American Pit Bull Terrier : A Comprehensive Guide to Owning and Caring for Your Dog

This Comprehensive Owner's Guide to the American Pit Bull Terrier serves as a complete introduction to the dog who can do virtually anything, regarded by his owners as the smartest, most devoted, and most versatile dog in existence. Despite the breed's controversial beginnings as a fighting dog and reams of bad press it has garnered in contemporary times, lovers of the APBT defend the breed as one of the true red, white, and blue originals, worthy of high praise for its flawless devotion. Author F. Favorito sits firmly in this camp and details the breed's origins without apology, offering fascinating insight and detail that all breed lovers will relish. The author continues with chapters on characteristics and the breed standard encapsulating all of the virtues of this one-of-a-kind working terrier breed, offering sound advice about which owners are best suited (and worthy) to own this potentially challenging breed.New owners will welcome the well-prepared chapter on finding a breeder and selecting a healthy, sound puppy. Chapters on puppy-proofing the home and yard, purchasing the right supplies for the puppy as well as house-training, feeding, and grooming are illustrated with handsome adults and puppies bursting with energy and personality! In all, there are over 135 photographs in this compact, useful, and reliable volume. The author's advice on obedience training the ever-ready Pit Bull will help readers better mold and train their dogs into the most socialized, well-mannered bully in the neighborhood. The extensive chapter on healthcare provides detailed information on selecting a qualified veterinarian, vaccinations, parasites, infectious diseases, and more. Sidebars throughout the text offer helpful hints, covering topics as diverse as toxic plants, bloat, first aid, crate training, carsickness, fussy eaters, and parasite control. Fully indexed.