Shep is a Labrador Retriever and American Pit Bull Terrier mix from Pickerington, Ohio and a graduate of the Homestead Dogs 2-day Basic Puppy Obedience and Socialization Training Camp. Super, Shep!

American Pit Bull Terrier

A dog with an identity crisis…and they don’t care.

The American Pit Bull Terrier, or Pitbull, or Pit Bull Terrier, or Pit Terrier, or Pit Bull, or American Bull Terrier. They also take “Pitties”, Pit, Half-and-Half, Bull Baiter Dogs, Old Family Dog, Yankee Terrier and Rebel Terrier (well, maybe not this year).

Likewise, national and international dog registries vary on categorizing this breed. The Pit Bull is commonly mistaken with the American Staffordshire Terrier. The American Kennel Club and Continental Kennel Club do not recognize the breed. The United Kennel Club (UKC), however, lists the Pit Bull as dog #1 on it’s registry and the UKC is reported to have started as an organization because the AKC dissed the Pit Bull.

Pit Bulls can’t even get good press. While commonly fingered for other breeds, or mixed breeds, mis-deeds, some bad pack leaders take advantage of the Pit Bull’s exceptional skills for dog-fighting purposes, some of which make national news.

That’s a shame. In addition to their versatility, Pit Bulls make tremendous family pets that are eager to please, fun-loving and great with children. In fact, the UKC states the Pit Bull may not be the best guard dog choice as they are extremely friendly and highly unlikely to show aggression towards humans.

Trainability: B
Pit Bulls are highly intelligent, eager to please and responsive to training. They are a high-energy dog with an instinct to chase after any species that’s not human. This can be problematic on walks or in other social settings. But with lots of exercise and a little training, they make a fine addition to the pack.

Read more about the Pit Bull at the United Kennel Club and Dog Breed Info.