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My pit bull is in heat. I also do not know what the signs...

<< Back to: rec.pets.dogs: American Pit Bull Terriers Breed-FAQ, Part 2/3

Question by Christine
Submitted on 1/20/2004
Related FAQ: rec.pets.dogs: American Pit Bull Terriers Breed-FAQ, Part 2/3
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My pit bull is in heat. I also do not know what the signs are for pregnancy. We watch her closely and from what we know she has not been with another dog. We keep her in the house but she has gotten out a few times. What are the signs? She has always eaten alot so can not tell from that. Her nipples are protruding. Is that a sign? also her vagina is sticking out. Please someone help me. I want to take her to the vet but if can avoid a visit you understand. I just want people to know I too was scared of the breed until I got her. What a doll. She is my best friend. I love her dearly and she does me. Hope to get some replies soon. Thank you

Answer by Tanisha
Submitted on 2/1/2004
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If she got out there is a good chance she is bred. A stuck out vagina just means that she is still in heat. She can still be bred some more so keep her under wraps. Protruding nipples can be a sign of heat too. Signs of pregnancy to look for are a swelled tummy around five weeks along,urinating more often and wanting more small meals as her bladder and tummy are crowded with the growing uterus,lying around more, and growing interest in food and water. Of course if she's in heat and doesn't get bred then she may show all these signs when she's not pregnant. It's called false pregnancy. To out rule this you can go to the vet after 3-4 weeks to get a pregnancy test. If she is pregnant find out as much as you can on pregnant dog care and especially whelping. You need to be with her as she whelps and know what to expect so you can call the vet if needed. Since you love her this is very important. Smaller dogs have more birth complications and need to be supervised unless it would result in the possibility of losing the pups or even her! This is not always the case but be prepared. Go to http://www.hilltopanimalhospital.com/reproduction.htm This is a good preparation site. Good luck!!! Tanisha

Answer by illy
Submitted on 4/5/2004
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Never use that name PIT BULL You have a PIT BULL if you fight your dog. If you don't then you ether have an American staff Terrier, Staff Terrier or Terrier. Pit Bull is like a Raciest name for the dog. So if you don't fight your dog we all thank you if you do then you should be put in the pit.... But on a good note these dogs are loving and all these owners that are fighting them are dumm. Thats why they want to get rid of these dogs. cuz lots of owners do not know how to bring them up... You must read book on these dogs... Not just for bragging rights or " I have a strong dog" Respect the/this breed please and lets start to give these dogs a good name already.. By not calling them PIT BULLS Thanks. Have a fun and safe Summer.

Answer by jump
Submitted on 5/22/2004
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actually "pitbull" is a term that refers to a few breeds including the ones listed above and the american pitbull terrier. thats one of the reasons this breed has a bad reputation. they lump all these breeds attacks under the label pitbull, and the a.p.b.t. pays the price for all of them.even a.p.b.t.s have been breed differently and now you have very different bloodlines,some 40 lbs some 100 lbs,some working class, fighting class, show, backyard, and pets. this breed varies greatly, and will eventually split off into several more breeds in time.everyone has there own idea on what a pitbull should be, and many of us can't even unite because of this.good or bad? i don't know, but like i said the a.p.b.t. bears the blunt of all the bad publicity and it would be nice to separate it from the rest of the pack for its sake.PITBULL OWNERS-we need to unite against the irresponsible owners and breed specific legislation despite are different ideas about the breed. we fight amongst each other and only hurt or own breed worse.some need to understand that yes this is a fighting dog that loves it,some need to learn they also can be pets,others need to accept show standards, and yet others need to learn this breed is changing despite what we wish.

Answer by jadedpitgirl
Submitted on 6/23/2004
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Society has not picked the name pit bull. It is a slang word for the breed known as the American Pit Bull Terrier. As far as pitties being Am Staffs-They were at one time the same breed. In 1936, the American Kennel Club or AKC decided to register pit bulls but didn't like the name. They changed it to Staffordshire Terriers and allowed all pit bulls to be registered under the new name. Most of these pit bulls were already registered with the UKC or the ADBA. In the 70's, the AKC decided to change the name once again so as not to be confused with the newly registrable Staffordshire Bull Terrier and decided to add American in front of the name. So yes, in my opinion these two dogs are one in the same, however, some are bred for different purposes, i.e. pitties are bred for working, fighting, etc, and the Am Staff was bred for show. Trish, if you can not handle the insults and comments that come with owning a pit bull, perhaps you should own a poodle. Misunderstanding and fear are part of the things you have to overcome when owning this breed. People have to be educated and when you don't have a clue what you are talking about, it's easy to see where people get their bad info from.

Answer by Lexy
Submitted on 6/29/2004
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Hi everyone, i just rescued a red nose pit bull today named tucker hes aprox.1year hes a beautiful blond boy!.They were going to put him down due to no one having interest and for fear of his breed. i stepped in and said I'dtake him the only problem is he doesn't "get along" with other animals of any type and i have another dog which is a lab/dal mix. i don't know what to do i don't want my other dog getting hurt so their separated and will stay this way till i can figure a way to introduce but i don't think it will go over well. Tucker was a bit roughed up and right now I'm rehabilitating him out in my spare room which is huge plenty of space hes doing well and is extremely sweet to people and loves baths and scooby snacks.can someone plz lend a hand in this, i know i should'vethought before i acted but i feel like i gave the poor guy a chance. someone plz help!

