The American Pit Bull Terrier – fun facts!

(excerpted from www.terrificpets.com)

There are lots of interesting things to know about the American Pit Bull Terrier, and pit bull lovers are proud to tout the positives of this controversial breed. In years past, the American Pit Bull Terrier was famous as the consummate children’s guardian and companion. In the original “Little Rascals” television series, the spotted-eyed dog named Pete that trailed along on all those rascally adventures was an American Pit Bull Terrier. Pit bulls have the nickname of the “Nanny’s Dog” because historically they have proven to be very good with children, and enjoy playing and watching over them. American Pit Bull Terriers are also noted working dogs, serving humans in many capacities.

Here are more interesting facts about Pitties:

Pit bulls are often trained as Police and Customs dogs because of their high intelligence and “sniffing abilities”.

Pit Bulls are frequently used as bomb sniffing dogs and as drug sniffing dogs.

The largest single DEA drug-bust in history was made thanks to the efforts of a dog named Popsicle; Popsicle located over 3,000 pounds of cocaine in a Texas drug raid.

American Pit Bull Terriers make excellent search and rescue dogs, too, which is partially attributed to their affection for humans.

Sgt. Stubby saved a platoon of U.S. soldiers by warning them of a German gas-attack and captured a German spy; this after having been wounded twice in action.

American Pit bull Terriers are notable therapy dogs who visit the elderly and patients recovering from emotional trauma.

Pit bulls have served as guide and service dogs for wheel-chair bound paraplegics.

Many of the American Pit Bull Terriers that are used in service have been rescued.

Dakota of the Columbia rescue mission was a rescued APBT.

Numerous pit bulls used as therapy dogs were rescue animals.
American Pit Bull Terriers are a favored pet of many famous celebrities, including Jennifer Lopez, Jon Stewart, Rachel Ray, Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel, Alicia Silverstone, and Michael J. Fox.

American Pit Bull Terriers have also been famous representatives and mascots:  The pit bull was the U.S. mascot in both World War I and II. The mascot on the logo of the Buster Brown Shoe company is a pit bull.
It is interesting to read about the many positive stories and interesting facts associated with the American Pit Bull Terrier, particularly given the negative attention the once-loved breed has received in most recent years. These facts and stories stand as testament to the better side of the pit bull breed.