The history of the American Pit Bull Terrier varies depending on what source you choose to cite. Some believe that it dates back to the time of the Roman’s and the Molossian family of Dog. The Molossus as it was commonly called is believed to be the direct relative of today’s Mastiff breeds of dogs.

Photo: bluemagicpits.com

Most sources seem to agree that the Pit bull can trace its relatives to the English and Scottish Bull dog types used in the sport of Bull Baiting. Bull Baiting became a popular sport in England during the 15th and 16th century. Bull Baiting was effectively a sport where dogs were sent in to immobilize a bull, some even believed the sport caused the meat of the bull to be more tender. By the 16th Century just about every town in England had a Bull Baiting ring. At one time in England, it was even illegal to sell the meat of Bull that was not Baited in the Ring.

Due to the popularity of Dog Sporting events (however, cruel) during this time, the sport of Ratting and Dog fighting was started. It is presumed that the sport was popular because it gave people of low means another possible way of providing for there families. The sport of ratting was where a Dog was placed in a Pit with Rats, the dog would kill as many as possible during a set period of time. The dog who killed the most won. It is this sport that is believed to be the reason why the Bull dogs and terriers of England were mixed, attempting to combine the strength of the bull dog with the gameness of the terrier. It is believed that the "pit" in pit bull comes from the ratting pit.

In 1835 the sport of Bull Baiting and Dog Fighting, were made illegal under English Law. However, due to the ease of concealing Dog Fights, it is believed that Dog Fighting continued for the most part un-restricted in many parts of England. This increased the Popularity of the Ratting sport.

When the English and Irish immigrants came to America, they brought there dogs with them. One of the most popular being the close relative of the Modern day American Pit Bull Terrier. Unfortunately dog fighting continued to be popular in America through the 19th century. In addition to dog fighting the Pit Bull continued to get a name for itself by being a very versatile all-purpose dog. Known to be able to Herd sheep and Cattle, the pit bull found a home with many early settlers of America.

In 1884 the American Kennel Club was formed for the purpose of promoting purebred dogs and their owners. Unfortunately, due to the illegal nature of Dog Fighting, the American Kennel Club, refused to accept the Pit Bull Terrier as a full blood breed. This is why in 1898 the United Kennel Club was formed, with the goal to certify dogs that were uncertifiable by the AKC, the first breed of dogs recognized by the UKC was the "American Pit Bull Terrier".

To add to the confusion of the breed the AKC decided in 1936 to recognize the American Pit Bull Terrier but under a different name, the Staffordshire Terrier, named after the area in England where they suspected the original crossbreeding took place. Later the term American was added to the Staffordshire Terrier in order to avoid confusion with the smaller cousin being raised in England.

The American Staffordshire Terrier, or the Amstaff, has had different blood lines from the UKC American Pit Bull Terrier, since 1936. However, it is possible for a AKC Amstaff to be double registered as a AKC Amstaff and as a UKC Pit bull, it is not possible for a dog that was originally titled a UKC Pit bull to be recognized by the AKC as a Amstaff. Thus adding to the confusion, it is however commonly accepted that the Amstaff and the APBT share a common ancestry, however the Amstaff today appear to look the same however, tends to be on average 10 pounds or so lighter than the APBT. This likely happened because UKC breeders continued to breed a dog suitable for working dog competitions, where as the Amstaff was and is breed to be more of a show dog.

Dave M. Russell is an advocate for the American Pit Bull Terrier breed commonly known as Pit Bulls. He continually tries to educate people about this great breed.
 

Lolling puppy tongues and big eyes just begging for your popsicle, all these are signs that the dog days of summer are here. Perhaps you think you’re hot, but try having layers of thick fur on you! While most dogs can self-regulate their body temperatures with little problem, you need to be aware that your dog could get dehydrated or overheated very easily if you don’t take precautions. In order to keep everyone chill and happy, here are some tips for keeping your dog cool this summer.

Always Have Drinking Water Available
Perhaps the most important thing to remember during the scorching days of summer is to keep water out for your dog to prevent dehydration. Fill the bowl whenever you see it’s empty. If you have a big dog or multiple dogs consider one of those devices that has a water reservoir that drips down into a dish. Just like human beings dogs need lots of water to stay hydrated in the heat.

Give Your Dog a Trim
Dogs with longer hair can benefit from a trim during the summer. You don’t have to shave them bald. If you don’t want to do a full shave try cutting the long hairs on the belly and legs and clipping the hair inside the ears. Clipping hair in the ears can also help lessen moisture retention which can breed bacteria and infection. Trimming you dog can also help prevent hot spots, open sores which can be very painful for a dog.

Never Leave your Dog in a Car
Just like you would never leave your baby in a hot car, please don’t leave your dog in the car during the summer. Temperatures can soar above 120° Fahrenheit very quickly, and your dog may even die if you leave him out there too long. Leaving the window open is not an option either. Your dog may manage to get out, and the breeze is usually not enough to cool the car down sufficiently. If you cannot take your pup with you, then just leave him at home.