Answer by Nuriel
Submitted on 8/15/2004
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Wow. I call my APBT a pit, red nose (due to her color, for all you uninformed), bullydog, pit bull, it desnt matter to me. She is not an Amstaff or staffy bull, she is a tall lanky game bred 60lb red nose pit. And no, I do not fight her. Of course, I call soda "pop" and I call my father "dad", those are jus shortened nicknames. And for Illy, you do npt spell dumb with two m's. Made me realize you must be a kid still. I have dealt with dogs trained in schutzhund, weight and agility, and properly trained, pits have amazing possiblities far beyond fighting. Remember, bull baiting dogs were used for just that, the tenacity (gameness) and will they posess is much more terrifying than any myths of "lock jaw" and nighttime "break ins" resulting in infant maulings. All around pits are great dogs, no matter if thay are a 28lb staffy bull,85lb amstaff, 60lb APBT, or a 100lb American Bulldog (another myth filled breed)- I wont even get into the rabbit like french bulldog(frenchie), Hink's Bull Terrier (spuds mckenzie), the many mastiffs- dogo argentino( argentinian mastiff, fila brasileiro(brazilian mastiff), neapolitian (neos,one of the largest types) tibiten mastiff, rottweiler (type of german mastiff), pug (chinese- smallest mastiff), Bullmastiff (mastiff and bulldog family mix), English Mastiff, Dogue De Bordeaux(french mastiff- think turner and hooch),Alpine Mastiff (st. bernard)Great Dane( another german mastiff, possibly cossed with wolfhound or greyhound to give greats their slimmer, less bulky look), Newfoundland(Newfie), and of course, the fabled fighter of the east- The Tosa Inu- "Sumo Pit" from Japan. Then there are the other bully relations- boxers,boston terriers....anyway. i am done. if you doubt what i say...look it up!

Answer by poisonANDprincess
Submitted on 9/7/2004
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HEY Lexy am just tellin' you that you should put your pit bull and LAB together.When i got my pitbull Princess she was a little roughed up but when i put her with my boy dog Poison (he's a pit bull too.) at first he was a little jealous but after about a week they couldn't live without each other,every now and then they get a little rough with each other but when they don't get treats for a week they know why.Just make sure you keep an eye on them. AND OH I WANTED TO ASK YOU:how do mange keeping your pitbull in a room,beacuse when i first got Poison i put him in my spare room if i was going to leave the house for a while that didn't have anything in it but his toys and food bowls but when i came back........he had manged to eat the carpet up and he chewed thourgh the door, and hes not a big dog he's only like 60lbs.BUT HEY TELL ME YOUR SECERT!!! PUT THEM TOGETHER JUST GIVE IT A TRY.

Answer by Ash
Submitted on 9/19/2004
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Reguarging Illy- posted 4/5/04 American Pit Bull Terrier is the correct name, but Pit Bull is just a shorter term. How dare this person say that Pit Bull is the term for a fighting dog. That is their name and it has been that way for years and it will be that way for years to come. So, basically, if I call my dogs Pit Bulls, then I fight them. That's where you're wrong. These dogs got this name for bringing a Bull down in an arena. Pit was added because that is where the fight took place. I breed and raise American Pit Bull Terriers, and I am proud of what name they have. Who are you to say that if a person calls their dog a "Pit Bull", then that means that they are fighting dogs. THAT IS THEIR NAME!!!! Just by reading this article posted by this person, more than likely, they do not and never will own an American Pit Bull Terrier. People that act like this are basically trying to cover up their feelings toward these animals because they are afraid to admit that they are scared of these dogs. Either that, or they know what potential these animals have, and they are afraid to admit that they are good animals. It is all in how you raise them, and I am very offended by this article, just as i am sure that other Pit owners are as well. That is about the dumbest analogy that I have ever heard and I am sure that others will back me up for the same reason. Ashley Fredericksburg, VA

Answer by Jason Lester
Submitted on 10/18/2004
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quote melissa797979: ------------------------------------------- Um.. first off PitBulls are not called Staffordshire Terriers .. they are American PitBull Terriers God if you guys want to come on a chat forum get ur fact's straight before you open your mouth. the American Pitbull Terrier breed descends from a staffordshire terrier crossed with a bulldog. ------------------------------------------- Pit Bull is a class of dog. The term "Pit Bull" has been around for much more then 100 years when people were mixing bulldogs with a fox terriers. This class include quite a few types of breeds and American Pit Bull Terriers are just one of them. And if you want to start talking about history, staffordshire terriers are direct descendants of the original bulldog, if not the real thing. If you were to look at an old drawing and illustration of a bull dog you would see a dog that looks nothing like todays bulldogs. Modern bulldogs where made from staffordshire terrier mixed with a pug.

