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Pit Bull Terms
(Note:
on this site proper breed names/nicknames will be capitalized.
Words that are typically used to describe a "type" of dog and not
a specific breed will not be capitalized.)
American Bulldog (AB)--Typically larger than the Pit Bull, this is a breed that was developed from larger "catch weight" Pit Bulls. Generally this breed is mostly white, with or without solid or brindle patches, and should have uncropped ears. Fanciers of this breed often claim this is the "orignal" bulldog. While it may very well be a close representation of the "breed that started it all", the AmBull is actually a fairly new breed, and should be considered a "recreation" of the APBT's very close ancestor, the Bulldog. For more information on the America Bulldog, go to American Bulldog World.
American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT)--The full, correct name for
the breed commonly referred to by its nick name, "Pit Bull". This
is a purebred breed of dog, recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the American Dog Breeders Association (ADBA).
American Staffordshire Terrier (AST)--Also known as
AmStaff. A purebred breed of dog recognized by the American
Kennel Club (AKC). All AmStaffs are direct descendants of American Pit
Bull Terriers. No other breed was used in the establishment of
the AmStaff. Some people still consider AmStaffs and Pit
Bulls to be one and the same. AmStaffs my be registered with the UKC as "American Pit Bull Terriers".
Breaking stick--A smoothed out piece of wood with a flat end used to pry open the jaws of a dog that is gripping something. This tool is typically associated with dog fighters, but possession of a breaking stick is by no means an automatic indication of illegal activity. Responsible Pit Bull owners would do well to keep one handy at all times, "just in case".
Bulldog, (English)--Capitalized. This is the breed registered with the AKC as simply "Bulldog". It is a very old breed, and in it's original form, this was the dog that helped largely create the APBT. However, the modern day Bulldog is so radically different from the original version, that it is virtually a completely new breed, barely resembling the old time bulldog of English bull-baiting fame. For more information on the Bulldog, click here.
Bulldog--Not capitalized Some breed fanciers tend to refer to their APBTs as "bulldogs". Realize that "bulldog" is more a classification than any sort of official name or even a nick-name. Just as there are many "types" of retrievers, hounds, or terriers, there are a number of breeds that fall under the heading of "bulldog". Also, many people believe that the APBT is the closest living replica of the original bulldog, and feel that the breed got "cheated" when the name was officially given to that OTHER bulldog, the English version recognized by the AKC. In casual conversation, the name still gets used quite frequently in reference to the APBT.
Bull Terrier (BT)--The "Budweiser dog", very often mistaken for a Pit Bull. This breed was developed by crossing Pit Bulls with the Dalmation, Pointer and white English terriers. It is similar in build and close in size to the Pit Bull, but it's head--being egg-shaped--is the feature that sets it apart from other similar breeds. The Bull Terrier is recognized by the AKC. For more information on the breed, go here.
Gamedog/Gamebred--A dog/bloodline that has been proven in the pit to be "game".
Gameness--The exact definition of "gameness" varies greatly depending upon whom you ask. However, most Pit Bull fanciers can agree that this is the single most important trait the APBT possesses, and without the gameness, the dog is just a shell of what it should be. In the most general sense of the term, gameness can be described as "an unwillingness to give up, even under the most difficult of circumstances and despite the threat of death." Good breeders strive to preserve this trait in their dogs through some sort of working activity, be it stock work, bite sports, weight pulling, Iron Dog trials, etc. While some fanciers insist that the only way to preserve "real" gameness is in the fighting pit, modern society and humane attitudes dictate that we look to other ways to preserve the stable, tenacious, working temperament of the breed. Hot debates have raged as to whether or not this is even possible. However in a society in which dog fighting is not only illegal but morally objectionable, faniciers/breeders would do well to come together and unite in common agreement as to what can be done LEGALLY to preserve this most noble of breeds before it is too late and the true working Pit Bulldog is just a memory of the past. (It should be noted that gameness does NOT equal dog-aggression.)
Pit Bull--Capitalized. The nick name of the breed
known as the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT). The only breed that can
rightfully be called a Pit Bull is the APBT. Any other use of the
name is in fact erroneous.
Pit bull--Not capitalized. Also, pitbull, pittbull, and
pitt bull. Used to describe Pit Bulls and any other similar, related,
or look-a-like breed or mix. Also sometimes used to describe
any type of dog used for pit fighting. Although it is technically
incorrect to call anything but a purebred APBT a Pit Bull, use of
the term "pit bull" to describe a specific group of dogs has
become so commonplace in certain circles that I felt the need
to include it in the list of definitions. Breeds that are typically
referred to as pit bulls (including in breed-specific legislation):
American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers,
Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Bull Terriers and American Bulldogs,
also any mix of the above mentioned breeds, or dogs that look
similar to the above mentioned breeds.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier (SBT)--A close relative of the Pit Bull and AmStaff. When the bull-and-terrier crosses were being made in the 1800's, certain strains that stayed in England developed into the SBT. Eventually, the SBT made its way to America where it was later recognized by the AKC. This breed is a bit smaller than the Pit Bull and AmStaff, never has cropped ears, and as a rule tends to be much less dog-aggressive (although some strains have retained that traditional combat-dog nature). For more information on the SBT, check out The Stafford Exchange.
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