How Often Should I Take My Dog to the Vet?
5 Types Of Pit Bull Dog Breeds
The term "pit bull" does not refer to one specific breed, but rather encompasses several different but related breeds of muscular terriers originally bred for bull baiting and dog fighting. While pitties have a controversial reputation, they can make loyal and loving family pets with proper training and care. Here we'll explore 5 of the most common pit bull type breeds.
American Pit Bull Terrier(Photo Credit: Diego Thomazini via Getty Images)
People most commonly identify the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) as a "pit bull" dog. Originally bred for bull baiting in England, they later transitioned to dog fighting before becoming popular as family companions.
ADVERTISEMENT
Advertisement
The APBT is a medium-sized, short coated dog. They are extremely muscular and athletic with a broad head and strong jaw. While tenacious and strong-willed, APBTs are typically social, stable, and gentle with humans when properly trained and socialized.
American Staffordshire Terrier(Photo Credit: vauvau via Getty Images)
Very similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier originated in the United States after bull baiting was outlawed. They were popular on farms for their reliability with children and as all-purpose working dogs.
This stocky breed has a larger head in proportion to its body compared to the APBT. The American Kennel Club recognized the American Staffordshire Terrier as a breed in the 1930s. They make affectionate, people-oriented pets.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier(Photo Credit: Dan Baillie via Getty Images)
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier originated in England's Staffordshire region by combining bulldogs with terriers for bull baiting and fighting. Despite this history, they became known as "nanny dogs" for their gentle loyalty to children.
This compact breed has a short, smooth coat that comes in red, fawn, white, black, blue, or brindle. Though muscular and courageous, good breeding has made Staffies even-tempered companions.
American Bully(Photo Credit: alberto clemares expósito via Getty Images)
A modern breed, the American Bully was first recognized in the 1990s. They were developed by breeding the American Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier with other bully type breeds like the English Bulldog.
The American Bully has a thick, muscular build on a shorter body than other types of this breed. They have a larger head with skin folds around the neck and wide set eyes. This breed comes in four size varieties from pocket to extra large size.
Bull Terrier(Photo Credit: KSnumber1 via Getty Images)
The Bull Terrier is the least common pit bull breed today. Originating in England in the 1800s, they were bred by crossing bulldogs with terriers to create an agile, strong fighter. Their distinct "egg-shaped" head makes them easily recognizable.
Though bred for the pit, Bull Terriers later became beloved as family pets due to their playful nature and devotion to their owners. They need extensive socialization to curb any dog aggression tendencies. Proper handling brings out their comical, charming side.
Pit Bull Training TipsObedience training and early socialization are highly recommended. Their intelligence allows them to excel at obedience work, agility, tracking, and more. Reward-based training builds a cooperative spirit.
Pit bulls respond best to confident, consistent leadership. Their stubbornness warrants patience and persistence. Always use positive reinforcement – harsh methods can backfire. Invest time and effort into making yours a great canine citizen.
Pit bull breeds make wonderful pets for owners who understand their needs for training, activity, socialization, and responsible management. With an informed, dedicated pet parent, a pit bull can be an outstanding companion.
The Difference Between a Pit Bull and an American Pit Bull TerrierNot only do American Pit Bull Terriers need better public relations, but there is also a lot of confusion between… Advocacy DogTime
Pit Bull Puppies: Cute Pictures and FactsPit Bull puppies sure are cute! When someone refers to a "Pit Bull puppy," you can probably picture a certain kind… Puppies DogTime
The Truth About Pit Bulls and AggressionThe truth about Pit Bulls and aggression is that they are not inherently aggressive dogs. Pit Bulls were originally bred… Dog Behavior DogTime
10 Reasons Why Pit Bulls Make Great Therapy DogsIn the realm of companionship and emotional support, dogs have long been steadfast allies to humans. They offer unconditional love,… Lifestyle DogTime
The post 5 Types of Pit Bull Dog Breeds appeared first on DogTime.
View comments
Family Are 'heartbroken' At Death Of Their Beloved Staffordshire Bull Terrier Cross They Say Caught Killer Infection In Flooded Garden
A family are 'heartbroken' after their rescue dog died by contracting E. Coli from flooding in the garden - causing a horrific skin infection.