Answer by shorty23
Submitted on 10/22/2004
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pit bulls can be very loving animals if people did not do such stupid things to them and pit bulls realy dont care what they are called if you called them a cat they would not know the diference is not like they can under stand human language any ways they could be as sweet as any other dog if people would let them but sometime no matter if your soo sweet to a pit bull they stil turn on you i remember i had a pit bull and we had goting it from next door because the owners moved out of the house and just left it there so we took it in and my gosh it was as sweet as can be even though the people next door abbused a year later it turned on us and we treated it like a human being she slept on a bed her OWNE BED she aways had food and water out lots of dog toys she stayed in the house we walked almost evry day ect. she was like a little sister to me i just LOVED her and she loved me to! she most likly turned on us because of how her other owners treated her!

Answer by Badgal
Submitted on 2/2/2005
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I am an owner of a Pitbull and have had many others, breed them, loved them,taught them. They are what they are. A Pitbull is a American Staffordshire Terrier, an Am Staff, and yes even a Staffie. The Pitbull goes way back to the 18th century, where they were used for bull batting, which is where the dog holds the bull down by the ring in it's nose for the farmer to brand. Some bulls were stubborn and would put up a good fight with the Pitbull, farmers them got alot of excitement from this and started to breed for the fight. Soon after people got bored with the bull fighting that they decided to fight dog with dog. Once the 19th century came around people found dog fighting to be disgusting, abusive, cruel and inhumane. So they banned all dog fighting. This then started the new name for the Pitbull to also be known as the American Staffordshire Terrier. People loved the breed but not the fighting sense of the breed, so they decided to register their dogs as American Staffordshire Terrier this way nobody would know it was really a Pitbull Terrier or American Pitbull Terrier. I love the breed and believe no dog is born with the thought to attack. It is put into the dog by the owner. Everything that i have stated can be found in a popular dog magazine that can be found in most pet stores, the magazine name is BULLY BREEDS all about America's favorite dogs, Volume 21. For those of you that would like to learn more check out this Mag. For those of you that own a Pitbull (or what ever you want to call them), and talk like you know something about the breed, need to sit down and read up on them, just because you own one doesn't mean you know about the breed.

Answer by KingMushroom
Submitted on 2/28/2005
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If you call your loving, sweet, friendly, good natured pet a Pitt Bull, and they are a Pitt Bull, you are doing nothing more then helping to BREAK DOWN the ignorant beliefs and opinions that people not in the know about these animals have. People are always surprised when they see my dog and ask me what she is. Do NOT be ashamed of your dog, call it what it is, it'll do more good for the breed than trying to "cover up" what your animal is. My Pitt is one of the most friendly dogs I have ever met. To be fair, she is 1/2 Cane Pittbull and 1/2 German Shephard. If it weren't for her ears you wouldn't know she was a mix. But the father of her litter IS a full breed Brindle Pittbull. He is also one of the most friendly dogs I have ever met. When I first saw him I thought he was a stray until he "said hello". I have since met his owner and talked a bit with him also. ANY dog can be a killer, just as ANY dog can be docile if treated and trained right. As to the original posted question: The gestation period is not very long. Look for a bit of extra skin near her belly. If you're dog is of healthy weight and size, you will easily notice this. Shortly after this this extar skin will start to tighten up, then BOOM!, you'll have a walking 55 gallon drum. My dog just had her litter on the 24th of February (her first) and I was expecting a small litter but was surprised to say the least at an 8 pup litter. She is a small dog and stands below my knee at the shoulder (I'm 6'). If she is pregnant you would know by now for sure. If she's a jumper, like mine, your fence will do nothing to hold her. Get a spiraled stake and keep her tethered to that while outside.

Answer by Storm's Mom
Submitted on 3/14/2005
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Our newest canine family member is mostly Pit Bull. Her name is Storm, because we acquired her between the hurricanes that hit us this year in Florida. She's mixed with Lab, but looks very Pit Bull. She's much more loving and gentle than our two German Shepherd mixes. Fortunately, where we live, Pit Bulls are respected for their friendliness, loyalty and other positive qualities. Maybe it's because we have so many around here that people have learned they are not evil killers...unless, of course, you raise them to be. I have a question for Christine, if she's still around. Did your baby turn out to be pregnant? If so, how did it go? Best of luck to you either way.

Answer by Angel
Submitted on 3/31/2005
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i have two red-nose american pits. there is nothing wrong with the breed just the people raising them. just like any other animal(or human being for that matter) if u r raised to be violent u will be. if raised with love and care then most likely that is how you will act. stereotypes r bad for everyone. my dogs r so friendly they even like my cats. they r boisterous and hardheaded at times but so am i. my fiancee works with A.R.F. and was shocked that most of these dogs are either turned away or youthenized. that is wrong and unfair. someone should form a retreat specifically for dogs such as these because those who r supposed to be humane are not. ignorance causes problems. people need to be educated more fully when working these types of jobs.

Answer by DWood
Submitted on 7/7/2005
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Hi... HELP... my beautiful pit/amstaff whatever you guys want to call her that won't cause a fight... LOLA is in heat.. she started bleeding Thursday night.. and now.. tomorrow it will be a week... HOW LONG WILL SHE BLEED.....???? It is her first heat... she had some hormone problem and the vet said she had to go into a first heat before I could get her fixed... By the way... I JUST LOVE HER.. she is the BEST DOG .. loves to sleep on the bed and snore and fart... DISGUSTING but very funny This morning she got right up in my face and burped on me after eating breakfast! What is that all about? She jumps in the bath if you are in it... and she LOVES little kids... strange dogs however... sometimes cause her to react... she either hates them.. or loves them immediately.. very interesting... anyways.. glad to find this site.. if you have info on the heat.. please answer.... D.

