October is not only National Pit bull Awareness Month, but October 28 is also National Pit bull Awareness Day. To celebrate, we are sharing some lesser-known facts about pit bulls in the hopes everyone will see pit bulls for what they are—normal, loving, animals.

1. The Label “Pit bull” Usually Refers to a Cross Breed

Dogs recognized as pit bulls are actually a cross breed of bulldogs and terriers. There are five combinations of breeds that typically get labeled as pit bulls. Those are:

• American bulldogs
• American pit bull terrier
• American Staffordshire terriers
• Staffordshire bull terrier
• English bull terrier

2. Pit bulls’ Lineage Traces Back to England in the 1600s

Pit bulls descend from bulldogs. Bulldogs were used as early as the 1600s for bull and bear baiting (their name descends from their use as bull baiters). In the mid-1800s, some very observant people determined such blood sports were very cruel and made bull baiting illegal. For those who this decision was less obviously a very good one replaced bull baiting with dog fighting. To make it more entertaining, they crossbred bulldogs with terriers. The result was the animal that we know and love today.

3. Pit bulls Held a Lot of Value to Early American Immigrants

Pit bulls made their way to America on ships alongside immigrants looking for a new lease on life. Of course, early America was a tad more rustic than it is now, and survival was often a daily struggle. Because of their protective attributes, pit bulls were considered very valuable. 

• They helped their owners by protecting them. 
• They also defended livestock from predators and intruders. 
• They abetted hunts by acting as hog catchers. 
• Lastly, they served as companions to young children, which is the start of how they evolved into family pets.

So, without pit bulls, some early American families and communities may have suffered for lack of food or protection.

4. Pit bulls Make Great Family Pets

Photo by Mike Burke on Unsplash

Throughout the years, pit bulls continued to be great family pets. Despite the negative news that sometimes surrounds the typically muscular, square-headed dogs, pit bulls were ranked as the second most tolerant dogs in a test by the American Temperament Test Society, Inc., American Humane Association, ASPCA. The results were originally shared by The Huffington Post. 
The results also showed that in the overwhelming majority of cases where pit bulls were associated with attacks on people or other animals, the dog had been neglected or abused. Conditions where dogs are trained to be aggressive or are not trained to socialize are also circumstances that could cause a dog to behave negatively in certain situations. The point is, pit bulls are as good as their breeding. With love and training to be social, pit bulls are loving and loyal pets.

5. Pit bulls are Generally Healthy Dogs

Faithful pit bulls have good lifespans and can live 13-15 years with few health complications (they’re hardy dogs). The health problems that afflict them most often are bone diseases, skins allergies, thyroid problems and congenital heart defects.

6. Pit bulls Need a Lot of Exercise

Photo by Vance A. on Unsplash

Pit bulls are strong and energetic and therefore need daily exercise to keep them from getting bored. Walks are great for helping to socialize pit bulls. Of course, it is always recommended that pit bulls—like any dog, be walked on a leash.

7. Pit bulls Prefer Small Meals Several Times a Day

Some see a big, strong dog and think he has a big, strong appetite; however, pit bulls do better when they are fed 2-4 small meals during the day. Those meals should not be served within a half hour of exercise, either. For pit bulls, we’d recommend a high-protein, grain-free diet like Wellness CORE Original.

When fed, loved and trained well, pit bulls are some of the best dogs to have as pets. Help us at Wellness Pet Food celebrate National Pit bull Month this October by spreading the word to battle negative perceptions of these fabulous dogs.

Dogs are remarkable animals; they are wise, compassionate, intuitive and brave; however, some dogs, like these incredible service dogs, are just a cut above the rest. Their stories inspire us and remind us just how special dogs are and how much of a better place they make the world.

1. Chi Chi, “American Hero Dog” of the 2018 American Humane Hero Dog Awards®

Chi Chi’s heartwarming story reminds us that life often isn’t fair, but that doesn’t mean we should despair. Chi Chi was found starving and bound in a garbage bag in South Korea. None of Chi Chi’s limbs were salvageable, and she became a quadruple amputee. Remarkably, Chi Chi learned to trust people again despite her abuse. She was given custom prosthetics and soon after became a certified therapy dog. The joy that emanates from Chi Chi is palpable. In addition to overcoming her early traumas and going on to help others, Chi Chi is also a cancer survivor whose personality and attitude inspire and motivate everyone she meets. The ceremony honoring Chi Chi will be aired on national television on the Hallmark Channel on October 24 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

2. A Dog Named Hero Helps Military Sexual Assault Victim Heal 

It’s no coincidence Hero the dog’s name is ‘Hero’ given his heroism in helping his owner, Heidi Luke, overcome the PTSD stemming from a sexual assault endured while serving in the military. For Heidi, hero is her battle buddy who enables her to go about her life. She can now grocery shop without having a panic attack. Hero guards Heidi in public, keeping strangers from getting too close. Hero’s work is part of an effort called Healing Paws for Warriors; the objective is to minimize the number of veteran suicides that occur due to trauma resulting from military service. 

3. Lizzy the Labrador Gives Leigh Michel New Hope after Multiple Sexual Assaults During Army Service

As indicated by the NPR headline that details Leigh Michel’s harrowing tale, service dogs are taking on an increasingly prominent role in helping those who served in the military overcome trauma after being sexually assaulted. Unfortunately, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits for service dogs do not cover service dogs as therapy for mental illness; however, it is possible that as brave service members share their stories and their experiences with service dogs, that will change.

4. Willy’s Sense of Smell Saves His Owner’s Life

Madison Stangl was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes her first year at college. A few years after diagnosis, however, Madison developed a condition called hypoglycemia unawareness where she was unable to recognize warning signs of low blood pressure. Willy, a service dog came to Madison’s rescue. Trained to sniff out a drop or spike in blood sugar, Willy the golden retriever woke Madison in the middle of the night when her blood sugar was deathly low. Without Willy, Madison would have died.

5. Sully Serves Former President George H. W. Bush & Raises Awareness

As many know, former President George H. W. Bush suffers from Parkinson’s and has been hospitalized twice since his wife Barbara passed away in April 2018. Sully not only is helping the former POTUS, but the lovely yellow lab is helping to raise awareness via the Instagram account, @sullyhwbush, to raise awareness for and about the important role service dogs play in all of our lives.

Service dogs do amazing work, and we salute them in their various, honorable missions. To show our love and support, we at Wellness Pet Food stand firm by our dedication to making delicious, high-quality, all-natural foods, snacks, and treats that are designed to ensure wellness and longevity in all animals that enjoy them.