F.A.Q.’S

Devils Den is one big dog kennel that out grew its original yard in NYC and
now has several locations throughout the World.

Devil’s Den Kennels has Multiple Locations, With Our Home Base located in Staten Island, New York. We also have locations in Texas and PA. Devil’s Den Kennels Pure Bred American Bullies also Ships Nationwide, No matter where you’re located we can hand deliver Your Puppy directly to Your front door.

$2500 and up.

Cash in a brown paper bag or Paypal, Cash app and Venmo.

Credit will only be given to people of 85 years old and unaccompanied by their parents.

No- cash is ever refunded for any reason. But the good news is it will be held as credit and can be used on any other purchases.

At eight to 10 weeks.

The American Bully and the American Pit bull Terrier.

None.

Muscle structure and Temperament

Yes, Both

Only to females with Devil’s Den bullies blood behind her, otherwise its cash in a brown paper bag if we like the female enough.

If you have to ask this question- then the answer is NO.

“Pit bull” is not actually a breed but rather a term which encompasses several breeds (American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier). “Pit bull” has become a slang term to describe a certain look- generally blocky head, broad shoulder, medium, muscular build. A person’s classification of what is a “pit bull” and what is not can vary from the next. So what does this mean? Not much aside from the fact that there is no such thing as a “purebred pit bull”, but these dogs are rather various breeds within one category.

Actually, no. Everyone has a different idea of what a pit bull is and should look like.

LOVE-A-BULL considers the following breeds, and dogs that are mixes of these breeds, to be “pit bulls” or “pit bull mixes”: American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

However, the only way to know whether a dog is one of these breeds is to run a DNA test on the dog–and today’s DNA tests aren’t exactly cheap. For this reason, most people identify “pit bulls” based on individual visual assessments. These assessments are subjective, meaning they are influenced by a person’s preconceived notions about what a particular type of dog should look like.

What do you think a pit bull should look like?

Find the American Pit Bull Terrier
All of the dogs shown below are purebred representatives of their breed. Only one is a purebred pit bull (American Pit Bull Terrier). Answers are at the bottom of the image; you can click to enlarge. Good luck!

 

Identify the Mixed Breed
Identifying mixed-breed dogs of any type can be extremely difficult. Can you tell the difference between a Lab mix and another type of dog? Can you tell which one is a Pit Bull mix or not at all?

 

From the National Canine Research Council.

Generally speaking, from the best of our experience, these dogs tend to be pretty healthy overall. Pit bulls can be prone to skin issues such as allergies. We also often see knee and hip problems due to their muscular build and small legs.

The first misconception is that “pit bull” is a breed. It is not. The definition of “pit bull” varies from person to person. At its most vague, “pit bull” may describe a short-haired dog of medium build. From a technical standpoint, “pit bull” encompasses at least three breeds—the American Pit Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier—and may sometimes include Bull Terriers and American Bulldogs. However, many people will include even unrelated or historically removed dogs like Boxers, Presa Canarios, Dogo Argentinos, and English Bulldogs. “Pit bull” may also include all mixed breed dogs with a particular (“pit bull-like”) appearance, even though we have no reliable, scientific way to determine what breeds really make up that dog’s ancestry. Even animal shelter employees label a dog’s breed or mix based on a glance and a guess. It is for this reason that pit bull attack “statistics” are so fatally flawed. You cannot compare that many breeds grouped under one label to the rest of the dog population. In 2004, in Tellings v. City of Toledo, based on this fact, the court found that there is no statistical evidence that indicates that pit bulls bite more frequently than some other breeds of dogs.

Another misconception is that pit bulls are physiologically different from other dogs. There are lots of myths about pit bulls: that they have locking jaws, that their bite is harder and stronger than other dogs’ bites, that their brains swell and cause them to “go nuts,” that they have an extra row of teeth like sharks, and even that they can unhinge their jaws like snakes! None of this is true. Science has thoroughly disproven such myths (many of which have been applied to other stereotypically “scary” breeds throughout the decades). Yet a lot of people still strongly believe that these myths are true. Even news media have published some of these myths as facts; the “locking jaw” myth and the super-strong bite are two myths that are commonly perpetuated by the news media.