Answer by erika
Submitted on 9/16/2005
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I have an am staff and for everyones info the am staff is the medium sized dog that is stocky with a short face. that dog to which you all refer to as a pit bull is actualy called an american bull terier the pit part was added in because they fought in pits. the dog you are refering to has a short body and a long face. that is what sets the breed apart. To Lexy: ask yourself first which dog can you controll better the lab or the bull. bulls are very strong so i would suggest tieing him up on a fence or maby an army tank to be on the safe side(ha ha..) but realy, you are the care taker for both dogs and there safety and yours is the main concern. so tie up the strongest dog to a fence and leash the other one, then slowly introduce them both to eachother. i guarentee ther will be lots of growling and agression at first but do not back down, stay with them for a while and let them get used to being close (caution do not let them touch the presence of eachother will do for now) and day by day bring them even closer till they are comfortable with the presence of each other, when you see that the presence of the other dog no longer affect the bull or the other dog bring them even closer together. eventually they will be able to play and stuff but remember it takes time and patience. I commend what you have done by rescuing the dog. I wish more people showd kindness to these breeds and see that its not the dog itself that is agressive, and that it depends on the dog owner how the dog will behave. like childern they reflect the behavior of there parents. good luck and remember lots of patience!

Answer by Duke
Submitted on 1/16/2006
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An American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and Bull Terrier are all different breeds. A true dogman would say it is an insult to call an American Pit Bull Terrier an Amstaff. I do not fight my dogs, but as far as I'm concerned AmStaffs are so far removed from what the breed's original purpose as that it is a mere shell of what it used to be. AmStaffs are bred to look good and for no other purpose. Dog fighting is animal cruelty, but dog fighting is what made the breed that you enjoy soo much. There is only one type of Pit Bull, the American Pit Bull Terrier registered by the ADBA and UKC. The AKC standard for an American Staffordshire Terrier is not a correct breed standard for an American Pit Bull Terrier, therefore they are not the same breed. What you call a dog is not what makes a certain type. Study the ADBA breed standard for an American Pit Bull Terrier if you want know what Pit Bull is supposed to be. There are many dogmen who devoted their lives into making this breed what it is. Don't insult their dedication with your ignorance.

Answer by Red Chrome
Submitted on 5/23/2006
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Never use that name PIT BULL You have a PIT BULL if you fight your dog. If you don't then you ether have an American staff Terrier, Staff Terrier or Terrier. Pit Bull is like a Raciest name for the dog. So if you don't fight your dog we all thank you if you do then you should be put in the pit.... The above statement is full of IGNORANCE. There is an American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier. The term Terrier refers to ALL Terriers, Yorkshire terriers, Kerry Blue Terriers, Wheaton Terriers, Jack Russel Terriers etc. Please before you try to represent the Pit Bulls do more research on them. The term Pit Bull refers to the American Pit Bull Terrier and the term "pit bull" refers to a bunch of different breeds, i.e.- the APBT, BT, SBT and AST. The term Pit Bull also DOES NOT refer to them being fighting dogs and just because you say you have a pit Bull doesn't mean that you fight it.

Answer by raul
Submitted on 5/24/2006
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a pit bull is a pitbull. origanly cross beetween staffordshire bull terrier and bulldog. much bigger than a staffy with a bigger stronger head. developed an breed to be the ultimate dog fighting machine. can be very good with humans very loyal and trustworthy. once they get in to a dog fight or there first dog fight they have got that rage to continue to have a fight on next occasion. pit bull is name used for the american pit bull terrier. a short pit might resembale more staffy in it than the high standing pit bull which would resembale more of a bulldog. the staffordshire bull terrier is knee hi very muscly and stocky!! pit bulls?? i haven't seen any knee hii! they are taller

Answer by Lis
Submitted on 6/30/2006
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I understand the thinking of not saying PIT BULL. It is not right not to call them by their given names. These are beautiful animals!!!I went to the airport to ship a pit bull pup with a friend when people said oh how cute!!! What kind of dog is it when she said pit bull they ran. some people had many rude remarks. The next time we went she called them red nosed terriors there were no problems. People wanted to play with them. Some airlines won't ship a dog with the pit bull name because of their bad reputation. This is so sad. I have 2 PIT BULLS one red nose and one brindle they are a part of our family. The brindle we rescued 2 weeks ago. I can't imagine him being put down!! He is the sweetest thing!! The best 25 dollars I ever spent. So in conclusion I call my friends PIT BULL with no hesitation, But when the ocassion comes like the airport you have to do what you can. ( the airport will ship them if you call them red or blue nose terriors. It is a shame but if someone wants one of these beautiful animal shipped they can't get them unless you use the name mentioned. To all who have PIT BULL Good luck with your beautiful animals and be proud of their name!! Thanks Lis