Irene McGhee, 39, adopted Chase, a Staffordshire bull terrier cross, at just 18 months old - hoping he might bring her youngest daughter out of her shell, but he sadly died after contracting the infection.
This comes after devastated pet owners previously told MailOnline how their healthy dogs have come into contact with algae and suffered horrendous symptoms such as fits, seizures, 'toxic' diarrhoea and being sick, including 'healthy' three-year-old Jack Russell-Chihuahua mix Teddy, who came in contact with the algae on a beach walk and passed away just 19 hours later.
Chase had been rescued and returned twice previously from the Hamilton SPCA, but the family fell in love immediately.
The Drumchapel in Scotland family looked after Chase for seven years, until problems arose in November 2022.
Poor weather conditions had caused flooding in Ms McGhee's back garden, and after reporting it to Pineview Housing Association, she was told to wait until summer to see if the situation improved.
Irene McGhee (right), 39, adopted Chase (left), a Staffordshire bull terrier cross, at just 18 months old - but he died after contracting E. Coli from flooding in the garden
Chase had been rescued and returned twice previously from the Hamilton SPCA, but the family fell in love immediately
The algae in Ms McGhee's back garden, that she believes caused the E. Coli in her dog Chase
In April this year, Chase began to lose fur and develop small lumps and cuts on his skin.
Immediately concerned, Ms McGhee took Chase to the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), a veterinary charity.
There he was examined and given antibiotics for any infection - but after 13 weeks of treatment, his condition only got worse.
The family went to a second vet, where a swab was taken of Chase's wounds - four days later, they were informed that Chase was suffering from E. Coli.
Ms McGhee believes that the only place that E. Coli could have come from is from the flooding and algae left in her garden.
Ms McGhee began contacting the housing association daily, concerned about Chase and about the potential harm that could be caused to her and her children.
Ms McGhee alleges that it took 12 weeks, from May until September for the housing association to take action - and says they only remedied the situation after the loss of Chase. Sadly, two weeks ago, the family's beloved dog passed away.
Ms McGhee and her family are heartbroken and says that the housing association need to take responsibility for the lack of action and the death of Chase.
'Chase was a brilliant dog,' said Ms McGhee. 'We got him at eighteen months. We were his third owners, because he kept getting sent back - he didn't like other animals.
'When we took him, he was absolutely fine. We had him for five years before he passed away two weeks ago.
'He had had raised lumps and he was losing fur. We took him to the PDSA, who said that it might be a skin allergy, so she gave him steroids. She thought it was infected too, so she gave him antibiotics.
'We were at the PDSA for thirteen weeks, and after thirteen weeks, it kept getting worse.
'She told me she didn't know what else to do - she just told me that he was suffering. She told us that if we got money to go to a private vet, they could do a biopsy.
'We took him to the private vet, who took a swab. She told us immediately that there was an infection in his body and that she could smell the dead flesh.
'She took a swab and gave him some antibiotics, and then phoned me back about four or five days later to tell us that the antibiotics wouldn't work for Chase.
'She told me he had E. Coli in his skin. I asked where he'd got it from and she said to me that it wasn't anything that he'd eaten or drank, he'd had a cut somewhere in his body - he's stood in dirty water.
'The only place that he would've been in dirty water is in my back garden, because those puddles were lying there since last November.'
Ms McGhee claims to have gone to every length to inform the housing association of her situation - contacting them initially when the problem began, and then contacting them daily once it was revealed that the situation could have caused Chase's E. Coli.
'There was no drainage in the back. When I got the Housing Association in November, they told me to wait until summertime because it was just that time of year.
'I phoned them back out in May - we didn't know then that it was E. Coli. They had a look in the back and said they definitely need to get drainage done and they would get it done ASAP.'
In April this year, Chase began to lose fur and develop small lumps and cuts on his skin
Staffordshire bull terrier cross, Chase who developed large open wounds as a result of E. Coli
Ms McGhee believes that the only place that E. Coli could have come from is from the flooding and algae left in her garden
'Obviously, when we took Chase to the private vet and found out it was E. Coli, I was constantly on the phone, every day, asking them what's happening and when they're coming to do the drainage.
'At first, they were saying it was because they were trying to find somebody, and then they said that they had to get three quotes from people.
