Are there different types of Pitbulls?

The answer to this question depends on who you ask. As most
people know that “Pit Bulls” were a breed developed for their
ability to fight. The basic breeds used in the breeding were a
“Bull Dog”

and a “Terrier.” This is based on historical information much of
which came from accounts of the dogs used in the popular sport
of “Bull &

Bear-baiting in the British Isles. However there have been
many other breeds added to the genetic mix through the years by
various breeders trying to improve on the fighting

prowess of the Pitbull. The fact that dog fighters closely
guarded their champions bloodline makes it virtually impossible
to make a definitive statement of what a ”

Pitbull” really is. Even today the pitbull is the most
misunderstood dog on the planet. In the early 1900″s the name
“American Pit Bull Terrier” was chosen by the American founder
of the United Kennel Club, C.Z. Bennet. The

UKC became the official registry for the “American Pit Bull
Terrier.” It also set the official rules governing dog fighting
and the dimensions of

the pits used in the events. The UKC of today does not support
any type of dog fighting or breeding of any dog for this illegal
activity. The UKC is still the primary

registrar for the APT but also list over 200 other breeds of
dogs in its registry. Political correctness adds to the
confusion of the Pitbull. The other major registry of dog
breeds in the United States is the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Now the AKC repeatedly rejected the American Pitbull Terrier for
inclusion into its official breed listing apparently because it
didn’t care for

the word “PIT” in the name and the fact that the UKC sanctioned
dog fighting at the time. Eventually the breeders of the APBT
conceded to a

name change. The new name (for the same breed of dog) was The
Staffordshier Terrier. This name change enabled the breeders
to gain acceptance into the AKC in 1936. But wait! The name
game isn’t over yet. The Kennel Club of England’s
Staffordshier Bull Terrier was admitted to the AKC in 1974. So
in an effort to prevent confusion (too late!) the

AKC wanted the breeds name changed one more time to…(drum
roll) “The American Staffordshier Terrier.” So today we
essentially have the two major kennel clubs in the United States
registering the same breed of dog under different names.

It seems that not much is cut and dry when it comes to defining
pitbulls. This only adds to the general publics confusion of
just what is a

pitbull.

Pitbulls are the villain of choice today when it comes to
viscous dog attacks, some of which are deserved. A powerful
athletic dog such as a

pitbull that has been mistreated or bred to fight is definitely
a danger to people and other animals. But a pitbull bred for its
temperament from

a quality breeder many feel are the loyalist companion in the
world.