Pitbull Dogs

You're probably familiar with pitbull dogs. But did you know that there is no actual specific breed known as "pitbull dogs?" The term is used to refer to a group of dogs of varying breeds that are raised and developed mainly to serve as competitive fighting dogs. All pitbull dogs as well as many other breeds, such as Great Danes, Newfoundlands, and Rottweilers, belong to the Molosser family of dogs.

Profile

Pitbull dogs are not recognized as a breed by any major dog breeding registry. Because of the broadness of the category, many other breeds may fall under this group as well. Basically, a typical pitbull dog can be described, more or less, as follows:

* Medium-sized with males weighing 35 – 60 lbs and females 30 – 50 lbs
* Short coats
* Tight skin
* Loyal temperament
* Intelligent
* Highly confident

Moreover, because of their status as fighting dogs, pitbull dogs are especially known for their extremely high pain threshold. They are also very athletic and energetic dogs that need frequent exercise to allow them to channel their more exuberant dispositions.

Common Breeds

Here are some common dog breeds that are sometimes broadly classified as pitbull dogs:

American Pit Bull Terrier

A breed of dogs that belong to the terrier group, American Pit Bull Terriers are nevertheless categorized under the much more broad, and unrecognized, group of pitbull dogs.

American Pit Bull Terriers are strong, loyal, and tenacious dogs. Devotees of this breed would describe them as having an "eager-to-please" disposition, affectionate, and outgoing. However, due to recent news on attacks by pitbull dogs, American Pit Bull Terriers have acquired a bad reputation. Some say that these attacks might due to maltraining and irresponsible breeding of pitbull dogs. But if trained properly with a fair and gentle hand, American Pit Bull Terriers make a great family pet.

American Staffordshire Terrier

Descended from the American dog fighting breeds, the American Staffordshire Terrier is yet another breed of dog that falls under the general category of pitbull dogs. However, unlike its distant cousin, the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier is recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club.

It is primarily a show dog, courageous and friendly. It is also extremely attentive and extraordinarily devoted, making it a great family companion.

Argentine Dogo

Developed in Argentina for big game hunting, the Argentine Dogo is known by several names: Dogo Argentino, Argentine Mastiff, etc. Because of its basic profile, it is often classified under the broad category of pitbull dogs.

The Argentine Dogo was crossed with several dog breeds, including Great Dane, Boxer, Spanish Mastiff, Old English Bulldog, Bull Terrier, Great Pyrenees, Pointer, Irish Wolfhound, and Dogue de Bordeaux, using the Cordoba Fighting Dog as the base. The result was a sturdy hunting dog that is capable of taking big game and at the same time remain a good pet and family guardian.