Pits and Rotts for Life Rescue, Inc. All Rights Reserved
The American Pit Bull Terrier/The American
Staffordshire Terrier








  • Like the vast majority of dog breeds, "bullies", as we call them, were bred for a specific
    purpose. The term "pit bull" actually refers to quite a few breeds of dog including boxers,
    bull terriers, and staffordshire bull terriers. The two most commonly seen dogs referred to
    as "pit bulls" are the aforementioned American Pit Bull Terrier and The American
    Staffordshire Terrier. These two breeds are very similar in size an appearance, however
    APBT's are not a part of the AKC registry. The UKC does recognize them. Many AmStaff's
    are duly registered with both the AKC and UKC.
  • The term "pit" was added to the name, not because of being placed in a pit to fight another
    dog. These dogs actually were originally bred to take down bulls - imagine their strength!
    When this was outlawed in England, owners of these dogs turned to "ratting", which
    included placing dogs in a pit with rats for a specified amount of time, seeing how many
    they could "get". Unfortunately this practice soon turned into the illegal dogfighting
    practices we see today.
  • These dogs are of medium build, incredibly strong, intelligent, friendly, and always have
    the genes bred into them to be aggressive toward other animals.  Animal aggression is not
    to be confused with human aggression. Bullies presenting unprovoked human aggressive
    characteristics, extreme and unwarranted shyness, and instability are not examples of the
    true breed's temperment, and should not be placed into adoptive homes.
  • Pit Bulls are playful, fun-loving, entertaining dogs. They do not tire easily and will keep you
    laughing with their antics.
  • Pit Bulls are very determined dogs. It is important to socialize and train your dog from the
    very beginning to establish your leadership. They require quite a bit of mental and physical
    stimulation. A training class is an excellent bonding experience.
  • Never trust your pit bull not to fight with another dog. They are relatively slow-maturing
    dogs, sometimes not showing their full personality until 3 or even 4 years old. If you are
    bringing your pit bull into a home with other animals, or add animals later, you must use
    caution and never leave them unattended.
  • Be prepared for some uncaring stares and negative comments about your choice of dog.
    The best thing you can do, not only for your dog, but all other pit bulls, is to be a good
    owner. Be aware, be knowledgeable, and always practice safety by never leaving them
    roam, tied out, or in your yard unattended. Supervise their interactions with people and
    other dogs - and not from a distance. Each and every time an uneducated owner allows
    their pit bull to get into trouble by not practicing good ownership, hundreds more die as
    the media blasts the story, instilling fear and hatred in the public. You cannot become, or
    allow your dog to become, a statistic.
Rottweiler








  • Rottweilers originated in Germany as butcher's guard dogs. They are incredibly intelligent,
    headstrong dogs with an innate desire to protect his or her family and home. They are
    often used in police work and excel in obedience training. They need a very strong owner
    to allow them the exercise, interaction, and structure they require.
  • As a very popular dog breed, inexperienced and uneducated breeders have created
    unstable bloodlines, which has created bad press in recent years. While they do have a
    very strong guard-dog instinct, they were also bred to be loyal and loving family pets.
    Please note that instability and aggression is an undesired trait, and dogs presenting these
    characteristics should not be placed in an adoptive home.
  • Rottweilers maintain an air of security and sometimes arrogance. They need their owner to
    teach them what is expected of them. They can be a challenge for novice owners, and
    these owners should provide their dog, as well as themselves, with a professional trainer
    that has experience with these breeds.
  • Rotties have a high endurance and need alot of physical and mental stimulation. They
    should be allowed plenty of outdoor time. A bored and under-excercised Rottie will be a
    challenge for any owner.
  • Many rottie fanciers swear by the NILIF (Nothing In Life Is Free) training. Discuss this
    method with your trainer if you are interested. You can read more about NILIF here.
  • Rotties are very playful dogs, and you and your family will delight in watching them
    pounce, roll over, and chase for hours on end.
  • Much like with pit bulls, be prepared for people to make comments about your owning a
    "dangerous dog". Practice good ownership practices, train your dog, excercise your dog,
    and always have your dog under control. They should not be allowed to roam loose under
    any circumstances, and should never be tied out. Again, be aware of the situation, and
    supervise always. Just as with a pit bull, each and every time an uneducated owner allows
    their rottweiler to get into trouble by not practicing good ownership, hundreds more die as
    the media blasts the story, instilling fear and hatred in the public. You cannot become, or
    allow your dog to become, a statistic.
Pits And Rotts For Life Rescue, Inc.
Our
adoption application can
be accessed HERE
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Pit bulls and rottweilers are two of the
most misunderstood breeds in the history
of dogs. It is our duty to educate our
adopters or potential adopters of the
characteristics that make each dog what
they are.
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