American Pit Bull Terrier

Spud is a most unlikely addition to our family. Not because of his character, but due to my own misconception of that character. I guess when I first heard 'Pit Bull' I associated the name with dog fighting and agressive attacks. So when the kids said they wanted one, I said, "No way." After some further urging from my husband to research the breed (he's a terrier lover, pure and simple) I decided to contact a breeder and see for myself what these dogs were like.

This breeder bred and sold Pit Bulls, and they were his choice of family pet. I was able to see firsthand how these dogs interacted with his kids. Unbelievable!

The very first thing was his dogs running up to me with their tails wagging. They started licking my hand right then and there, but they were quick to obey their owner and stop. I expressed my concerns about having one around my kids. He told me to wait in my car due to the danger of what he was about to show me. This seemed serious, so I quickly went to the car and waited for him to return from the house.

In his arms was his little girl and by his side was his little boy, ages three and four, respectively. Bouncing behind him were his two pet Pits. When he got to my car he motioned me out and set the little girl down. The two pits were immediately licking her like a lollypop on a stick while she giggled with joy. I watched the dogs play with those kids for more than an hour. And during that time, his little girl pulled and tugged on their ears and tail to the point that I became more than nervous. But not once did either dog offer even a hint of aggression. Suggesting that I remain in the car due to the danger was his way of emphasizing a point: that there was no danger and that my fears were unwarranted.

The breeder then introduced me to a litter of Pitbull pups and I was hooked. You should have seen the family's excitement when I got home and walked in the door holding this fearful demon named Spud. What a great family dog our Pit has turned out to be.