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ERICAN At _,„ u lèrn!ers <br /> CLASSIC PIT BULL PERSONALITY <br /> An American Tradition: This hardy, vibrant and <br /> highly social little working dog loves a good challenge as much <br /> , \ <br /> as he loves a good belly rub. Strength, confidence, a sense of <br /> humor and a zest for life are all hallmarks of the breed. <br /> The Standard: Real American Pit Bull Terriers are outgoing and <br /> i <br /> ' './1 ,. ,.. . ,ll'i tom: people loving. Properly socialized dogs are extremely friendly, even <br /> �' ", with strangers, and therefore do not make good guard dogs. They're p <br /> intelligent and eager to please and tend to remain playful throughout <br /> 1 their lives. While some can be low key'couch potatoes,'many others -- <br /> ,$' need a job to do to channel their enthusiasm and energy.They excel <br /> 1 h` in dog sports, search and rescue work, drug and bomb detection <br /> work, and as therapy dogs. Severe shyness, fearfulness or human- <br /> directed aggression is not characteristic of the breed and highly <br /> undesirable in any dog.APBTs should be medium sized dogs,with <br /> _ _ males no more than 65 lbs.They're frequently misidentified and <br /> confused with other short-haired breeds and breed mixes. <br /> True to their terrier natures,American Pit Bull Terriers should be managed around other <br /> animals, although most can enjoy affectionate friendships with select dogs and even cats given proper <br /> introductions and supervision.Adult dog behavior in all dog breeds results from a combination of nature and <br /> nurture and is influenced by a dog's genetics, socialization,training and owner management. <br /> The Challenges: As charming as they can be, today's anti-pit bull climate can make it difficult <br /> to own an APBT. Breed myths are widespread and can force owners to wear thick skins while defending their <br /> pets from hurtful biases and breed discrimination. Finding breed-friendly rental properties requires persistence. <br /> Dog tolerance levels vary, so stewards are obligated to understand terrier traits and stay realistic about their <br /> duties as responsible dog owners. Meeting their exercise needs can be a challenge in urban areas (Small play <br /> groups with known dog friends are preferred over chaotic, problem filled dog parks).The exuberance of <br /> younger dogs can test a passive dog owner's patience.As with all dogs, obedience training is recommended. <br /> AMERICAN TEMPERAMENT TEST (ATTS) SCORES MARCH 2011 * <br /> qVNumber Tested Number Passed <br /> � r <br /> PIT BULL DOGS A <br /> American Pit Bull Terriers 804 86.4% LAIL <br /> PARTNERS <br /> American Staffordshire Terrier 627 84.2% I'] SH L L I E R <br /> SERVICES <br /> Staffordshire Bull Terrier 117 89.7% <br /> *The ATTS test simulates a casual walk in a neighborhood and rates a dog's response to every day life situations. For more information,visit <br /> Partnersinshelterservices.org <br />