Finally, many people are under the impression that pit bull-type dogs are only good for one thing: fighting. This stereotype is a serious detriment to all the pit bulls that are in desperate need of loving homes. Most pit bulls are far removed from the breed-type’s history as dog-fighting dogs, and it’s arguable that many “pit bulls” are just mutts that happen to look sort of pit-bull-like. Pit bull owners who are committed to giving their dog a quality life will find that pit bulls, like all dogs, are quite moldable. Pit bull owners who are willing to look past the stereotype have been successful in dog sports like disc, flyball, agility, and even herding. Pit bulls have also found work as therapy dogs, assistance dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, and drug-sniffing K9s. Of course, like any other dog, pit bulls can also make great pets for responsible, committed owners. Like any other dog, pit bulls deserve to be a part of a loving family.

A 2008 University of Pennsylvania study of 6,000 dog owners who were interviewed indicated that dogs of smaller breeds were far more likely to be “genetically predisposed towards aggressive behavior” than breeds such as those falling under the category of “pit bulls.” Dachshunds were rated the most aggressive, with 20% having bitten strangers, as well as high rates of attacks on other dogs and their owners. Because small dogs are less likely to cause serious injuries, they usually go under-reported. However, there is a case of even a Pomeranian killing a child. So, it is always important to supervise children with dogs. The American Veterinary Medical Association suggests that parents wait until a child is four years old until getting a dog, regardless of breed. Like most other large breeds, pit bulls can be excellent with children. They have a high tolerance for the normal child’s play. However, as with all dogs, children should be supervised around dogs and taught how to interact around dogs. And, the dog must be properly socialized and trained. Most importantly, the dog should be treated as a family pet, not abused or neglected.

No dog breed is human aggressive by nature. Pit bulls pass the American Temperament Testing Society’s test at a rate similar to, if not higher than, many other medium-to-large, powerful breeds. The American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier pass at rates of 86.4%, 84.2%, and 89.7% respectively. Compare this to Golden Retrievers (84.9%), Great Danes (79.9%), Weimaraners (80.5%), and Standard Poodles (86.3%), to name just four common breeds. They also do extremely well when compared to small breeds: Chihuahuas (71.1%), Pomeranians (75.8%), and Papillions (80.2%).

An independent, non-profit organization, the ATTS has been collecting data based on a series of evaluations resembling the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen test since 1977. These numbers, which anyone can access at http://www.atts.org, are our best available indicators of temperament. The point is not that pit bulls have better disposition than Poodles or Weimaraners, but that most breeds fall within an acceptable range of temperamental soundness. Pit bulls are no different from your average dog when it comes to human interaction. (2011 statistics). Carl Herkstroeter, the president of the ATTS, has commented on these results: “We have tested somewhere around a thousand pit-bull-type dogs […] I’ve tested half of them. And of the number I’ve tested I have disqualified one pit bull because of aggressive tendencies. They have done extremely well. They have a good temperament. They are very good with children.”

Simply put, you cannot breed aggression into a dog. That goes for aggression toward humans, dogs, and other animals. Aggression is, by definition, a behavior, and behavior is influenced by both genetics and environment. To quote from one of our affiliate’s sites, wherein temperament and behavior is discussed (http://happypitbull.com/basics/nature-vs-nurture), John Paul Scott is a renowned scientific researcher who was interested in the interplay between genetics and behavior. He did experiments with mice to determine whether highly aggressive mice could be created through breeding. “The experiments with mice show us that aggression has to be learned. Defensive fighting can be stimulated by the pain of an attack, but aggression, in the strict sense of an unprovoked attack, can only be produced by training… Heredity can enter into the picture only in such ways as lowering or raising the threshold of stimulation, or modifying the physical equipment for fighting… In considering hereditary effects, we must always remember that the environmental situation is also important…” – John Paul Scott, Aggression.

It’s important to discard the notion that pit bulls today are dog-aggressive as a result of their sordid history. Most of the “pit bulls” out there today are far removed from their history as fighting dogs. It’s like saying Dachshunds are bred to burrow into tunnels after badgers, or Poodles are bred to retrieve game. Most dogs of these breeds don’t do that anymore. They are bred to a physical standard, not for performance. Or they are bred in someone’s backyard as a pet, with minimal, if any, regard for appearance, health, or temperament. While some individual dogs may exhibit a tendency to behave in a way that is stereotypical or traditionally associated with the breed or type, it would be a fallacy to paint the entire breed-type with that brush.