Answer by haley
Submitted on 8/19/2006
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Well, I breed these wonderful dogs for pet and show purposes, so to clear the record: the term "pit bull" does refer to many of the bully breeds on a very unofficial level. However, most link the term "pit bull" with the American Pit Bull Terrier...which is NOT the same as the Staffordshire Terrier, which is a shorter, smaller dog all together. The American Staffordshire Terrier is also a different breed from the Staffordshire Terrier. And another interesting fact. The American Staffordshire and the American Pit Bull are 1 in the same breed. Its highly debated, but still its fact. The AKC registers the dog as an "American Staff. Terrier" while the UKC and ADBA will recognize the dog as the "American Pit Bull Terrier"...so you can actually have the same dog dual registered with the AKC and UKC, and on that dogs papers it would show it as two different breeds...go figure. :)

Answer by kelley
Submitted on 9/18/2006
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I have an American bulldog that is 110 lbs and a Staffordshire Bull Terrier that is 60 lbs. There is definitely a difference. Pit Bull is a general name that everyone uses. When talking to people who ask about my dogs i say i have 2 pits for the sake of time to explain the difference. BUT I DO NOT AND WOULD NOT FIGHT MY DOGS!!! I actually rescued Duke(the American)from a home where the "owner" beat him with anything he could find so that he could fight him. This dog, even coming from his background, is the sweetest dog.He lets my 2 year old and my 9 month old crawl all over him and just licks them. These dogs have a bad rep from the owners who don't raise them right. If you raise them right you will find that these dogs are the most LOYAL, and EXTREMELY PROTECTIVE animals you will ever come into contact with.

Answer by angie
Submitted on 10/3/2006
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i have two pit bulls my female is a german pitbull and my male is a american pitbull we have had are female since she was two months old she is now 11 months and my male i bought of a friend he is three he was such a loving dog it really is what you teach them just like a child this dog is so well tempered and loves kids he is the biggest suck i have seen in any dog he looks mean but he's bark is worse then his bite lol he never nips never bites and even when you give him food he takes it slowly and dosn'ttry to rip your fingers off you can put food in your month and he will take it oh so gently so what they say about these dogs is all wrong they need to be looking into the owners of these dogs and how they are traning there dogs i read on the internet when i first got my pup that you do not need to train these dogs to be garde dogs thay are ready are they have it in them to protect there families so please people respect them them and let them be dogs and not slaves to your command just so you can show off that you have a big dog and your all that thanks for your time ang

Answer by Pit Mob Kennel
Submitted on 10/10/2006
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Pit Bulls ( The American Pit Bull Terrier ) was the first dog brought to America. How can you not call them a Pit Bull. Yes AmStaffs and Pit Bulls are considered the same breed but the only reason that is is because the American Kennel Club would not register A Pit Bull. The whold deal with the Amstass is they claim its a Pit Bull with the aggressivness bred out. Not true Pit Bulls are not naturally fierce or mean dogs nor are they people aggressive.Even dog fighters bred the Pit Bull to be specifically great tempered towards humans so that when the handlers got involved in the match they didnt fear getting hurt. Also Amstaffs have noticably different characteristics than the Pit Bull, but that just shows if you have knowledge of the breed you can tell the difference. Pit Bulls are Pit Bulls they are a great breed and people who wont call them pit bulls are Amstaff breeders or people who are scared to say they own the breed. Good luck on your female, the best way to do it is go to the vet, because if you really care about your Pit Bull you want the best care possible for it. Good Luck with everything.

Answer by Drawn 2u
Submitted on 1/3/2007
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The history of these dogs goes back as far as 800 B.C. when traders brought a strain of mastiff to England. These originals were bred to fight and bring down large prey such as bears, boars, and big cats.Around 400 A.D. another strain of mastiff called the Alaunt came to England. Butchers and farmers bred this dog into the first true English "bulldogge". In Medieval times the working bulldogge developed the "lockjaw" grip, but this term actually referred to how game the dog was not some physical structure of the jaw. These dogs could hang on to the nose, cheek, or throat of horses, cattle , or boars. The dogs were commonly known as a "butcher's dog". It was possible for an 80 lb. working bulldogge to topple an 1800 lb. bull by corkscrewing his body in mid stride. The dog brought the bull to be butchered. There were also staged fights called "baits" against other prey such as lions and bears. Royalty on down to commoners came to enjoy "bull baiting" as a source of entertainment and sport. In 1835 these horrific contests were banned in England, except for dog baiting or fighting. Breeders turned to this purpose and coal miners in Staffordshire crossed English bulldogges with scrappy terriers and continued holding matches which still go on today. The Bull, the Terrier, and the Staffordshire Terrier evolved from this mix. The dogs were fought in pits. They found their way to America around 1870 as farm dogs and frontier guardians. Eventually they assumed names such as Pit Dog, Pit Bull Terrier, or the American Bull Terrier. Eventually they developed into distinct breeds, The American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier. The UKC recognized these breeds as the "American Pit Bull Terrier" in 1898. The breed became highly popular. Buster Brown shoes logo, RCA'sNipper, Levi's jeans, Sgt. Stubby saved several soldiers in 1817, and lets not forget Petey in The Little Rascals. In 1936 the AKC recognized the American Pit Bull Terrier, but as a "Staffordshire Terrier". Petey was one of the original 50 dogs recognized. In 1972 the name was changed to the American Staffordshire Terrier to distinguish it from the English dogs which were recognized in 1974 and are shorter and stockier than the American version. The associations have different motives for breeding and recognizing dogs in distinct ways. Basically the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier share the same ancestry. They descended from the English Staffordshire Terrier, shorter, stockier, broader chest and head than the American version. However none of this addresses the heat question. Yes, a swollen vulva means she's in heat and yes she may already be pregnant but she could become impregnated more. Keep her on a leash. Am Staffs (as this refers to the current lineage rather than the past time of fighting)lean towards being aggressive to other dogs, they need socialization to avoid this and proper handling and training. You do the research on that one!