Leave your Dog in a Pen Rather than a Crate
Many of us have to leave our dogs during the day while we work. Instead of putting your canine companion in a crate for the day, try leaving him in a pen. A crate can be very close and stifling, whereas a pen allows for air flow and a little movement. If your house is constantly climate controlled this may not be an issue, but not everyone has central air.

Get Your Dog a Swimming Pool
Fido doesn’t need an Olympic sized pool, but he sure would like a wading pool! Even if your dog doesn’t like to swim, chances are he’ll love walking and lying in the water to cool down. And if you have a water-loving breed like a Labrador, well, good luck getting him out. There are expensive pools made "just for dogs", but Fido doesn’t care. Just get him the $15 plastic pool from the big box store and he’ll have a wonderful time and be cool as a cucumber to boot.

In Extreme Heat, Keep your Dog Indoors
Sometimes, if you live in certain parts of the country, the heat just gets to be too much for everyone. Above 95° Fahrenheit a lot of dogs have trouble coping, especially breeds originally intended for temperate climates. Sometimes you simply have to keep your dog indoors with air conditioning for the better part of the day.

The dog days of summer can be full of fun in the sun for everyone, but we have to take precautions as well. Make sure your canine companion doesn’t get dehydrated or overheated by following the tips above and using your common sense. Also, don’t forget to have fun and enjoy the company of the most loyal friend you’ll ever have!

For some adorable puppies this summer, visit Worldwidepups.com in Bellmore, New York, or call them at 516-679-7880 for more information. No matter what your lifestyle, Worldwide Puppies and Kittens will ensure that you will find the perfect puppy or kitten with the perfect size and temperament to match it.
 

These dogs originated in Russia. Beginning in the 20the century the English toy Terrier was the most popular dog in Russia. However, between 1920 and 1950 breeding of this toy terrier almost stopped. Then in the mid-fifties Russian dog breeder begin breeding them again. Most of the dogs used though had no pedigree.

Then in 1958, a male was breed with a female, which had slightly longer hair so the longhaired Russian toy dog was called the Moscow Longhaired Toy Terrier. The Russian toy dog was breed in two types, the longhaired and the smooth-haired.

These dogs are small, elegant, fine boned with lean muscles. They are lively, very cheerful, active but not cowardly or aggressive.

The Russkiy dog is squarely built with a neck that is long, carried high and slightly arched. He has a small black nose or it could match his coat color. His eyes are large, rounded, dark, and slightly prominent and set well apart. Ears are big, thin and set high and erect on his head with is not large. He has small white teeth with a pointed and lean muzzle. His docked tail is carried high.

The smooth- haired coat is short, close lying, shiny and has not undercoat. The longhaired coat is moderately long, straight or slightly wavy, close lying with distinct feathering on rear side of limbs. His feet have long and silky hair with ears covered in thick long hair forming a fringe.

They come in the colors of: black and tan, brown and tan, blue and tan, pale yellow and any shade of red.

Sandy has a web site on small dog breeds with information on different breeds including pages on dogs good with children and the elderly, choosing a dog and breeder, vet, dog clothes, dog houses and much more. Visit http://www.small-dogbreeds.com
 

It is an exciting time when you go to different puppy stores and look online for just the right pup to suit your household.  After months of looking and learning and finally you are ready to go bring your cute puppy home, or are you? Have you decided where your puppy is going to stay? 

Photo: diamondsintheruff.com

Are you ready for all the ‘accidents’ while you are ‘potty training’ your little one?  What are the things you have to do to prepare before you bring your precious baby home?

• Just like when you bring a baby home, you need to choose and set up the puppy’s bed (unless you want him to sleep with you).
• Puppy proof your house by getting baby gate to keep your puppy out of the restricted areas of your home
• Get lots of urine pads to catch all the little accidents while you are training your puppy to go outside
• Choose a pretty bowl for the food
• Decide what dog food you will feed your puppy
• Get a water bowl or a water dispenser
• Choose the collar or harness you are going to use for your puppy
• Yes, buy lots of treats!
• You will need a lot of toys so that your puppy does not chew on your furniture or shoes
• Choose a crate and a crate bed where you will have your puppy stay while you are out
• Decide if you are going to dress your puppy and check out what is available- there are a lot of nice things online
• Choose your Veterinarian and the dog hospital where you will have your puppy vaccinated and neutered or spayed

Pet owners in the USA pamper their pets with the best of everything.  A dog’s life is almost better than our lives, since we have to work, while all they have to do is love you.  Depending on whether your puppy is a boy or a girl, you will choose the colors and styles of dog products you will get.  It also depends on your own home decor. But most of all you will choose your dog colors by what your favorite color is.  Check with the Veterinarian about the best food for your puppy, and then you can change according to his/her growth pattern.

Evangeline Samuel PhD. owns an online store, puppydazzles which offers designer dog clothes, because you deserve the very best for your pet.