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Ten Unique Pit Bull Facts

ryan-frank | Mar 1, 2010 |

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The bull breeds' reputation is unjust. People's assumption that pit bulls are menacing and mean-spirited couldn't be further from the truth. Here are some unique and interesting facts about these gentle, caring animals.

The official WWI American mascot – Because they were so loved during the 1900's, the American Pit Bull Terrier became the America's official mascot during the WWI. Pit bulls were even the most decorated dogs during the war.

Well-known figures favored pit bulls – Some of the most important figures in this country had pit bulls for their pets: Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt, one of the president of the United States, WWII hero General George S. Patton, American boxer John L. Sullivan etc.

There are three pit bull breeds – Pit bulls have not one, but three lineages: the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT), the American Staffordshire Terrier (AMSTAFF), and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier (STAFFIE).

Sergeant Stubby, war hero – Pit bull Sgt. Stubby was a war veteran that was wounded twice in action. Not only that, he was brave too, single-handedly capturing a German spy, while saving his platoon from a poison gas attack.

The most celebrated Pit Bull Terrier – Because of the 1930's movie "Little Rascal," Pete became so popular that in 1936, he was registered as the first "Staffordshire Terrier" by the American Kennel Club.

Narcotic/bomb sniffing dogs – Pit bulls too serve as narcotic/bomb sniffing canines. The most famous is Popsicle, who made the largest drug find in Hildago, Texas history. He found over 3,000 Ibs of cocaine that is worth $139,605,000 in street value.

Bred to be affectionate – Just because pit bulls might need more extensive handling since they were traditionally fighting dogs does not mean they were taught to be aggressive toward people. Pit bulls are very affectionate.

Pit bulls score better than other dogs – In 2004, the American Temperament Test Society concluded that ABPT scored 6.9 percent better than other general dog population for the overall temperament rating. Scored 83.9 percent compared to 77. Nonetheless, it is still important to make sure that you have homeowner's insurance for dogs, especially with breeds which may be excluded in liability coverage.

Bull breeds are emotionally supportive – For people in need of emotional support, such as senior citizens in care facilities, pit bulls make great therapy dogs, great for emotional support.

Pit bull, the nanny – Because they were such loyal, caring companions for little children, pit bulls were nicknamed the "nanny" for their loving nature.