Читать книгу American Pit Bull Terrier Handbook - Joe Stahlkuppe - Страница 22

People are often interested in new breeds, exotic breeds, breeds from long ago or far away. One excellent way to gain a new look at any breed is to approach such a breed as if it had just surfaced. Breeds such as the Dogo de Argentino, the Akita, the Tosa Inu, the Anatolian Shepherd, and others are large, sometimes quite aggressive dogs. Unfortunately, the supporters of these dogs often fail to mention (or perhaps consider) aggressiveness or problem potential. These breeds have been heralded as “new” even though some of them are actually very ancient in heritage. Each is much larger than the APBT and could inflict substantial injury to humans or to other dogs. Interestingly, these large and aggressive “new” breeds don’t yet face the prejudice confronting the American Pit Bull Terrier.

Let us observe the APBT as if we had never heard of or seen the breed before. This breed may look quite different if we view it without any preconceived attitudes and we would probably herald it as the next wonder dog. There are many reasons that this “new” breed would gain immediate positive acceptance:

• It has a medium-length, low-maintenance coat, and is remarkably hardy.

• It is athletic, capable of many versatile roles and activities.

• It has an eye-catching, sturdy frame, available in many color and size variations.

• It is highly intelligent and very trainable, an obedience/agility/Schutzhund candidate.

• It is courageous and protective.

• It is excellent with adults and children.

• It is loyal, with lots of personality, and often quite clownish.

• Its ears can be cropped or left natural; the visual effect is much the same either way.

• It is not prone to many inheritable health problems or conditions.

• It is an excellent companion and pet.

• It is a good traveler, easily adaptable to most lifestyles and living arrangements.

• It has a strikingly forceful, yet attractive appearance, a definite crime deterrent.

• It is physically tough, with some hunting dog potential.

• It has a long and distinguished record as a movie star, as a war dog, and as a therapy dog.

• It is active enough for the grandchildren, yet reserved enough for the grandparents.

There are many more attributes of this breed that could be added to the list. A simple truth exists: If the APBT was to suddenly come onto the canine scene, he would be widely accepted and would be acclaimed as the next great dog breed. Instead of Jack Russell Terriers, which are very similar to APBTs in temperament, on sitcoms and in commercials, theatrical agents, film producers, and maddening crowds of fans would besiege APBTs. Any minor indiscretions that a particular APBT might commit would be considered all part of the unique character of this wonderful “newly discovered” breed.