Answer by mholla
Submitted on 4/19/2007
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I am reading the views of people who know nothing about what they are talking about nor the breed that they own! I would first like to send reference to you people on an author who goes in depth and detail from all aspects from history to theories of where the breed originated and his name is Richard F. Stratton! You may not agree with what he says and in my opinion if you don't you need to trade in your American Pitbull Terrier for something else! The book that gives some sight on the history of the breed is "The Book of The American Pitbull Terrier" and the book that covers the breed more in depth is called "The World of The American Pitbull Terrier" I am a reader and i have read many books on the breed and in my opinion his writings have the more truth and detail on the breed! The American Pitbull Terrier is not the American Staffordshire Terrier although they are very similar! The Am Staff was bred for show! The Pitbull is bred for work and it is called a working dog! It dates back to the 1800's in England and whether u find it cruel or not the English used the dog in events such as bull baiting and bear baiting contest. The pitbull loves work and it shows in their attitude during activities! In the mid 1800's the Irish moved to England during a potatoe blight which caused disease throughout the land. In there quest to England they discovered the pitbull terrier and took a liking to the dog because they felt it portrayed a sense of courage and fight that they saw in themselves from the survival of the conditions that they were fortunate to overcome. During there time in England they fought the dogs as recreation as the English did in bullbaiting, bearbaiting and boarhunting. When they returned to Ireland they took the dogs they found in England with them and produced the fighting strain of the dog! This is the dog that was brought to North America and titled "The American Pitbull Terrier"! The strains that we have now are descendants of these dogs which were in fact fighting dogs! As I stated u may not agree but the facts are the facts! I personally have had pitbulls for the past 13 years of my life and I see nuthin but a loving animal that lifts the spirits of people. They are courageous, intelligent, COMPATIBLE WITH HUMANS, and they love work and activity! People have given the breed a bad name out of misunderstanding and being blind to again i say the FACTS! If u do your research pitbulls are NOT the dog that most often attacks humans. (Dobermans and German Shepards along with other breeds are among the top!) The breed is punished because of lack of knowledge by the public and it is presented that a pitbull is a vicious monster when in actuality the pitbull is probably one of the most affectionate breeds to exist. You do not have to fight your pitbull but the fact remains that the pitbull terrier was bred to fight! As is a racehorse is bred to race horses and in some states rooster are bred to cockfight and labadors are bred to retrieve and beagles are bred to hunt and so on. Which raises my question as to should we punish a bird dog for killing birds??? Or punish a collie for herding sheep?? I am not arguing that dogfighting is acceptable im just stating the fact that the American Pitbull Terrier is bred to fight and it is not the same dog as the Am Staff although similar! In conclusion my breed of choice will always be the American Pitbull Terrier no matter what ridiculous laws we come up with to outlaw it in society. That in my opinion is a prejudice to ones belief, a punishment and a violation of our rights as dog owners! i hope this cleared a hell of a lot up for some people and if u read this and are more intrested in further detail.....RICHARD F. STRATTON is the author! Take care of yourself, get your facts correct people and STOP PUNISHING MY BREED!!!!!!

Answer by you guys are crazy
Submitted on 6/17/2007
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Guys. It's not that serious. Let me help you out... The Staffordshire Terrier or Staffy is short and wide with an extremely wide head (around 45lbs.) The American Staffordshire Terrier or "Amstaff" is slightly taller but just as wide with an extremely wide head (45-55 lbs) The American Pit Bull Terrier is slimmer than the Amstaff or Staffy weighing between 45-75 lbs. some are larger now weighing up to 100lbs. They have a blocky body but not disproportionately wide, strong chest and blocky head. There IS A DIFFERENCE in these three breeds. I own 3 APBT's they all show in the UKC and ADBA. Do some research on these breeds, please.

Answer by gunner888
Submitted on 7/5/2007
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Lexy, first it will be helpful if your first dog is a female because having dogs of the opposite sex tends to help ease tensions. Also, make sure the male is neutered. As far as your dogs getting along, there is no guarantee that they will ever be best friends. Pits are best off as the only dog in a household, however, there are certainly cases where multiple pits works out fine. My biggest advice is to buy some crates and NEVER leave them alone together. You should always supervise them especially when playing as you never know when things can get ugly. And ALWAYS separate them when feeding. If you are really worried you could buy a muzzle for the primary introductions just in case. Oh, and take the dogs for a run before you introduce them, tired dogs tend to get along better! Hope this helps!