Furthermore, if aggression was something we could breed into a dog, dog fighters would not need to train, condition, and torture their dogs so extensively. Unfortunately, since pit bull owners are continually told that their pit bull is naturally dog-aggressive (by other well-meaning pit bull owners, rescuers, and other misinformed individuals), this can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Pit bull owners stop socializing their dog or taking it out in public for fear of an incident (a justifiable fear, since the “pit bull” is most likely to be blamed for any incident); they assume the worst about normal dog behaviors like grumbling, snapping, or even rough play between dogs; they fail to act when genuine aggressive behavior does arise, because they believe such behavior is in the dog’s nature and is not changeable; and they are told by trainers that the situation is hopeless. Compare this to an average Lab owner, who is not told from day one that his dog is going to be aggressive. The Lab owner will take his dog everywhere and socialize it, because he believes his dog is going to be a friendly, lovable dog. If and when aggressive behavior occurs, you can bet that owner is going to call up a trainer, because aggressive behavior in a Lab is not considered “normal.”

Respected national trainers like Marjorie Darby, Jean Donaldson, and Janis Bradley stress that dogs become what the owner expects them to become. For instance, despite the fact that “pit bulls” are not herding dogs, Diane Jessup obtained the highest possible herding titles on several of her pit bulls, apparently simply because she thought it would be fun. Yet many people would argue that herding is an “instinct” that is bred into herding breeds!

This is not to say that dogs (all dogs) are only dog-aggressive because their owner screwed up. Again, genetics does play a part; as John Paul Scott says (and Jean Donaldson says something very similar in her book, The Culture Clash), genetics raises and lowers thresholds of stimulation. Some dogs will be quicker to react than others in similar circumstances. It’s up to the owner to learn where those thresholds are, and to work within those thresholds.

However, it’s important to note that we are not capable of controlling those thresholds through breeding except in the very crudest manner—by breeding two dogs with similar temperaments and hoping that the offspring are given that temperament. It rarely works so easily. It is not the same as breeding for coat color (which is controlled by only one or two genes). The resulting puppies may have fairly uniform appearances, but their temperament is theirs and theirs alone, and it’s anyone’s guess how they’ll turn out. Neither dog-aggression nor human-aggression is exclusive to “pit bulls.” It is not a state of being. Any dog can exhibit such behavior if the environment allows for it.

Yes. Pit bulls can live with other animals, however it is important to understand that animal aggression is a normal and common trait. Some pit bull type dogs live happily with other animals for their entire lives without issue. However, because of this breed trait, it is important to follow necessary precautions. First, it is important to consider factors that add to the potential for dog aggressive behaviors. Age and gender are the two most clear-cut factors. In general, dogs of the same gender are more apt to become aggressive toward one another. So, bringing in a dog of the opposite gender is a key component. Also, pit bulls tend to pass through their “maturity” stage between ages 1 and 3. This is the time you will most commonly see temperament changes, especially related to aggression toward other animals. Staggering the ages of dogs within the home is another essential part of reducing the odds for aggression within the home. Your new dog should be introduced to resident animals very slowly. This gives everyone a chance to get to know each other and adjust. All animals should be separated when no one is home. As a rule of thumb, this ensures everyone is safe when no one is home to interject if ever needed. Many people have pit bull type dogs in multi-pet homes but it is important to be diligent and aware of possible issues and prepared to handle them should they occur.

In general, yes! Pit bull type dogs are extremely intelligent and aim to please. On the whole, they are energetic, have excellent stamina and really enjoy learning new things. They often make great agility dogs and wonderful running buddies as well!

“It’s all in how you raise them” is the biggest misconception out there. It is far from the truth and can be a damaging phrase to use. With any breed, the temperament of a young puppy will change some as they age and mature. Their temperament and personality is not yet stable or developed. Many people feel that “raising a puppy the right way” is the only way to ensure you have a solid, stable dog. However, although environment and training do play a role in a dog’s temperament, so does nature. Adult dogs have developed temperaments which can be accurately evaluated. Since puppies will go through changes as they pass through maturity (with pit bulls, this generally occurs between ages 1 and 3), it is impossible to accurately evaluate their temperaments. We always encourage families with children and other animals to consider adult dogs over puppies for these reasons.

No. This is a myth. There have been many studies done which show pit bull skulls are the same as any other dog breed and they possess no mechanism which would allow their jaw to “lock”.

No. Pit bull type dogs are loyal, but are friendly and gentle by nature. On the other hand, pit bulls are intelligent and easy to train. However, although they could be trained to guard, it is important to understand the damage this can do. Pit bull owners and advocates battle daily to help eradicate the negative image which has been forced upon these dogs. Training them to be “aggressive” or “scary” will only do further damage.

No. Although this is the reason ear cropping was done hundreds of years ago, it is not an indication today that a dog has been a “fighting dog”. Today, ear cropping is done by irresponsible owners to make their dog look more intimidating. It is an unfortunate practice, but it is important to understand that shelter dogs with cropped ears likely do not have a “dog fighting” background.