'I told them I'd had enough - if this is what it's doing to my dog, what is it doing to me and my three kids?
'They told us they would take the first quote and send someone out, but it took them twelve weeks to actually get someone to come out.
'They had someone come out last month to do the drainage, but there was still green algae and water lying out the back, and that was after the drainage had been done.
'When they saw the story in the news, they had someone out to returf the back garden last week.
'After they told us there was E. Coli in the back, I haven't used the garden since. I'm not taking the chance. I'm not going back out there until I know for definite the E. Coli is gone.
'They did say they would send someone out to take soil samples - but I emailed them two weeks later and they told me they aren't coming.'
Ms McGhee and her family are struggling both with the loss of their beloved Chase, and with the lack of compassion from the Pineview Housing Association.
'I'm absolutely disgusted with the way they've handled this. They haven't cared. I kept telling them to think about what it's doing to me and my kids - they don't know where this has come from.
'My youngest girl is absolutely distraught. We got Chase to help her, because she's autistic. Chase brought her out of her shell, and she was talking.
'Now that Chase has passed away, she's went back into herself and she's having a bit of a hard time at home and at school. She doesn't talk as much, she's just crying.
'We're all heartbroken and distraught. This isn't what we wanted for Chase - we wanted to give him a good life.
'I just want the housing association to take responsibility for what's happened.'
A Pineview Housing Association spokesman said: 'Our thoughts are with Ms McGhee and her family at this time.
'At Pineview Housing Association we take any concern raised by our residents very seriously and we consider that we have acted reasonably and responsibly in this case.
'We are committed to always providing a high standard of service and this has been reflected in our most recent independent tenant satisfaction survey which demonstrated very high levels of satisfaction.
'We are very sorry to hear about the passing of Ms McGhee's dog and we recognise how upsetting the loss of a much-loved pet must be.'
'Princess On Board': Internet In Love With 19-Year-Old Dog's Stair Lift
As our pets age, they may need a little bit more help around the house, much like us humans.
One pet owner who has gone above and beyond for their 19-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier is TikTok user, and the owner of Mia, @mia19_year_old_staffy.
In a video with over 158,500 views on the platform, Mia can be seen getting into her personalized, pink, fur-lined stair lift, complete with "Princess on board" bumper sticker. Mia rides it to the top of the stairs, enjoys some treats, then comes back down.
The average life expectancy of Staffordshire bull terriers is 12 to 14 years, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC), so Mia is doing incredibly well.
With the right care, senior dogs can live fulfilled and active lifestyles. Just because they may no longer do hourly zoomies, they still have a lot of love to give, whether that's by curling up at your feet, or going on a leisurely walk around the block.
It's important to keep your senior dog active, but adjust exercise to their specific needs.
A senior Staffordshire bull terrier lies down. A 19 year old Staffie much like this one has got her very own stair lift. Stanzi11/Getty Images"If you were to give older dogs a choice, they would likely skip jogging marathons and mountain hikes," says the AKC. "But increasing age doesn't have to mean decreasing activity. Senior dogs still want to play games, get exercise, and go out to sniff the world every day. Even if they need a little encouragement, it's important to keep up their strength and muscle tone. Stiff joints need all the support they can get."
As well as their physical health, their mental health is also important as your dog ages. "Senior dogs can suffer from age-related cognitive decline, including cognitive dysfunction syndrome, which is all the more reason to provide lots of enrichment opportunities," says the AKC. "In fact, mental stimulation is a surefire way to prevent boredom, encourage engagement with you and the environment, and keep your dog happy." The AKC suggests purchasing puzzle toys and a snuffle hat.
Take your senior dog to the vet regularly so they are able to spot any potential issues as early as possible. "Have blood and urine tests evaluated at least once a year," recommends VCA Animal Hospitals. "Early detection of chronic diseases such as kidney disease, thyroid disease, and diabetes is the key to successful treatment and preservation of quality of life. Your veterinarian may also recommend chest and abdominal radiographs (X-rays) to screen for disease and assess heart health."
Users on TikTok could not believe Mia's age. "19 years of being an absolute icon," wrote one. "Aw bless her she's adorable can't believe she's 19," posted another.
Newsweek has reached out to @mia19_ear_old_staffy via TikTok for comment.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.Com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Comments
Post a Comment