Answer by SG
Submitted on 7/10/2007
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I rescued a stray red nose PIT BULL from the street about two months ago. She was very aggressive when we first met and we had to fight back and forth for about 30 minutes before she rolled over and let me take her home. The pound was going to kill her in six days and that was unacceptable. She still has some aggressive tendancies which I'm working on but she is now a family dog. My point is that my dog Blue was taught to be aggressive by a bad human and in two months she has overcome a year worth of conditioning because PIT BULLS true nature is to work with and love people. They are very needy dogs and if we show them love they will return the same. No matter what we call them we need to remember its bad humans that make bad dog.

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Answer by moondog
Submitted on 2/6/2004
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go to the vet,nipples will develope first i sugesst getting her fixed average litters are 6-16pups.

Answer by Julie
Submitted on 4/19/2004
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okay, I so did not get that last post. what is so horrible about calling your dog a PIT BULL. Hello, if its a pit bull what else should it be called? A poodle? Their name is American PIT BULL Terrier, so why shouldnt they be called what they have always been called?

Answer by Goodell's Piper
Submitted on 5/21/2004
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I know for a fact that my PIT BULL is in fact a PIT BULL and not a amstaff or any other mix breed. She is registered and her entire family are American Pit Bull Terriers. As far as I'm concerned calling any true Pit Bull an amstaff or anyother slang name is an insult.

Answer by trish
Submitted on 5/29/2004
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just to let u know... a pit bull is called a Staffordshire terrier. by calling it that is not insulting the dog. and by calling it a pit bull... notice the reactions from people. theyre not very good. i have two pit bulls . boy and girl.almost a year old theyre great beautiful loving dogs... because of the way we raised them. i think..yes even though pit bull is the name given to them by society... it can be an insult as well. it says from the beginning... i have a viscous fighting dog. oh... and good question christine.. i was wondering the same thing.

Answer by melissa797979
Submitted on 6/1/2004
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Um.. first off PitBulls are not called Staffordshire Terriers .. they are American PitBull Terriers God if you guys want to come on a chat forum get ur fact's straight before you open your mouth. the American Pitbull Terrier breed descends from a staffordshire terrier crossed with a bulldog. you know you are on the internet look up the history . and it is not an insult to call a pitbull a pitbull. if someone came up to me and said oh what a pretty pitbull. should i be dumb and say no that's an insult my dog is an american pitbull terrier?????

Answer by mydogdolly
Submitted on 6/25/2004
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i am writing in response to all the people who find it insulting to call a pit bull, pit bull!! I have to admit that while I am not fully educated on the origin of my dogs name, I would like to just say that I too find dog fighting disgusting and abusive!! I own a pit bull(yes, i said it), and her name is Dolly. she is the sweetest dog in the world, and i get so mad when other "pit" owners go as far as to challenge my dog because of what kind of dog she is. when i refuse, people say that my dog is " sorry" and weak. that's okay. my dog is a family dog. I dont want a dog that I have to worry about attacking me because I forced it to fight when it did not want to!!

Answer by rubix
Submitted on 7/9/2004
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enough already a pit bull is a pit bull .

Answer by JEWL
Submitted on 7/13/2004
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HUSBANDS NAME

Answer by jenni
Submitted on 8/2/2004
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a pitbull is a pitbull u dont even know what u are talking about id worry about the crap thats coming out of my mouth instead of people calling their dogs pitbulls

Answer by Miranda
Submitted on 8/14/2004
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A pit bull is a pit bull and that is what they are!!!! if you think it is sooo bad to call them a pit bull then there is something wrong with you!!! we should call an animal not a human because we really are humans

Answer by Skye
Submitted on 8/27/2004
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OKAY NOW!!!! If you call it "pit bull" it is not racist! And the Staffordshire Terriers is the EXACT same dog! The only reason the AKC called it the Staffordshire is because (look it up, it's proven)they didn't want people to be scared of the dog because of all of the negative hype over the dog. It's the SAME dog. Pit bulls are not mean to people, they are extremely loving and loyal. They can just have problems with other dogs if they aren't socialized enough. If your dog is pregnant, you shouldn't have a problem if she has puppies. If your dog trusts you, she will not become mean or protective.

Answer by Mr Pitbull
Submitted on 9/5/2004
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Look people all the lady wanted to Know Was how can she tell if her (AMERICAN PITBULL)has got some sex

Answer by charlie
Submitted on 9/30/2004
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about the red nose pit bull i would have to say the best thing for the moment is treating both dogs with the same atention. becuase one could become jealous. Which would make one not like the other. walking the red nose aorund his surroundings and seeing the other dog on a day to day basis will improve there relationship.

Answer by flipboi
Submitted on 10/9/2004
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i bought a pit bull in south carolina from some guy yet i didnt get to see the parents. i do have some doubts about it being a "PIT BULL" because alot of my friends have "PIT BULLS" and thiers are alot more stout n can hold onto things while hanging in the air. my dog cant actually hang though. all this has just got me thinking about it. it would help if someone could help me out.

