Pitbulls get a bit of a bad reputation. While they have been used in fighting rings, most Pitbull owners today will tell you that these dogs are actually incredibly loving and sweet.
Many other misconceptions come along with these amazing dogs. One of these misconceptions is about what the breed itself really is. The Pitbull is not actually a breed, but rather a type of dog that includes two AKC-recognized breeds, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier, as well as a breed not recognized by the AKC, the American Pitbull Terrier.
This last breed is almost identical to the American Staffordshire Terrier, and many of them are registered as such.
These are just a few of the most common misconceptions surrounding Pitbulls, and Black Pitbulls especially tend to have a lot of misinformation surrounding them.
The Pitbull’s History
One of the reasons such negative feelings surround the Pitbull is because they have historically been used in many cruel and violent blood sports. This includes bear-baiting, bull-baiting, and participating in dog fighting rings.
The breeds that comprise the Pitbull dog type have been bred to have extremely powerful jaws and sturdy, strong bodies to make them more effective at these sports.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was the first Pitbull breed to exist and was bred in England. These dogs made their way to the United States in the 1880s, where a larger version, the American Staffordshire Terrier, or AmStaff, was developed.
By 1835, blood sports were outlawed in England, though some continued in secret. However, with the help of ethical breeding, over the decades these dogs have been bred to be much calmer companions.
While the Pitbull may not be right for a first-time dog owner, if you are an experienced owner up for a rewarding challenge, the Pitbull might be the right breed for you. You’ll find that these dogs are incredibly loving, loyal, and affectionate.
What Is a Black Pitbull?
As the name implies, a Black Pitbull is a Pitbull that is black in color. They shouldn’t have any other color present on their bodies.
Many people believe that Black Pitbulls are a completely separate breed. But it’s entirely possible for all of the breeds that make up the Pitbull dog type to have solid black puppies.
Aside from their color, there is nothing else that distinguishes the Black Pitbull from other Pitbull dogs. That means that a Black Pitbull could be a Staffordshire Terrier, an AmStaff, or an American Pitbull Terrier.
Personality
Many people are afraid of Pitbulls. But the truth is that these are incredibly loyal and affectionate dogs.
Despite their past use in fighting rings and blood sports, these can be very gentle dogs that bond extremely closely with their owners. If you adopt one of these dogs, you can expect a deeply loving dog for life.
However, you should also know that these dogs can be extremely strong-willed and stubborn. This can make training a challenge at times. You’ll want to use lots of positive reinforcement when training these dogs.
Black Pitbulls can also be very clownish dogs, which delights many enthusiasts. This is a breed that will never fail to make you laugh.
Health Needs
Pitbull breeds are, in general, very hearty and sturdy dogs. But like all breeds, they can be prone to certain medical conditions.
These dogs tend to suffer from issues like allergies, heart disease, and coat and skin issues. You should make sure you know the signs of these issues, and bring your dog to the vet if you suspect that he may be sick.
When it comes to food, make sure you are feeding your Black Pitbull high-quality food. 1 to 2 cups of dry food should be enough to nourish your Pitbull.
Exercise Needs
Like other Pitbull breeds, Black Pitbulls require frequent exercise to keep them healthy and in good shape. A walk or two each day may not be enough for these dogs.
A few rounds of fetch will help burn off some energy, as will a jog around the block. Your Black Pitbull will especially appreciate a long hiking adventure.
Grooming Needs
The Black Pitbull is very easily groomed. They have short coats that only need to be brushed two or three times a week to keep healthy.
Bathe your Black Pitbull a few times a year with a gentle shampoo to keep his coat and skin in good shape.
Why Do Black Pitbulls Have a Bad Reputation?
These are incredibly sweet animals that form very close-knit bonds with their families. Their goofy, loving natures make them an incredibly desirable breed.
So why do they have such a bad reputation?
Many factors go into the Black Pitbull’s reputation. First, the Pitbull’s past plays a huge role in perceptions of this breed. The fact that they were used in such bloody and violent sports and games has made it difficult for the breed to shake off the idea that these are naturally aggressive dogs.
There’s also the fact that the media tends to play into the idea that these are naturally violent dogs too. While it’s true that these dogs have been known to attack other animals and people, that’s not unusual for any breed. German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and many other breeds have been known to do the same thing. However, they may not get the same amount of press as a Pitbull would in this situation.
Aggressive dogs are usually the result of bad breeding or improper training and socialization.
How to Find a Black Pitbull Breeder
When it comes to looking for any kind of breeder, the most important thing is to do your research. Always go through a reputable breeder, and avoid backyard breeders at all costs.
Once you find a breeder, make sure that you’re able to get the medical history of both of the puppy’s parents. A good breeder will avoid breeding dogs that have health issues together.
Also, make sure to ask questions when you find a breeder. Ask things like how long they’ve been breeding for, if you can see where the puppies are being housed, when the puppies will be able to leave their mother, and whether the puppies have been checked by a vet.
Questions like these will help ensure you’re getting a healthy puppy with a good temperament.
