Misconceptions About The Canine Breed: Pitbull

There are many misconceptions about the canine breed “pitbull.” Though believe it or not, there is no such thing. Typically, there are around three to five different breeds that are considered pitbulls. The American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bulldog, and the Bull Terrier are the breeds that are considered pitbulls (Alvarado. 2016). The Staffordshire Bull Terriers’ biological background will be the highlight of this research. Specifically, their taxonomic group, characteristics of the species, developmental process, behavior, and some diseases that can/will affect the animal. Many things can be reconsidered after obtaining information about this uncertain animal.
The first category
that will be explained is the taxonomic group. Canines are listed under the family Canidae, which includes only dog-like mammals. For example, coyotes, foxes, wolves, and jackals. Going further down the taxonomic scale, there is the genus Canis. The Canis is specific to canines, while the species Canis lupus only includes wolves and family dogs. Finally, the subspecies Canis Lupus Familiaris, particularly family dogs, which includes multiple breeds, all with their own characteristics and traits (“Levels of classification,” n.d.). There are many characteristics of the Canis Familiaris (canine) that set them apart from other species’. Specifically, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier nicknamed the Staffy, has a smooth short haired coat that comes in a variety of colors; red, fawn, white, blue, black, brindle, and seal are the most known. Male’s typically grow up to 14-16 inches tall and approximately 25-38 pounds. While females grow to be 13-15 inches tall and 23-35 pounds. The AKC states a Staffordshire Bull Terrier “should be as long as it is tall” (“Staffordshire bull terrier dog breed information,” n.d.). Most can identify this canine out of their “pitbull siblings” by the fact they have a black nose, stocky head, and a broad chest.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier as well as other animals have a personalized developmental process customized just for them through many years of evolution.
The puppy stage lasts until six to eighteen months. During this time, they harbor most of their life milestones. For example, touch and smell develop right after birth. Between two and four weeks, puppies begin to stand, bark, walk a little bit, and wag their tail. During weeks three through twelve, socialization needs to happen between other canines and humans. They also gain full use of all their senses, and can experience real fear to everyday objects. The adolescent phase starts right after puppyhood ends, between six and eighteen months. Which includes the teething process as well as ranking of the pack. Pack mentality is extremely important in not only one specific breed, but all Canidae. Canines will have the most influence on their behavior by fellow pack members. Sexual behavior will also start occurring during the adolescent time, if the dog is not spayed or neutered. Adulthood is considered twelve months of age until three or six years. After that is the geriatric (senior) stage that or which, lasts between six years old and until the dog passes away (Stages of puppy development,
n.d.)
Now, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier reproductive process will be examined.
There are four phases of reproduction that is universal to canine’s. If the female dog is not spayed, they will go into heat every five to nine months. The first phase, the proestrus stage, lasts about nine days. Between these days the female (bitch) starts releasing pheromones to attract males (stud or sire) and ends when the female becomes receptive to the male. Phase two, the estrus phase is the time a female is willing to breed. It lasts between seven to nine days, but could last up to twenty. Ovulation in the female occurs on the second day of estrus or the twelfth day of the heat cycle. Veterinarians can do a vaginal cytology on the female during this time to gauge when the ovulation will start. The third phase diestrus or also known as the luteal phase begins. During the luteal phase, the bitch will no longer stand for the stud. If she becomes pregnant, she will stay pregnant for 56-58 days. The last phase, anestrus, is the time where the female is back to normal life. Her progesterone levels are lowered to their original state, and lasts around 130-150 days. C-sections have become most popular throughout the years due to breeders taking the birth plan into their hands. Many Staffordshire Bull Terriers do have C-sections, but not for reasons one may think. Most commonly it is because breeders become selfish and “force” the females to mate with males that are much larger than they are. Which
causes the puppies to become too big for the mother to push out (Puppy behavior basics, n.d.).
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier and it’s other pitbull siblings undergo a fierce amount of judgement. Unfortunately, many assume because of the Staffy’s stature and other appearance features that they are a tough and mean dog, and they would rather fight than love. Luckily, research has proven that the Staffordshire Bull Terriers’ traits are more affectionate than presumed. They love to be around people and are wonderful with other dogs if they have been socialized properly as a puppy. Just like any other canine, they do well with patient children. This breed of dog needs a strong confident leader to train them, as they tend to be a tad stubborn.
Disease is an unbiased ailment, although, there are some diseases that are specific to the canine (Staffordshire Bull Terrier). Most diseases can be prevented with early prevention like a proper vaccination schedule. Other diseases come with age and environment. Two of the most common diseases include canine parvovirus and infectious canine tracheobronchitis “kennel cough.” Kennel cough is an extremely contagious disease that attacks the respiratory system. Canines can contract this disease by being in highly populated dog facilities, as well as direct contact or contaminated surfaces (Kennel cough in dogs, 2016). Staffordshire Bull Terriers are more prone to cataracts, hip dysplasia, skin allergies, and congenital deafness. Canine Parvovirus most commonly condensed to “Parvo” affects canines who are usually under the age of one and without their vaccination cycle completed. The way this virus attacks the body is by splitting the intestinal tract cells, while attacking white blood cells. Although, there are a handful of breeds that are more prone to the virus. For example, Doberman pinschers, American Staffordshire Terriers, German Sheppard’s, Labs, and Rottweilers. It is an extremely contagious disease that is transmitted virally through dog feces, and can last in the environment for up to 7+ months. Traditional symptoms of parvo are lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea (“Parvovirus infection,” n.d.). There are no antibiotics or drugs to cure this virus as of now. The only way to truly treat parvo is by hospitalization, intravenous fluids, general antibiotics and other drugs to keep the dog comfortable. Even with the best veterinary care, parvovirus infected canines usually have a poor prognosis. It typically depends on how early care was provided.
The biological background of the canine, specifically the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, is more in depth than just cute snuggly features. Many are not aware that the taxonomic group of the canine is so intricate. For example, the common family dog is in fact called Canis Lupus Familiaris. While the characteristics of the canine has a general template, the Staffy has more defined features than most. Including a broad chest, a stocky head, and a black nose. Numerous individuals believe pitbulls have nasty behaviors. With that being said, it truly is how the animal is raised and not just the breed.