Breed-specific legislation (BSL) is a law that bans OR restricts certain types of dogs based on their appearance, usually because they are perceived as “dangerous” breeds or types of dogs.

Most states in the USA have Breed Specific Legislation on the books. Referred to as BSL these laws don’t always state “pit bull” in the wording. However, the laws are most often used to target pit bulls. Other breeds often targeted are Rottweilers and Dobermans.

Which States Allow Pit Bulls?

Because the list of BSL-enforced states is lengthy let’s start with the states that have laws prohibiting BSL or breed-discrimination. These states are California, Colorado, Texas, Illinois, and Florida. The states that don’t have any BSL being enforced or prohibit BSL are Alaska, Arizona, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, and Virginia. Some of these states, such as Utah, have prohibited local governments from making their own BSL thus protecting dog-owners and dogs from unfair and inconsistent laws that only have basis in conjecture.

Unfriendly States for Pit Bulls

The other states either have passed laws banning breeds or their prohibitions against BSL have been repealed. Even if the states haven’t passed laws they have allowed local governments to pass their own laws banning breeds within their borders. Even more disturbing is the fact that these BSL laws are very subjective – they allow dog-owners to be banned if their dogs “appear” to be a so-called “dangerous” breed.

To see if you and your pit bull would be welcome in the BSL states check the city you wish to move to. You might be able to move to a BSL state and avoid the unfriendly municipalities that have banned pit bulls. The 10 states where you and your pit bull are most likely to get the cold shoulder are Iowa, Kansas, Ohio, Missouri, Wisconsin, Mississippi, Arkansas, Michigan, Louisiana, and Kentucky. Iowa is the worst with over 90 municipalities that have BSL. Kentucky has just over 30 municipalities with BSL on the books.

With positive training, a dog can be started as early as 7 weeks of age. However, to teach formal obedience the dog should be older. 4-6 months of age is a good time to start formal obedience training using positive methods. One important note, in order for a dog to learn a new behavior they have to be old enough to be able to understand that behavior.

Teaching a 7-week old puppy to heel would not be a good behavior to teach simply because it takes concentration that a puppy of that age doesn’t have yet.

First and foremost as a breed Pit Bulls are not dominant by nature. They are, on a whole a submissive breed. Some individuals can be dominant by nature, but for the most part, they are not. To the first part of the question, no, they are not harder to train and do not need any special handling (other than proper technique) in order to train them.

First and foremost dogs are not stubborn. This is a myth. What we see as stubborn is what I call handler mistakes and dogs doing what they have been allowed to do. For example, if your dog doesn’t come to you until the 10th time you call them you might say they are stubborn.

I would say, you have trained your dog that it’s the 10th time they should come and not the first time. So it has nothing to with being stubborn. It has everything to do with the fact you did not set the standards to one command, one reaction, one result. Come, a dog doesn’t come, you go get them. This results in ONE command, ONE reaction ( dog coming to you ) and one result ( solid recall ).

Take them out a lot. Adjust their feeding schedule and wait 20-30 minutes depending on the age of the dog. Then take them outside and let them do their thing. Wait until they have used the bathroom before you bring them back in. If this takes some time, bring them back in, wait 2-5 minutes and then take them back out.

The idea is to show the dog that going outside is a good thing. Do not hit, scold, rub their nose in it, simply say NO when you catch them, take them outside and be done with it. If you don’t catch them, clean up the mess and go on with your life.

Oddly enough it has been proven time and time again that unless there is a medical or genetic flaw in your dog behavior problems are a result of:

• Lack of training and discipline
• Lack of exercise and mental stimulation

Try taking your dog for longer walks (during the hot months use caution and take a lot of water) more often. Instead of 5 10 minute walks, try two 45-60 minute walks per day. This alone can curb and has been shown to stop behavior problems in their tracks.

To stop leash pulling your dog can never be allowed to pull you. If this means you stop after 5 feet of walking and return home, then that’s what you have to do. You can use a prong collar but sometimes this doesn’t work because once the collar is removed the dog pulls again. The best method I know of is to change direction a lot. Start off by walking and when your dog is almost to the end of the leash, do a 180 turn and walk in the opposite direction. They will self-correct themselves. As you do this turn call them to you in a happy voice and speed up your pace until they catch up.

Once your dog is almost at the end of the leash, turn to the left, turn to the right etc… Keep changing the direction up and your dog will eventually start looking at you because they have no idea where they are going. Repeat this a lot. If you only get 30 feet, that’s fine, take them out to the yard and play fetch or spring pole them for 20 minutes to get that exercise in.

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