions if you travel with your dog.
- American Pit Bull Terriers have a great need to chew, and powerful jaws make quick work of cheap or flimsy toys. Give yours only tough, durable toys that can't be chewed up and swallowed.
- American Pit Bull Terriers are best suited to owners who can offer firm, fair training, and gentle consistent discipline.
History

Bull and terrier breeds were created in early 19th-century England for the popular spectator sports of bull- and bear-baiting. When those sports were deemed inhumane and became illegal 1835, dog-fighting sprung up in its place — and thus was the trait for dog aggression bred into the genetic line.

But another part of this breed's genetic makeup is an unwillingness to bite humans. Handlers reaching into the dog-fighting rings wanted to be able to separate dogs without getting hurt themselves. Quite soon the breed developed a reputation as a strong, protective dog, but one also known for being gentle and family-friendly.

When these "bull dogs" accompanied immigrants to America they began new careers as all-around farm dogs. Their jobs included hunting wild game, guarding the property from animal intruders, and providing companionship. In keeping with the "bigger is better" mindset of their new country, the settlers developed a dog larger than it had been in England.

In 1898 the UKC, Britain's equivalent of the AKC, named these bull dogs the American Pit Bull Terrier. The AKC decided to recognize the breed in the early 1930s — but under a new name. Intending to separate it from its pit-fighting past, the AKC named it the American Staffordshire Terrier.

Since then the American Staffordshire Terrier has been bred for AKC conformation, or dog shows, while the American Pit Bull Terrier has not been. The results are very slight differences in build and in personality.
Size

Height of 18 to 19 inches for males, 17 to 18 inches for females. Weight ranges from 30 to 85 pounds.
Personality

These dogs love people and have no idea that their size is something of a deterrent to being a lap dog. Confident and keenly aware of their surroundings, they are watchdogs in that they may alert you to the presence of strangers, but that's primarily because they're eager to greet "their" guests.

While their love of people makes them failures as guard dogs, their courage is unmatched and they will defend their family with their lives.

Like every dog, American Pit Bull Terriers need early socialization — exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences — when they're young. Socialization helps ensure that your your puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog.
Health

American Pit Bull Terriers are generally healthy, but as with all breeds, they're prone to certain health conditions. Not all American Pit Bulls Terriers will get any or all of these diseases, but it's important to be aware of them if you're considering this breed.
- Hip Dysplasia (HD): This condition is a malformation of the hip joint ball and socket. It can be extremely painful depending on the severity of the condition. Dogs who are going to be bred should have x-rays of their hips done at 2 years of age to ensure they do not have this condition.
- Allergies: Allergies are quite common in APBT/AmStaffs. Skin allergies are typically caused by such environmental allergens as fleas, grass, pollen, and dust.They can also be food related, but this is less common. Common food allergens include beef, rice, wheat, and corn. Allergies can cause intense itching and discomfort, which means dogs will dig and chew sometimes till they bleed. This is risky because secondary infections can develop in the damaged tissue. To treat allergies, the cause must be identified and removed from the dog's environment if possible. A veterinarian can help you with this, as well as let you know which allergy symptoms can be controlled with medication.
- Hypothyroidism: This is a dysfunction of the thyroid gland that causes weight gain, poor coat, reproductive problems and other issues. It usually occurs in middle-aged dogs and can be controlled with daily medication that must continue throughout the dog's life.
- Heart Disease: Heart disease affects these dogs in several forms, with aortic stenosis being most common. Aortic stenosis is a congenital heart defect, meaning it's something the dog is born with. It's an abnormal narrowing of the connection between the left ventricle and the aorta. Some dogs don't have any signs or only minor signs, while others may have little energy or even die suddenly. If your veterinarian hears a heart murmur, a chest x-ray and electrocardiogram can confirm the diagnosis.
Care

Expect to spend about an hour a day walking, playing with or otherwise exercising this dog. While they love people, American Pit Bull Terriers are strong for their size and can be stubborn if left to their own devices. Begin obedience training early and continue it throughout the dog's life. Training is the foundation for a strong relationship with your American Pit Bull Terrier.

American Pit Bull Terriers should not be left outside for long because they can't tolerate the cold well. Even regardless the climate, these dogs do best as housedogs. They form strong attachments to their families and will suffer if left alone for long periods.
Feeding

Recommended daily amount: 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don't all need the same amount of food. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. The quality of dog food you buy also makes a difference — the better the dog food, the further it will go toward nourishing your dog and the less of it you'll need to shake into your dog's bowl.

To prevent obesity, measure your dog's food and give meals at set times each day rather than leaving food out all the time. He should have a waist when you look down at him, and you should be able to feel his ribs beneath a layer of muscle but not see them. If the ribs are buried beneath rolls of fat, your dog needs to go on a diet.

For more on feeding your American Pit Bull Terrier, see our guidelines for buying the right food, feeding your puppy, and feeding your adult dog.
Coat, Color and Grooming

The short coat is shiny and stiff to the touch, and comes in all colors — red, blue, brown, grey, black and white, and brindle, among them.

They require little grooming, and have a coat that's easy to keep clean with the occasional bath. Brushing with a stiff brush and wiping down with a cloth will maintain the coat's shine.

Brush your dog's teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and the bacteria that lurk inside it. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath.

Trim his nails once or twice a month if your dog doesn't wear them down naturally to prevent painful tears and other problems. If you can hear them clicking on the floor, they're too long. Dog toenails have blood vessels in them, and if you cut too far you can cause bleeding — and your dog may not cooperate the next time he sees the nail clippers come out. So, if you're not experienced trimming dog nails, ask a vet or groomer for pointers.

His ears should be checked weekly for redness or a bad odor, which can indicate an infection. When you check your dog's ears, wipe them out with a cotton ball dampened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner to help prevent infections. Don't insert anything into the ear canal; just clean the outer ear.

Accustom your American Pit Bull Terrier to being brushed and examined when he's apuppy. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth and ears. Make grooming a positive experience filled with praise and rewards, and you'll lay the groundwork for easy veterinary exams and other handling when he's an adult.

As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early.
Children and other pets

American Pit Bull Terriers love children, and we don't mean for breakfast. Sturdy, energetic, and tolerant, they are ideal playmates. That said, no dog of any size or breed should ever be left unsupervised with children.

When no adult can be there to oversee what's going on, dogs should be crated or kenneled, especially after they reach sexual maturity, when they may begin to test the possibility of becoming "pack" leader.

Don't allow children to pull on a dog's ears or tail. Teach them never to approach any dog while he's sleeping or eating or to try to take the dog's food away.

Because of their dog-fighting heritage, some American Pit Bull Terriers retain a tendency to be aggressive with other dogs, but if they are socialized early and trained to know what behavior is expected of them, that aggression can be minimized or overcome, and many are dog- and cat-friendly. Just to be safe, they should always be supervised in the presence of other pets.
Rescue Groups

You can find American Pit Bulls, and Pit Bulls, and Pit Bull mixes, in just about every shelter in the country. Several good rescue groups are dedicated to finding homes for these much misunderstood dogs.
- Bad Rap
- Pit Bull Rescue Central
- Pit Bull Project
- Animal Farm Foundation