Table of Contents

       Physical Characteristics of the American Pit Bull Terrier

       Title Page

       Photographs by:

       History of the American Pit Bull Terrier

       THE GENESIS OF THE BREED IN ITS HOMELAND

       ORIGINAL PURPOSE OF THE AMERICAN PIT BULL TERRIER

       THE AMERICAN PIT BULL IN THE 20TH CENTURY

       Characteristics of the American Pit Bull Terrier

       PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

       PERSONALITY

       VERSATILITY OF THE BREED

       THE BEST HOME FOR A PIT BULL

       OWNER SUITABILITY

       HIP DYSPLASIA IN PIT BULLS

       VARIATIONS IN THE BREED

       Breed Standard for the American Pit Bull Terrier

       WHAT IS A BREED STANDARD?

       THE UNITED KENNEL CLUB STANDARD FOR THE AMERICAN PIT BULL TERRIER

       Your Puppy American Pit Bull Terrier

       CHOOSING YOUR BREEDER AND PUPPY

       COMMITMENT OF OWNERSHIP

       PREPARING PUPPY’S PLACE IN YOUR HOME

       WHAT YOU SHOULD BUY

       PUPPY-PROOFING YOUR HOME

       FIRST TRIP TO THE VET

       INTRODUCTION TO THE FAMILY

       YOUR PUP’S FIRST NIGHT HOME

       PREVENTING PUPPY PROBLEMS

       COMMON PUPPY PROBLEMS

       Everyday Care of Your American Pit Bull Terrier

       DIETARY AND FEEDING CONSIDERATIONS

       WATER

       EXERCISE

       GROOMING

       TRAVELING WITH YOUR DOG

       IDENTIFICATION

       Training Your American Pit Bull Terrier

       HOUSEBREAKING

       ROLES OF DISCIPLINE, REWARD AND PUNISHMENT

       TRAINING EQUIPMENT

       TRAINING BEGINS: ASK THE DOG A QUESTION

       THE BASIC COMMANDS

       WEANING OFF FOOD IN TRAINING

       OBEDIENCE CLASSES

       Activities for You and Your American Pit Bull Terrier

       WALKING

       BICYCLE RIDING WITH YOUR PIT BULL

       PLAYTIME WITH OTHER DOGS

       WEIGHT PULLING

       Health Care of Your American Pit Bull Terrier

       SELECTING A QUALIFIED VET

       PREVENTATIVE MEDICINE

       SKIN PROBLEMS

       AUTO-IMMUNE ILLNESSES

       FOOD PROBLEMS

       EXTERNAL PARASITES

       INTERNAL PARASITES

       Number-One Killer Disease in Dogs: CANCER

       Your Senior American Pit Bull Terrier