Presents a balanced view in an attempt to counter the bad publicity the breed has received in recent years

The hugely illuminating story of how a popular breed of dog became the most demonized and supposedly the most dangerous of dogs—and what role humans have played in the transformation. When Bronwen Dickey brought her new dog home, she saw no traces of the infamous viciousness in her affectionate, timid pit bull. Which made her wonder: How had the breed—beloved by Teddy Roosevelt, Helen Keller, and Hollywood’s “Little Rascals”—come to be known as a brutal fighter? Her search for answers takes her from nineteenth-century New York City dogfighting pits—the cruelty of which drew the attention of the recently formed ASPCA—to early twentieth‑century movie sets, where pit bulls cavorted with Fatty Arbuckle and Buster Keaton; from the battlefields of Gettysburg and the Marne, where pit bulls earned presidential recognition, to desolate urban neighborhoods where the dogs were loved, prized—and sometimes brutalized. Whether through love or fear, hatred or devotion, humans are bound to the history of the pit bull. With unfailing thoughtfulness, compassion, and a firm grasp of scientific fact, Dickey offers us a clear-eyed portrait of this extraordinary breed, and an insightful view of Americans’ relationship with their dogs.

Reveals the positive realities about the Pit Bull Terrier and its usefulness in society.

Since the dawn of humanity no animal has affected the course of mankind as has the American Pit Bull Terrier in the twilight of the twentieth century. Battle cries and witch hunts, pit men tumbling and the media fumbling and mumbling, unqualified infanticide and euthanized puppies--fiery controversy sears the concern and passion of this noble canine's best friends, the men and children who know the Pit Bull Terrier intimately.

Dedicated to the American Pit Bull Terrier, one of the world’s most loyal, intelligent, and versatile breeds, this Smart Owner’s Guide, created by the editors at Dog Fancy magazine, offers the most up-to-date and accurate information every dog owner needs to become a well-informed caregiver for his dog. Illustrated with color photographs of adorable puppies and handsome adults, this easy-to-read primer is designed in a modern, lively manner that readers will find user-friendly and entertaining. Each Smart Owner’s Guide offers a description of the breed’s character and physical conformation, historical overview, and its attributes as a companion dog. The reader will find informative chapters on everything he or she needs to know about acquiring, raising, and training this remarkable purebred dog, including: finding a breeder and selecting a healthy, sound puppy; preparing for the puppy’s homecoming, shopping for supplies, and puppy-proofing the home; house-training; veterinary and home health maintenance; feeding and nutrition; and grooming. Obedience training for basic cues (sit, stay, heel, come, etc.) and solving potential problem behaviors (barking, chewing, aggression, jumping up, etc.) are addressed in separate chapters, as are activities to enjoy with the dog, including showing, agility, therapy work, and more. Entertaining tidbits and smart advice fill up colorful sidebars in every chapter, real-life heroes and rescue stories are retold in full-page features, and recipes, training, and care tips are also highlighted on special pages. The Smart Owner’s Guide series is the only series that offers readers an online component in which dog owners can join a breed-specific online club hosted by dogchannel.com. At Club APBT, owners of the breed can find forums, blogs, and profiles to connect with other breed owners, as well as charts and checklists that can be downloaded. More than just 20,000 pages of solid information, there’s a host of fun to be had at the club in the form of downloadable breed-specific e-cards, screensavers, games, and quizzes. The Resources section of the book includes contact information for breed-related organizations and rescues, as well as practical guidance on traveling with dogs, identification, and locating qualified professionals to assist the dog owner, such as pet sitters, trainers, and boarding facilities. This information-packed Smart Owner’s Guide is fully indexed.

Originally published in 1926, the book is extremely rare in its first edition. The book comprises of a collection of articles put together by the editor of the Pit Bull Fancier - the leading Game Dog journal of the day - and is packed with photographs and information. A fascinating read for any fan of the breed. Contents Include: The Origin of the Bull Terrier Famous Dogs of the Past Battle Record of Maguires Old Smuggler Farewell to the Game The Famous Old Danger Two Famous Battles Jack the Ripper The Turk vs Jim Battle The Great Interstate Battle Superior Gameness Shown in Major vs Shine A Lively Dog Fight The Famous Gas House Dog Famous Battles Battle Given by H.E Reynolds of Jackson, Mississippi Corcoran's Terry The Famous Crazy Kate Through that First One A Battle of Interest Rules Governing Recognized Pit Contests The Pit Bull Terrier of Today A Word to Beginners Careful Breeding Training of a Pup Feeding the Pup How to Condition for the Pit Handling in the Pit Three Game Dog Types On Gameness To Chain Break a Dog Diseases and Treatment Rabies or Hydrophobia Care of Bitch and Puppies When to Breed The Spring-Pole Some of the Foul Tricks Used Names of Some Great Dog Fanciers and Their Dogs Learn By Doing A Flea to the JuryKeywords: Pit Bull Terrier Game Dog Leading Game Famous Battles Old Smuggler Pup Gameness Bull Dogs House Dog Terrier Dogs Famous Dogs Crazy Kate Maguires Jack The Ripper Jackson Mississippi Corcoran

Discusses the history, physical characteristics, care, and breeding of the American pit bull terrier, an extremely strong dog known for its willingness to fight.