Answer by Chyna
Submitted on 11/27/2004
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Hi Chris I have a female my self and am trying to find info on what to expect when my male and her get together.so far my female(Kalie)is not puffing out or anything but my male Bow seems to be in love with her,they are about the same age and have very sweet temp,I never thought Id have a pit but I love them,I wish I had a farm,but anyway If anyone out there knows where to go on the web to find out info on what to expect with the breeding of my two baby's please lit me know.I am also at Chynatoo@peoplepc.com

Answer by dazjah
Submitted on 11/27/2004
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i have a girl pitbull she is 11 mths and in her first heat what should i expect? also if i breed her should i wait until the 2nd or 3rd or try now. she is a blue and i have a red boy i was trying to breed her with a boy blue but having a hard time locating a stud, will the puppies be garbage if he is a red nose?

Answer by christy
Submitted on 12/2/2004
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Pit bulls are pit bulls

Answer by Ashleigh
Submitted on 12/17/2004
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I am going through the same thing with my pit bull being in heat, she was making a mess, but I bought some dog diapers for her, because she stays inside. Is there anything I should know about her being in heat besides the obvious. (example: other signs and health issues?)

Answer by bexz c.g.
Submitted on 1/9/2005
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i own a pitbull and most of my friends own pitbulls. i dont know where you are from but im in n.z. and here there is a distinct difference between the pitbull and the the other terriers mentioned above. and from the reseacrh ive done on the internet about pitbulls melissa seems to know whats she is talking about!

Answer by jen
Submitted on 1/9/2005
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this is for lilly , they are pitbulls , i have 2 pits, and thats what they are. and i dont fight them.so you dont know what your talking about

Answer by Kat
Submitted on 1/10/2005
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some good info thats easy to read: http://www.canismajor.com/dog/hvpup1.html

Answer by julianna_on_top
Submitted on 1/17/2005
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christine, by this time i believe u have it figured out if pit is pregnant or not, if she is well congrats maybe u'vea full time taking care of them pups. i'vea pit too, positively pregnant now, so its my turn to ask this question: how do u take care of them puppies, how many months should they breastfeed from their mother, and what vits are suitable? thanks, and oh, i wish no one reacts if i call my dog a pit. the sweetest dog.

Answer by maryjane
Submitted on 1/23/2005
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i have two pit bulls they are the best dos. they love us to death and are the most loyal dos in the world. there names are Damien and champagne champagne is in her second heat and we dont know how to go about breeding them could someone please help us?

Answer by Shaonnalove
Submitted on 1/24/2005
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I have a question what is the normal age for a APBT to go into heat. Is it six months for the first heat or one year of age. I just want to be on the safe side because my girl is nearing six months of age.

Answer by krisgaud
Submitted on 2/1/2005
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i cant believe how stupid these people are calling pits am-staffs . do you know anything about dog breeds , because they are two DIFFERENT dogs . GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT !!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Answer by blue pit
Submitted on 2/13/2005
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when is the first heat 4 a female pit

Answer by don
Submitted on 3/12/2005
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i have brought a staff she is 2 year old we think she might be pregnant her nipples are massive and her vagina is very swollen is she pregnant?

Answer by Mrs. Berry
Submitted on 3/17/2005
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I am a proud owner of two American Pitbull Terriers. My husband and I have raised many of these breeds over the years. We study up on them and read many books. I do not think it's an insult to call these dogs PITBULLS!!! If people associate that name with the dogs being mean, then it is their own insecurities.Pitbull is just short for American Pitbull Terrier.

Answer by Mrs. Berry
Submitted on 3/21/2005
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I am a proud owner of 2 American Pitbull Terriers.My husband and I have been raising these dogs for many years. It is not an insult to call these dogs Pitbulls. If people associate that name with the dogs being fought or mean, then it is their own insecurities. Pitbull is just a short name for American Pitbull Terrier. Also Staffordshire Terrier is NOT the same thing as American Pitbull Terrier. They are different. Study up on it and you'll see.

Answer by none
Submitted on 3/27/2005
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i thought the question was about pit bulls and pregnancy. if you are educated on this matter please respond.

Answer by yo mom
Submitted on 3/28/2005
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balloon yo mom

Answer by Uriel
Submitted on 3/30/2005
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In regards to Lexy's question,I have a red nose pitbull and she is very protective of me so she doesn't like any dogs near me, well I received a chihuahua and man I could not even get it close to her or even put the dog in the back yard she would try to attack it through the glass door we have it took about two months so I could let him in the back with her she finaly just left him alone but it took awhile occasionaly I have to keep an eye out on her just to be safe.

Answer by bobby rodriguez
Submitted on 4/5/2005
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my pitbulls vagina looks as if it stuck out too much. It's hanging out like a ball. is she ok or do i need to take her to the vet

Answer by Big Mike
Submitted on 4/19/2005
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Once more a Pitbull is a Pitbull and a Staffordshire is a Staffordshire. And on the pregnancy thing, Can somebody send me some links on how to deal and know about pitbull pregnancy? Thanks I would really appreciated it. ssmexican2000@yahoo.com

Answer by ktown
Submitted on 4/26/2005
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can i breed my dog while she is still bleeding.